Tuesday March 29th

We travelled to see some rural villages and to see the work of CMO (Christ Missionary Outreach) which was founded by Pastor Bitrus Audu and his wife Monica. We visited a remote settlement of about 500 people. We visited with the local Pastor and his wife and their 8 children. They looked very young to have so many children. They were a lovely couple and we have some interesting pictures from their setting. We visited his church.............the church is growing. The church pews are concrete forms with no back. We also visited the local school. I was able to teach the children an action song. Many parents came to watch what was happening so re sang some of this new song for their enjoyment. They laughed heartily at the singing.
Later that afternoon we taught a seminar at the CMO bible school with about 65-70 participants. Students attend this bible school for one year of training if they can read and write. If the students lack basic literacy they first learn to read and write and may then spend 2-3 years of training.
Daily life is very challenging. Women spend huge amounts of time getting water, finding sticks for cooking, everything is very labour intensive. There is a lot of unemployment and many men simply congregate in groups under a shade tree while the women look after the needs of the family.
There are many children who do not attend school. Some are looking after the goats or cows and take them for long treks in search of food. Others cannot afford the school uniform or books and for some school is simply not a priority. There is no legislation making school mandatory.
We inadvertenly locked the keys in the car/truck after dinner. This was a major concern (no such thing as CAA)..........we were dependent upon the local folks coming to our rescue. When it was finally decided that the only alternative was to break the back window a small boy said he knew a man who could help. None of the adults knew this man but the little boy took them to his house. He was an autobody repair man and did have proper tools and was able to fish the wire to hook the latch.
We were blessed to meet so many people and to be welcomed into their homes/village. Prayers have been answered.