2010 Journal from Nigeria

NIGERIAN JOURNAL

Wed. June 16: Most everyone was up about 4 AM and off to the airport to meet at 5:30 AM.  All bags got checked through to Abuja with no problems. I had packed 7 suitcases with laptops which technically are not to be in checked luggage for some reason.  When the sun came up it was bright and sunny day. Our Minneapolis flight was delayed due to a non-functioning seat. Flight to MSP was quick, with a long walk to JFK departure gate but some purchased breakfast.  On to JFK where we waited for Beila who didn’t show up and finally after boarding the flight, I was able to get her on her cell only to learn she had stepped incorrectly on her ankle/foot causing a sprain, was on her way to the ER and upset to have to cancel her trip to meet her Nigerian family.  The JFK/ABV flight was not full so we all were able to get three middle seats making the 10 hour flight more comfortable. A dinner of chicken or beef was served.  I watched Avatar, Hurt Locker, Dear John and part of Tolstoy movie on monitor on seat in front of me.  Flight was early and breakfast was served quickly in preparation for landing in rain storm.      Beverly

Thur. June 17  Today we woke up on the plan at about 8:30 AM and landed in Abuja. The airport was crazy and crowded! Rev. Mathew Dangombe, local UMC pastor met us and organized our transfer to the domestic airport where we would catch our flight to Yola. All baggage was accounted for! Two guys already asked me and Emily for our number! Ha ha! At 11 AM we flew on IRS to Yola, a one hour trip. Upon arrival we were met by Hannatu, Yusuf, Fatima and Kingsley. The group divided with Jeremy, Kristen, Christine and Dianne going to Bambur and the rest to Jalingo. After a 3 hour drive we arrived in Jalingo where Linda and Barb met us. Everyone was so nice! Unpacked and had lunch of chicken/rice prepared by Mrs. Thomas. We’ll have to get used to the showers and heat and bugs! We were so tired we fell asleep before 8 PM.    Chelsea

Fri. June 18   It was Bishop Trimble’s birthday so we put up a “Happy Birthday” sign and streamer.  Mrs. Thomas purchased a round pound cake to help him/us celebrate. The majority of our day was spent at the UMC Secretariat unloading the sea container, sorting out things and helping to distribute them through the three church conferences. It was hot working under the intense African sun. Beverly

Sat. June 19  Today we were off to Zing to attend a graduation ceremony at the Kakulu Theological Seminary. We spent 3 hours at the ceremony and were all amazed at the Nigerian culture.  We heard lots of music from the Hausa men. John Wesley Yohanna gave a speech about the problems in the church. We got to hear from Bishop Kulah.  After the ceremony, Linda and Yusuf put a part on the unused well which then produced water which they had not had for 10 months due to a needed $8 piece. We left the school and went to the hospital where we toured all of the hospital rooms and met some of the doctors. It was very interesting as a baby had just been born and received an Iowa layette.

On our way back to Jalingo, my vehicle had some difficulties. First, our hood flew up and cracked the windshield. We barely got down the road when we realized that we had a flat tire. Hannatu hopped on a motorcycle and went to a close-by village to hire a car. We took Amos, our driver and the tire, to the village to be fixed and then continued on to Jalingo but as we neared town we got pulled over by road agents. The driver had an expired license so we paid a 1,500 naira or $10 USD fine. We FINALLY made it home! I got to call home and was very excited! We had an amazing meal cooked by Mrs. Thomas! Time for a shower!  We turned on TV to watch one of the World Cup Soccer games.  Emily

Sun. June 20 An egg omelet and fries for breakfast courtesy of Mrs. Thomas. We attend Abuja Church with Hannatu and were made to feel so comfortable and welcome at our first Nigerian worship service in Nigeria. Today focused on men being Father’s Day and emphasized many messages. Most memorable was the awareness of how women should be treated by men “Not kicked around” like footballs but respected. I noticed how the message resonated with the women of the church and how some men were uncomfortable with it.  I appreciated the direct style. The different music groups (about 5) put us on our feet to re-charge during the 4 hour service.  Chelsea & Emily said they got a month of worship in today! We were welcomed and each had an opportunity to express gratitude and grace for the warm Nigerian welcome. The offering was interesting…orderly where each member shuffles in time to lively African music and places their offering in a box. Karen did a marvelous blessing and participated in a meaningful way. I couldn’t help to notice the irony of the focus on women and the men hearing from a female pastor. It was inspiring! Home for lunch and then to the market where we went searching for fabric and jewelry. The market was full of interesting goods and smells.  Art and I took more pictures. We continue to be captivated by the children and their interesting expressions. Their smiles light up a room or in our case, the back of the pick up truck! We notice a leper and offer him 200 naira. I am blessed and thankful for my life and that God provides including moments like these to remind us to count each of our blessings daily. The afternoon included naps, preparation for work on Monday, washing clothes by hand, playing with the “The Boys” (the neighbor children that enjoy our company including Bishop’s grandson, Arthur. We visited with countless guests who stop by to welcome us; we have met so many interesting people. Today Sarasin describes how she started the orphanage. Dinner was chicken, couscous, noodles and mangos. We enjoy Mrs. Thomas’ cooking. We prepare for tie dye, some watch soccer, some read and now to bed following my nice cold shower which I appreciate so much.  Judi.  

Mon. June 21 Today we all went our separate ways—some to JSS, some to the Secretariat and some to Bambur.  Bishop Trimble, Bishop Kulah, Beverly and I began the first ever School for Ministry—a very good turnout of district superintendents from the three conferences with only 14 mission. Before we started I played with some of the kids at the orphanage. It seems they enjoy just watching people. I took pictures, sang songs and watched them, told Bible stories and handed out LOTS of wristbands.

The first small roadblock was the name tags. I brought self-sticking ones and they didn’t know how to peel them! So this was a great way to meet everyone, helping them put on their name tags. I preached and led the first lecture-fun and with translation by Philip Micah, Council Director. So far people are responding really well to both Bishop and to each other. We are off to a very good start.

   Jalingo is amazing…so much junk and smoke from vehicles and fires. Fancy gas stations that are not open, mud and brick buildings, stores selling computer parts and cell phones.

  The warm welcome continues as everyone is so accepting and glad to meet us. It feels natural but also uncomfortable on the receiving end of so much honor.  Important information: laundry detergent really does get the dirt out. I dumped enough pails of dirty water to know.    Karen

Tues. June 22  Dianne’s Birthday and she is in Bambur! Barb celebrated her 54^th birthday all day! A cake was made by Mrs. Thomas with the lettering of “Hurray!”  Early birds Chelsea, Emily and Barb had breakfast at 6:30 AM and left at 7 AM with Kenneth hiking to the Nursery/Primary School for a day of painting and playing with the children.  Bishop, Karen, Art and Beverly worked with the School of Ministry—today it takes place here at Mayo Gwoi UMC Compound. Everyone had good reports on the meeting; peace is coming to Nigeria as is cooperation within the UMC. May the Holy Spirit continue to dwell among all of us. Karen said she knew her presentations were hitting the mark when the Nigerians corrected the Hausa interpreter.  Art did some work at the Secretariat, as did Juli working with the new treasurer, Silas. It’s all a process and we are “in progress!” Judi was grateful the comments and affirmations Silas shared with her.

   Linda and Yusuf were off to Garinjatau to look at a possible well site for 5000+ people. Later they had a village wells meeting. Beverly also met with the four Women’s Leadership Center Directors which was the first time they have come together and it was a very, very good meeting as she introduced the empowHer program.

  Chelsea painted lots of verses on the walls at N/P school. Emily painted the UMC cross/flame in many rooms. Barb attempted to make a cage for a tree and did tracings for Emily. We worked until 3 PM and were exhausted and returned to the Guesthouse to be refueled. Lots of wind/rain throughout the night. Thanks to Karen for the generator fuel allowing for ceiling fans to be on all night.   Barb

Wed. June 23  It had just finishing raining as some of us rose at 5 AM and it was so cool! Linda & Barb ate early and began the hike to N/P at 7 AM. Linda is doing a special project with Nursery 2 children as she brought supplies to make cards for her granddaughter’s friends. Everyone had a great time! Barb spent time painting and taking pictures of the big celebration—dedication of the Ron and Meriele Wilmot Children’s Library and the rededication of the school. What a Celebration Day it was! Pink and blue ribbons everywhere, children, alumni grads of N/P, dignitaries and parents. It was almost 2 hours in length and very, very memorable. Art filed a lot today! Bishop told all of the people at the dedication that he will remember this event for the rest of his life…what a statement! and so will all of us there!

  The School for Ministry is accomplishing many things. They worshipped three times and had three sermons. They also discussed how the church in Nigeria is growing. Karen says they are putting lots of energy into this!

   JSS was the site of numerous team members today—loading Yusuf’s truck for Bambur, resorting through books for the seminary and Bible Institutes and getting some tools for Bambur.  A short trip to the Secretariat.

  This evening five young men, 4 of whom graduated from N/P blessed us with a roasted chicken, chocolates and juice. They sang their school song, “In 1989…!”  We sang Happy Birthday to Sam, age 24!   Barb

Thurs. June 24  Went to Sibre to see Yusuf’s village, carpenter’s shop, fish hatchery, A3 garden and most especially, the presentation of the Personal Energy Transport (PET) vehicle to Naomi, who is thought to be about 20 y/o, though she said she didn’t really know how old she was when one of the group asked her.  She crawls using her arms and knees and at first it didn’t seem that she quite knew what to make of the PET…she climbed up and on it by herself and began to turn the handles which move the chain drive, which in turn moves the wheels. It will take her some getting used to and some upper arm strength development but she took to it, even moving the handles in reverse to go backwards and turning the front wheel to redirect the PET.

  Yusuf’s wife, Mary, greeted us as she sat outside her home, near the cooking pot, shelling and skinning peanuts, moving her hands, flipping the batch in the tray up and then starting again.  Her cook area consisted of metal pots raised on a course of bricks, over smoldering firewood.

   Yusuf conducted us through his carpenter shop, showing us a thermal cook oven, which was a wood box container, glass top in a frame and above that a mirror in a further wooden frame...another man was in another section of the large shop, fitted out with some hand and some ower tools, trimming lumber to size. We were then led to the fish hatchery, an area with large concrete tanks, one of which was filled with catfish, which jumped after the food that Yusuf tossed into the water. In the background was a field and then a beautiful green roiling mountain…solar powered lights were trained on the holding tanks which, at dusk and in the evening draw bugs which fall into the water and become additional food for the catfish. Three smaller spawning tanks were near larger tanks..standing by them Yusuf talked about the economics of raising the fish in those tanks and Beverly noted that it might be something that the EmpowHer program might be able to fund with microloans for interested women.

  After the fish hatchery we went over to the Nursery and lower Primary school of the village area. The children came out from the classrooms, which were in a mortar building with metal roof and a few windows and sang songs including the Nigerian national anthem and prayer, together, the Lord’s Prayer.  Linda’s church in Bloomfield had made hand decorated school kits for the children. She began to distribute notebooks, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, scissors, rulers and other items that were in the school bags. The box of bags had come over in the sea container especially for these children.  The next stop was the sewing class building where about 20 students—adults, one even with a baby in arm, learned in a six month long course how to become village tailors and weavers, starting in the first three months with paper patterns followed by working with actual cloth.

  A stop by the goat pen was highlighted when seven of the group held a nearly newborn goat, each having a photo snapped.  Linda planted some A3 as the group looked at the garden of the medicinal plants.  Counting and singing cards were given to many of the children in the village.  As we left many took photos of some of the huts that were between Yusuf’s home and the market area where an open hut housed a pool table that was being used by four young men.

The ride back to Jalingo took about 30 minutes and we were back at the guest house area of the compound before 11 AM.

  Suitcases were loaded into the truck cargo bed, goodbyes said to Mrs. Thomas and others and we climbed in for what would be about a six hour ride from Jalingo to Bambur and the Gwaten Conference headquarters. Over time the roads changed from nicely paved to paved with some potholes to paved with many potholes to kind of paved with major washouts to graded clay to clay with ruts and holes to ungraded beaten down dirt to places where the vehicles had to either run on the shoulder or drive off the road around an obstruction to places where work was being done to install new bridges over areas that have had to drive through that were wet to areas of mud to rugged trails to tire channels in the grass.  About ¼ way into the trip we stopped for a rest room time at the Lutheran Church Center in Numan.  Fairly soon after embarking on the graded clay the truck had a rear right flat tire—the Bishop, who had been in a vehicle that had a flat during an earlier day said, “I’ve been in this movie befoe and I didn’t like what happened the first time!” Repairs were made in practically no time. While the flat was being changed several of the group talked with three women who were walking by on a trail at the side of the road—eventually we took a photo with them and several photos of them. Barb talked with another woman who was walking down the road, with a burden on her head and baby strapped to her back. When Barb said hello in Hausa, the woman responded, “Oh, Iowa.”

   We arrived at the Gwaten Conference Center about 6 PM, were greeted by many of the staff, invited to wash our hands with a bar of soap suspended on a string from a frame and when a stick was stepped on, a stream of water poured from a jug onto the hands being washed. This is called a tippy tap.  Women from the training center cooked a meal. They wanted their pictures taken and a few over the cook pot and many of the children were photographed, too.  After supper we drove to the seminary where the women were to stay and caught up with members of our group who have been there from the beginning of the trip. It was Kristen’s birthday so she got a card from the group and the Happy Birthday song sung to her.

  Jeremy said that he’d been teaching two fairly basic courses including Philosophy of Religion (will learn more of the work of the others tomorrow). The Bishop and I headed back to the Conference Center grounds where we were the only two in a guest house which, though it had electricity had no water in the bathroom so we had to tote a pail drawn from a bucket for washing up and for the toilet. There was a fan in the common room though not in my room, which was beastly hot!

  Personal daily total photos and videos: pictures 745; videos 24 segments.

Today’s meals: breakfast at Jalingo porridge and fresh fruit/drink; lunch was personal snacks, supper at Gwaten Conference Center, rice, beans, meat stew with a semi-spicy sauce and for those who wanted it, diet and regular Coke!                                                                          Art

Friday, June 25^th, 2010  Jeremy

            Daylight confirms that the rooster, after its fifth or sixth periodic crowing session, is this time signaling morning at last.  Even at six o’clock in the morning, the air is already filled with sounds and movement.  Outside, people walk past our window.  Yet, for some reason, even after a long-night’s sleep and all this commotion, it’s still difficult to get out of bed.  The thought that I’m staying in a house with ten women, and only one bathroom without running water certainly doesn’t add a sense of urgency to the matter; the creaking clatter of the bathroom door first sounded long ago, signaling the death of that particular, already tiny, hope.  Of course it doesn’t matter anyway –I had retrieved my toothbrush last night, which was the last remaining ‘necessity’ to be found in there.  ‘Relief,’ I’ve found, can just as easily be found outside; and in the heat the fight against sweat and body odor is a practical futility, so, all of a sudden, showering no long seems to be of any lasting consequence.  It’s amazing what a week can do to you.

            Nevertheless, today is a special day.  The first graduation for those of the Beverly Nolte Communication Center is being held at the Gwaten Secretariat.  For this, even the weather seems to be included in some grander plan: the air is (relatively) cool and sweet, while in the early hours the sun peers only softly at us from behind wind-stretched clouds.  And the black graduation gowns spread across the fence-posts behind the BNCC set the mood of a relaxed delight, as if to suggest that, all being friends here, the formalities have been set momentarily aside to make room for a more honest experience of joy.

            With a brief chance to check e-mail and have a beautiful lunch, we’re already well contended before the ceremony begins. 

            Once the time comes, the graduation celebration opens with upbeat music, performed by a variety of groups.  Next, the graduates danced in, many of them with their robes flying open, signaling that this is a moment of excitement and cheering (as opposed to prevalent tendency for sober, dignified and largely dry graduation ceremonies I’ve attended in America).  Later, several people spoke about this wonderful opportunity for education and career advancement, and there was an entertaining skit about the necessity for computer literacy.  However, what I found to be the most fascinating aspect of the ceremony was when the graduates walked up to receive their diplomas: suddenly a group of women (and later a few men) jumped up and started throwing money at the graduates!  In response, the graduates let the money fall to the ground, and a woman followed after them, collecting the bills and putting them in a large bowl.  I never discovered where this money went; but we were told the point of this display was to visibly demonstrate and outpouring of blessings and honor on the student.  It seems like a lovely sentiment.

            By the time the ceremony ended, the sun was nearly at its full strength, with nearly everyone well returned to their natural state of sweating.  Of course, there were pictures and much hand-shaking to follow, before Kristen, Diane, and I started the four mile trek back to BTS.  Rain interrupted our walk, but someone was thoughtful enough to have us picked up in that old, familiar Toyota.  It is a gesture I’ll certainly remember.  

            The rain cooled the air to a comfortable temperature, and we were treated to a sweet snack at the guest house.  Evening-time was spent leisurely, as we simply enjoyed being together. 

            It’s been another beautiful day in Nigeria.

Sunday June 27, 2010- Linda

Didn’t sleep real well but had ear plugs in and woke up to thunder and lightning and much rain about 4:30. It kept raining lightly until after we were up awhile. I showered first and then read devotions mostly before anyone else was up. We packed up things around there and then headed down the strip for breakfast at the WLTC. On the way we met them taking our breakfast to us so we stopped at the pilot’s house to eat. Then I went and saw Sergeant’s goats again and talked to John Wesley a bit. Then we headed on down to go to church at the original church in Bambur where Ayuba is now pastor. We told him we might be leaving early and he wanted to ride back to Jalingo with us. We were still seated up front but after the singing and introductions we made our exit before Bishop Trimble preached there. Barb stayed behind with the Bishop. On the road we got fuel in Mutum Daya and then headed on. Amos, Hannatu, and Chelsea and Emily went straight back to Jalingo. We in the truck made a trip off the road to Panya, Reuben’s home village. They had been waiting for us all morning thinking we were coming there to church. My what a welcome again. The children were so excited with it being probably the first time to see white people. We looked at their existing open well and then went to the church. They sang to us then Reuben and Yusuf  made introductions. I made a presentation of the stole Pastor Kevin gave me to the Pastor and a ball to a teacher, who turned out to be Reuben’s sister! She is one of two teachers at the church nursery school. There is a government primary school in the village. We shook MANY hands and then went in to the pastor’s hut where they fed us macaroni, rice and chicken. It was very good. I also had a Maltina. There were probably 500 people in that church and others looking in the windows etc. We met Reuben’s parents and some of his 10 siblings. Before we left we were gifted 2 chickens.

He says there are about 6000 people around and would like to drill 2 boreholes. I think this would be an excellent village for our Bloomfield church to adopt. It’s about 4 ½ miles off the main road just between Karim and Bambuka. It took us about 20 minutes to make that trek. Reuben says it’s impassable during the heart of the rainy season later and I believe it. We shook many more hands and said our goodbyes. It was a very neat time. On the road we caught up with the Bishop’s (Kulah) vehicle and then picked up a hitchhiker who was wearing an INP shirt from the celebration yesterday. I told him his shirt got him the ride as I recognized that bright green and the logo. Turns out he was the SS director for the Gwaten Conference and is going to a meeting in Zing about HIV/AIDS. We had a nice visit with Ayuba and just a long ride. We left Bambur about 11:30 and arrived in Jalingo about 7:10. We unpacked, I hung bed nets for Emily and Beverly and went and got the rest of my stuff from the Round House and moved to my old room in the big house. We ate a little supper that Mrs. Thomas had prepared. I put the chickens in the kitchen and surprised Emily when she looked in there. I put all my things on to charge batteries and then set up my computer to write this. NEPA is on and I’m running a fan but it has really been a nice cool day to travel. We are watching the World Cup game between Argentina and Mexico.

Four of our group should be worshiping in Pero and 3 more headed for Jos.

Tues. June 29  My Birthday! (Chelsea) today I work up to some fabulous streamers around my chair at breakfast and a card and everybody sang to me.  We went to Yusef’s farm and picked out seven goats to bring to JSS.  We named the cute baby twins, Chelsea and Emily, two named Mamma Beverly and Mamma Barb. We also named one, Judi, Karen and Dr. Arthur. They were so happy when we brought them to JSS. Then we got to meet the Governor, Danbaba Suntai, at the Governor’s house. It was a nice, big AIRCONDITIONED building. We had to walk through a metal detector to get in and had our picture taken with him upon leaving. We watched tennis on TV while we waited for him and then went into a private room and talked to him about village wells and EmpowHer. He loves the EmpowHer idea and he supports us completely! We thought he was serving us lunch be he never did. Then we came back and chilled at the guesthouse for awhile. Paul Johnson stopped by. He showed us pictures from when he lived in Akron and we listened to his music. He said he’s not adapting well back in Africa! He was sweating so badly. Then we went to Davidson’s for dinner and it was so nice of them. His little kids, Destiny, Divine and Beverly (the baby) are sooo cute! They made chicken, salad, rice and those bread things. It was delicious but it made my tummy hurt. Then we came home and we were so tired. Oh, we were gifted scarves by Mercy and shawl and jewelry by Ayuba Ndule. We were visited by so many people I can’t even remember! Helen and her sister, Peace, I think, came in and told us good night which was so sweet.  God blessed me with a great, hot birthday.  Chelsea

Wed. June 30  Packing day! This morning we woke up and had our last breakfast prepared by Mrs. Thomas! We then packed all our belongings. Linda went to JSS and sorted nails/tools.  We loaded up our luggage, said our goodbyes and headed to the Airport View Hotel in Yola. We met up with the people from Pero and from Bambur. It was so good to see our friends again and hear all about their experiences over the last few days. Leah Olusiyi of Zing hosted us for supper at the hotel restaurant. We had spicy rice, salad and friend chicken. The best part of the day was being able to sleep in a room with air conditioning! I couldn’t sleep though because I was too excited about leaving for home in the morning! Iowa, HERE I COME!  Emily

Wed. July 1 Up at 5:45 AM, breakfast of granola bars, juice, loaded suitcases to take to airport to check in on Arik Airline for flight to Lagos.  Security machine was not working so some had to open their suitcases. Full plane load left about 9 AM for Abuja where passengers got off and new ones entered for flight to Lagos. On both flights we were served beverage and roll/donut. Arrived in Lagos and had to wait some time for luggage to show up.  Salama Hassan, UMC pastor in Lagos, met us and had arranged for large van to take us to international terminal where we waited from 1 PM to 5 PM in order to check in for our Delta flight to Atlanta. Lots of sitting, standing around, talking and finally we could check in but were missing three from Jos whose flight had been delayed and they landed in downpour and got stuck in traffic for nearly 2 hours. We went through security…every inefficient and disorganized.  Bev had meeting of the group to thank them, talk about reverse culture shock with time for team members to share comments about the trip. Flight left at 11 PM with dinner served about 1 PM and then time to sleep or watch movies/play games for the 11 hour flight. Had breakfast about 4 PM and landed in Atlanta on time with full plane load. Beverly

Thurs. July 2  Cleared customs, gathered luggage and rechecked it for flight to Des Moines. Headed to departure gate to Memphis with hour flight there and then connected to flight to DM with an on time arrival back safe and sound. Families were here to meet/greet us and all luggage arrived. Hugs all around with promises to keep in touch!  The trip is over and we are grateful to be an American on this holiday weekend.  Beverly  

OUT OF AFRICA

It started on June 16 when eleven Iowans departed from the Des Moines International Airport laden with A3 seeds to Zantac for a 35 hour trek to Africa…specifically Nigeria! As part of the Iowa Nigeria Partnership, a mission outreach ministry between the Iowa and Nigerian Annual Conferences, the work team was prepared to share gifts and graces to strengthen relationship after 20 years of partnership.

Actually Linda Rowe and Barbara Johnson had left for Nigeria on June 2!  Upon arrival in Abuja, the group was met, transferred to the domestic terminal for yet another flight to Yola, located in east central Nigeria and from there a three hour road trip to Jalingo, the final destination. Team members were divided with Christine Anders, Dianne Fagner, Jeremy and Kristen Poland working at the Banyam Theological Seminary, Women’s Leadership Training Center, Beverly Nolte Communicaiton Center and the Nursery/Primary School in Bambur.

The first order of business for the Jalingo group was the unloading of over 700 boxes filled with a variety of kits prepared by Iowans and taken to the InGathering. Hospital beds and medical supplies were taken to the Rural Health Program. Knitting, sewing and tailoring kits were given to the Women’s Leadership Training Centers. Two solar refrigerators were taken to Bambur where they were installed at the guesthouse and in the women’s center. All of the books were sorted and headed for the seminary, primary and secondary schools. Tools, nails, screws and bolts were placed in the JSS tool room for use by the village wells directors. Carried on heads, on hips and in arms, the boxes soon found their rightful home. Nigerian helpers were given a kit of their choice.

Bishop Trimble, Rev. Karen Dungan and Beverly Nolte along with photographer Art McClanahan led the first ever School of Ministry for approximately 50 district superintendents from the three Nigerian Conferences.  With assistance by the UMCN staff and Bishop Kulah, the group worked through teams using the Fruits of the Spirit giving presentations, playlets, music to illustrate their ‘fruit”.  Sessions on The Book of Discipline was presented with discussion on leadership development, the work and witness of the Nigerian Church. Nigerian participants were served a daily meal and presented a Certificate of Completion following the closing communion service.

Team members Barb Johnson, Chelsea Albus and Emily Brown tackled the task of renovating the Nursery/Primary buildings in Jalingo. After the new zinc/metal roof was replaced, new ceiling tiles put in position, the interior/exterior walls were painted with Cross/Flame symbols in each room along with a scripture verse and decorative painting. The Ronald and Meriele Wilmot Library was dedicated by the staff, government dignitaries, former alumni, parents and the Iowa team. A joint ribbon cutting led by Bishops Kulah and Trimble was the highlight of the event.

A procession of students gowned in colorful robes from Iowa marched down the hill into the central outdoor stage area where graduation of 40 students from the Kakulu Theological Seminary was held. Hausa drummers, student choirs, introductions of the Iowa guests and a speech by the Gwaten Conference Superintendent were part of the 3 hour service. Bishop Trimble and Beverly Nolte assisted in handing out the certificates as each student’s name was called. The students were “gifted” by family members and friends who threw naira currency bills at them or put bills on their head.

For ten months the school had been without running water due to a needed metal fitting which cost the equivalent of $7. Linda Rowe purchased the part which was installed accompanied by shouting and dancing when students pumped clean, clear water.

Returning back to Jalingo, the bonnet (hood) of the vehicle in which Bishop Trimble was riding flew up cracking the windshield causing the vehicle to stop with the hood tied down with bungee cords from a member of our group.  A few miles down the road the tyre went flat so Hannatu Robinson, our trip coordinator, hopped on the back of a motorcycle and went to hire a car to take us back to Jalingo. Enroute the driver was stopped and because his license was not current, we had to pay the $10 fine.

On Thursday, June 24 the Jalingo group of 9 people loaded themselves and their luggage to head on the road to Bambur, a five hour obstacle course over the world’s worst roads! For a second time, the Bishop’s vehicle had a flat tire which was quickly changed as the group headed down the road to arrive at the Gwaten Conference Headquarters and a hot meal prepared by the women at the training center.

The Banyam Theological Seminary Guesthouse was home for three nights. Showers are taken by splashing water over your body!   Night sounds at this location are loud, unusual and interesting!

About 300 people gathered for the graduation ceremonies of students from the Beverly Nolte Communication Center held under tents under the Nigerian sun. Davidson Adams presented the students who had completed six months to one year classes of computer training. Beverly Nolte gave the graduation speech and assisted in handing out the certificates.

The following day the same seating arrangement and stage was used for the 20 Year Celebration Service attended by members of all three UMC Conferences. Welcomed by Bishop Kulah, Beverly Nolte gave a history of the Iowa/Nigeria Partnership with Bishop Trimble giving the speech before representatives of the three conferences offered words of thanks and praise for the partnership. The children of the Nursery/Primary School from Pero were guests who presented a playlet and sang songs.    

Seven of the group piled into a van to journey over a rock road from Bambur to Pero which took about 4 hours at a speed of approximately 10 miles an hour. From Pero, Christine Anders, Dianne Fagner and Judi Buxo were taken to Jos where they visited friends of Christine’s at Hillcrest School where she had previously taught. Karen Dungan, Art McClanahan, Jeremy and Kristen Poland spent two days visiting with Pero Conference staff, visiting the many mission programs and offering assistance with teachers and students at the Nursery/Primary School. 

Bishop Trimble and Rev Karen Dungan preached on Sunday morning in Bambur and Pero respectively to crowds of over 300 persons with 5 or 6 musical groups, celebratory dancing to place money in the offering boxes…all part of the 3+ hour worship experience. 

Linda Rowe and Beverly Nolte headed to Panya, a small village about 20 minutes off the main road back to Jalingo to check out the need for a village well. Thinking that we would arrive for the morning worship service, at least 500 members of the congregation were waiting for the “baturis” when we arrived at 1 PM. Led into the village by a choir member in a purple robe, an abbreviated service was held. The village does need a well that would service about 5,000 people. We Iowans were taken into a round hut where a delicious meal of rice, chicken and stew was prepared for us. After being encircled by 50 kids who tried to rub the white from our hands and arms, we continued our journey back to Jalingo along with two chickens we were gifted by villagers.

Emily Brown and Chelsea Albus accompanied Linda Rowe to the farm of Yusuf Jatutu to pick out 7 goats to start a goat project at the Junior Secondary School (JSS). Loaded in the back of the truck, the goats were taken to their new fenced home at JSS and named for team members.

During our stay at each guesthouse, a revolving door of Nigerians stopped by to visit and share their story. Team members were gifted a goat, chickens, bread, apple juice and many lovely Nigerian dresses/garments.

Upon completion of our time in Nigeria, Iowans left many personal items, pieces of clothing and part of their hearts with friends who they had come to know and to love. The bond of love was strengthened between two groups who live half a world away but who share Planet Earth and worship the one Lord and Father of us all.

Beverly Nolte
5221 Village Run Ave. #604
Des Moines IA 50317
515 266 4186 home

Newsletter #1 from Nigeria June 2010

Barb and I arrived here safely after just a couple little travel changes. We got to Jalingo about 5:30pm on Thursday. We are 6 hours ahead of CDT.

Friday we went to Jalingo Nursery Primary School and were warmly welcomed by students and staff. We looked around their facilities to assess what Barb and others later will need to do there. Then we went to the Immigration Office to register. He wanted copies of other information so we went to the Secretariat to make copies but the office wasn’t open. Looked at pictures in Hannatu’s office. We met many people who welcomed Barb for the first time and welcomed me back. Back to the guesthouse where we started having many visitors. Mrs. Thomas fixed us chicken and rice. We actually had NEPA that night.

Saturday we went to JSS and met Jarama, the principal, and some staff. The prospective incoming students were there writing exams. We looked at changes and additions there. Barb got to see her exchange student, Joseph. Then we went to the orphanage and were given a tour by Magdiel. Simon joined us in his office and called the 48 kids to come to meet and greet us. Then we went back to Jalingo N/P as we had heard they were working on the roof. Sure enough they had taken the old off and were replacing with new. We made a deal for some of the old zinc (tin) and called Jarama to come get it for the goat sheds. There was a big women’s revival going on and the place was hopping.

Sunday we went to the place where we have drilled the newest borehole, Tsentsee, and worshipped with them. They had a big meal for us and then gifted us with 3 chickens, 1 goat, and a loaf of bread!!! What a neat morning. Then we went across the way a bit to Bagarmi where the group really enjoyed being in “the bush” last year. They had another royal welcome for us and we got updates on the well which is working great. Many villages around are coming there now for water. We talked to the new doctor and visited the classrooms and with the teachers that they now have. On the way back we made a quick stop at Yusuf’s in Sibre and got back to the guesthouse about dark. More visitors.

Monday we took Barb to work at N/P then we went to JSS, got fuel and a couple errands before returning to the compound for a meeting with the ADP men. It went very well. Barb got a lot done at the N/P with work and painting, organizing and more.

Tuesday we let Barb off and they were knocking out the cement in the courtyard at the school. That will let the children have a better play area. We went to Zing and Kakulu. We took the tour with Lazarus of the medical facilities at Zing. Things are going well there. We saw Titus’s (ADP) garden which is also very good. Then we went to Kakulu where KB is now director. Saw the refurbished rabbit house into a chicken house and asked about their well. Not such good news there. On the trip to and from we stopped with Reuben at three prospective sites for a borehole. Stopped at orphanage, Secretariat, and JSS also. The weather has been hot, we’ve had 2 big rains including as we came home today. Have had very bad luck with Internet but finally got Beverly on the phone tonight.

Wednesday started at the N/P school where we had the children come around and sing Happy Birthday to Hannatu. Joseph (who had been her NG exchange student) and Mark

were painting the alphabet on the walls. Ceilings in 2 rooms and walkway got painted. Concrete patching began also. Barb then went to church at Mayo Gwoi women’s meeting. My group of Yusuf, Reuben and Hannatu met up with a drilling crew and then on toward Didango. We tried one road but the river was too high we decided not to try to cross so went back and around another way. We got the usual welcome by the children when they saw the truck they start and running our way. I got the royal welcome and as soon as I got out they saw the ball sitting on the seat so I tossed that out and they went running and playing. We then checked out the building and the well. The well was good, the building was not. Then we went to a remote village where Reuben suggests the drilling of a borehole. On back to Jalingo and we went to see the drilling rig in action. They were just finishing and flushing it out. Glad I got to see it. It was a great day for both of us.

Friday went to N/P and then to Internet to try to send this.

Linda and Barb