Day Ten - PH NG

Today began slowly as I waited for the driver to get here. I was supposed to be in Onne at 9 and made it there by 11:30. That put us two hours late to the church in the village of Kono. No problem, the people were there praying and singing. We got there and I set up the projector and computer. I have to keep reminding myself that the use of a computer and projector to show pictures and text is something that the pastors say their congregations will probably never see in their church again. During break times, I showed them personal family videos and they were so excited to see my life in the USA.

When we got there, I learned that the church was really struggling. The chairman of the congregation, in the absence of a pastor, had led almost half of the congregation into spiritism and they began to meet right down the road. They are praying for ways to bring the people back to the truth of the Gospel. I hope that our four hour session helped. They weren't tired yet and wanted more, but the pastors said we had to stop to get back.
When I was formally intruduced to the congregation the ladies' group danced to the front singing songs of welcome and danced out on song number three. It was beautiful. I saw more people here with physical problems and sickness that other villages. The congregation's members are struggling financially because of the recent war and the fight against Shell Oil and pollution. The land for their new mission congregation in Bori was taken from them and now they are left without a place to worship. Again, the joy I had as we drove to the village and spent time with the church was amazing.
I can't believe that there are only two days left. Tomorrow we take a boat to Bakana and I preach at a fasting and prayer house where people come to be healed of all sorts of diseases and injuries.

Today in Okono

Today I go to Okono, a town of the Okono people. They have been in a struggle against Shell Oil company and the government for over a decade. There land was extremely fertile and they made a good living through agriculture, but there have been numerous oil spills in their land and Shell's flares burn 24 hours a day and causes acid rain. The leaders of the movement were hung by the government because they spoke up against the pollution of their land. Sometimes pastors are told what to preach and what to pray for by the government. To read more about them: Ogoni Struggle FAQ.
I pray that the Lord gives me wisdom in my teaching.

Driving through Aba

A town we drove through today is called Aba. Charles said that I could buy anything I wanted to in that town, including weapons, slaves and body parts among other things. A teenage boy was recently found in a container, missing some body parts and then left to starve to death. Some local groups use certain body parts in their rituals. Slaves are captured and sold here as well. I guess it's no different than our abortion industry in the USA.

I was warned

I was warned that I should try not to use my cell phone while walking on the street. Apparently someone might come up and ask me for it and if I don't give it to them, they cut off the hand with a machete. Several people have warned me about this, so it must be serious.

Children at Dim Street Church

These kids waited in the back of the church until our session was over. I took some pictures of them and then they all crowded around me to view then as I sat down. We are still waiting for the other materials we shipped, so they received copies of the Good News magazine as well.

Church choir in Ekara

This band and choir have so much joy, it's incredible. They play and sing different styles. The two choirs usually do a couple of accapella numbers as well.

Day Nine - PH NG

This morning, Sunday, we went to the Ekara church in Onne. I preached, so they made me sit up near the altar. The only problem is that I couldn't see anything. They dedicated their new drums that they will use in funeral processions and such. The service started at 10 and ended at about 1:30. We did some pre-service singing and an offering. Everything crescendoed until at last I preached. By that time we had already taken several offerings for various things. Several announcements had been made at various times as well and we had pretty much done the whole liturgy. Charles told me that I should preach for about 45 minutes, so I was feeling confident of being able to finish (with translation and all). Next time I come to your church I will preach for only 40 minutes, don't worry.
When the service was almost finished, they picked up the official offering which lasted for about 20-30 minutes. Everyone dances up to the altar and brings their offering. It's like a conga line that goes on and on. After about 20 minutes of dancing I started to get loose so I break-danced for my offering (just joking). When the service officially ended We were ushered to the guest house where they dressed us as Ekara chiefs. Everyone had a good laugh at us in their native festive clothes and we enjoyed out time. We then had a meeting with the elders for about 2 1/2 hours and finally ate supper.
I have to say that the hospitality, the worship and everything else almost brought me to tears several times. What a blessing to be in the family of God half way around the world.

The Ekara Chief of Houston

The church in Onne made us honorary Ekara chiefs. I am now the Ekara chief of Houston. I will let Charles be the deputy chief.

Me as Kalabari Man

Something is wrong here. Charles is dressed in western clothes, and I in Kalabari clothes.

Day Eight - PH NG

This morning, Saturday, I presented an Evangelism workshop at our church on Dim street. This neighborhood is maybe one of the hardest ones we've been in, in terms of economic level. The main street to get to the neighborhood is were they sell car parts and repair cars. There aren't any garages or workshops, so the cars are repaired along the road on both sides. It's something I can't even describe. For about a mile or so, there is nothing except cars being repaired and people selling car parts. We passed out more Good News magazines to those in attendance and they were so happy to have something to teach their friends and family with. Each time I present this workshop, I am grateful to Jim Pressnell who prepared the materials for us.
After the workshop ended we went to a wedding, wear I was dressed as a Kalabari man. If you're wondering, the skirt is actually very comfortable and I didn't wear shorts underneath (just kidding.) I wore something called knickers, which are white boxers that come almost to the knees. When I walked into the hall, I saw a whole row of people dressed like I was. They kind of looked at me weird, but the people I knew were generous in their compliments. Africans either like to see others dressed as they are, or they just like a good laugh. For me, I'm not planning on wearing the skirt every day in Houston.
After the wedding, we went to Abonema for a wake keeping service for someone who had died. It rained so hard, and the electricity was out (of course), that we stayed inside most of the time. We ate at the house of someone related to Charles (most people we've met are in some way). We sat inside an almost pitch dark room and talked while the food was prepared. Another delicious meal down the hatch.

Day Seven - PH NG

Today we were going to go back to Onne village and meet with the pastors and leaders to talk about ways we could partner together. Our driver was about two hours late, and that turned out to be a good thing because the President of Nigeria came to that village in the morning, so the roads were shut down and backed up for hours. Instead we went to eat at Abonema Wharf and there met the pastor of St. Matthew and his assistant pastor, Tonye.
In the afternoon I was able to spend some time working on some LINC Houston items and finally was able to speak with Ruanne.
In the evening, I filled Sylvia's place for a women's presentation at the church on Dim Street, so I filled in with stories about how my mom and Natalie follow Christ. We were in a neighborhood that wasn't very safe, so our driver Michael wanted to leave early. To me it was like being back home in Houston, but it's hard for people to understand that.
There hasn't been electricity in most parts of Port Harcourt for over three weeks so everything was completely dark. The churches and hotels all have generators so that there will be power. About half of the houses also have generators, but they only run them when they have to. We promised we would eat vegetable soup that someone had made, so we went to Asime's house to meet her mother and eat Gari (kind of like really thick mashed potatoes that you pick up with your hands and eat the food with.) Of course we drank Guinness with our meal. :-)


Chicken Dinner anyone? Just like old times, I sat and watched a girl clean this chicken out in front of the house, probably for dinner tomorrow. Below is what I ate. I think it was fish, and vegetable soup (definitely not Campbell's.) I know it had gizzards in it and some kind of seafood, but I don't know what else. It was tasty!

Spreading Good News

Here they are sorting the boxes of the Good News magazine to hand out tonight at church. Each leader will receive 10 different issues that teach the basics of our faith.

The New Sylvia

The women of Onne made Sylvia into a real Nigerian woman. You wouldn't believe the joy on their faces when she walked into the church wearing this dress they had made.

Day Six - PH NG

I can't even describe today. God is beginning to show us our primary purpose for being here. The church in Onne, where we've held two days of workshops for women and for the whole church, is so excited. They said they have never had any white people in their church, except the Bible translators who are there. They said "now we know we've not been forgotten." Most visitors that come to Nigeria go straight to the Synod headquarters and never get to the villages throughout the country, especially to the churches from this particular tribe who are not in power. They took my measurements and are going to make me a native outfit to wear Sunday. The women made a beautiful dress and even dressed her in their tribal ritual (don't ask her the details if you're not her husband).
We took the boxes of Good News and distributed them to the people at night after the workshop. On Sunday the church is dedicating their new drum set, so they say there will be lots of music and dancing (more than normal?) By the way, ask me to show you video footage of Sylvia dancing in church to give her offering.
Unfortunately, Sylvia had to leave Nigeria early because of the condition of her father in Corpus Christi. The people gave her a huge send off and we took her to the airport at 9:30 p.m. to board her flight to Paris, then to Houston.
It's unbelievable that in a city this size, none of our churches have been visited by outsiders. If we can even just be some encouragement to them to keep going, then we have done God's will. The workshops at night were filled and people memorized the material we presented on Evangelism and community based ministry.
I have to go meet with some other people.

Day Five - PH NG

Today we spent the day in Ohne. Sylvia led a women's bible study and workshop and was assisted by some local women for translation into their language. She did a great job, even though she was nervous. I spent time with the local pastors and listened to a lot of their joys and concerns. I found that they earn about 9,000 naira a month, which is about $84.
We are trying to work together to figure out some kind of money making projects that the church can run, where some members can be employed and the pastor's family can also earn some much needed income. I know that this will be a long-term goal, but something has to be done. Today's workshops are going to be about how to minister to the community, and how to begin small businesses. It's hopefully the start of a good discussion.
I am loving the life here in Nigeria. The social norms and un-written rules are mind-boggling to a newcomer, but it is fascinating. There is so much posturing for power and prestige among the leaders it's incredible. Everyone has a title, and the next one longer than the first. College degrees and titles are much more important here than in the states, at least in the local church. This is something that I obviously am not concerned about.
Sylvia got her hand slapped for wearing pants and no head covering in the church. Oops, we weren't told that she was expected to, and assumed that because it was a workshop that she wouldn't have to. Bad Americans! Tomorrow she has something more appropriate to wear, and I'm wearing my native Nigerian dress.

beautiful school children

These are some of the school children at the church in Ohne. I was literally swallowed up after this picture as more and more came running to touch me. There is nothing better than this in the whole world.

Karen Rose

This beautiful little girl lives with the missionaries in Ohne. She is six years old and already writing cursive, doing multiplication and is so advanced I can't believe it. She is home schooled and it really shows.

Way to go Sylvia!

Poor Sylvia has had a hard time with the food, mainly because of her recent tonsilectamy. The plate in front of her was a result of her gently asking for milder food over the course of two days. She thanked God that the only two things on her plate were white rice and something that looked like greens.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" is what she is praying.

Day Four - PH NG

Today I have begun to see more of the differences in culture from one group to the other. I can actually pick out people from one area over another, although not very well. Port Harcourt, as are all cities, is a melting pot of people from all over the country who have different customs, values and languages. Things move so slowly here, which I kind of like right now. It's a great change of pace from Houston.
I've seen some things today that I wouldn't believe. People with such deformed bodies that it was hard to even look at. Each house we go into even worse than the last. We went into a house tonight that was pitch black because of no electricity (pretty normal). The girl with us was so apologetic for the conditions, especially the heat (not very hot compared to Houston.) She kept fanning me with a fan the whole time I was there until I got so embarrassed I asked her to please stop. She was the one who was suffering from the heat, not I.
We went to the biggest open air market I've ever seen. We walked through lane after lane of stalls with someone trying to sell us something every second.
A boy was on the side of the road who had burn scars on his whole body. Of course his parents made him go without a shirt so that people would give him more money, but we only had an apple to give him. We felt good that at least he would eat something, until Charles said that he would probably have to take it to his parents so they could sell it.

Apartments along the street

I couldn't do this in a million years

This boy carried the books for sale about a mile to where we met him again. I don't know how he does it.

Day Three - PH NG

Today I met an evangelist from one of the Lutheran churches in another community (evangelist here is like a pastor in training who is leading a congregation as a lay leader.) He is basically living in hiding now because there are death threats on his life. He ran for political office in his community so that he could make a bigger impact. The government officials in power had him beat up and put in jail for 7 days. He had to leave that community for fear of
his life and is now biding his time on the opposite side of town. If he goes to another neighborhood, he has to call ahead to friends there to make sure that it is safe. His vision is to return to his community to help with the ministry, but he knows it will be a long time. I can't even imagine how life is in this city as the church. Everything is fine until you stand in the way of those in power and their money. Please pray for him.

Day Two in Pourt Harcout

Sunday we visited 5 different churches throughout the city. Since it was the first Sunday of the month, everyone was celebrating thanksgiving Sunday. People brought a special offering in thanks for a particular blessing that they had received. At the church on Dim street, they were also celebrating "I love my pastor." This was a special offering that they brought and the pastor would then use it for his personal living expenses.
Nigerians say that no matter what happens in their lives or country, they always have hope. I can see it in people's faces, in their expressions and in the way they view life. The conditions here in the city are incredibly bad for most people. We met Wokoma's chief's son and then went to the house of a leader of Moni Pulo natural gas company. The owner of this company is Chief LuLu Briggs who lost both parents at an early age and struggled to create what he has now, a hugely successful enterprise. He said in an interview "I believe that serious adversity does shape our character into either of two extremes as we either become imbued with compassion or it makes us unfeeling, with a belief that everyone else should have a taste of the suffering which we have experienced in our own life."
It's hard to drive through the city and not be affected by the sights and sounds of people struggling through life. I pray that God would use these few days for me so that I can begin to have an understanding of my role in helping local churches reach their communities for Christ.

Video clips from Day 2

Driving in Port Harcourt
Youth Brigade

Day One in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Today has been a whirlwind day. It's already 6 p.m. We arrived in Port Harcourt airport this morning around 6:30 a.m. from London. I didn't get any sleep that night or the night before because we had overnight flights in cramped seats. We arrived at the small airport and headed straight for the way out. We passed through the customs area and then had to pay a man to help us clear our bags past the guards without question. We paid him his tip along with a small "tip" for the official who allowed our bags through with no search.
We were introduced to Pastor Tete, his wife and some others from the church. We then waited around at the airport until 10 a.m. because the sanitation department of the city doesn't allow road traffic on the first Saturday of every month from 7-10 a.m. Everyone is supposed to pick up trash along the road during that time. Apparently not many people participated in the clean up, because as we drove through town to Onne, we saw piles of trash and debris all over the city.
Port Harcourt is an endless system of mainly dirt roads with no traffic signals or lanes. it seems there are more motorcycles than cars and no-one seems to care about anyone else's safety. I was so completely overwhelmed by the number of people on the streets sharing space with the cars and motorcycles. Our driver, Michael, is amazing. Coming within an inch of other cars, motorcycles and pedestrians happened about every 30 seconds during every drive.
We were welcomed at the Lutheran Church in Onne by Chief White and other leaders of the congregation. As we came into the church, it was so beautiful I almost started to cry. The beauty was in the type of warm welcome we received from the people. There is much for me to learn about hospitality.
We ate meat pies for lunch and drove another 1 1/2 hours through the city to the Lutheran Church on Dim Street. This neighborhood was obviously more rough than in Onne. It was more crowded and the conditions were even worse. The members were gone to a funeral when we arrived, so I can't wait to meet them tomorrow for church.
I don't have a clue where to start with helping them expand their ministry. I need more time to build relationships with people, process the information and work with them to come up with a plan.
I'm tired now, even after my 3 hour nap.
For dinner I had goat meat in tomato and pepper sauce with rice, along with a Guinness Stout.