Missionary Phyllis Sortor is heading back to Nigeria this week, and we've just been slapped in the face with the frightening realities and opposition that we face in Nigeria.
Nigeria Travel Advisory – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
The US Embassy sent out a security alert with the advice to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and maritime crime.
From Phyllis:
I'm forwarding this just received US Embassy security alert to you as a reminder that SFA truly needs your prayers as we return to full work mode this coming week. Friends, if you have any contacts who could help us with air travel, a helicopter or small plane, please consider the fact that air travel could not only save hundreds of hours of time, but could also save lives.
Very sincerely yours,
Phyllis Sortor
Director, Schools For Africa
Here's the short version, Nigeria Country Summary:
Violent crime – such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage taking, banditry, and rape – is common throughout the country. Kidnappings for ransom occur frequently, often targeting dual national citizens who have returned to Nigeria for a visit, as well as U.S. citizens with perceived wealth. Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads.
Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting shopping centers, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, transportation hubs, and other places where crowds gather. Terrorists are known to work with local gangs to expand their reach.
There is civil unrest and low-level armed militancy in parts of Southern Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta region. Armed criminality, including kidnapping and maritime crime, is also pervasive in this region.
Violence can flare up between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas.
There is frequent maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Nigeria due to security conditions.
Phyllis is leaving the safety of the United States on Monday, arriving in Nigeria Tuesday. The following week she will travel to pay salaries at our adopted, former ICCM schools. She has requested prayers for safety. In her words, a lot of people, families, and children depend on us. In the coming weeks, we're working in Abuja, Niger State and Emiworo, Kogi State, for God's glory.
You may be asking yourself...
WHY WOULD PHYLLIS CHOOSE TO DO THIS?!
From Phyllis:
"UNESCO recently reported that there are 20 MILLION out-of-school children in Nigeria. We, in Schools for Africa, have the goal of TRIPLING the number of strong Christian schools we are managing in Nigeria."
We have a goal set out before us. We feel led by the Lord to love on Nigeria, and specifically the Fulani people, through schools, healthcare clinics, and grazing reserves.
We will follow the Lord, and see His will be done.
We're trusting God and determined, with His help, to use everything we have to lift high the wonderful Name of Jesus and bring HIS PEACE to Nigeria!
Could YOU help support the teacher's salaries, school maintenance, and book fees?
Prayer Requests:
Pray for peace in Nigeria!
Pray for safety for Phyllis, who begins to travel home to Nigeria on Monday.
Pray for the SFA Nigeria team, as our ministries and responsibilities grow.
Pray for the Nigerian election in February. The election will have an impact on Phyllis, SFA work, the country and likely the world.