| Nigeria and Rwanda Updates Hello Redeemer, I bring you greetings from the body of Christ in Africa. Pastor Timothy Nwan from Mangu, Nigeria and Pastor Fidele from Gisenyi, Rwanda have each asked that I express their gratitude and give you a report of the things being done by the hand of our great God and King, through the means and generosity of His church. Nigeria As you know, Nigeria has suffered from rampant acts of violence for many years motivated by religion, tribalism, land disputes and government inaction. Most recently, in 2023, villages in the Plateau State were attacked on multiple occasions killing hundreds and displacing thousands. Redeemer learned of these acts and the subsequent effects through many God ordained connections. After traveling to Nigeria and meeting with Pastor Timothy, the elders of both Redeemer Stafford and Redeemer Spotsy agreed to partner with him and others to provide assistance to the fellow believers in the region. |
| Through your generosity, we have been able to coordinate and provide food to thousands of displaced people. There is enough food to last several months until they can return to their land. |
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| Among the many items we gave to Timothy and his people, were t-shirts. We brought as many shirts as we could carry. These shirts were donated by friends of Justin and Molly from Live 2540, a Christian organization that provides free health care to children in West Africa. |
| Upon returning to the US, we continued our conversation with Timothy and learned that the displaced people were sleeping on the ground and were exposed to a malevolent little worm which resulted in significant illness to the people. To combat this, funds were provided which allowed for the purchase of 670 mattresses and blankets. In the coming days we will be helping those who had their homes destroyed by the attacks rebuild. |
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| Most recently, after the immediate physical needs of the people had been met, we wanted to turn to their spiritual needs. The vast majority of people in the area do not have a Bible or a worship songbook of their own. Last week, you helped Timothy and others purchase 800 of each for the believers in the area. Once collected, he will distribute them. Rwanda Additionally, our brothers and sisters in Rwanda, whom we have known and partnered with for several years, have experienced significant destruction due to flooding and damaging rains. Some of your contributions to the benevolence fund will be utilized to assist in helping members of Pastor Fidele’s church rebuild. While the efforts to provide for the needs of our fellow believers and show love to those with whom we will spend eternity is of great importance, I want you to know that God has done what only God can do and has brought souls to Christ by empowering Timothy and Fidele to be out in their communities displaying the love of Christ. We have heard stories of Muslim men, belonging to the same groups who committed the attacks on Christmas Day, hearing and responding to the gospel in repentance and faith. Most of the time you do not get the opportunity to see how your gifts to the benevolence fund are turned into expressions of love and grace. I speak for the elders, deacons, and ministry leaders throughout the church when I say thank you for your generosity and desire to see the body of Christ cared for by its own. However, as in all things, the glory goes to our mighty King who sits on His throne and yet loves His own enough to care for their every need. Clay Hicks Redeemer Spotsy Elder |