Minute for Mission, May 23, 2014

"That is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” —2 Corinthians 5:19-20
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Minute for Mission  Issue 22 May 23, 2014   Kulp Bible College says farewell to Global Mission workers The sending-forth ceremony organized by the Kulp Bible College (KBC) in Kwarhi, Nigeria, turned into a piece of arts and cultural theater as more than 10 tribes staged their traditional dances in honor of a man and woman of God who have just concluded their mission work in a challenging situation in northeastern Nigeria. Carl and Roxane Hill started their work in Nigeria in December 2012 despite the unceasing security challenges in the country, especially in the region where they stayed. In an interview in their first year of stay, they stated that "both of us have always had a passion for teaching God's Word." They lived in Adamawa, one of the states which has been placed under a state of emergency for more than a year. Carl and Roxane both taught at Kulp Bible College, which is the highest theological seminary of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN), the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria. During the ceremony, representatives of the college shared their gratitude with the couple: "You were open to everybody." They said this motivated people to feel free with them. "Your humility encouraged us to live as brothers and sisters,' said the acting provost of the college, Yamtikariya J. Mshelia. She also acknowledged all the assistance Roxane and Carl provided to the needy during their stay. EYN president Samuel D. Dali shared that the Hills are planning to form church congregations in the United States, and he is hoping that EYN will send pastors to work there. Dr. Dali arrived at the program late after having helped travel around the community searching for water points. He was able to share the good news that they have discovered four units and had already drilled three bore holes at the EYN secondary school and one outside KBC for the community. Water scarcity is one of the major problems of the area. Students of the college represented various tribes such as Margi, Bura, Chibok, Glavda, Fali, Ga'anda, Kanuri, Fulani, Kamuwe, and Kilba, and they came in with traditional dances one after the other while others presented special gifts. Other tribes such as Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo were also represented, presenting their traditional or cultural food. The event was concluded with a fellowship meal at the college library. Other high dignitaries present at the occasion included Rebecca Dali, the former EYN president Filibus K. Gwama and his wife Easter, and the EYN administrative secretary, Zakariya Amos. Various college staff and tribe representatives attended the event as well. —Article and photos by Zakariya Musa, secretary of the EYN publication Sabon Haske ** Carl and Roxane Hill are setting out this summer to share about their time in Nigeria and their service with EYN, and they'd love to share with your congregation! If your church would be interested, contact Kendra Johnson at kjohnson@brethren.org for scheduling information.** Church of the Brethren Annual Conference July 2-6, 2014, in Columbus, Ohio We invite you to the Global Ministries dinner on Friday, July 4, at 5:00 p.m. The Brethren Volunteer Service luncheon (PDF) will take place the same day at 12:30 p.m. Other Global Mission and Service events at the Conference include several insight sessions: Thursday, July 3 9 p.m. BVS and Congregations: Models of Partnership Changing Times in Disaster Ministries Friday, July 4 9:00 p.m. Going to the Garden When Disaster Strikes: Serving Around the World Saturday, July 5 12:30 p.m. South Sudan : Building a Brethren Presence for Peace in a Country Familiar with War 9:00 p.m. 70 Years of Service: A Look at Heifer International’s Early Years Short-Term Mission Trips : The Good, the Bad, the Powerful Find descriptions of all insight sessions here. We hope to see you in Columbus! Calling all advocates: a special Annual Conference note for members of the Global Mission Advocate Network Please join us for a Global Mission Advocate gathering on Thursday, July 3, at 12:30 p.m. Hear from and share with other advocates about how global mission is being shared and promoted across the denomination. Global Mission and Service staff and personnel will be available for questions. Let us know at mission@brethren.org if you'll be there! We would love to have you join us at the Global Mission dinner on July 4! Contact mission@brethren.org for one complimentary ticket per advocate. Service opportunities The Church of the Brethren is seeking individuals or married couples to serve as Global Mission workers with Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN), the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria. Workers are needed for the following areas: Teacher/consultant with Kulp Bible College Agricultural worker with EYN's Rural Development Program General medical practitioner with EYN's Medical Program These contract positions will work under EYN leadership and are based in EYN headquarters in Kwarhi, Nigeria. Sponsorship and support is through the Church of the Brethren Global Mission and Service office. Stipend, housing, transportation, and a basic medical insurance plan are provided. Global Mission and Service staff acknowledges that these positions are located in a high risk region with a history of violence. We ask potential mission workers to be aware of this as they prayerfully consider a call to serve with our Nigerian sisters and brothers. For more information, contact mission@brethren.org. Prayer requests Pray for God's grace, love, peace, and mercy to reign upon Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria and all of Nigeria. Lift into God's care and comfort the victims of violence, abduction, home burning, and persecution. Pray for EYN development programs that seek to provide resources for the displaced. As you pray, stay up to date on news and efforts regarding our sisters and brothers in Nigeria. Pray for safe travels for Global Mission volunteers Carol Smith, Athanasus Ungang, Ilexene and Kayla Alphonse, and Robert and Linda Shank as they return to the United States for home leave. May God grant them restful and restorative time with friends and family and renewed energy to return to their work. Pray for the many youth, advisors, and leaders of this summer's workcamp program. May they and those with whom they serve be richly blessed by the experience. To remember these and other prayer concerns, please print and distribute the June 2014 Global Prayer Guide.
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