Bature - Nigeria 2007 news

Here is a photo of the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja which marks the end of our time here.

On the last Sunday I preached at Gwagwalada ECWA Good News (i.e. English language) church.  Gwagwalada is the temporary site of the University of Abuja.  I chose the little letter of 3 John with its emphasis on open hearted fellowship in the work of the Gospel.  It turned out to be a lot more relevant than I might have guessed.

Gwagwalada (say it how you like - I heard several pronunciations) has its own hot and steamy microclimate but the friendship was even warmer.  We parted with gifts and promises to pray for each other.

Below is a fun house seen in an eastern suburb.  It reputedly belongs to a retired pilot.

The Theological College of Northern Nigeria is an ecumenical college supported by around thirteen denominations which provides Bachelors and Masters degrees in theological subjects.

It is well respected and has a history going back around 50 years.  I was invited to give a series of three evening lectures (2 hrs each) and also preach on Sunday morning.  I spoke on Pastoral Ministry and preaching to around 100 students and the questions were relevant and challenging so it seems they were paying really close attention.  On Sunday I spoke on Psalm 46.

Over the weekend we also witnessed a believers’ baptism, a confirmation and an infant dedication (all done by the Chaplain).  I said it was ecumenical!

The grid effect on the photo is a result of photographing through the mosquito mesh of an upstairs window in the Library.  I thought it was cool enough to post.

Rev. Bamaiyi, Chaplain of the Christian Chapel at Adamawa State University breaks the ground at the site of the new Chapel building.

The University is only five years old and the Christians have been meeting in the multi-purpose hall on campus.  This week they are launching a fund to build their own chapel.  The plans look ambitious and there will be an excellent suite of facilities once it is completed.

We prayed on the site and had fun taking photos with the pick-axe.  The ground is marked out and foundation digging is about to start….

I had a delightful meeting with the Chapel congregation and some of the other ministers in town after driving to Mubi from my morning engagement at Maiduguri.  There were lots of interesting (and challenging) questions after I preached on the “Beautiful Gospel” from Isaiah 52.

Mubi is more hilly (in the foothills of the Mandara mountains), a bit cooler and has a longer rainy season than Maiduguri.  The change of scenery was fascinating and I may post a couple of photos later.

Susan and I said goodbye to the congregation of the Chapel in Maiduguri University last Sunday.  I preached on the last Beatitude (”persecuted for Christ”) and took this photo of the congregation.

I also snapped the Choir with their smart uniforms but unfortunately the picture was blurred.

The Choir had done a brilliant performance of Handel’s Messiah the week before. (the 1st by a church choir in Northern Nigeria).

I shall miss these people.

Last Sunday Morning I had two sermons in two churches and a mad dash between the two places. The reason was that I wanted to squeeze in a visit to the COCIN(Church Of Christ In Nigeria) church which is at Gamboru district of Maiduguri. This was burned down in the shameful Moslem riot of Feb 18, 2006 during which over 20 churches were destroyed or damaged and many people were murdered in cowardly fashion. It was supposedly a “response” to those mild Danish cartoons which neither rioters not victims had even seen. The whole story of that day has not been told and the authorities are doing their best to keep it secret.

The people of the church have been meeting continuously in the ruins and they are in the process of rebuilding it to three times the former capacity. I wanted to meet and encourage such faithful brothers and sisters. It seemed appropriate to speak on the hope of resurrection.

Sunday 14th October and the (”half hour”) Boys Brigade parade takes an hour and a half of the service, leaving me to start preaching an hour after the service was slated to end. People were very patient though and they were very receptive and well over 600 stayed for a very delayed communion.

Then, the local Boys and Girls Brigades did a very long and complex session of Marching, salutes and exercises. Impressively disciplined performances on a very hot day. Then I joined in inspecting the troops and just managed to suppress the urge to mimic the Sergeant Major in “It ain’t ‘alf hot, Mum”.

There is a river by the “End Time Harvest Church” which was once a ditch when they bought this plot. As you can see, it is now a river which has burst its banks. There is a partial wall round the compound which, with a slight rise in the land, is just holding back the flood

The river is now a tributary of the Alo. The number of lives lost in the waters this season is rumoured to be thirteen. Mainly children who are attracted to the waters but get caught in the strength of the stream.

The Rev. Danja has some doctrines very different from mine but he graciously allowed me his pulpit during a 40 day fasting (dawn til dusk) and prayer time. I am due back for a third visit on Friday.

Churches divide into three classes in Nigeria: Roman Catholic, “Orthodox” (Lutheran to Baptist), and Pentecostal. Although my theology is closest to orthodox I often seem to get on best with the Pentecostals.

Rev Danja is unusual in having chosen to minister and build a congregation in a poor - mainly moslem - area. We had a blessed time and a good dance last Monday.

I have now had two Sundays at the Chapel of Grace. The congregation is growing as the Semester gets under way. Around 900 on 2nd Sept and 1700 on 9th. It can get up to 2500 when all the students are back. I am going through the 9 blessings anounced by Christ in Matt 5. Last Sunday was “Blessed are those who mourn”.

My reception has been very generous and they cope with my strange accent quite well although some of the younger students have trouble understanding me. I cannot log all the friendships renewed and the kindnesses I have received.

The new committee are vigorous and there is a spirit of unity and progress around the place.