From a Kidnapping Attempt to Peace

Our contacts in Nigeria, Jamal and his wife, Alika (not their real names) recently had to flee their home after kidnappers attempted to  break into their apartment. The next day they learned that the kidnappers, unable to find Jamal and Alika, kidnapped their next door neighbor. Forced to flee, Jamal and Alika were temporarily housed by friends. 

In this environment of uncertainty, Jamal and Alika and their co-workers in Navigators Nigeria carried through on a planned leadership retreat at Miango Rest Home in northwestern Nigeria. Founded in 1897 by missionaries, this conference center has provided restful and refreshing times away from life and ministries' inevitable challenges. In Jamal and Alika's case, the timing couldn't have been better! The peace of their environment was palpable! 

Alberta and I had the privilege of sharing two 2 hr. sessions on member care for the Navigator's of Nigeria staff by Zoom back in July. Little did we know the difficult situations each of these 13 Christian workers were experiencing as they came together for their retreat. Please pray for Jamal and Alika (they have since found a new and safer living situation) and their co-workers as they bravely serve the Lord in the challenging environment of Nigeria.

Prayer Requests: 

1. Pray for the Lindberg family - Doug and Ruth were cross cultural workers in Nepal with TEAM when we were doing member care from Thailand. Doug passed away two days ago from a long battle with cancer. They have two teenage kids, Maddie and James that are taking it hard.

2. Pray for Alberta as she heads up the food preparation for an intergenerational meeting at church that will feed 200 people on Wednesday! 

3. Pray for me (Steve) as I disciple 3 - 4 new members of our church. We have a surge of growth in our church, 10 baptisms in the last month and several guys wanting to study the Bible. We will meet for coffee and the book of John beginning this Thursday. 

Serving Christ with You, Steve and Alberta