Nigerian reflections
Nigerian reflections
“You are welcome.”
Michelle Markgraf, Carol Egelseer, Ima Udofia, and I had the privilege to travel throughout our sister synods in southeastern Nigeria in April as ambassadors of Christ and the LWMS. It was the first visit of its kind by American WELS women—a visit specifically targeting the spiritual life and growth of the women of All Saints Lutheran Church of Nigeria and Christ the King Lutheran Church of Nigeria.
Accompanied by Pastor Doug Weiser, WELS liaison to Nigeria, our group became known to local church members as “Sisters Serving Jesus.” Presenting six, day-long conferences under that same theme, the goal of the visit was to encourage women in their study of God’s Word and help equip them to share it with those around them in their homes, villages, and communities. “It was an extraordinary opportunity for the Nigerian women to be instructed by their American sisters and enjoy a oneness in Christ,” says Weiser.
Three conferences were held in the more urban setting of Christ the King synod, and three took place in the rural or bush areas of All Saints. In all, more than 900 women and men attended the presentations, which included devotions, Bible study, practical witness helps, encouragement, and prayer.
Says Markgraf, “Our hope is that they have an increased awareness of the women in the United States praying for them as beloved sisters of faith, and that they may build one another up in Christ’s love.”
While the formal presentations were translated into the local dialects of Efik, Yala, Boki, or pidgin English, the joyful praise songs and dancing needed no interpretation. It was truly life-changing to worship and pray with our sisters whose lives are so different, yet who are so similar as daughters of Christ.
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