September 2, 2006
Greetings from Jos, Nigeria!
August was a month of continued transitions and new beginnings.
The Management Team at Faith Alive has been working long hours to complete an evaluation of all of our systems and processes, and is beginning to implement some new systems in the clinic’s day to day activities in an effort to serve our clients better and to prepare for the expansion into the in-patient hospital.
The current class of computer students is completing their 3 month course of study at the Social Services Centre, will graduate soon, and will begin to use their new skills to acquire new resources and support for their families. A new class of computer students will begin by the end of September.
Summer break is almost over, and the new school year begins soon for children. Faith Alive has a special program called the Angel Programme that provides school scholarships and support for orphans. In August, I was privileged to assist with the interview process for the applicants for the Angel Programme. Those of you who know me well, probably realize that this was an emotional experience for me, although I wasn’t the only one with tears in my eyes that day. Education in Nigeria is not as readily available to everyone as it is in the USA. All schools have tuition and fees that must be paid in order for children to attend. As a result, many children from poor families do not attend school. Orphans who have lost one or both parents are especially affected by this, as extended family, friends, and communities struggle to care for the increasing numbers of children orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS. James 1:27 reminds us that “real religion, the kind that passes muster before God, the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and the loveless in their plight” (Message/Remix version). The Angel Programme at Faith Alive is one way that we can be the hands of Jesus, as we assist Nigerians to reach out to those in need. All financial donations to the program are used towards school tuition costs for orphans. In addition, each child and their caregiver are partnered with a local mentor who develops a relationship with them, visits the school, and provides support, encouragement, and love. It was also my joy to be able to provide a monetary donation to the Angel Programme on your behalf, as a result of your gifts supporting my service at Faith Alive. Pray for these children, and for the mentors who are giving their time and their love to children in need in Jos, Bakin Kogi, and Kafanchan.
Faith Alive is looking forward expectantly to the return in mid-September of our “daddy” and Director Dr Chris Isichei from an extended trip to the United States. We will also be blessed by the arrival of Matthew and Lisa Watson from Fresno, California to spend two years serving here in Jos. Pray for protection and blessings as they travel.
Thank you to all of you for your continued support and prayers. I’d love to hear how all of you are doing. Emails can be sent to me at bgrogg@gmail.com .
May God watch over each of you and fill you with his peace and joy.
Yours faithfully,
Biana Grogg