Notes From Nigeria

Book Update: Contract

2012-01-23T13:59:00.002-07:00

Thanks to my writers’ group for witnessing (and celebrating) as I signed a book contract with a Christian publishing company. After hearing from lots of authors who say that it takes a loooooong time to query agents and editors, sift through dozens of rejections before getting accepted by a traditional publisher, and then wait up to 18 months for the book to appear in print, I decided to research independent publishing.

I found a right-fit hybrid. Tate Publishing is traditional (they only accept a small percent of manuscripts submitted—mine included) and independent (I retain rights to my content and contribute a refundable retainer fee for marketing).

Last week, I drove to Oklahoma City to visit Tate. I noticed two things in their parking lot, but only one of them was for me: a parking space reserved for “Author Erika Nossokoff” and a limousine. It turns out that the limo was for one of The Temptations (ever heard of the song, “My Girl?”).

While at Tate, I met some wonderful people, saw professional books with top-notch covers, and negotiated a great deal. I'm excited to see what the creative minds at Tate can do with this book of inspiring true stories about the Faith Alive hospital in Jos, Nigeria.

I’ll let you know when you can pre-order the book for yourself, your friends, your family, small group, pastors, mission teams, coworkers or neighbors. In the meantime, thanks for checking in with this blog to stay up-to-date with our favorite Nigerians.

Bakin-Kogi and Kafanchan Updates

2012-01-16T13:57:00.003-07:00

Dr. Christian Isichei, Faith Alive’s Founder and Coordinator, shares great news about two of Faith Alive’s rural satellite sites: Bakin-Kogi (Bock-in-ko-gee) and Kafanchan (cough-en-chan).

“Happy New year—a year when we shall, like Paul, resolve to do nothing more than see Him crucified and known to us more and also to others.

“I want to sincerely thank you and many other brethren for the various ways you have supported us. The current challenges in our country are viewed as surmountable because of people like you who are out there praying and being part of the Faith Alive family in many ways. THANK YOU.

“I wish to inform you--with gratitude to God and to you all that He has used—that we have been able to sink a good well as water source connected to the (Bakin-Kogi) clinic and now commenced 24 hour services at Bakin-Kogi. We have closed the Kafanchan Clinic and converted it to Chaplaincy & Social Services center with sewing and knitting and discipleship incorporated for a start.

“God bless you all. Dr. Chris”

(Photo taken by Frank Lozano in 2009. Children in the picture are from the area; standing next to the sign does not in any way mean that we know their HIV status.)

Nigerian Fuel Prices Skyrocket

2012-01-09T13:22:00.004-07:00

The streets of Jos, Nigeria today are void of the normal taxis, motorbikes and walkers headed to and from work, classes and the market. Apparently the entire country is on strike. Business, schools and the Abuja airport are closed. Nigerians are protesting their government’s end to a fuel subsidy that led to fuel prices immediately doubling.

It’s not that Nigeria doesn’t have enough fuel. It’s actually Africa’s largest oil producer and the sixth largest importer of oil to the United States . That’s a bit like a poor, starving man looking at a loaves of fresh bread and knowing that he can’t afford them. Imagine living on less than $2 a day, struggling day by day to survive, and then having your expenses double. In the words of one of my Nigerian friends, “This is serious.”

Faith Alive normally treats hundreds of patients each weekday. Today, they provided “skeleton service,” meaning that a small portion of their patients (and probably staff) could afford to come to the clinic. I can only wonder how this will affect the clinic’s home-based-care to the most desperate patients. Please, let’s pray that Faith Alive’s “skeleton service” doesn’t turn literal.

(Click here for a BBC article and video about the fuel subsidy.)

Greetings from Biana

2012-01-02T09:50:00.002-07:00

Happy New Year! Biana Grogg, an American who served in a leadership position at Faith Alive in Jos, Nigeria for a few years, shares a message with the extended Faith Alive family.

“Praying that each of you have a blessed New Year. Each one of you have had a special part in helping our Faith Alive family share the love of Christ with our Nigerian friends, in bringing healing and health to the sick, in building hope in the hearts of the lonely and forsaken, in bringing joy into the lives of children, and in discipling and developing Nigerian men and women of God who are serving the Lord Jesus faithfully and courageously every day. Thank you for your faithfulness and love, and for being the hands and feet of Jesus throughout the world. May the love, joy, and peace of God flow through you abundantly this New Year.”

(Photo of Biana at Faith Alive in 2009)

Christmas Day Bombings

2011-12-26T08:45:00.005-07:00

Please pray for Nigeria. While many of us in the United States prayed and sang carols at church, opened presents with family and friends and feasted on comfort food this Christmas, Nigerians wondered when and where the next bomb blast would explode. It seems that the deadliest blast happened at a Catholic church in Abuja, Nigeria's capital. Click here to read details.

Praise God, the Faith Alive family is fine. I'm sure they'd appreciate, or rather covet, your prayers for peace in Nigeria.

Christmas Greetings

2011-12-19T14:40:00.003-07:00

'Twas the week before Christmas, and all through the house, all the creatures were stirring, even the mouse...

What a whirlwind time of year preparing to celebrate Christ's birth! Between the shopping, cooking, cleaning, worshipping, etc., I invite you to take a minute to share a Christmas greeting with the extended Faith Alive family. Simply hit "Comment" and follow the directions. We'd love to hear from you.

Mr. Nigeria

2011-12-12T16:31:00.001-07:00

This post is for my single lady friends in Nigeria who are looking for good husbands. Yep. You know who you are. While you’re waiting for Mr. Right, I hope you enjoyed watching the Mr. Nigeria 2011 contest. If you didn’t, click here to admire some of the well-built, talented eye candy…I mean men…who recently strutted their stuff on the runway. If you don’t show up for work tomorrow, we’ll know that you headed to Lagos to meet them!

World AIDS Day

2011-12-05T14:20:00.005-07:00

Last year I wrote an editorial in my local newspaper about World AIDS Day (December 1). This year I’m satisfied to read Bono’s powerful op-ed piece in The New York Times. It’s awesome. He mentions President’s Obama’s announcement: an increase in the number of HIV+ patients treated through the PEPFAR program United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief—the number one funder of the Faith Alive clinic in Jos, Nigeria). We pray that the President’s promise translates to increased and consistent funding to this program that’s already saved the lives of some of my closest friends.

Spiritual Benefits of Prayer

2011-11-28T08:13:00.005-07:00

What if there was something you could do to resist temptation, be healed, forgiven and revived, and receive protection? Pastor Ben at Faith Alive in Jos, Nigeria reminds us that there is something we can do on a daily basis—pray. Below, he tells us about this month’s spiritual theme, Prayer that Availeth Much, based on James 5:13-18.

This month our heavenly Father decided to teach us about prayer in a way to boost our prayer life and to make us more effective in the ministry. He did the same to the apostles when they came asking him.

The subject of prayer was so vital that the early apostles made a special demand from the Master to teach them how to pray. Do we still have such request today? It is amazing today to hear this request void of spiritual ingredients but purely made up of physical benefits. No wonder we are losing the battle against the foes.

• Prayer was the only spiritual exercise that we were told to do continually (1 Thes. 5:17). This means prayer is the air (oxygen) we breathe for spiritual existence, suggesting that once we stop praying, we are dead spiritually, as no man exists without oxygen. So, what God thought and is still teaching us this month is that to survive in our spiritual journey, we must learn to breath prayer in and out. The breath in of prayer is to receive from God in prayer while the breath out is to reach out to God, people and our environment in prayer. When I breath out in prayer, I reach out to you thousands of miles away.

• Prayer is the only weapon against temptations. When Peter failed to watch in prayer, he became prey and was so messed up by the enemy that he denied his Mater three times. Jesus said, “Pray and watch that you do not fall into temptations.”

• Prayer heals. James says that anyone sick should send for the church elders to pray for him/her that the prayer in faith will heal him/her.

• Prayer brings about forgiveness of sins. James says if he sinned, his sin shall be forgiven.

• Prayer removes troubles. James says anyone troubled should pray. But today when we are troubled, we become depressed instead of lifting our hand and voice up to God in prayer.

• Prayer gives spiritual authority. James says Elijah prayed and there was no rain for three and half years; he prayed again and there was rain.

• Prayer brings revival. Peter prayed and Tabitha (Dorcas) came back to life; Jesus prayed and Lazarus came out of the grave.

• Prayer sets free. Peter was released from prison because the church prayed for him (Acts 12). Paul and Silas were released because they prayed.

• Prayer brings protections. Daniel was protected from the paw of lions as a result of his prayer.

• Prayer brings favors. Queen Esther received favor of her husband the king as a result of prayer.

• Prayer brings deliverance. Prophet Jonah prayed in the belly of the fish and was vomited out by the fish.

• Prayer removes fears and gives boldness. Jesus prayed in Gethsemane and received boldness and courage to face the cross (the cup)

• Prayer opens doors for revelation and understanding. Daniel entreated God in prayer and received the revelations and understanding about things to come.

The list is inexhaustible. So let’s equate prayer to our breathing rate because PRAYER IS THE SOLUTION; PRAYER IS THE ANSWER. DO ALL IN PRAYER.

Christmas Gifts with Meaning

2011-11-21T15:25:00.004-07:00

Not sure what to get Aunt Edith, cousin Zach or baby McKenzie for Christmas this year? Consider global gifts--colorful baby rattles, intricate wood carvings, beautiful beaded jewelry, batik tablecloths or artsy quilt wall hangings from Nigeria. These are all new items that I brought back from my latest African trip.

The best news is that all profits directly benefit patients at the Faith Alive clinic in Jos, Nigeria. Plan to do your Christmas shopping on the following dates at these venues:

Friday and Saturday, November 25 & 26, Northern Colorado Writers Studio Holiday Mart(in Fort Collins, Colorado near Horsetooth and College, right next to Chico's) from 9am - 3 pm.

Sunday, November 17 and December 4 from 9 am - noon at First Presbyterian Church's Gifts for a Cause sale (531 S. College Avenue in Fort Collins, Colorado).

Nigeria 2012 Anyone?

2011-11-14T08:25:00.006-07:00

While some of you might say that it's too early to think about Christmas, I'm already planning something for next summer--a trip to serve the children associated with Faith Alive.

Do you want to join me? Don't say yes unless you want to rock your world! About ten people have already expressed a serious interest, five of whom came to an informational meeting at my house last Friday. Let me know if you want a detailed visitor packet that includes costs and dates. Due to security concerns, I'm not listing details on the blog.

Please prayerfully consider this invitation and let me know if you're even vaguely interested in this or a future trip to Faith Alive.

(Photo of my husband with some Nigerian children.)

Spiritual Theme: Moving the Hand of God Through Praise

2011-11-07T12:46:00.004-07:00

Once upon a time, there lived a king who faced a frightening battle. He turned to God, saying, “…we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”

God responded through one of the king’s servants, saying, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.”

Now the King and his people had a choice. Would they succumb to their fears and complain, or would they trust God and offer Him praises? They chose the latter, singing, “Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever,” as they advanced into battle the next day and won.

We, too, have a choice when confronted with obstacles. Will we succumb to our fears and complain, or trust God and offer Him praises?

Pastor Ben at Faith Alive says, “Any time we praise God in our pain and fear, we make God bigger than our problems. This makes God to be seen in the circumstance and that gives Him honor. God is moved into action in return. But when we give in to fears and complain, we make God smaller and Satan takes the honor.”

I don’t know about you, but I’d rather honor God. Thanks, Pastor Ben, for reminding us (through Faith Alive's Spiritual Theme) to turn our problems into praises and showing that our response makes a difference.

(Bible references and quotes from 2 Chronicles 20)

Nikki and Next Year

2011-10-31T11:29:00.003-06:00

If you were at Faith Alive in 2008, you probably met Nikki Burks. She’s a young adult from my church in Fort Collins, Colorado whose six months in Nigeria significantly shaped her future. In fact, her time there solidified her call to seminary. She’ll graduate from Princeton Theological Seminary next May. Way to go, Nikki!

She was in town on Friday and we enjoyed lunch together. I showed her snaps from my most recent trip and she said that she felt a physical reaction—like a magnetic pull—toward Faith Alive. So much so that she’s prayerfully considering coming with me next year.

Which brings me to offer an open invitation to anyone else who wants to join us. Nigeria 2012, anyone?

Peace in Jos

2011-10-24T18:50:00.005-06:00

That's right--peace in Jos. Or as the locals say, things are "cool." So often I report when violence erupts, but this time I'm happy to say that I haven't heard of any crises, large or small, for many weeks. Google Alerts sends me links every day to new posts with the keywords "Jos Nigeria" and I try to keep in touch with the Faith Alive family there. Join me in thanking God for peace and asking for it to continue.

September's Spiritual Theme: Awake, O Sleeper

2011-10-17T08:47:00.003-06:00

I like to sleep. Actually, I love to sleep. Bedtime is one of my favorite times each day. I get into my pajamas, settle under my fluffy blankets and thank God for another day. Imagine my interest when Pastor Ben told me that last month’s spiritual theme at Faith Alive was “Awake, O Sleeper,” based on Ephesians 5:14.

While he references scriptures that talk about physical sleep, Pastor Ben is mostly talking about spiritual sleep. However, he talks about their interconnectedness by saying, “Spiritual sleeping is detrimental at every level to our health…whatever happens in the spiritual realm effects the physical and vice versa.

“Spiritual sleeping is a stage and period we lose spiritual sensitiveness and alertness. At this time we become dull, lukewarm and inaccurate in our spiritual judgment and decision. We become so shallow in understanding, careless in handling spiritual issues and unconscious of spiritual moves that we begin to allow some unwanted seeds of the world to creep in and choke up the seed of the word of God in us.

“This reduces our spiritual performance and in turn leads to spiritual poverty. If not interrupted through some spiritual means, it brings about spiritual death. A careful look into the scripture above, it is clear that sleeping comes before death; that was why the sequence of the command above was that one has to awake from sleep then come out of the dead. It was to avoid all of these that we received the call to awake.”

If you want to read more verses about sleep, Pastor Ben cites Romans 13:11, Matthew 25:6, Mark 4:38-39, Jonah 1:6, John 10:10, Matthew 26:40-41 and Matthew 24:42.

Business Centers

2011-10-10T16:26:00.002-06:00

I’ll bet that most people in the United States have been to FedEx (formerly Kinko’s) to copy, print, pack or ship something. But Americans probably don’t know that kinky-haired Paul Orfalea (hence the name Kinko’s) founded the company in 1970 with a single sidewalk copy machine in a California college community. If Wikipedia is correct, the company now has 1,800 sites and makes over $2 billion in revenue.

On a smaller scale, First Presbyterian Church in Fort Collins, CO donated start-up costs for Faith Alive’s new Business Center. Like Kinko’s, it will offer copying and printing (but leave packing and shipping to DHL). And the copy machine will not be on a sidewalk (even if there were one); it will be in a storefront near the clinic.

With a vision to become self-sustaining and profitable, one day, God-willing, we will read the Business Center’s success story. Only I doubt the article will describe Dr. Chris’s hair style.

Book Update: Editing

2011-10-03T12:32:00.003-06:00

For those of you who wonder when the manuscript I’m writing about Faith Alive will be a book in your hands (or on your ipads), here’s the scoop. It’s coming. Really. I’m two years into this three-year project of research, interviews, outlining, writing, fact-checking, writing, getting legal permission forms, writing, etc. The manuscript is written, but it’s far from finished. It’s now time to put all those personal stories together and start the arduous process of editing as a cohesive whole.

Before I show the entire work to a professional editor, I need to self-edit. That basically means I want to pick up the manuscript, think like a reader and say, “Hmmm. What advice can I give this writer?” I’ll be looking for more than grammar and sentence structure—things like flow, characterization, voice and point of view that many readers don’t realize are the building blocks of a great story.

I’ve heard that editing is what transforms mediocre writing into something that people want to read so much that they don’t need a bookmark. That it makes the difference between ordering an advance copy because you’ve heard it’s a must-read or heaving it, unread, into the garage sale pile.

Here’s to doing my best for God’s glory in a way that inspires readers to draw closer to Jesus Christ and transform suffering into service.

Trip Presentations

2011-09-26T08:24:00.005-06:00

It's hard to believe that I've been home for almost four weeks. When I look through the photos I took in Jos, Nigeria last month, it seems like I was there yesterday.

For those of you in northern Colorado who want to know more about my trip and all the new and exciting things happening at Faith Alive, you're invited to attend one of my presentations on Sunday, October 16 at First Presbyterian Church (531 S. College in Fort Collins) from either 9:30-10:30 am or 11 am-noon. I'll also have a smaller gathering at my home on Tuesday, October 11 from 7-8:30 pm for those who can't make either of the Sunday presentations.

Please let me know if you'd ever like to me to come to any existing groups and talk about Faith Alive.

On another note, many Nigerians remember Mollie. She travelled with me there in 2009. Join me in praising God that she and her husband just had their third healthy child--a girl named Charley Mila.

A Radical Example

2011-09-19T08:37:00.003-06:00

Last month, I blogged about meeting Pamela Brown-Peterside, a new member of the Faith Alive family. She currently lives in New York City and works at Redeemer Presbyterian Church as a Director of Fellowship Groups, a similar position to mine more than ten years ago at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Collins. But we have another common interest—writing. Check out her blog at http://citypsalm.wordpress.com.

She writes about Faith Alive in her September 13, 2011 post, saying that her visit there far exceeded her expectations. She says, “In a city rife with religious and economic tension, at Faith Alive, Christians and Muslims work side by side and are treated equally as patients without discrimination. Thus, Faith Alive stands as a beacon not just of a radical example of showing God’s love to the least of these, but as a symbol of reconciliation.”

May the city of Jos, the Plateau state, the country of Nigeria and the rest of the world see the light.

Victory Over Terror

2011-09-12T08:08:00.004-06:00

While on a completely different scale, yesterday I remembered the events of September 11, 2001 in America and learned about two new explosions in Nigeria. I’ve read conflicting news reports about what happened, but it sounds like two bombs exploded around 8 pm in a popular bar area of Jos, badly wounding people’s bodies and sense of security.

This struck a little terror in my heart until I heard Dr. Chris say that the Faith Alive family is fine. His words of assurance apply not only to Jos, but to all of us trying to make sense of tragedy: “The devil is at work, but He (God) has assured us of victory.”

(FYI: I'm back to posting only on Mondays.)

Instead of Guilt

2011-09-05T08:22:00.004-06:00

Don Simmons, a friend I met during my official equipping ministry days, gives great advice about what to bring home from a mission trip instead of guilt. Here are his suggestions:

1. RESOLVE. The deep gut strength/feeling to DO something about poverty in the world and where you live.

2. ARTICULATION. We can often miscommunicate our message because we “feel” it more than we can express it.

3. REALISTIC STRATEGY. You will need to be thinking of a realistic strategy to educate, engage and equip others on what you have learned.

4. HOPE. You know it now: God loves and cares for Africa just as much (and possibly more because they are poor) as he loves and cares for people in the U.S. If you focus on the hopelessness and not the HOPE, you’ll miss the point. If you focus on poverty and not the richness of God’s promises, you won’t be able to do much about poverty.

5. DESIRE. Pack some desire to go to other lands, other cultures, other neighborhoods. Let Africa be your “appetizer” for the buffet of God’s world and His people. Pack that desire to take others with you and open their eyes as well.

Don goes on to say, "The amazing thing about travel that I love is that it is the one activity that allows us to get a good look at how BIG God is, and how BIG our family is. Pack away all those new friendships, tuck away those treasures and pull them out often and pray for them, think of them, and remember what you learned from them. Isn’t it amazing that you went to be the giver yet you return very much the student?"

(Don’s website is http://www.creativepotentialconsulting.org/background.htm.)

Arrived Home Safely

2011-08-31T11:19:00.004-06:00

As a Kansas girl, I can't help but say it: There's no place like home. Now if I could only wear ruby red slippers, tap my feet and repeat that two times! Instead, it took about 40 hours door-to-door to get from Jos,Nigeria to Fort Collins, Colorado.

I'd write more but I'm not quite ready to reenter regular life. I plan to take my time readjusting, so you might not see another blog post until Monday.

Thanks to everyone who faithfully prayed for my safety. God (and I) will not forget your labor of love.

Cat in My Flat

2011-08-31T11:17:00.002-06:00

Most people know that I love dogs, especially puppies. But I don’t pet the dogs in Nigeria because they roam the streets eating trash; I don’t want to get any bad germs from them. The guesthouse compound used to have a German Shepherd named Jack and I only greeted him by name.

It seems that the dog’s been replaced with a cat. I’ve only seen it (him or her—I didn’t check) in the compound and mostly on the stairs that are swept daily and mopped weekly. The other day I opened my front door and the cat darted in. After a number of “here, kitty kitty kitties,” I scooped him up and tossed him out the door. But this morning I took pity and let him in—for just a few minutes. After all, he’s one of God’s creatures and needs a little love.

Wedding Food

2011-08-31T11:15:00.002-06:00

No wedding is complete without food and Pastor Esther’s special day was no exception. I’m not sure how early her family started preparing the pot of jollof rice, but I saw it stewing at 7:15 am and we didn’t eat it until after 3 pm. Around 11 am we enjoyed Coca Cola and Kola nuts that the groom gave to the bride’s family. And finally, around 3:30 pm, we ate cake, or what I refer to as “yum yum.”

Big Auntie

2011-08-31T11:12:00.002-06:00

Saturday’s wedding between Pastor Esther and Victor is a testament to God’s faithfulness. Widowed for ten years due to her husband’s AIDS’ complications, Pastor Esther (a counselor and discipleship teacher at the Faith Alive Clinic) found another chance at love. Nobody has to tell me that they’re right for each other—I can see it in their eyes. Actually, I see the way that Victor looks at his bride. It reminds me of how my husband looked at me during our honeymoon stage.

They honored me by inviting me to be a “Big Auntie.” That means that I wore the bride’s green and gold family fabric (versus the green and purple Faith Alive fabric) and a massive headgear. I also spent the day with Pastor Esther, the “amaria,” from 7:15 am until 4:30 pm. The day started with dressing the bride and progressed to watching the bride’s senior brother accept the dowry of food, wrappers (fabric), money, palm oil and kola nuts. This was followed by a “church” wedding inside the Faith Alive Clinic and led to the reception at the new Faith Alive building’s courtyard.

Here’s to many blessings for the bride and groom!

(Photos are of me with the groom, and the bride and groom in traditional wedding attire.)

Mentoring

2011-08-31T11:11:00.001-06:00

One thing that Dr. Chris Isichei, Founder and Coordinator of the Faith Alive Clinic, is most excited about this summer is the beginning of a mentoring class. He’s been leading a group of eight people (six men and two women) during weekly sessions. Topics include writing your ideal eulogy and life mission statement and setting smart goals. But unlike other trainings, Dr. Chris encourages people to set unrealistic goals. That way, only God can take the credit when you succeed.

This week we separated into small groups. We took turns sharing one of our goals with other people playing an angel, a devil and God. For example, I said that my goal is to publish my book before twelve months are through. God and the angel encouraged me by saying all things are possible, my grace is sufficient for you, you can do it, etc. The devil told me lies—I don’t know enough about Africa, I can’t do it, I should play and rest instead, etc. It was a great preparation for expecting and overcoming obstacles.

I suggested to Dr. Chris that he videotape the weekly sessions so that more people can benefit from his mentoring. I’ll let you know if this happens. If it does, I’ll be the first to watch the tapes.

Elim Elementary School

2011-08-31T11:09:00.002-06:00

What a joy to spend some time with Elim Headmistress Kate and the school’s second-in-command, Ben. School is unfortunately out of session this month and won’t resume until later in September, God-willing. At that time, Kate will know which students are returning and which might’ve moved out of the area during the summer months.

Here’s to the end of the summer holiday and beginning of a new school year!

Bombing in Abuja

2011-08-31T11:08:00.003-06:00

Kai, I don’t know what some people are thinking. On Friday morning, a Muslim holy day during the Ramadan season, someone bombed the United Nations building in Abuja (Nigeria’s capital). There has also been some ongoing violence in northeast Nigeria in Maiduguri by Boko Horom (which means something like “western education is evil”). Both cities are quite a ways from where I am in Jos; even here, most incidents have been in outlying areas.

I already knew about the Maiduguri crises and fortunately a friend told me about the Abuja bomb blast before my husband called to see if I was okay. It’s only because I had a little time to digest the information that I could calmly say that I’m fine and feel safe. I still asked him to pray for my safe return to the United States—and for the future of Nigeria.

Muslim Staff

2011-08-26T02:46:00.003-06:00

Even though the Faith Alive Clinic is a Christian non-profit (NGO or non-government organization in Nigeria), I know of three Muslims on staff. Two of them are beautiful sisters—one works in the laboratory and the other is a French teacher. Why French? Because it’s the official language of a few neighboring African countries (Niger and Cameroon) and it’s something that both Christians and Muslims can learn together.

I asked the sisters (Bola and Fatima) what it is like working at a Christian organization. “It is good,” they said. Most of their friends at university were Christian so they’re used to not only living peacefully side by side, but loving and trusting each other. Oui oui to that!

Dinner with Clement and Kate

2011-08-26T02:40:00.003-06:00

If the Elysur restaurant in Jos awarded frequent diner points, I’d be eligible for a free meal. Elim Elementary School Headmistress Kate and her husband Clement treated me to dinner on Thursday evening. It was a joy to spend time with this selfless couple. Not only is Kate the founder and leader at Elim, she’s working toward opening an Elim OVC (orphans and vulnerable children) Center for extracurricular and skills training (computer, baking, carpentry and sewing). Her lawyer husband advocates for child protection and defense against abuse, trafficking and other atrocities. Thanks to this well-matched couple for their hospitality.

Angel Scholarships

2011-08-26T02:39:00.002-06:00

What do 200 children at Faith Alive have in common? They’re on the waiting list to receive educational scholarships for their primary (elementary) and secondary (high school) tuition. These kids are in addition to (and separate from) the OVCs (orphans and vulnerable children) sponsored through our church for Elim Elementary School.

On Thursday, I sat in on the panel interviewing children for renewal scholarships. We looked at their grades, home situations, aspirations and level of economic need. I’m glad that I’m not the one making the final decisions. I don’t think I could turn away any of them.

Please let me know if you’re interested in contributing anything toward educating this future generation of Nigerians. Any amount is appreciated.

(This snap is of some neighborhood children; I don't know if any of them are on the waiting list.)

Prince Prays

2011-08-25T02:27:00.002-06:00

Faith Alive guests are always asked at their last family staff meeting to say a few words about what they’re going to take home from Faith Alive. Knowing that they don’t want to hear about the souvenirs and such, I told them that I’m taking home two things based on my conversation yesterday with Amos, the architect of the Faith Alive Clinic. He read the chapter I’d written about his life and I asked him, “What did that feel like reading about yourself?” He reflected for a moment and said, “Inspired and challenged. Inspired by God’s faithfulness in my life and challenged to do even more.” That’s exactly what I’m taking home from my trip—inspiration and challenge.

Following that, someone else (usually a staff person who knows the guests well) comes up front to pray for the guests. Little did I know that Prince, Dr. Chris Isichei’s son, had gotten up early, dressed in his Sunday suit, came to work with his daddy and was sitting in the front row just to pray for me. I’d gotten through my talk without crying, but I couldn’t help myself when Prince stood in front of over 100 staff members to lift me in prayer. Thank you, Prince. And thank you, Drs. Chris and Mercy, for raising children who love God.

Power

2011-08-25T02:26:00.002-06:00

I expect the electricity to be sporadic in Nigeria, but it seems to be especially bad this week. We haven’t had light for three days now. Think of all the things that rely on power and you’ll begin to understand how this affects daily life. I feel a little guilty running the guesthouse generator when I know that many others in the neighborhood can’t afford a generator, much less the fuel it needs.

Quite the opposite is now true at the Faith Alive Clinic, thanks to the generosity of a donor in the United States. Today the Executive Committee commissioned the new generator that has the ability to power the entire block. Actually, a representative from the generator company told us that we’re currently only using a small portion of its capacity and it will last longer if we supply power to the neighbors. Faith Alive is exploring its options and I’m sure will do what it can to help others.

Many people living on Zik Avenue in Jos are in the dark today when the light source is so close, and many Nigerians are without electricity in this country that’s rich with oil.

Money

2011-08-25T02:25:00.006-06:00

Whatever the currency, the date on the bill apparently matters. The best exchange rate to convert U.S. dollars into Nigerian naira is with $100 bills. That I knew. But I just learned that a bill dated 2003 converts to 150 and a bill dated 2006 gets 160. Note to self: bring a new bill next time.

Emily's 10th Birthday

2011-08-25T02:25:00.005-06:00

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to Emily, happy birthday to you. That’s what we sang at dinner tonight to Drs. Chris and Mercy Isichei’s oldest child. We didn’t forget her special day because she didn’t let us. Not even for a minute since I set foot on Nigerian soil. It’s a good thing that I came prepared with a Hannah Montana bag especially for her. Now if I can just remember to celebrate her brothers’ birthdays, I’ll be set. Maybe someone can help me find Benten gifts for them (or just enlighten me about that character).

Quilts

2011-08-25T02:25:00.001-06:00

Some of you have asked me to bring fabrics and beads back to the U.S. I’ve taken it one step farther and am bringing back a few quilt wall hangings that I bought at a nearby mission for people living positively with HIV. Please don’t worry if the quilts sell (or I decide to keep!) the one that you want; I can take preorders before my next trip to Nigeria.

Driving School

2011-08-25T02:24:00.005-06:00

The Faith Alive Clinic offers skill acquisition classes to dozens of people each year. Students who attend and learn for about a year graduate. Sewing and knitting students receive machines with the intention for them to start their own businesses and generate income. Rather than expensive laptops, computer school graduates benefit from the experience. I’m not sure what graduates of the arts & crafts school receive.

Because most of these skills appeal only to women, Faith Alive is starting to take applications for a driving school. In Nigeria, it’s a luxury to own a car. Many adults pay others to drive them via vehicle or motorbike (okada). While I know how to drive in America, I wouldn’t dare drive in Jos where street lights and street lines are nonexistent.

The driving school’s goal is to graduate well-qualified drivers who will find access to vehicles and start their own businesses. It’s all part of Faith Alive’s goal to empower people to move from dependency on others to self-sustainability.

Here’s to Nigeria’s future drivers!

Painting

2011-08-25T02:24:00.004-06:00

Jos, Nigeria is home to the talented artist Udubrae. I’m not sure if that’s his first or last name, but I don’t think it matters. It’s the signature he puts on each of his oil paintings. Last week I asked him to create a picture of Faith Alive. Today he delivered the completed canvas and I’m pleased. I wasn’t sure if people would recognize the man standing in the middle of the painting, but I shouldn’t have worried. Dr. Chris’s youngest son took one look at it and said, “That is my daddy.”

MCC Supporter

2011-08-25T02:17:00.001-06:00

What a joy to meet Pamela Brown Peterside, a Nigerian-Irish woman currently living in the United States who supports the Faith Alive Clinic through Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). She’s in Nigeria visiting relatives and stopped by on Monday to see what we’re all about. “What do you think?” I asked her at lunch after Dr. Chris Isichei’s tour of Faith Alive. I don’t remember her exact words, but they were along the lines of, “I’m really impressed. I had no idea how holistic this ministry is.”

Pamela learned about Faith Alive through an article a few years ago in MCC’s monthly magazine, A Common Place. I’ll have to go through their archives to read the specific article. Whether or not I find it, she’s a reminder about the power of the written word. Sannu da zuwa, Pamela. You are welcome anytime.

Support Group Picnic

2011-08-22T03:39:00.005-06:00

After helping my friend’s son get set up at another hospital on Sunday, I joined the Faith Alive support group’s special picnic at a nearby wildlife park. We looked at monkeys, crocodiles, lions, antelopes and an elephant (all caged, much like at a zoo) before gathering under the pine trees to sing, dance and play a game.
For the game, people were asked to recite certain things: favorite Bible verses, a song in their local dialect, the meaning of HIV and Faith Alive’s Founding Coordinator’s full name (Dr. Christian Ogegbunem Isichei).

Dr. Chris encouraged the group members to fish for themselves, meaning that they need to become self-sufficient and not rely on Faith Alive for everything. “Faith Alive has given you a lot of things,” he said, “and now it is time for you to work hard to help yourselves.” Join me in praying that these wonderful HIV+ people be empowered to not only make their way in life, but also bless others as they have been blessed.

Emergency

2011-08-22T03:38:00.001-06:00

Instead of going to church and resting on Sunday, I escorted a friend’s baby to the emergency room at JUTH (Jos University Teaching Hospital). The 15-month-old boy was lethargic, running a high fever and coughing. His parents first came to Faith Alive where his mommy works. But because we didn’t have a pediatric specialist on ground to insert the i.v., we rushed him a local government hospital where one of our volunteer doctors was on call.

He thinks that the boy has pneumonia that’s affecting his heart. Antibiotics and oxygen should do the trick so within a few days he should really improve. We praise God for his life and pray for the another family who had to buy the child-sized coffin that we saw outside.

WHOT?

2011-08-22T03:37:00.003-06:00

Do you want to play WHOT? What? The card game, WHOT. What? Much like the American “Who’s of first?”, this conversation goes on and on until I show them the deck of WHOT cards. Ah ha! Then the game begins. Instead of circle, square and triangle, we say bowl, carpet and angle (with a Nigerian accent, of course). 20 is a wild card that switches the shape, 14 means general market (everyone pick 1 card), 8 means skip the next person, 5 means for the next person to pick up 3 cards (unless you can defend by playing a 5), 2 means the next person picks up 2 cards, and 1 means hold on because I’m going to play whatever card I want to next. The game’s similar to UNO in that you match shapes and numbers and the first person to play all their cards wins. I’ll bring a deck of cards home so let me know if you want to play. To make it authentic, we’ll turn off all the houselights and play in candlelight!

Girls' Day Out

2011-08-22T03:37:00.002-06:00

With people here to cook, clean and do my laundry, I spent this Saturday enjoying time with Dr. Mercy (Dr. Chris’s surgeon wife). I told her that I felt like I won the lottery to spend so much time to spend with her—she’s normally quite busy juggling two jobs, volunteering at Faith Alive and being a wife and mother.

We started by going to the new Udebrae Art Gallery near the Jos Museum; the main artist is painting a picture of Faith Alive for me. After agreeing that he’s doing a wonderful job and only needs to add more green, we went to another shop that sells beautiful quilts, dolls and textiles. I plan to resell many of the items at our church’s pre-Christmas market; all profit will benefit the Faith Alive Clinic.

No girls’ day out is complete without eating out, so we enjoyed fattoush salad and spring rolls at the Elysur Restaurant. We hardly noticed when the electricity came on and off throughout our lunch. I had to adjust my eyes in the nearly-pitch dark restroom, but the flush toilet made up for it.

After the rain stopped, we came back to the guesthouse so that Dr. Mercy could review the chapter I’ve written about her. She added some details and made some minor corrections. Hopefully there will be time before I leave for us to go to her house and look at photos from Faith Alive’s early days. We could’ve spent more time talking but her children needed her.

Hair Saloon

2011-08-22T03:36:00.005-06:00

In America, a saloon is a place to drink beer and hang out with cowboys. But here in Nigeria it’s a place to get your hair washed and styled. It’s been a bit of heaven to get my hair shampooed vigorously every three days. The only downside is that no matter what we do, it refuses to cooperate. Constant rain and humidity invade my naturally wavy hair until it’s a total mess; I look like I’m sporting a messy brown mop.

Today I showed someone a photo of my family and they asked, “Which one is you?” Kai, do I look that bad here? Fortunately my hair is long enough to pull back in a pony tail but I’m looking forward to being home and looking more like normal.

Trash

2011-08-22T03:36:00.004-06:00

For those of you interested in daily life here, you might like to know what happens to trash. If people are outside, they drop it (candy wrappers, tissue, etc.) wherever they are. Each day I see a woman wearing a bright orange vest hunched over the street sweeping with a short broom. I put my trash in a wastebasket at the guesthouse and take it downstairs to Baba when it’s full. Baba then takes the trash to the corner and dumps it in a container (an improvement over years past when the trash went in a big heap in the corner for the goats to eat). But don’t worry about them—they chomp on the overflowing rubbish.

As for laundry, every few days I hand wash my clothes, wring them and then hang them to dry. I take bucket baths and heat the water first on the gas stove if it’s a cold enough day. Otherwise I splash frigid well water on myself to cool down. Let’s just say that I’ve needed to heat the water lately.

Canteen--Feeding on News

2011-08-22T03:35:00.004-06:00

Why did it take three weeks for me to discover that Faith Alive’s Canteen (a café, really) serves more than Nigerian food? Today I tasted a bit of American News on CNN, today’s Nigerian newspaper and a Diet Coke. The television at the guest house only shows dozens of channels of preaching shows and one local channel. Sunday evening I watched a short episode of the Who Wants to be a Millionaire (Nigerian-style). Even though I’m not here to watch t.v., it felt good to catch up with the outside world.

Tree Stump

2011-08-22T03:35:00.003-06:00

Since I’ve already posted about the trees in front of Faith Alive, I thought I’d let you know that even the stump is being removed to make way for parking. Security guards are detouring patients and staff to another entry until the main one is smoothed (or at least smoother). It’s fascinating to watch a trio of men chop away with hatchets in what will probably take them days to destroy. Maybe they’ll ask some men down the street to borrow the chainsaw they’re using to cut their branches into firewood.

Computer Man

2011-08-22T03:34:00.005-06:00

Who ya gonna call? If you’re at Faith Alive and need computer help, the answer is Joshua the IT Specialist. It’s only because of him that I can post on this blog and occasionally check email from home. I can hand him any electronic device (well, except my hair dryer) and know that he’ll fix whatever problem I have. Three bosas (praise Gods) to our computer man!

Dr. Bode-Thomas

2011-08-22T03:34:00.004-06:00

You’ve heard it said that it takes a village to raise a child. Well, I know that it also takes an army of people to arrange for a Nigerian child’s heart surgery in India. It was my pleasure to spend some time this week with the Army’s General, Dr. Bode-Thomas, founder and head of HeartAid in Jos (where Dr. Chris Isichei is a Board member).

Little Chris’s daddy Daniel suggested that rather than buy her a gift, I should appreciate her with a handmade card. And what a card it is! Shola, a Faith Alive staff member, made a beautiful embodiment of our appreciation for this kind doctor who made all the Indian arrangements for Little Chris’s surgery last fall.

Nagode (thank you), nagode, nagode to Dr. Bode-Thomas and HeartAid. Her vision is for a quality heart hospital in Nigeria to treat the thousands of patients who will not survive without it. May it be so.

Dedication Declaration

2011-08-22T03:32:00.001-06:00

Weekly family (aka staff) meetings at Faith Alive always end in a recitation of their Dedication Declaration.

"We have gathered to declare that we will refuse to settle for less than God’s best! Therefore we make the following affirmations:

I am confident in God’s promises. My past has been forgiven. My future is secure and God has a purpose for him life.

I am committed to God’s purposes. I will my life serving God’s purposes with God’s power for God’s glory. I will value character over comfort, service over status and people over possessions.

I am committed to God’s people. We declare that unity in Christ bridges all differences. We are one in Christ! Standing side by side with my brothers and sisters, I commit myself to grow spiritually, love unconditionally and serve faithfully.

To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, whenever, wherever and whatever You ask me to do, my answer in advance is YES! I want to be used by You in such a way that on that final day I’ll hear you say, 'Well done, good and faithful servant!'”

Books

2011-08-22T03:31:00.005-06:00

One of my main goals for this trip is to fact-check the chapters in my book. Actually, I should start calling it God’s book because that’s the truth. It’s only by God’s grace and power that it’s at this stage. Pastor Ben encouraged me today to lean into God to finish the project. I’d told him that I need strength and motivation to complete what I started two years ago. He said that it’s when we feel weak that we know God is approaching; God wants to work in our weaknesses so that only He gets the credit.

I have appointments with about a dozen people to discuss the chapters about them. So far, everyone’s been receptive and only offered minor factual changes. This weekend I hope to spend time talking with Dr. Mercy Isichei (Dr. Chris’s wife) about her chapter—there’s so much I want to write about her but need to focus on just a few scenes.

While writing a bit in the Faith Alive library last week, a staff member’s daughter came in to browse through the children’s books. It was wonderful to watch someone from the future generation find such joy from reading. May God’s book about Faith Alive bless and encourage many people.

Surgery

2011-08-22T03:31:00.003-06:00

Can you read the list in this photo? Me neither. It’s as if doctors all over the world have a secret handwriting code. This paper lists all the items (needles, sutures, etc.) needed for a woman’s gallbladder surgery that has to take place in another hospital because Faith Alive doesn’t have the appropriate equipment. Local government hospitals charge about 100,000 Naira for the surgery (equivalent to $700 I think, far too high a cost for most people here who earn a few dollars a day).

So Dr. Mercy Isichei (Dr. Chris’s wife), an expert surgeon who voluntarily performs basic surgeries at Faith Alive for no charge to patients, connected the woman with a surgeon friend of hers in another state. He’ll perform the woman’s surgery for only 5,000 Naira. The only catch is that she’ll have to purchase and bring in all the needed supplies (apparently what all patients do in government hospitals anyway). Dr. Mercy wrote this list for the woman, donating whatever supplies Faith Alive has.

“This woman must think she’s in heaven here at Faith Alive,” I said to Dr. Mercy. “You are doing a great work.”

“Well, that is just God,” she said humbly.

Yes, I thought later, but you said “yes” to Him.

MCC

2011-08-22T03:19:00.005-06:00

On Friday, I enjoyed sharing fattoush salad and conversation with other oyibos (white people) at a local restaurant. Mark and Brenda Hartmann-Souder, American missionaries with MCC (Mennonite Central Committee) invited me to lunch and I gladly accepted. Nigerian mission worker Matthew (also with MCC) joined us. I’d met them briefly in 2008 but wanted to reconnect with them. They are doing wonderful work supporting a variety of Nigerian partners and we praise God for their continued relationship with the Faith Alive Clinic.

It was interesting to hear the couple’s perspective on safety in Jos. They’re in their fourth year here out of five, staying despite concerns of family and friends. Much like other Nigerians, they say that things are much calmer here now and are glad to see visitors again. I’m sure it’s helped that everyone’s taking security precautions—using metal detectors, hiring guards, moving pastors out of parsonages and away from churches (so that both pastors and churches won’t be destroyed together) and even some Christians dressing like Muslims on Fridays (when most Islam-led violence begins).

My experience this trip has been safe and I appreciate your prayers that it continues to be. Let peace reign!

"Disturbance"

2011-08-17T08:35:00.003-06:00

In case any of you have read news reports in the past few days about violence in Jos, please be assured that I am safe. Apparently during the wee morning hours on Monday there were some killings; however, I didn't even get wind of it until yesterday afternoon. I should've known when there were fewer patients than normal yesterday.

When I ask people about the situation, they refer to it as a "disturbance" and assure me that this happened far from us. That's definitely a downgrade from "crisis" and makes it sound less frightening. Whatever it's called, I continue to appreciate prayers for safety.

Table for One, Please

2011-08-17T02:29:00.002-06:00

Now that the Nativity team is gone, Baba sets only one place at the table. For me. It’s fine at breakfast, a meal I usually eat alone at home anyway. But lunch and dinner are getting a little lonely. I think I’ll start inviting friends over to break bread (or in this case, to share my yummy carbohydrates).

Microfinance 101

2011-08-17T02:22:00.002-06:00

Don’t laugh, but I taught a segment of Faith Alive’s Microbusiness Workshop. Dickson asked me to teach about resource mobilization and I said, “What?” I think that’s also what the students thought when he used other educated phrases during his initial Powerpoint presentation.

Instead, Dr. Chris suggested that I explain SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats). But I only had thirty minutes, I would need an interpreter and many of the students aren’t educated past primary school. Hmmm. So I chose to translate a few SWOT principles into simple questions.

The main thing I stressed was that each person needs to sell something (goods or services) that is a right-fit for them. Using an example I learned from my Group Publishing training days, I asked them to each take off their right shoe and trade with someone sitting next to them. I asked them to stand and walk. After Dickson took a few steps in one flat and one high heeled shoe, everyone laughed.

“How did that feel?” I asked them.

“Not comfortable!”

“That is like your business. What is right for you to sell might not be right for others to sell. Please choose wisely.”

So much for my contribution to Microfinance 101.

Captain Ezekiel

2011-08-17T02:14:00.002-06:00

With the Church of the Nativity team en route to Maryland, Faith Alive’s captainship (is there such a word?!) now rests with Ezekiel. Wearing the arm band proudly, Ezekiel roams the buildings with an eagle eye toward what is working and what can be improved. During the microfinance workshop he frantically took notes even when nobody was talking. So I asked him, “What are you writing?”

“My Captain’s report.”

Apparently he’s noticed a number of improvements he’d like to suggest. Dr. Chris reads each Captain’s reports and implements the feasible changes. I’m not sure that there’s a priority right now to replace the x-ray building’s roof. Its rusted tin is much more visible now that the front trees are firewood.

World's Best Drivers

2011-08-17T02:06:00.002-06:00

Someone from the Nativity team said it best. Watching our drivers navigate potholes, herds of cattle and swerving motorbike taxis is a lot like a video game. Fortunately in our case, there hasn’t been a crash with “Boom!” and “Explosion!” captions (real or imagined). Goddy and Greg, loyal Faith Alive drivers, keep us safe from harm. On behalf of ourselves and our families, we raise bosas (praises to God!) for them.

Islamic Text Messages

2011-08-17T02:03:00.002-06:00

Without Verizon or AT&T monthly telephone plans, Nigerians buy credit for their handsets (cell phones). Each credit is sold in specific amounts and generally buys less than 20 minutes or so of talking locally. To save money, most people rely on texting. At least once a day, I receive an Islamic text during this Ramadan season. Today’s said something like, “Share your love for Allah with your callers. Dial xxxx.” I think I’ll pass.

A Gun to Kill a Fly

2011-08-17T02:02:00.000-06:00

Faith Alive visitors often catch a cold, sweat a fever or have an upset stomach while here. After all, It’s only natural for their immune systems to be a bit jolted in a different culture. It finally happened to me. I have a bit of stomach pain that started yesterday morning and reappear when I least expect it. So last night I took an antibiotic (Levoquin) prescribed by my American doctor and today told Dr. Chris.

“Nooo, you don’t use a gun to kill a fly,” he said. “That drug won’t help you anyway. You just have a small bit of bacteria fermenting. Let me get you something else.”

With a Faith Alive pharmacy at his disposal, he brought me some Tetraycline and told me to rest. Praise God, I am already feeling better.

Zach and Holy's Wedding Reception

2011-08-15T02:12:00.001-06:00

No, the title isn’t a typo. My beautiful redheaded friend Holly married her Nigerian sweetheart last month in Barbados (American-style with her family present) and celebrated their reception in Jos yesterday (African-style with his family and friends attending). The emcee and pastors announced the marriage of “Holy” to Zach and people threw money at them as the couple danced down the aisle and in front of the stage. The money part almost made me want to get married again (to Mark, of course).

Scheduled to start at 12:30 pm, the bride and groom (as well as a few hundred guests) didn’t arrive until 1:15 pm. After the initial dance, Pastors and musicians led us in various songs, sermons and prayers. Three hours later, we went outside for picture-taking. The group photo above is of the Faith Alive family in attendance. We went back inside to enjoy heaping-full plates of Nigerian food, minerals (sodas), more dancing and singing, and then cake (given to us in little paper boxes).

During the “family dance,” the emcee asked the bride and groom’s families to come forward. Looking for white faces (only about eight of us), the emcee came up to visitor Bill (who had never met “Holy”) and said, “Come up, Daddy.” Bill shook him off before the emcee asked, “Any brothers or sisters?” I gladly went forward when I saw Holly motion for me to come up and boogie. I don’t really have any redheads in my family, but I feel a kinship with her because I was with her when we both first came to Nigeria and she met Zach.

Around 5:30 pm, I left with take-home gifts of a small notebook with their photos on the front and back covers, a thin, pink mesh bag imprinted with the couple’s names and matching pink and white bowl, and the need for a good night’s sleep.

Bakin-Kogi

2011-08-15T02:06:00.002-06:00

Try saying Bakin-Kogi quickly ten times. Okay, first you need to know how to pronounce it. Baa-kin-ko (long “o”)-ge (rhymes with “me”). Enjoy these photos from our brief visit to Faith Alive’s satellite clinic at Bakin-Kogi. Church of the Nativity members examined the borehole they financed while I snapped pictures of the sweet village children. Most of them don’t speak English but they understand that their images appear in my camera.

Training Part 2: Ground Rules

2011-08-15T01:58:00.003-06:00

Like many trainings that I’ve attended or led, the Tearfund Child Protection workshop began by establishing basic ground rules. No lateness. Quiet your cell phones. Don’t interrupt. But this list included penalties unique to Africa—sing and dance in your native dialect or bring kolanuts to share. I look forward to watching Dr. Chris Isichei perform and provide snacks!

Training Part 1: Child Protection

2011-08-15T01:52:00.004-06:00

At the motel conference room in Kafanchan on Thursday, we divided into animal-named small groups to brainstorm the “old school” and current day mindsets toward boys and girls. As part of the bird group (tweet for me!), we reflected about how boys were and even today are given preferential treatment. One male participant (most of whom are widows and guardians of orphans and children) said that it is better to invest in boys because they will carry on the family name and the farmland; girls will be given away in marriage to another family. If I had been in the lion group, I might have stood up and started singing Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar!”

Fortunately, the workshop curriculum and funding is from Tearfund, an organization that promotes empowerment for women and girls. Pastor Ben read Biblical passages extolling the value of all children, saying that there is no difference in worth or treatment for boy and girl children. Preach it, Pastor Ben!

Kafanchan Clinic

2011-08-15T01:46:00.002-06:00

For you non-Nigerians, it’s pronounced cough-en-chan and it’s where Faith Alive operates a satellite clinic. In 2004, many patients from Kafanchan were traveling to Jos and testing positive for HIV. So Dr. Chris decided that it would be better to put a nurse to their area. At that time, the HIV prevalence there was around 30%, but thanks to education and prevention measures, the rate is greatly reduced.

On Thursday, we traveled to Kafanchan where ten members of the Faith Alive staff are holding a three-day workshop about Child Protection (more about that in a different post). Don’t worry, Mom, we felt very protected at a motel near a military base!

Nativity Nigeria Blog

2011-08-11T02:10:00.002-06:00

If you want to learn more about the last few weeks at Faith Alive, click here for Church of the Nativity's blog. It's been wonderful sharing the past few weeks with Brian (the Captain), Bill, Emma (Bill's daughter) and Jonathan (aka The President).

Monday: Cemetary

2011-08-11T01:58:00.005-06:00

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. So writes Charles Dickens, right? Last Monday, I could relate. At the graduation and water dedication, we danced and sang and danced and sang and ate and danced and sang and, well, you get the picture. We got to share in the biggest day in the history of those villagers.

Before leaving, we ventured to the Faith Alive cemetery at the other end of the farmland. Three adults are buried there, people whose families deserted them at the clinic to die. Pastor Ben told us that the staff had to name one of the woman because nobody identified her. Very sad, yes, but I already knew the stories and still feltl joy from the earlier ceremonies. That is, until we looked at a small cement plot next to the three full-sized ones.

“You know Daniel,” Pastor Ben said. “Of course,” I said, not comprehending. Then it suddenly hit me. This was little Chris’s sister’s grave. The full-term baby that just a few months ago stopped breathing while still in the womb. The pain hit me like the generator fueling the borehole that pumps water. I couldn’t stop crying—not there, not during our silent car ride back to the guest house and not alone in my room. It’s not right for parents to need to bury their child, let alone two infant daughters within the span of one and a half years.

When I saw little Chris the next time, I held him tight and kissed him silly. While there’s pain about his late sisters, I have a new layer of appreciation for this boy’s life. Praise to our faithful God for making a way for heart surgery when there was no way. God-willing, there will be no other small graves at this cemetery.

Monday: Clean Water

2011-08-11T01:53:00.003-06:00

After the Hwol Yarje primary school graduation on Monday, our celebration continued as we paraded downhill to the site of Faith Alive’s future teaching hospital. Inside the perimeter (yes, only a few layers of cinderblock outline where a building will be) now stands a borehole and three toilets. Staff and Nativity volunteers cut the ribbon to reveal the dedication plaque. Thank you, Church of the Nativity in Baltimore, for financing this source of clean drinking water to replace the muddy stream.

Monday: Graduation and a Booty Dance

2011-08-11T01:45:00.004-06:00

About a dozen preteens stood straight in their caps and gowns as they walked, one by one, to receive their graduation presents. Each U.S. visitor took turns to give the pencil sets, shake the students’ hands and pose for a commemorative photo. It was similar to my children’s primary (grade) school graduations except for one thing. Okay, many things. My children weren’t surrounded by mud huts in the middle of Nigeria at a village where the children couldn’t speak a word of English just three short years ago. And we definitely didn’t do what I call “the booty dance.”

In 2008, I traveled to Faith Alive with team leader Russ McCahan. Russ and his Nigerian friend Amos took us to the Hwol Yarje village outside Jos where malnourished Hausa-speaking children dressed in torn, ill-fitting clothing. Many villagers didn’t make the trek down the long dirt road, past the corn fields and the garbage dump to the main street. And they definitely didn’t have the money to get an education. Thanks to the efforts of Russ and Faith Alive, a basic school onsite now provides instruction and inspiration.

(Photo: Woman giving gift is Winnie Nnakwe, Nigerian from America who learned about Faith Alive at the ANPA conference six weeks ago in Chicago.)

A Tree is Nice?

2011-08-11T01:39:00.002-06:00

Do you remember the children’s book titled A Tree is Nice? I think it’s about how trees provide so many benefits to people. Well, the management at Faith Alive aren’t so keen on trees right now. During last week’s “breeze” (which I consider more of a mini-monsoon), a number of nearby trees fell on top of homes and businesses. Neighbors scrambled to safety and protect their belongings from their ripped apart tin roofs. Dr. Chris gathered the team visiting from Church of the Nativity in Baltimore for an “evacuation” of items from someone’s shop.

To prevent the possibility of future damage to Faith Alive, workmen felled one of the two main trees in front of the clinic. I think that the other tree will succumb to the same fate tomorrow. It’s a shame to see the towering greenery gone, but it’d be more horrible if they injure or kill innocent people. Maybe someone will need to write a sequel titled A Tree Can Be Mean.

More Babies

2011-08-11T01:36:00.002-06:00

Dr. Chris Isichei, Founder and Coordinator of Faith Alive, tells us that about five women a week birth babies there. I often stop by the birthing center to see if I can witness a child’s entry into daylight, but to no avail. It seems that most babies choose to arrive at nighttime. This week I met a precious seven-hour-old girl and her mommy who shared with me the baby’s name. My lips are sealed, though. In Nigerian culture, the name isn’t actually given until the official naming ceremony. Here’s to a long and prosperous life for the family.

Sunday: Kiddies Club and Young Snatchers

2011-08-11T01:30:00.004-06:00

After church service and a sinfully carb-loaded lunch at the guesthouse, we attended a special presentation in our honor at Faith Alive. The Kiddies Club (mostly for Orphans and Vulnerable Children but including a few others) gave presentations about each of their regular Saturday morning activities (reading, dancing, drama, arts and crafts, computer and recreation).

Pastor Ben arranged for a special group of community children (The Young Snatchers) to perform fast-moving African dances. If it weren’t for the blaring music, you could’ve heard a pin drop as everyone’s jaws dropped and eyes widened to watch the talent.

While we appreciated the special day, we remember that Faith Alive needs funds to continue the Kiddies Club activities. Here’s to many more years of children learning and playing together on Saturdays with such energetic and loving mentor-leaders.

Sunday: A Call or a Misdial?

2011-08-11T01:28:00.004-06:00

On Sunday I worshipped with Daniel, Rahila and little Chris at an ECWA church (Evangelical Church of West Africa, I think). What a joy to hold wiggly little Chris during the two-hour regular service followed by the thirty-minute communion service. Thanks to a pen, my Bible sports a few ink marks and folded pages; truly a great reminder of him when I go back to America.

The Pastor talked about our calling in life. While he didn’t use one of my favorite phrases (right-fit), he talked about some people following the wrong call to ministry or mission. “Are you sure,” he asked, “that you heard the right call? Maybe someone dialed your number by mistake and it was just a misdial.”

For me, I want to make sure that my phone has enough credit to receive any call that God wants to make on my life. And I will need to answer and make sure I recognize the caller’s voice.

Photos

2011-08-09T12:59:00.006-06:00

Just photos today--I'm ready for bed.

(Sorry that one photo is sideways.)

Saturday

2011-08-07T12:58:00.002-06:00

Saturdays aren’t so different between America and Nigeria. Chores, cartoons, shopping, and watching sports. Among a group of neighbor women, little Chris’s daddy Daniel scooped water from the well, scrubbed his family’s clothes, rinsed and hung them to dry. Inside, little Chris watched Dora the Explorer. Sitting to eat his toast and scoop his tea, spoonful by spoonful, his eyes were mesmerized by the show. Who knew that Dora spoke Arabic? “Does he understand?” I asked his mommy. “No,” she said, “but if I put on a different channel he will cry.”

In the afternoon, our visiting group squeezed into the Jeep to ride to the market. We snaked through the people and stalls, elbow to elbow, toward Blessing’s preferred fabric shops. Overwhelmed with choices, we finally decided before going to the Museum shops for trinkets and such. How wonderful that some of them remembered me. After all, I have been a good customer three other times. I buy items to take home to sell in the United States. (If you want me to buy something for you, please let me know what you want.) My luggage going home will be filled with necklaces, bracelets, fabrics and wooden items.

As we left the shopping area, we heard a group of young people singing this song: “Saturday.” That’s it. The only lyrics were “Saturday.” I guess that no other words are needed.

Out of Credit

2011-08-07T12:56:00.000-06:00

It’s been days since I spoke with or emailed my husband back in the United States. Why? The stars need to align for me to have my laptop at the main clinic when the server is working and I have at least an hour to sit and wait for the connection to everything that I want. Yes, I called Mark once, but it was mid-day his time and he was in an important meeting.

Last night I tried to call him during his Saturday morning, but all I heard on the phone was three beeps. So I tried to call Daniel but also heard the three beeps. Given that it was evening here (we stay in our guesthouse compound after 6 pm unless Dr. Chris escorts us someplace), I went to neighbor Ben’s flat. “My handset is not working,” I said. “Would you please call Daniel for me so that he can tell me what time his church is tomorrow?” Ben called Daniel who left his Arsenal soccer viewing (I feel honored because he LOVES his Arsenal) to rush over to help with my phone. “Let’s see what is the problem,” he said. He pressed *123 and said, “Ahhh” and looked at me. “You are out of credit!” Bless his heart, he quickly went to get me more.

Finally, I went back to my flat, settled in and dialed home. But instead of hearing beep, beep, beep, I saw a message that said “Network failed.” Welcome to Nigeria.

New Building

2011-08-07T12:55:00.001-06:00

Dr. Chris, Founder and Coordinator of the Faith Alive Clinic, finally has a new office to replace his temporary workspaces. It’s housed in the new building, just one structure away from the main Faith Alive Clinic, where he conducts his mentoring classes. Dr. Mercy, his wife, also has an office there where she will consult about surgeries and such.

Inside the compound I see about a dozen rooms (with bunkbed frames but no doors yet) waiting for new residents of transitional housing. Between the offices and housing, there’s a daycare center that will be for Nigerian volunteers’ children.

I’m in awe of how the clinic continues to grow despite uncertainties about future funding. I guess if they waited until they had everything assured, Faith Alive would never have even started. We have Dr. Chris to thank. Because of his God-given vision and obedience to that call, God proved faithful. May we all have the courage to say “yes” to God.

Captain, My Captain

2011-08-07T12:54:00.005-06:00

During Dr. Chris’s sabbatical this past year from his fulltime job at JUTH (Jos University Teaching Hospital), he’s implemented a few changes at Faith Alive. One of my favorites is assigning a Faith Alive Captain of the Week. That person, whatever their level of job position, is given full honor during their tenure. They are to present a written report at the next week’s staff/family meeting about what happened the past week regarding number of patients seen, staff attendance, special visitors, problems and resolutions.

Just eight weeks into this program, Brian Crook, Mission Director and special visitor from Church of the Nativity in Baltimore, is assigned the honor as Captain. He sports a white armband and receives salutes from the staff who give him their full respect and authority. While washing dishes tonight, someone took him aside and said, “Captain, I cannot allow you to do this.” With responsibility come perks!

The New Gen--FINALLY!

2011-08-07T12:54:00.003-06:00

Two years ago I blogged about the high need for Faith Alive Clinic to have a new generator. Just today, a massive gen made its way from storage in front of a new building to inside the courtyard. “See, we African men are strong,” one of the young movers told me as he flexed his muscles. “Not like America where you need a machine to do the work. We can do it.” Once the gen’s connected, it will power all the Faith Alive facilities—main hospital, social services center, and now the new building.

Baby Parade

2011-08-07T12:51:00.001-06:00

It’s normal here to see masses of sick people coming to the Faith Alive Clinic, but a rare day to see a parade of beautiful babies escorted into Team E (the pediatric medical team). In they came—one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight. Wow! Eight babies ranging in age from three weeks to six months, coming from a government orphanage for health checkups, the outcome deeming them eligible (or not?) for adoption.

Other than being malnourished, I didn’t see visible signs of sickness. Rotimi from the laboratory smiled broadly as staff fed the babies vitamin-fortified peanut butter and some type of drink. Surely his smile faded a little later when he had to pierce their tiny veins to draw blood for a multitude of medical tests. The results will not be known for a few weeks, but we are praying the babies are not HIV+. I’ll try to keep you posted.

The good news is that there’s a list of people waiting to adopt healthy Nigerian babies. The crazy news is that it is the government asking for help from Faith Alive instead of providing us support and financial assistance. But in God’s economy, He provides. The babies don’t care about the source—they just want food, warmth, love. Maybe one day they will parade back into Faith Alive with their permanent families.

Newest NetApper

2011-08-07T12:48:00.001-06:00

Everyone who is Facebook friends with Little Chris’s daddy Daniel knows that his profile picture shows him standing proudly next to my husband Mark. Daniel’s shirt sports an LSI logo, representing the company where Mark used to work. However, the company NetApp recently purchased Mark’s division of LSI. It was only a matter of time before I had to bring Daniel a new shirt. Let’s see—will Daniel update his profile for the new shirt but without Mark, keep the picture with the old shirt with Mark, or Photoshop a combination of the two? It doesn’t really matter, because he considers himself the newest NetApper.

Toilets and Servant of the Month

2011-08-04T05:01:00.005-06:00

After a few good nights of sleeping soundly, I am gaining my energy. I also decided that I do not have to do everything scheduled for the visitors from Church of the Nativity in Baltimore. They fit in well here, especially Jonathan whom the Nigerians affectionately call "Mr. President."

At yesterday's staff/family meeting, Nurse Caroline received the well-deserved and prestigious honor being "Servant of the Month." Each month, the administrative staff takes nominations for someone who has worked very hard. Once they decide who most deserves it, and barring any objections from any staff member, the winner takes possession of a trophy--and a little cash. Soon everyone is joking with that person; "When will you buy me lunch?"

Before lunch today, I delivered the daily health talk to about 100 patients. Me, someone who is not a nurse or doctor and even scored low in science. But here, I am qualified to talk about staying healthy. Someone suggested that I teach the patients how to properly use the toilet at Faith Alive. What?! Apparently some (many?) from the rural areas know only to use the floor and clean themselves with water (see small blue plastic pitcher in the snap), not toilet paper. Because demonstration is an effective way to teach, I quickly decided that I was not comfortable with that. So I chose to talk about mental health, about making sure that there is at least one person to confide your secrets and share your personal burdens, a person you trust who can also know your HIV status and not stigmatize you. In addition to that friend, and even more important, is the very best confidant--Jesus, who loves us unconditionally and earns my Servant of a Lifetime Award.

And Now It's Now

2011-08-03T09:30:00.002-06:00

Ah, I can now put a few more thoughts together. It is quite a joy to take in everything—familiar smiling faces, the taste of Baba’s steaming meat sauce dish and the sound of Christians singing praises to God with an irregular clapping beat. How can it be that so much is the same while other things have changed? It is only growth I see as the children grew taller, the clinic expanded and new staff replaced some outgoing ones.

Because my brain is not thinking thematically right now, I will do what I used to do when our kids were young; we told about our days chronologically and always ended with, “And now it’s now.” After a filling breakfast of oatmeal with sugar and toast with peanut butter, I walked down the mostly disintegrating dirt road to the clinic. Along the way, I stopped to give neighbors snaps (photos) that I’d taken of them two years ago. We are not supposed to pass out candies or gifts or anything, but I like to give them photos so they know that I remember them, that they are important. Bridget the beancake-maker, a group of shoeless children near the Faith Alive Rec Center, and a liquor store man’s children squealed with delight to see their images from two years past.

Once at the clinic, Pastor Ben led a powerful morning devotion based on this month’s spiritual theme: Keep Your Eyes Upon Jesus. Everyone in the room kept their eyes upon Pastor Ben as he gave example after example of many distractions. I took notes because I will lead the devotion on Thursday; it will be a new set of patients so I can repeat many of his talking points (although not with his level of passionate engagement). I then went to Pastor Esther’s discipleship class and listened as she taught twenty young women, students of sewing and knitting, about the power of forgiveness.

When the girls went to their skills-acquisition classes, Pastor Esther and I talked about her wedding here on August 27. I knew that I would be a “Big Aunty,” but still do not quite know what that entails except that her friend took my measurements and will sew me a fancy green skirt, gold top and huge hat with “the family fabric” (versus the “friends fabric”). Wow1 I cannot wait to share in her wedding and show off many snaps.

Speaking of snaps, I hope to post some soon. It can take up to 20 minutes to post just one, and then only if the power does not “off” during that time. You see, I am already back to speaking like Nigerians, with off the light, on the gen (generator), not using many contractions and rearranging some words in my sentences. Soon I may be posting in Hausa, the local tribal language!

Many of you might be wondering if I have seen little Chris. Well, I saved the best for last on this post. At first he was shy, but then warmed up to the Shrek toys and now does not want to leave my side. He “helped” me unpack my luggage yesterday, carefully placing each item in my dresser and asking, “What is this? What is that?” We opened my umbrella (it is the rainy season here); he turned it on its side and started to twirl it and sing “round and round and round it goes…” which I think is probably a song he has heard Barney sing. Priceless. And what a beautiful scar on his chest, a visible reminder of God’s faithfulness.

Ah, I am tired. There is SO much more to say, but this is already a much longer post than most people’s attention span for blogs. Please know that I am safe and sound and appreciate your continued prayers for myself and for the entire Faith Alive family. And now it’s now.

Safe and Sound

2011-08-02T08:56:00.002-06:00

I'm here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, back in Nigeria at Faith Alive, my home away from home. I'd like to write more, but honestly I'm can't even put a cohesive paragraph together because I am so tired. Dr. Chris told me to rest when I arrived and I didn't listen--I couldn't fathom sleeping not going straight to the clinic and seeing everyone. Hopefully I'll write more this week.

Nagode (thanks!) to everyone who's praying for me and for Faith Alive.

Pants?

2011-07-28T09:07:00.004-06:00

What should visitors pack when going to Nigeria? In addition to a passport, anti-malarial medication and a flashlight, apparently females should take skirts—and the longer the better. This headline appeared yesterday in an online Nigerian newspaper (Vanguard): “Why We Barred Females From Wearing Trousers in Offices—Plateau Government.” The reason? It’s part of a campaign against “indecent dressing.”

This reminds me of one of my visits to the Faith Alive Hospital during 2009's hot and humid rainy season. Sitting on a bench in my khaki pants at a morning devotion, one of the more conservative staff members said that women should not wear trousers. I think he directed his admonishment to the stylish young women staffers at the back sporting slacks and jeans, because he looked at me and said something like, “Our visitors sometimes wear trousers; they are cold here and need to keep warm.”

Regardless of the temperature, I think there won't be any more sisterhood of the traveling pants for me.

Dr. Art

2011-07-25T10:36:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I had the honor of sharing a meal with Dr. Arthur Ammann, President of Global Strategies for HIV Prevention. His professional bio is lengthy and includes describing, in 1982, the first cases of transmission of AIDS from mother to infant and the first blood transfusion AIDS patients. He’s received many awards including the United States Surgeon General Award for Research and the United States Public Health Service Fellowship Award. However, he holds highest esteem for me because his visit to Faith Alive in Jos, Nigeria about six years ago to train birth attendants in PMTCT (Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV) grafted him as part of the extended Faith Alive Family.

Even though Global Strategies is focusing their current efforts on Liberia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, I invited Dr. Art to visit Faith Alive again. Maybe he’ll take me up on this offer because he said something like, “I need my Chris and Mercy fix.” Dr. Art holds both Dr. Chris Isichei and his surgeon wife Dr. Mercy in highest regard—quite a compliment from an expert in HIV with extensive exposure to healthcare, good and bad, in Africa. I can relate to his pull toward some of the best living examples of Christ on earth healing God’s beloved children holistically.

Cheers for the ongoing and mutually-beneficial relationship between Dr. Art and Faith Alive!

(Click here to watch a powerful short video about PMTCT.)

Spiritual Theme: Be My Witness

2011-07-18T15:06:00.005-06:00

What is a witness? As anyone who has ever watched a crime show or been in a courtroom knows, a witness is someone who sees or experiences something and can legitimately testify to its valididy. Basically, we believe someone if they've actually witnessed something and didn't hear about it secondhand.

This month’s spiritual theme at Faith Alive is BE MY WITNESS. It’s based on Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

This means that we need to tell others how we've seen or experienced God's presence, and we're to start by telling those close to us--even as close as our own churches. But wait. Aren’t our churches already holy and filled with love? Pastor Ben at Faith Alive says, “No! It is worldliness, hatred, envy, jealousness and all kinds of evils we find in the church of today. We therefore have to start afresh witnessing of Christ’s love, holiness and righteousness right in the church, our homes, and societies and across board to the ends of the earth. Sometimes we are deceived by assumptions and carried away by familiarity and the outward appearance of those close to us or in our inner circle that we tend to look far away with the issue of evangelism. But Jesus is saying we should look and start within the circle.”

Before pointing a finger at our churches and other people, however, we need to remember that three fingers are pointing right back at us. Are you filled with holiness and the love of Jesus Christ? If so, be His witness and tell your story to others. If not, ask God to bring someone else to share their story with you. Together, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we will keep God’s story alive.

Spiritual Theme: Nothing Be Wasted

2011-07-18T08:07:00.004-06:00

My apologies to Pastor Ben at Faith Alive for not posting the last few months’ spiritual themes. He’s been faithful to send me pages of explanations about each theme, but I’ve fallen behind condensing them into one or two paragraphs for this blog. Apologies aside, here is June’s theme based on John 6:12: “When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, ‘Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.’”

You’ve probably heard of the story of Jesus taking a little boy’s few loaves and fish and multiplying them into enough food for thousands of people. But did you ever think about the value of the leftovers? Pastor Ben says, “I know of many loaves and fish elsewhere that got eaten by goats and dogs or destroyed by fungi. But why are these so special that even their pieces are not to be wasted but preserved? It was because they were surrendered to Jesus to be used by him in meeting the needs of people. They were used to demonstrate the power of God. They were used to give life to the dying people, and they were used to bring glory to God. Thanks went to God on their account and they were blessed by Jesus. So they were no more ordinary bread and fish. They were made sanctified and consecrated and so could not be treated any how…these were preserved for future generations.

“So it is with our life’s resources. If we surrender them to God to serve and be used by Him for His glory, we will not be wasted, as he will use us to serve his purposes and still preserve our leftovers for future use. It is then we receive protection, get more useful and our work can outlive us. Anything less is a wasted life…So gather your leftovers; someone out there may need them to survive.”

Nigerian Physicians in the Americas

2011-07-11T14:18:00.001-06:00

What does a white American woman writer in the non-profit world do at a conference for Nigerian physicians in the Americas (ANPA)? She listens attentively to a few lectures, but mostly meets and talks about Faith Alive with medical professionals in the hallways and during breaks.

One of ANPA’s missions is: “To encourage the development of practical solutions to Nigerian health care problems through strategic initiative and field activities inside Nigeria.” What a wonderful match with Faith Alive--a successful model of holistic healthcare delivery in Nigeria, started by a Nigerian, run by Nigerians and serving Nigerians. By God’s grace, this networking is the beginning of some meaningful relationships that will benefit Faith Alive and the Nigerian physicians living on this continent who want to support the people in their ancestral homeland.

Faith Alive's 15th Anniversary Picnic--Photos

2011-07-04T10:18:00.007-06:00

If a picture says a thousand words, then these photos speak for themselves. Enjoy!

Independence Day

2011-07-04T10:07:00.002-06:00

Did you realize that both the United States of America (July 4, 1776) and Nigeria (October 1, 1960) celebrate their independence from Great Britain? Both countries mark the anniversary with parades, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, family reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies. I’m guessing that Nigerians don’t share our tradition of baseball (they much prefer football, or what we call soccer) and shy away from fireworks with loud explosions and smoke (too reminiscent of recent crises).

In my post this time last year, I listed the lyrics for the Nigerian National Anthem. It’s only fair that this year I share the American version. While most Americans at least recognize the words at sporting events with caps and hands over their hearts, very few realize that this is the first of many verses or that the tune is from a popular British drinking song. If they did, perhaps they’d raise their Buds to the good ol’ red, white and blue.

O! say can you see by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Click here to watch and listen to Marvin Gaye or Whitney Houston, two African-Americans, sing the anthem.

15th Anniversary Celebration Part 3: Honoring Nurses

2011-06-27T08:30:00.007-06:00

I know, this is unprecedented--three blog posts in one day--but there's so much great news from Faith Alive! In addition to announcing the Faith Alive Institute to address the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals and honoring Super Sally, Dr. Chris enjoyed "Nurses' Week." Activities included:

Monday--the nurses gave free physicals to the staff

Tuesday--the nurses handed out small gifts to the patients (things like soaps and toiletries)

Wednesday--the nurses showed a documentary on nursing and enjoyed songs, dancing, games and prayers with the staff

Thursday--the nurses enjoyed a special program with the staff in conjunction with Faith Alive's 15th anniversary

Friday-- the nurses hosted a guest speaker addressing HIV management

Saturday--the nurses enjoyed a staff picnic

Let's join Dr. Chris, Faith Alive and all of us who have benefited from great nurses to offer prayers of thanksgiving!

(Photo of Dr. Chris with the nurses.)

15th Anniversary Celebration Part 2: Honoring Sally

2011-06-27T08:20:00.005-06:00

Bosas (Praise God!) for Sally, Faith Alive Foundation-Nigeria’s founding U.S. Coordinator, who recently retired from this position after a decade of faithful service. Read Dr. Chris’s words of thanks and honor:

"Our dear Sally, on behalf of my family, Faith Alive Family in Nigeria and worldwide, we sincerely wish you a happy birthday. As part of the nurse's week at Faith Alive and our 15th Anniversary we celebrated you and your accomplishments. The nurses' week began on Monday and it has been wonderful--Faith Alive has one of the best set of nurses in the world and I am proud of them. The patients had gifts this morning and celebrated with us. This afternoon it will (be with) staff. We now have SALLY BARLOW M&E/SI ROOM , named after you. (Sally Barlow Monitoring & Evaluation/Strategic Information Room). We are very proud of you and your accomplishments. I told the board/EXCO how your computer room was always "fixed" for FAF and how you always fixed things for FAF."

Way to go, Super Sally!

(Photos of her home office, new sign at Faith Alive.)

15th Anniversary Celebration Part 1: Faith Alive Institute

2011-06-27T08:14:00.003-06:00

June 23, 2011 marked a special day—15 years since Dr. Christian Isichei optimistically hung a shingle saying “Faith Alive Counseling” outside a four-room apartment in Jos, Nigeria. Now he announces from the three-story Faith Alive Hospital that employs over 150 people and serves over 10,000 patients:

"As part of my sabbatical and things I have worked for, we will be dedicating attached-Faith Alive Institute Millennium Development Goals that has the 8 goals as "departments" and houses an office for myself and wife-two different rooms with a reception. For the first time since establishment of FAF, I now have an office and will commence its use tomorrow. I plan to spend time one-on-one with staff and do a lot with the office."

Those goals, as listed at the United Nations website, are:

1. End poverty and hunger
2. Achieve universal primary education
3. Promote gender equality and empower women
4. Reduce child mortality
5. Improve maternal health
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
7. Ensure environmental sustainability
8. Create a global partnership for development

I can’t wait to learn more about the institute when I’m (God-willing) in Nigeria later this summer!

(Photos of the sign outside the Institute building in Jos, Nigeria and the UN MDG logo.)

Garage Sale Part 2

2011-06-20T07:42:00.006-06:00

Thanks to everyone who donated to or shopped at last Saturday's garage sale, we raised...(drumroll here)...$674! That's $174 more than we raised at last year's sale to benefit Faith Alive. Unlike the prior week, the shoppers came out in full force. What a joy to see them arrive in pickup trucks, vans and SUVS, hop out and scour the unpriced treasures. "How much do you want for this?" they asked. I sized them up (sorry, profiling) and responded with a deal they could not refuse. Note to anyone else hosting a garage sale: it's much easier to wheel and deal than spend hours putting on price tags.

To those of you who donated time, items or prayers, Faith Alive's founder and coordinator Dr. Chris says: “You all continue to encourage us over here in Nigeria with all you do in various ways even with lots of burden facing us as a nation that we can together make some difference in the lives of others especially the less privileged. Thank you for being part of Faith Alive family.” Amen.

(For you regular readers, sorry that I'm behind on my spiritual themes. I hope to catch up soon, especially with May's theme about "Fiery Trials.")

Garage Sale Part 1

2011-06-13T11:13:00.006-06:00

Wow--last Saturday the sun shone, the neighbors reconnected and the garage sale shoppers...well, they had their pick of dozens of sales in Fort Collins. Great for them, but not so much for us sellers. So, I plan to hold another sale this Saturday from 8am - noon and, like Uncle Sam, I need YOU to shop and donate items. If you have clean items in working order (no clothes or electronics more than two years old, please), you can bring them to my house this Friday between 5-8 pm. (If you need directions, feel free to email me at erika.faithalivenigeria@hotmail.com.) I'll have a greeting card for the Nigerian Faith Alive family for you to sign and some snacks and beverages for you to enjoy. You'll also get first dibs on the brand-new Waterpik showerheads (great Father's Day gifts, by the way).

If I were a cheerleader (and twenty years younger!), I'd don a green and white uniform (Nigeria's colors) and shout: "Give me an F, give me an A, give me an I, give me a T, give me an H, give me another A, give me an L, give me another I, give me a V, give me an E. What does it spell? FAITH ALIVE!!!!!!!”

Come on, Northern Colorado team, let's do what we can to support our favorite Nigerian hospital and raise even more than we did at last year's garage sale. They're in dire need of some supplemental lifesaving AIDS medications for their increasing number of AIDS' patients.

(Anyone know why Uncle Sam looks so mad? Personally, I respond better to a smile and words of encouragement.)

96 Tolls

2011-06-05T21:27:00.006-06:00

I don't know what it is about the month of June, but this is the second one in a row for me to bury a grandmother. My two grandmothers lived well into their 90s and even spent the last few decades of their lives in the same senior living complex. While I will miss both of them, I am confident that they are enjoying heaven after living as Christians.

As I posted last June, I like to compare American traditions with Nigerian ones. I’m told that funeral specifics vary between communities, tribes, cultures, and religions. A lot depends on if the deceased person is an adult, young man, baby, or religious person, and the cause of death. For example, last fall I was in an African village when gunshots erupted. After I dropped to the ground, Dr. Chris reassured me that the shots went into the air as a tribute to the village chief because of his honored position.

While there will not be the sound of gunshots (God-willing!) at my grandmother's funeral, the church bell will toll 96 times (one for each year of her life on this earth).

(Photo is me with my grandmothers a few years ago. The one on the left passed away last week and the one on the right passed away last year.)

Good News for Goodluck

2011-05-30T08:01:00.006-06:00

The long-awaited day came and went yesterday with no news of violence in Jos (although I heard reports of two deadly bomb blasts--one outside Abuja and one in Bauchi). The situation in Jos is good news not only for Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan's inauguration, but also for the people he leads in this most populous African country.

I haven't heard yet from Dr. Chris yet if we have the "okay" to send visitors to Faith Alive Hospital this summer. Due to security issues, I probably won't post the information here but will contact this summer's planned trip leaders directly once I know. Safety first, or the good ole' physicians' oath, "First, do no harm."

New Email

2011-05-23T19:51:00.003-06:00

I'm not sure when it'll be up on the official www.faithalivenigeria.org website, but my new email for all-things-Nigeria is erika.faithalivenigeria@hotmail.com. Please use this account if you need to reach me about Save-A-Life specifically, Faith Alive generally or to talk about travel or donations. You're still free (and encouraged) to leave comments on this blog. I've heard from some of you that it takes too many clicks. Sorry. Some day (that proverbial someday), I hope to switch over to wordpress.com. Do any of you have advice about Wordpress?

Travel to Nigeria?

2011-05-15T23:00:00.006-06:00

Many people are asking when they can travel to Faith Alive and the answer is...we still don't know. Dr. Chris Isichei, the hospital's founder and coordinator, has said all along that we need to wait until after the election and then swearing in (or is it a re-swearing in?) of the country's president on May 29. We apologize that this makes it difficult to plan your travel, especially if you want to visit soon. Your safety is our biggest concern. When Dr. Chris gives the "okay," I'll let you know. Until then, you can bridge the ocean with your thoughts and prayers.