Wednesday, January 23, 2008

A Cold Morning in London...Memories of Nigeria

Sitting down with an iBookG4 in his lap, a young man is typing out something of peculiar interest. Well, we'll see anyway. As the camera zooms up to his face, the audience sees he desparately needs a shave and a proper shower.  Lifting the camera up and over him, there is a large fireplace, a crystal chandelier, and three comfy couches around him. Panning up above him, he is staying in a red brick townhouse in the London suburb of Acton Village. His story begins like this...

Looking into my memory bank of Nigeria, I wish to pull out some experience that I may recall for the rest of my life.  Its not easy to write about Nigeria.  There are not enough mere words to describe this experience. However, as Doug says, "I'll take it easy". 

During the Winterbreak 07 - 08, an SMU (student missionary union) team left from Biola to Nigeria.  The mission statement stated, "Our purpose rested on three E's: empowering others through the Holy spirit, equipping others with God's word, and encouraging others with what God's blessing on us.

There were three main parts of our journey: first in Miango, second in Kaduna, and third in Jos. The first two weeks, our team stayed up long nights with the missionary kids. I will never forget them. MK's are their own culture.  They live in a country not their own and serve people whom they did not choose. Three kids really stay in my head: Dwight, soft spoken, athletic, big smile, and a great guy. Heather, goofy, photogenic, spunky, and tomboyish. Angie, gentle, kind, always ready to help.  I am so passionate with high school kids doing crazy things, go karts, rock climbing, and game nights.  Praise God for the opportunity to serve these youths.

In Kaduna, our team visited Rakiya Sambo's home.  She is so thankful to God for His grace in her family.  Her dad is Muslim and her mom is Christian. Through all the differences in beliefs, they are still together. In addition, we visited two orphanages and spent time with toddlers. Playing with them, laughing with them, and throwing them in the air! And I could never forgot the many great games of soccer we played with the kids.

In Jos...
To be continued

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