Good Cops, Bad Cops

I’ve met some friendly Nigerian policemen on this trip. Dr. Chris arranged for the guesthouse to be guarded this summer by them – 2 in the morning, 2 in the night, each serving a one week shift. Each Sunday the police are new but the conversation is the same. They complain about the corruption in Nigeria and the high cost of fuel to come to work each day. I listen, nod in agreement, and then say “I hear your complaints, and they’re valid. Now can we talk about your blessings? Are you breathing?" They look a little confused and say yes. “Can you walk?” Again, yes. “I met people last week at Faith Alive Clinic who can’t walk. Do you have a job?” Yes again. “I also met people who don’t have work and can’t afford to eat.” On and on we go: Wife? Children? Place to live? By that time we’re both smiling, and then we can begin the relationship (short term as it may be). Pretty soon I challenge them to a game of WHOT, and before long we’re laughing and joking. I’m transformed from the strange white woman who should give them things, to the strange white woman who is giving them time and encouragement. I think (and hope) they are trying to be good cops.

But like anywhere, there are some bad cops. Nigerian police have a reputation for being corrupt, and a staff member at Faith Alive told me about his experience with them. Years ago he was falsely accused of stealing some items from a university. The police arrested him and threw him in jail, where for seven days he was taken to a dark room at night. Handcuffed behind his back, he was hanged by a chain from his hands and beaten with barbed wire. He fasted and prayed that entire week, and even gave his food to others. As a result, a Muslim gave his life to Christ that week. The real thieves were eventually discovered, and the staff member was set free. However, it took a year for him to be fully exonerated and reemployed by the university. On top of all that, last November his home was looted during the crisis and he lost almost everything.

Healing has been a journey, but he has now forgiven those who tortured him. His advice? Sustained fasting and praying ceaselessly for his enemies to be blessed. He’s just another Faith Alive person who, by God’s power, has grown from victim to victor.