Encouraging Bible college students in their spiritual journeys and understanding of HIV is expanding our work in Nigeria.
Students in Plateau State are the first to experience a one-day programme – tailored from our five-day new volunteers training – that focuses on understanding HIV and its consequences alongside the gospel of forgiveness and acceptance.
The headquarters team spent a day with all 150 students at COCIN Pastors School in Janeret, about 100km from Jos, during October. They spoke about why the church should be involved in HIV/AIDS issues, transmission and prevention, how to care for and support people living with AIDS, the work Grace & Light does in churches and social righteousness.
“Some students are parents, some are grandparents, many are farmers. They’ve all committed two years to becoming church leaders,” said international coordinator Tassie Ghata.
“Many are struggling at college. They continue to work while studying and things are hard financially. Our gospel of openness and social righteousness reminded them that the way of the cross is not an easy journey and this encouraged them in their spiritual lives.”
Over three-quarters chose to be tested and join life sharing groups while they are at college. None was HIV positive. At the end of the course they will return to their churches all over Nigeria, taking their experience of Grace & Light with them.
Another 277 people chose to be tested outside churches during the three months, including students at the Federal College of Forestry and Sarki Metal Works (photo), both in Jos, and a youth conference in Babale.
Volunteer teams in Jos, Yola and Obudu visited 19 churches in total during the last three months of 2014. Of the 1,144 people tested in these churches 97% chose to be open about their status and join life sharing groups. Fifty-one rededicated their lives to Christ and 244 made first commitments.
Churches visited during October were ECWA Binkan, COCIN Wei, EYN Kwanan Waya Yola, Our Saviour Anglican Church, Obudu, ECWA Good New Ang, Rimi, LCCN Buggare Yola and EYN Samuka Yola.
Churches visited during November were Ebenezer Baptist Church, CRCN no 3 Karewa, COCIN Manung Pakshin, LCCN Bole Lakare, EYN Jambutu and EYN Kofare.
Churches visited during December were Kauna Baptist Church, ECWA Jebu Bassa, LCCN Kwanan Waya, RLC no 8 Malamre, Grace bible Church Obudu and LCCN no 2 Upper Luggere.
