BRiCC Graduation

Yesterday was a big day in the life of BRiCC (www.briccjos.com). The first group of women to complete their skills course in our new premises celebrated their graduation.  There was laughter, special guests, including our zonal commander of the security forces (it's becoming commonplace when I go to events here to see a man with a gun keeping watch - we don't get that in England but in Nigeria it's a fact of life), proud husbands and a great variety of delicious food as the women showed off their new talents.  Above all there was hope, hope that the local communities of Christians and Muslims will build a way of peace; living and learning together, showing their children that there is more that unites us as humans than divides.

New kitten

I was asked for a photo of our new kitten, Clytemnaestra (Temmie for everyday).  Lots of fun, except if you're trying to type or sew.

Getting ready

Wednesday is an exciting day for BRiCC as we celebrate the first women's skills class to graduate from our new premises.  Yesterday the students started the tidying up process.

Inside

And out

Long Time

I can hardly believe that the last time I posted anything was in May. Now it's August. We had a great break over the summer holidays (which seemed far too short) and are now back in the swing of things.  I freely admit that Nigeria is not an easy country to live in. Many of the Nigerians I meet are planning (if they have the resources) or dreaming (if they haven't) about leaving their country to start a new life abroad.  What does that say about the state of things here?  Who is to blame? What can be done to change the situation?

As a follower of Jesus I openly think that the only way to change things in a country is by God's intervention: men have made a total mess of nearly everything.  Corruption is a way of life at all levels of society. Essential services are not paid for - civil servants, teachers, lecturers, doctors - the future of society - work for months without any wages before finally going on strike.  Major road projects are started then abandoned as the money has "disappeared", causing chaos and disruption for anyone who has to get anywhere.  Petrol stations have no fuel or day-long queues in a country that relies on oil production.  The fuel shortage, combined with the dysfunctional electricity supply leads to hospital generators with no fuel: people die.  Avoidably.  Nigerian politicians are among the highest paid in the world and want an extra clothing allowance whilst most Nigerians are struggling to survive.  So many things make me so angry.  So many things make me think "What's the point when the nationals themselves don't care or are a fundamental part of the problem?"

Then I think of what God has done.

Mankind rebels.  Mankind rejects him. Mankind is set on pursuing its own agenda.  We want what we want and few of us care.

God wants each one of us.

He sends his Son in love, knowing that we would kill him, but so desiring a relationship with us that he's willing to make the sacrifice.

Jesus comes into the world, knowing what will happen, knowing the state of humanity, what's it's capable of, but willing, loving so much, that he'll put up with us, try to teach, try to overwhelm us with love though we so often push him away or tie up his love with conditions, rules, requirements and rejection. 

I go to BRiCC (www.briccjos.com) and meet my Nigerian friends, Christian and Muslim, who live in the community and have no illusions about the state of the country but have hearts for peace.  A woman in the women's skills programme gives me an ornate ring, just because I'm there and have cared enough to bring her our empty plastic bottles for her homemade drinks.  Coach Musa, a BRiCC stalwart, shows me the local banana market, a new tailor and a place to buy eggs before taking me to his house where his wife hands me their three week old daughter.  I meet with an interdenominational goup of students from TCNN (Theological College of Northern Nigeria) during an InReach discussion group who sincerely want to learn how to live Jesus' love where they are. There is love and hope here but sometimes I find it difficult to see.

Pray for Nigeria. For people at all levels of society. For true revival and knowledge of God.