jibber j.a.b: An Oasis

I realize that I have not exactly given you a bigger picture vision of Back2Back Nigeria. In order to do that, I would like to take you (through some pictures) to the B2B property and help you catch the vision that God has placed in the hearts of the staff here.

They first thing that I learned here is that orphan care in Nigeria looks very different than what I have seen in Mexico. There are very few children's homes here because abandoned or orphaned children typically get absorbed by the village where they may or may not receive adequate care and support. Therefore, in Nigeria, orphan care is not so much partnering with children's home (with the exception of OLA), rather it is about developing relationships and building into the villages. With this in mind, B2B has begun working with the Kisayhip village.

The first picture shown below is of the Oasis Center. One of the problems facing the village is that the men tend to spend all of the little money that they make to go out drinking. The vision of the Oasis Center is to have it be a family friendly gathering place for the people of the village. A place where the men can come and watch sports or play games without the temptation of spending money on drinking. Throughout the World Cup this has been a viewing center where anyone is welcome to come and watch the games! This has been a great way to connect with the community.

Here (below) is the Oasis Center from above and the location of the future education center, which will be built in the grassy area in the picture. The education center is something that I am very excited about! The education that the village children receive is very poor and inconsistent. Most of the children are unable to read and write. With the education center, B2B hopes to start a supplemental education program that will tutor students and provide a stable education when the public schools are on strike for the majority of the year. Please pray for Will and Theresa Reed, who will be coming on staff in the Fall to begin this program!

This next picture is the future site of the B2B Nigeria compoud! This is where staff will live and groups will stay when they come to serve. What a blessing this land is!!