Trouble in Kogi State
Last week, 3 policemen and 5 vigilantes were killed at a bus stop where our driver brought students to and from school. There was another killing of some policemen and one civilian in Ajaokuta a few days ago. As a result of these killings, security in Kogi State has declined alarmingly. One of our beloved pastors reported fighting and killing around our school in Emiworo and our Ero Mountain Grazing Reserve and school.
Today, the pastor wrote that soldiers entered the reserve and burned villages of our Fulani families. They arrested one of our workers. All the Fulani chiefs have been arrested, and everyone else is restricted from entering the bush. The chiefs are being instructed on security and given four weeks to set up security measures in their areas. Even President Buhari has been given 4 months to stop the killing and kidnapping, or there will be talk of impeachment.
We're moving all of our cattle and sheep from Ero Mountain Grazing Reserve over to the Hope Academy School campus until arrangements can be made to truck them down to the Imala Reserve. There is a very high possibility that the livestock would be stolen if returned to Ero Mountain at this time. We are also sending non-essential workers home. The area is HOT with violence and unrest. Local officials are urging people to avoid the area. The roads are very dangerous right now.
Phyllis has asked Reverend John Raji to do findings and write an official report/complaint, distributing it to local chiefs and police chiefs in the greater Lokoja area. Please join us in prayers for peace as our security guards, herdsmen, and families are understandably frightened.
So, we're avoiding the hot spots for now...
Because of the serious insecurity in Kogi State, we're shifting the schedule around and going to Akwa Ibom this month to visit schools and repair the Jesus Bridge! We had planned to go in September, but instead we will be there in about two weeks.
From a Pastor in Nigeria: Thank you for your prayers and love for us in Nigeria. Please, I want you to continue to pray for our nation. Nigeria insecurity is a serious problem. There is no where that is safe, people are being killed and kidnapped everyday. People are living in fear, we can not move freely anymore. God is our only hope. We seriously need the help of God in Nigeria.
Some good news!
Work has started on the Apiawoyi Secondary School! This school is adjacent to the City of Refuge, and serves nearly one hundred Fulani children, and many other tribal children in the area! The schools are overseen by a couple of our precious pastors. They have enrolled many children through their visits with parents in the local community, SO MUCH that a secondary school is needed!
See the great work begun BELOW!
Seeking monthly givers!
We have a big goal.
We need to increase monthly giving by $6,000/mth to cover the 7 new schools we took on in June!
We receive many BIG financial gifts throughout the year, which enable us to take on new projects - new schools, clinics, and grazing reserves! Praise GOD!
**Recurring monthly gifts help us to rely on a secure monthly income, so that we KNOW that we can cover our expenses,
before we move on to more projects.
CAN YOU HELP US?
We need MORE MONTHLY GIVERS!
It's a BIG goal, we know. BUT we serve a BIGGER God.
How can we set a small goal when we serve a BIG God?
$24,000 Matching Challenge!
This means that your NEW recurring monthly gift is DOUBLED through the end of the year!
THANK YOU
Judy W.
Dwight G.
Ralph H.
for your monthly gifts!
Give monthly to sustain what the Lord is doing for His beloved people in Nigeria!
Give $35 monthly DOUBLED!
Give $50 monthly DOUBLED!
Give $100 monthlyDOUBLED!
Give $125 monthlyDOUBLED!
Give $150 monthlyDOUBLED!
NEW RECURRING MONTHLY DONATIONS WILL BE DOUBLED THROUGH 2022, UP TO $24,000!
Prayer Requests:
Pray for our friends in Kogi State!
Pray for the upcoming presidential election in February 2023. Political upheaval is already causing major waves.
Pray for the safety of our team as we move about the country, doing God's work!