US Brethren send $16,000 to rebuild Nigerian church, EYN appeals for funds.

Christmas collections by White Oak Church of the Brethren in Manheim, Pa., and the Brethren World Missions group chaired by Bob Kettering, pastor of Lititz (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, have donated more than $16,000 to help rebuild a church of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) in the northeastern city of Maiduguri.

EYN's LCC Maiduguri/Wulari Church (also known as Maiduguri No. 1 Church) is the largest congregation of EYN. It was bombed and burned down during an episode of civil violence and rioting in late July last year (see the Newsline report of July 29, at www.brethren.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8827; a photo album is at www.brethren.org/site/PhotoAlbumUser?AlbumID=8871&view=UserAlbum).

White Oak's Christmas offering received $11,185 toward the rebuilding of the Maiduguri church, and Brethren World Missions gave $5,000. Both donations have been directed to EYN through the Church of the Brethren's Global Mission Partnerships program.

Global Mission Partnerships is now receiving gifts toward the Maiduguri rebuilding fund, following receipt of a formal appeal letter from EYN president Filibus Gwama and general secretary Jinatu L. Wamdeo.

EYN has printed a four-color brochure outlining plans for the rebuilding effort; copies are available from Global Mission Partnerships at 800-323-8039. The Maiduguri Church website features an architect's picture of the planned new building; see www.eynmaid.org.

"It is with deep concern that we write you our friends and partners to solicit for your prayers and financial support in this trial period," the appeal letter said. "The EYN LCC Maiduguri which has been our pride and one of the main sources of support to the EYN Headquarters has swung into action to rebuild a more befitting church building." The letter gave an estimated cost of $1,098,198.07 for the project.

For more information or to contribute to rebuilding the Maiduguri Church, contact Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships, at jwittmeyer@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 226.

Source: 2/11/2010 Newsline