Dear friends and partners in ministry,

I have to share a total miracle with you - another huge confirmation of God's favour on our work in Schools for Africa!

Last week as my team and I were driving south to Rivers State, (where we are now,) to add five classrooms, an office and toilets to our school here, we were discussing the upcoming work in Imala where we'll build a large school, teachers' quarters, clinic, etc., etc. for Fulani herdsmen, their families and others in that area. We talked about the work and how we will need to hire several new teachers for this large school, hopefully teachers living close by.

This area, largely Yoruba states governed by Yoruba chiefs, is under crisis right now, with the Yoruba fighting to expel Fulani from their place. Our hope is to meet these chiefs and request grazing reserves for these Fulani and their families.

As we were talking in the car, I mentioned to the team that since 2005 when Jim and I first came to Nigeria and began working with the Fulani, opening schools for their kids, we've had NOT ONE Fulani teacher apply to work with us! NOT ONE! And I said, how amazing it would be to have Fulani teachers, who would be role models to their students, living examples of what the children could be if only they stayed in school and graduated! And also to show the Yoruba that the Fulani are intelligent, civilized people, with whom they could live harmoniously, helping one another, being friends.

Well, here's the miracle! GOD HEARD ME! Because this Saturday, a well-dressed, very clean cut, FULANI man was brought to our work site by a friend from the nearby camp and introduced to me. After greetings, etc., the man told me he was a 'degree holder', (that's how they say it here,) and wondered if we were hiring teachers, as he himself wanted to apply! I almost fell out of my chair, I was so surprised! His name is Abubakar Mohammed. A Fulani man!

I told Abubakar about Imala, asked if he'd be willing to relocate there when the project started. He said absolutely, he would do so. He's not married, so is free to move there.

THEN, as if this wasn't enough of a miracle, at that very moment one of our teachers here at this school in Rivers State came out to talk with me. A fine man who has worked for us for three years, whose name is Ojo. And guess what?

Ojo is a Yoruba man! He said he is originally from Lagos, (an hour or so from Imala,) and has family there. He wondered if he and his wife, (also Yoruba, also a teacher with a college degree,) could be transferred to the new school in Imala! My brain was buzzing, at this point, when I thought of the possibilities! I told Ojo, YES, we could transfer him! Yes, I'd hire both Ojo and his wife Oluwanseun, (translated, 'God we thank you!' How appropriate!)

I introduced the Yoruba teachers, Ojo and Seun, to the Fulani teacher, Abubakar, and said - "See what God is doing ALREADY?" GOD has done this! God is bringing together Yoruba and Fulani, to stand together as teachers and leaders in front of the children, in front of their parents, to demonstrate that we CAN work and live together in peace!

God is so amazing!

It's just a total miracle!

Thank you for being a part of the miracle, as you continue to pray for and support Schools for Africa!

Much love,

Phyllis Sortor

Ojo and Oluwaseun, with their sweet boys