I'm finding it a bit odd to continue posting on a blog with the address jacksonsinjos. The title Mission is a state of mind holds good anywhere but these Jacksons are no longer in Jos.
I've set up another blog, really just a continuation of this one but with an address that'll be appropriate wherever God calls us to serve. There will be no more entries on www.jacksonsinjos.blogspot.com, though I assume all the old posts will remain.
If you want to continue reading about our experiences with God in Africa, please now go to www.missionisastateofmind.blogspot.com
Monday, 14 August 2017
Tuesday, 1 August 2017
A time for everything
You may have noticed that it's been a long time since a new post appeared. A lot has been happening. Over the past year Fraser and I were feeling more and more strongly that, after being very clearly led by God to Nigeria in 2012, our time there was drawing to a close. We left the country in March 2017.
It was becoming increasingly clear to Fraser that he'd be able to help more people by becoming a library consultant rather than being based in a single African theological college. This leading was confirmed after he spoke to people in NetAct (www.netact.christians.co.za), an organisation which helps theological colleges in developing Africa. They had recently decided it was time to develop their library side and are extremely keen for Fraser to run the programme, thanks to his unique blend of expertise in electronic resources and experience in an African theological library. A huge number of students would be helped by access to better resources, which in turn would strengthen the church and help protect it from false teaching. This is extremely exciting. Instead of assisting one college in one country, Fraser is being offered the opportunity to make a huge difference to the quality of theological education and training throughout Africa for many years to come. Not just theological education either. It's entirely possible that once other university faculties see the difference the library portal makes to students and staff, they will want to have it adapted for their own subjects. The potential is huge.
The internet portal that NetAct wants to develop will provide, among other things, access to ebooks and journals, links to theological websites, audio-visual material, the library catalogues of all partner organisations, reading lists for partners to compare practice, lists of African theological publishers and downloadable resources. There will also be a section for learning and teaching resources with guides for students to improve their studyskills and thesis writing. Staff will find help in curriculum development and syllabus creation, how to supervise a thesis and how to spot plagiarism. There will also be a course in information literacy to enable users to get the most out of the portal. The intention is also to have as much of the content as possible downloadable, able to be used offline when internet connection is unreliable.
Many students in African colleges have had their education disrupted by poverty, violence, unrest and lack of qualified teachers. NetAct's library and training portal will help fill some of the gaps and enable to students to achieve more of their potential.
It's as if God has designed this position especially for Fraser. Many of his experiences in the past can be seen as foundations upon which this potentially amazing gift to education in Africa will be built upon.
That's the exciting news.
The tricky bit is that Mission Africa, whilst being supportive of the value of this new work, do not have people in South Africa where we'd have to be based. They do not feel it's right to expand their remit from the countries they currently work in (Nigeria, Chad, Burkina Faso and Kenya).
We feel strongly that South Africa is where God wants us to be. If that is where he wants us to be, that's where we'll end up; it's just that at the moment we don't know how he's going to arrange it. As we have an invitation, a wonderful opening to use, not only Fraser's library and IT skills but also the peace-building and community development experiences Dawn's had in BRiCC and InReach, the main sticking point is financial support and all the admin that comes with it.
Pray with us that God will make the practicalities clear. That anyone who wants to support us will be able to, but that most of all, this incredible opportunity to make such a difference in the provision of education in Africa will not be lost.
It was becoming increasingly clear to Fraser that he'd be able to help more people by becoming a library consultant rather than being based in a single African theological college. This leading was confirmed after he spoke to people in NetAct (www.netact.christians.co.za), an organisation which helps theological colleges in developing Africa. They had recently decided it was time to develop their library side and are extremely keen for Fraser to run the programme, thanks to his unique blend of expertise in electronic resources and experience in an African theological library. A huge number of students would be helped by access to better resources, which in turn would strengthen the church and help protect it from false teaching. This is extremely exciting. Instead of assisting one college in one country, Fraser is being offered the opportunity to make a huge difference to the quality of theological education and training throughout Africa for many years to come. Not just theological education either. It's entirely possible that once other university faculties see the difference the library portal makes to students and staff, they will want to have it adapted for their own subjects. The potential is huge.
The internet portal that NetAct wants to develop will provide, among other things, access to ebooks and journals, links to theological websites, audio-visual material, the library catalogues of all partner organisations, reading lists for partners to compare practice, lists of African theological publishers and downloadable resources. There will also be a section for learning and teaching resources with guides for students to improve their studyskills and thesis writing. Staff will find help in curriculum development and syllabus creation, how to supervise a thesis and how to spot plagiarism. There will also be a course in information literacy to enable users to get the most out of the portal. The intention is also to have as much of the content as possible downloadable, able to be used offline when internet connection is unreliable.
Many students in African colleges have had their education disrupted by poverty, violence, unrest and lack of qualified teachers. NetAct's library and training portal will help fill some of the gaps and enable to students to achieve more of their potential.
It's as if God has designed this position especially for Fraser. Many of his experiences in the past can be seen as foundations upon which this potentially amazing gift to education in Africa will be built upon.
That's the exciting news.
The tricky bit is that Mission Africa, whilst being supportive of the value of this new work, do not have people in South Africa where we'd have to be based. They do not feel it's right to expand their remit from the countries they currently work in (Nigeria, Chad, Burkina Faso and Kenya).
We feel strongly that South Africa is where God wants us to be. If that is where he wants us to be, that's where we'll end up; it's just that at the moment we don't know how he's going to arrange it. As we have an invitation, a wonderful opening to use, not only Fraser's library and IT skills but also the peace-building and community development experiences Dawn's had in BRiCC and InReach, the main sticking point is financial support and all the admin that comes with it.
Pray with us that God will make the practicalities clear. That anyone who wants to support us will be able to, but that most of all, this incredible opportunity to make such a difference in the provision of education in Africa will not be lost.
Thursday, 7 April 2016
Youth Catering
Tuesday, 5 April 2016
Borehole
If you're trying to run catering classes and a cafe a good supply of water is essential. Many buildings in Nigeria do not have running water. Households rely on sending out their children (usually) with heavy containers or buying large yellow plastic tubs from wandering water sellers. BRiCC was also in this situation (we had to buy water, not send out children for it) but now we have our own borehole. Not only will this make life a lot easier for the women's skills department but it'll generate income when we start selling to the locals. At the moment, until the water runs clean, we're giving it away to the delight of the children nearby. A most welcome bonus is the prospect of getting a flushing toilet and not having to wait until the major rebuilding work starts.
Friday, 1 April 2016
How can I sing the Lord's song in a strange land?
Music is a necessity. It can lift you out of a low mood or reflect and intensify the emotions you feel. Some mornings I have to listen to Bring me sunshine to remind me what I should aim for each day; other times I need to start with a Requiem. Sometimes it's better to avoid listening to darker albums; other times their complexity can enhance life without further depressing. Sometimes you have to self-medicate, moving from dark to light until your own mood changes (only being careful not to get stuck).
Music is important - evocative, enhancing, challenging. My prayer has always been that my life would be a paean of worship to God, a brightness of melody in this dark world. It isn't easy for any of us as broken instruments sound discordant notes, external and internal influences try to stifle and new and different sounds need to be woven in. It's hard for those who march to the beat of a different drum. It can be especially challenging in a foreign land or even just an area of life where you're not comfortable, but our songs need to be sung, even if we feel there is no one listening.
I find life in Nigeria is not particularly conducive to the free singing of songs. Excessive noise, dishonesty, corruption, lack of trustworthiness, standards, taking responsibility and consideration for others, a disregard for the consequences of one's actions, an unwillingness to allow others to rise above their fellows, all these things conspire to grind down and oppress. There seems to be little thriving here, only surviving, whether you're expat or national.
Isn't it in such a place that beautiful songs are most needed? Even a glimpse of brightness shows that there is an alternative. The locals I know who are trying their best to shine in difficult circumstances, to live with problems that the West scarcely registers, who are hard-working, loving and generous, they bring hope and light. The challenge for us all is how to sing the song the Lord has given in the unique way he wants to hear it from each of us; wherever we happen to be.
Music is important - evocative, enhancing, challenging. My prayer has always been that my life would be a paean of worship to God, a brightness of melody in this dark world. It isn't easy for any of us as broken instruments sound discordant notes, external and internal influences try to stifle and new and different sounds need to be woven in. It's hard for those who march to the beat of a different drum. It can be especially challenging in a foreign land or even just an area of life where you're not comfortable, but our songs need to be sung, even if we feel there is no one listening.
I find life in Nigeria is not particularly conducive to the free singing of songs. Excessive noise, dishonesty, corruption, lack of trustworthiness, standards, taking responsibility and consideration for others, a disregard for the consequences of one's actions, an unwillingness to allow others to rise above their fellows, all these things conspire to grind down and oppress. There seems to be little thriving here, only surviving, whether you're expat or national.
Isn't it in such a place that beautiful songs are most needed? Even a glimpse of brightness shows that there is an alternative. The locals I know who are trying their best to shine in difficult circumstances, to live with problems that the West scarcely registers, who are hard-working, loving and generous, they bring hope and light. The challenge for us all is how to sing the song the Lord has given in the unique way he wants to hear it from each of us; wherever we happen to be.
Thursday, 31 March 2016
Boys' Brigade
What comes to mind when you think about the Boys' Brigade? Smart young men learning how to serve God and other people?
Perhaps.
Until the last couple of days my experience of the Nigerian Boys' Brigade had been a tuneless trumpeter giving a 6am wake up call every Saturday. This Tuesday they upped the ante with a 5am wake up followed by band practice at 6am. Obviously the practice wasn't enough as at 10:30pm that night they started again with loud drums and trumpets, continuing with gusto until midnight.
I would be among the first to admit that extra practice, especially for the trumpeters, would not go amiss but to me, starting at 12am Wednesday night is not the time to do it. Being woken by the massed drums and brass after a hot and busy day surviving life in Nigeria is not encouraging. The boys bang and blow drums and trumpets with far more enthusiasm than talent. Every so often they'd pause for a couple of minutes, giving rise to a faint hope that perhaps the torture would stop and I'd be able to get some sleep before another busy day, but no. The noise continued until 3 o'clock in the morning. This is the Boys' Brigade camp leaders giving their charges their money's worth. Who needs sleep? I've been warned it'll be as bad, if not worse, tonight. To me one of the major points of Christianity is loving others, considering their needs above your own, thinking of them. Sadly the Boys' Brigade of Nigeria doesn't seem to agree but then sleep is overrated.
Perhaps.
Until the last couple of days my experience of the Nigerian Boys' Brigade had been a tuneless trumpeter giving a 6am wake up call every Saturday. This Tuesday they upped the ante with a 5am wake up followed by band practice at 6am. Obviously the practice wasn't enough as at 10:30pm that night they started again with loud drums and trumpets, continuing with gusto until midnight.
I would be among the first to admit that extra practice, especially for the trumpeters, would not go amiss but to me, starting at 12am Wednesday night is not the time to do it. Being woken by the massed drums and brass after a hot and busy day surviving life in Nigeria is not encouraging. The boys bang and blow drums and trumpets with far more enthusiasm than talent. Every so often they'd pause for a couple of minutes, giving rise to a faint hope that perhaps the torture would stop and I'd be able to get some sleep before another busy day, but no. The noise continued until 3 o'clock in the morning. This is the Boys' Brigade camp leaders giving their charges their money's worth. Who needs sleep? I've been warned it'll be as bad, if not worse, tonight. To me one of the major points of Christianity is loving others, considering their needs above your own, thinking of them. Sadly the Boys' Brigade of Nigeria doesn't seem to agree but then sleep is overrated.
Friday, 11 March 2016
Tough day helped by hardworking police
Today I had to take one of our dogs to be euthanised.
For the last couple of years we've tried all we could from training to injections of female hormones to help him get over his aggression to strangers but he seemed to be getting worse. The trouble was he was so sweet to us and people that he knew well but was a threat to strangers. He was a big, strong dog but had psychological issues from an early age so as responsible owners we had to ensure he couldn't harm anyone. Better to act before he attacked a strange child than have to deal with the consequences.
Thank God for Howard, the Australian missionary vet who's been helping us over the years to try to find solutions for the dog. Thank God that the end was in his capable hands.
I had to drive the dog to Howard's place and was managing to hold it together until I was stopped on the way by the hard-working Nigerian police force. "Show me your international passport and car tinted windows permit," officer Ishayu asked aggressively.
"I don't carry my passport. You can see my resident's permit and tinted windows document but I'm taking my dog to the vet," I answered.
He looked. Asked for the other car documents (which I gave him as we believe in obeying the laws of the land and keeping them up to date) then told me the windows permit, which had been passed by the last policeman who'd checked on Monday, should have been renewed online. (When I got home we checked and yes that had been a requirement since January but we had until March 18th to comply). That was a 15,000 or 50,000 naira fine (I wasn't entirely sure which he said) and I had to go with him to the police command in Jos, next to the prison as he made sure to mention, over an hour's drive in the opposite direction from where I was heading.
Then he tried to open the passenger door and get into the car.
I was alone in the car with a condemned dog.
Thankfully, I remember my training and always lock the doors whenever I drive off.
Thankfully through BRiCC I've made friends with one of the Plateau government Commissioners so I told the officer I was going to phone him and check the facts.
The officer told me it was illegal for me to make a phone call.
I didn't believe him and carried on.
Thankfully the Commissioner answered my call and helped. He spoke to the officer (who was worried when I took down his name and number - surely someone who was "just doing his job" wouldn't have been) then said he would phone the man direct.
I was released to go on my way.
After I'd left my dog at the vet I returned the way I'd come.
The police had gone from that place and I was relieved until I was nearly home and met another policeman who stopped me. (Army checkpoints in contrast are usually manned by courteous and professional soldiers).
He wanted "something for water" - code for a bribe. I'd had enough and couldn't hold it back any more.
"I come here to serve Nigerians, building peace between Muslims and Christians and all I get is trouble from policemen". There were tears by this time. Then he asked for water money. I refused. He admitted defeat and waved me on.
Thank you police force of Nigeria for making a traumatic day so much easier.
I weep for those Nigerians who have no one to call for help.
For the last couple of years we've tried all we could from training to injections of female hormones to help him get over his aggression to strangers but he seemed to be getting worse. The trouble was he was so sweet to us and people that he knew well but was a threat to strangers. He was a big, strong dog but had psychological issues from an early age so as responsible owners we had to ensure he couldn't harm anyone. Better to act before he attacked a strange child than have to deal with the consequences.
Thank God for Howard, the Australian missionary vet who's been helping us over the years to try to find solutions for the dog. Thank God that the end was in his capable hands.
I had to drive the dog to Howard's place and was managing to hold it together until I was stopped on the way by the hard-working Nigerian police force. "Show me your international passport and car tinted windows permit," officer Ishayu asked aggressively.
"I don't carry my passport. You can see my resident's permit and tinted windows document but I'm taking my dog to the vet," I answered.
He looked. Asked for the other car documents (which I gave him as we believe in obeying the laws of the land and keeping them up to date) then told me the windows permit, which had been passed by the last policeman who'd checked on Monday, should have been renewed online. (When I got home we checked and yes that had been a requirement since January but we had until March 18th to comply). That was a 15,000 or 50,000 naira fine (I wasn't entirely sure which he said) and I had to go with him to the police command in Jos, next to the prison as he made sure to mention, over an hour's drive in the opposite direction from where I was heading.
Then he tried to open the passenger door and get into the car.
I was alone in the car with a condemned dog.
Thankfully, I remember my training and always lock the doors whenever I drive off.
Thankfully through BRiCC I've made friends with one of the Plateau government Commissioners so I told the officer I was going to phone him and check the facts.
The officer told me it was illegal for me to make a phone call.
I didn't believe him and carried on.
Thankfully the Commissioner answered my call and helped. He spoke to the officer (who was worried when I took down his name and number - surely someone who was "just doing his job" wouldn't have been) then said he would phone the man direct.
I was released to go on my way.
After I'd left my dog at the vet I returned the way I'd come.
The police had gone from that place and I was relieved until I was nearly home and met another policeman who stopped me. (Army checkpoints in contrast are usually manned by courteous and professional soldiers).
He wanted "something for water" - code for a bribe. I'd had enough and couldn't hold it back any more.
"I come here to serve Nigerians, building peace between Muslims and Christians and all I get is trouble from policemen". There were tears by this time. Then he asked for water money. I refused. He admitted defeat and waved me on.
Thank you police force of Nigeria for making a traumatic day so much easier.
I weep for those Nigerians who have no one to call for help.
Tuesday, 8 March 2016
Advantages
One of the advantages of living in Nigeria is that we have more control over our children's TV viewing habits. DVDs are the order of the day and guess who usually buys them. It's also a good way to indoctrinate (sorry, present opportunities for) them with classic British comedy. Lately we've been watching It Ain't Half Hot Mum which may appal some people but is actually very funny and pokes as much fun at British stereotypes as Indian ones. Perhaps living abroad opens your eyes.
There's also Morecombe and Wise. I really enjoy sitting in Nigeria with my husband, 17 year old son and 15 year old daughter with all of us chortling over the anarchic antics of Eric Morecombe. The theme song, Bring me Sunshine, is helping me through the day. If you need an instruction to get you through life you could do a lot worse.
Bring me Sunshine, in your smile,
Bring me Laughter, all the while,
In this world where we live, there should be more happiness,
So much joy you can give, to each brand new bright tomorrow,
Make me happy, through the years,
Never bring me, any tears,
Let your arms be as warm as the sun from up above,
Bring me fun, bring me sunshine, bring me love.
There's also Morecombe and Wise. I really enjoy sitting in Nigeria with my husband, 17 year old son and 15 year old daughter with all of us chortling over the anarchic antics of Eric Morecombe. The theme song, Bring me Sunshine, is helping me through the day. If you need an instruction to get you through life you could do a lot worse.
Bring me Sunshine, in your smile,
Bring me Laughter, all the while,
In this world where we live, there should be more happiness,
So much joy you can give, to each brand new bright tomorrow,
Make me happy, through the years,
Never bring me, any tears,
Let your arms be as warm as the sun from up above,
Bring me fun, bring me sunshine, bring me love.
Friday, 8 January 2016
They want to eat my dog!
Poor old Toby dog was unable to put his weight on one of his front legs this morning. As there was no obvious cause I decided to take him on the 40 minute, pothole laden journey to Howard the Australian vet.
All went smoothly (apart from some alarming clanking as I drove over drastic speed bumps) and Howard diagnosed a probable sprained ligament. Rest and time were prescribed and we set off home.
A short way down the road stood an armed man near a truck belonging to the "safety on the highways" branch of Nigerian security. Several ideas about how to improve safety on the highways sprang to mind: fill in the road craters, remove lunatic drivers and unsafe vehicles, don't have armed men standing in the middle of the road but I decided to keep my suggestions to myself. He asked to see my particulars and directed me to the side of the road where his two colleagues waited with their automatic rifles.
"Where is my happy new year?" asked the first, code for give me some money but we don't mention that. I wished him a happy new year and the ability to do his job with honesty and integrity. Then he spotted Toby. "You should give me your dog." (Some tribes on the Plateau see dogmeat as a delicacy.)
"You're not going to eat my dog," I replied.
"God wants us to give things," he answered.
"Not our dogs to be eaten."
We went good humouredly back and forth on the same subject for a while before he waved me on. I wasn't a lucrative target and other cars were passing by so Toby escaped becoming dinner. And people wonder why sometimes we just don't want to leave the compound.
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| Dinner? |
Saturday, 2 January 2016
Shopping
I've just come back from a brief trip to the shops in Bukuru.
One shop which advertises electronic payment facilities didn't have a working machine nor did it have change for cash but as usual tried to pay me off in individually wrapped sweets.
Insistent cries of "Baturia" or "Oyibo" weren't friendly greetings but invitations to be ripped off. If I hadn't carefully checked the tomatoes half would have been rotten, as it is I haven't yet had the heart to look at how many bad ones got through the net.
The happy young man at the meat stall carefully showed me his scales as he weighed 500g meat after resetting them when I queried their accuracy. Somehow my kitchen scales show only 350g. I wonder whose are the more reliable.
The sad thing is that I expect to be cheated or overcharged every time I have to go to the market. It doesn't make it easier to be proved right and every time this happens another little piece is chipped from the reputation of the majority of Nigerians. Pray for this country, that 2016 will bring the start of a complete change of heart and attitudes at all level of society - lack of integrity is certainly not confined to the market.
One shop which advertises electronic payment facilities didn't have a working machine nor did it have change for cash but as usual tried to pay me off in individually wrapped sweets.
Insistent cries of "Baturia" or "Oyibo" weren't friendly greetings but invitations to be ripped off. If I hadn't carefully checked the tomatoes half would have been rotten, as it is I haven't yet had the heart to look at how many bad ones got through the net.
The happy young man at the meat stall carefully showed me his scales as he weighed 500g meat after resetting them when I queried their accuracy. Somehow my kitchen scales show only 350g. I wonder whose are the more reliable.
The sad thing is that I expect to be cheated or overcharged every time I have to go to the market. It doesn't make it easier to be proved right and every time this happens another little piece is chipped from the reputation of the majority of Nigerians. Pray for this country, that 2016 will bring the start of a complete change of heart and attitudes at all level of society - lack of integrity is certainly not confined to the market.
Thursday, 15 October 2015
There are many interesting things to eat in Nigeria. Often they're so spicy that the change from white face to red causes much amusement and I know my tolerance of hot foods has increased since I've been living here.
Cafe BRiCC tends to serve a different selection from the local norm but yesterday we went traditional with moimoi cooked in leaves. Nowadays in the city the flavoured bean paste is often steamed in cans but the old way of wrapping it in leaves improves the taste immensely.
Cafe BRiCC tends to serve a different selection from the local norm but yesterday we went traditional with moimoi cooked in leaves. Nowadays in the city the flavoured bean paste is often steamed in cans but the old way of wrapping it in leaves improves the taste immensely.
Hassan, a member of staff and always an enthusiastic customer, tucking in to moimoi and Chinese fried rice.
Friday, 9 October 2015
Cafe BRiCC
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| Sunshades needed at Cafe BRiCC |
Cafe BRiCC opened yesterday not quite to a fanfare but at least to satisfied munchings. We started small with a menu of meat pies, vegetable spring rolls and plain cake, ably made by assistant co-ordinator Mary and women's skills graduates Blessing and Aisha.
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| Sandra making meatpies supervised by Veronica |
Friday's menu is samosas and fish rolls.
Wednesday, 30 September 2015
Developments
Learning a new skill is great and the women's skills department at BRiCC (www.briccjos.com) is excellent at teaching women how to make all kinds of food and cosmetics. Using that skill to start a business can be a little harder and that's where our new venture comes in. Next Wednesday we plan to open Cafe BRiCC just outside the gates of the BRiCC offices. It'll be nothing fancy - we'd rather start small and do it well before expanding, but the ladies who were given the opportunity to be involved are already excited. As one of them said, she's tried starting a business but had a few problems. At Cafe BRiCC she'll be able to learn more and get support from Madam Veronica and her friends. The idea is to have two different women on duty each day, one Christian, one Muslim; one a recent student, one who graduated longer ago. They'll learn from each other and show the community how people of different religions can work together and have fun as well as providing a quality product. The women will have the opportunity to show off what they can do and take private orders to build up their own businesses. We won't be setting up in competition to the exisiting food places nearby as the menu at Cafe BRiCC will be very different. Hopefully there'll be winners all round.
If anyone wants to help with the startup costs of the cafe please let me know.
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| Planning |
Friday, 18 September 2015
Matter of the Heart
How do we move head knowledge about peace down to the heart? How do we make a real difference in people's lives and attitudes and not merely constantly talk about what should be done?
We tried something new at BRiCC (Building Relationships in City Centre; www.briccjos.com) on Wednesday. Many people have no idea about the Troubles in Northern Ireland and how similar the divisions in Belfast are to the results of the Crisis in Jos. There are no go areas for members of each community; children are taught in segregated schools and learn hatred and fear; both communities exercise their cultural/religious "rights" in a way guaranteed to antagonise the other side; underemployed and angry young men are frequently on the verge of boiling over; the "religious" conflict is more about territory, economics and opportunity than differences of faith.
Northern Ireland has had "peace" since 1998 but the divisions seem as deep as ever. Real peace won't be achieved in either place until heart attitudes change and children are taught there is more that unites us as humans than divides.
BRiCC invited members of the police, Neighbourhood Watch Vigilante groups, peace NGOs and other community leaders to attend a morning workshop. About twenty-seven people turned up. We talked about how peace can only be made complete by a change of heart, watched documentaries on the state of Belfast filmed 15 years after the peace agreement, then broke into small groups to discuss how to apply the lessons learned from Northern Ireland to the situation in Jos. There were good discussions, important points were raised, but the test will be in the practical implementation. Next week we look at Rwanda.
We tried something new at BRiCC (Building Relationships in City Centre; www.briccjos.com) on Wednesday. Many people have no idea about the Troubles in Northern Ireland and how similar the divisions in Belfast are to the results of the Crisis in Jos. There are no go areas for members of each community; children are taught in segregated schools and learn hatred and fear; both communities exercise their cultural/religious "rights" in a way guaranteed to antagonise the other side; underemployed and angry young men are frequently on the verge of boiling over; the "religious" conflict is more about territory, economics and opportunity than differences of faith.
Northern Ireland has had "peace" since 1998 but the divisions seem as deep as ever. Real peace won't be achieved in either place until heart attitudes change and children are taught there is more that unites us as humans than divides.
Sunday, 6 September 2015
There are many interesting things to see by the roadside as you drive
in Nigeria - that's during the few seconds you're not avoiding kekes,
motorists on the wrong side of the road, potcraters and roadworks. One
that I like on my way into the BRiCC office is the sign on a tailor's
shop. God is invoked in many business titles, from dentists to
photographers but for this tailor he's the senior partner. The sign over
the shop includes a quote from Genesis: '"Let us clothe man" - God is
the partner in our mission.'
God is very present in daily life here, possibly because people live much closer to mortality than we do in the West. This was brought home yet again earlier in the week when the BRiCC family went on a condolence visit to the brother of Sadiq, our education co-ordinator. His three year old daughter had died the day before after eating the rat poison he kept under the dvds. "It'd been there for three months and there'd been no problems," he told us. My heart went out to the little girl's mother who had been divorced by her Muslim husband when her Christian faith was reignited. By custom, the children belong to the father. There was no sign or mention of her when we visited.
God is very present in daily life here, possibly because people live much closer to mortality than we do in the West. This was brought home yet again earlier in the week when the BRiCC family went on a condolence visit to the brother of Sadiq, our education co-ordinator. His three year old daughter had died the day before after eating the rat poison he kept under the dvds. "It'd been there for three months and there'd been no problems," he told us. My heart went out to the little girl's mother who had been divorced by her Muslim husband when her Christian faith was reignited. By custom, the children belong to the father. There was no sign or mention of her when we visited.
Thursday, 27 August 2015
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.
Wednesday, 26 August 2015
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.
Tuesday, 25 August 2015
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.
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| Inside |
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| And out |
Thursday, 20 August 2015
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.
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.
Wednesday, 27 May 2015
BRiCC Keke
A couple of years ago BRiCC (www.briccjos.com) was able to buy two kekes after donations from England. The idea was that one would be driven by a Muslim, one by a Christian, thus providing a job for the drivers and rental income for BRiCC.
Some readers may remember the trouble we had in the beginning as the man we were buying from took the money then didn't supply the vehicle for months, despite having plenty of stock. It's been a struggle to find reliable drivers too, even though both of them had to be recommended and guaranteed by their respective religious leaders. Recently the driver who paid his rent more reliably has left the keke unused whilst he returns to his village to plant crops. The other driver, who seemed to regard paying rent as an optional extra, was told that the BRiCC keke would be taken away from him and allocated to someone more trustworthy (an "elderly" person, as BRiCC's director said, not another young man).Yesterday, in very coincidental timing, we discovered that that keke has been stolen.
The theft has been reported to the police but hopes are not high of its return.
So often in Nigeria ideas intended to benefit people, to bring peace and better livelihoods to those who are struggling, are thwarted by dishonesty at all levels of society, whether that's people given jobs who do no work, rents not paid or corrupt officials creaming off so many millions of naira that projects never get off the ground. The poor and destitute suffer most but the whole of society is stunted by greed and self-interest. Nigeria has the potential to be great: sometimes it's all too obvious why there are problems.
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