Schools For Africa believes that our Christian religious faith and practice greatly impact the emotional and physical well-being of a person. SFA staff, volunteers, pastors and chaplains who daily interact with Fulani and other tribal groups are careful to demonstrate Christ’s love and concern in their work. Whether it be in the classroom, clinic, church or home environment, we provide supportive spiritual care though empathic listening, active care, and understanding of persons in distress. As we appropriately bring our Christian faith and practices into specific cultural contexts, we demonstrate not only God’s power to heal, guide and sustain, but also a sympathetic understanding of multi-faith and multi-cultural traditions. SFA’s trained chaplains, both men and women, provide much needed counseling in cases of illnesses, traumas, losses, and life transitions. The healing power of prayer is used during illness, along with other Christian ceremonies of worship.
Schools For Africa’s desperately needed schools, healthcare clinics, and grazing reserves provide basic humanitarian services for the under-served Fulani tribe in Nigeria. In reflecting our faith by treating this Muslim population with compassion, respect, and love, we have earned their trust and inter-religious cooperation that is a necessity in peace-keeping missions. Local Muslims know we are Christians, see our love and service, and trust us to develop close relationships. However, working in a 99.9% Muslim environment, our witness for Christ must be well-tempered with wisdom.
When someone inquires to know more about Jesus, we privately give them an SD card containing the Gospel, teaching and songs in their native language. Many have turned to the Lord Jesus Christ! We pray daily that through our examples of Christ's love, humility, and service, we will help these souls know Jesus as Savior and Lord. And we see the Lord moving, as the gospel is moving forward! Many of our schools conduct church on Sunday, and many in our staff love the Lord!
Friendships and partnerships create opportunities in high and low places! We have met with, served, and made friendships with poor cattle herdsman and government officials! We have met in the cities and in the bush! We have had opportunities to come alongside schools to improve them, and build new schools. Our friendships have given us the opportunity to meet unreached tribal people high up in the mountains of Nigeria!
God is on the MOVE - there is no doubt about that! We are SO honored and blessed to be used by Him. |
