Children's Day 2012

According to Wikipedia, “Children's Day is celebrated on May 27 in Nigeria. It is a public holiday for Primary and Secondary school children. Depending on the state, a group of children are selected to march. The children are usually given treats such as an outing or doing jobs that adults would normally do. In some situations, primary and secondary school children compete in military parades format for a prize which will be given at the end of the competition. Religious groups in Nigeria also celebrate chlidren's in a ground style.” Okay, I followed that definition until I read “ground style.” No clue. Anyone? Given that “children’s” is misspelled, maybe “ground” is a typo for something else.

Regardless, it’s a great time to celebrate all of God’s children. Enjoy these snaps below (taken by  Rich and Cathy McDermott a few years ago) of some Nigerian children, and then click here to see how Faith Alive Hospital in Jos, Nigeria celebrated Children's Day two years ago.

Greetings from KJ McCorry

God humbles me at just the right moments, this time showing me that I’m not as efficient as I pride myself on being. Last Friday, I waited at the wrong restaurant for my friend and Faith Alive family member K.J. McCorry, professional organizer/author/speaker/trainer/recycler extraordinaire whose businesses (Officiency and eco-officiency) epitomize…you guessed it, efficiency! Dare I reveal that I was the one who suggested the restaurant where she was and I was not? Thanks to KJ for extending grace to me, a result I imagine of living with “over the top blessings” that she said she’s experiencing in her life. 

KJ remembers fondly her two visits to Faith Alive and hopes to one day return. She asked about a lot of people by name and wants the Faith Alive staff to be prepared to take efficiency exams when next she visits! She wishes health, happiness, safety and peace for them and their families, people she remembers as showing warmth to her and loyalty to Faith Alive. One of her fondest memories, however, is playing the “Killer Uno” card game in the dark with headlamps.

Not one to let good advice go unspoken, KJ gave me some about my book (i.e. put a few people’s faces on the cover, start writing more on your blog about your Faith Alive book, use specific key words that people search for online, etc.). She had so much more to tell me, but we ran out of time as another person who plans to travel to Faith Alive arrived. At least I was at the right place at the right time for my next appointment.

(Top photo of KJ working with Dr. Mercy Isichei in Jos, 2008. Bottom photo of KJ and me in Colorado, 2012)

Biana Grogg Ward Operational

Those of you who’ve been to Faith Alive have most likely heard of Biana. She’s a huge supporter of Faith Alive Foundation-Nigeria who left her comfortable life in Fresno to serve for a few years in Jos, Nigeria at FAF-N. As a sign of appreciation and lasting legacy, we now have a completed “Biana Grogg Ward” there for overnight, in-patient medical services. Photos will have to suffice until we see it in person; enjoy and join us in thanking God for Biana’s selfless service. 

Where in the World?

Ever wonder who reads this blog? Well, I checked Google Analytics and found out that people from more than nine countries check in to see what’s happening at Faith Alive. Sannu da zuwa (“Welcome!”) to those of you from the United Kingdom, India, Canada, Philippines, Australia, France, Poland, Taiwan and of course the United States and Nigeria. Some of you are from “not set”—hmmm.  

This world representation reminds me of a devotion that I once gave at a Faith Alive staff meeting. We pinned up a big map of the world and started putting Post-It notes on the countries representing people that we knew about who have heard of or support Faith Alive. Before long, the map sported dozens of little yellow pieces of paper!  

I shared how the Apostle Paul’s words to the church of Rome ring true for many of us as well: “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you. I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” (Romans 1:8-12, New International Version).

Praise God that the unifying Spirit of God is stronger than the oceans that divide us.