Archive for the ‘Chuck Madinger’ Category

Kambari People of Nigeria Expecting Good Good News

August 5, 2008

The Kambari people of northwestern Nigeria are about as remote, suppressed and without hope as anyone on the planet. While those pictured here are “fully clad”, most object to wearing anything resembling outsiders – or anything at all. The most educated have attended some schooling (less than 3% literate) and five have begun to learn how to read. The elderly man with the white beard is the elder brother of the village, and told of their need for clean water, how to deal with dysentery, malaria, typhoid, measles, polio, leprosy and other things the rest of the world no longer concerns itself with by having access to information.

The elder brother asked to hear what the mobile school sounded like that would bring them training and basic education. When we placed it on the motorcycle seat those villagers sitting nearby for the conversation rushed to hear the MT4 even closer. Pray that the program that ECWA and the Nigeria Group (Wycliffe) will be done by the end of the harvest season (December), and we can bring hope and wholeness in every sense of the Word.

Uncle Jesus

July 7, 2008

Derek Eggers is at work with the Nigerian International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (NIFES) HIV/AIDS Program Director, Bola Lawal. His name among the Nigerian students is now Uncle Jesus – for obvious reasons. He could easily be cast for the next Jesus epoch for the big screen, and the Nigerians love him. Derek’s work with Bola will evaluate the effectiveness of the NIFES program, SEX, POWER AND RELATIONSHIPS: What you always wanted to know about HIV/AIDS, but were afraid to ask.

Derek, Brittany Madinger and Colin Willis traveled to one of the university sites where the pilot project will unfold in October. They collected additional audio content that included interviews with faculty and students as well as some excellent drama. For more on their trip you can read Brittany’s blog at: http://www.mynigeriatrip.blogspot.com/

Waiting for Good News

April 18, 2008

The women of Pram Pram live from the proceeds of the fishing harvest. When the men cannot get enough income the women must resort to anything that can bring income for their children. Therefore, HIV/AIDS is a growing problem, and the Anglican Church of West Africa is beginning an effort to reach these people with good news that HIV can be prevented. The churches being planted in the area can help make a difference in lifting the entire region economically, morally and spiritually. The dominant religion in this religion is “traditional” – relying on the fatalism of voodoo.