Our team went to two places today. The medical team went to a village about an hour away. They officially treated about 124 people. There were not quite as many cases of malaria. They met in an open community building in the middle of the village. The people had never seen free medical care. They thought we were going to be there for two days, so some of them were waiting until the next day. I know this was very disappointing when they found out they were mistaken. In the US we take for granted many of the services that are easily available to us. Medical care and medicine are like gold in Nigeria.
The King of the village was very helpful and grateful that we came. He seemed to be a very kind man who had the interests of his people at heart. Megan had a good group of kids. They love her. This clinic was the most organized of the clinics so far. This was a reflection of the attitude of the King.
The other part of our team went to the Baptist Theological School. This was a highlight for me. The school is located outside of Owerri. It is an old school by Nigerian standards – it is 49 years old. Dr. Amadi was a student there as well as a professor. We were greeted with open arms and great love. Gary played a beautiful version of Amazing Grace on his pocket trumpet. Music is the universal language. You could just feel any perceived differences melt away as he played. I gave an address to the assembled student body and faculty on “Hearing the Voice of God.” I was warmly and enthusiastically received.
We then met with the Rector of the school and the faculty. We presented gifts we had brought for them: Greek and Hebrew lexicons, commentaries, original language grammars, Greek New Testaments, a laptop computer and several other devices for teaching. All of this was very graciously received. The president of the Nigerian Baptist Convention was there. Both he and his wife are professors at the school. He is a man of great wisdom and keen insight. His personal words to us were very encouraging. He said “I know you did not plan all of this on the way to the airport. You must have carefully planned all of this in order to bring all these things to us. This makes me happy because I know that you have been thinking of us since you left here two years ago. It would be easy to forget about us since we are so out of the way. We thank God for you.” I have not been able to forget his face or his words. They struck me deep in my heart.
We were able to get to the internet café at the hotel in Owerri. I apologize that we have not been able to be more regular with the posts. It is difficult. But, with as much progress as Nigeria is making, I am sure that easier internet access is just around the corner.
Last night several of the ladies at the hotel braided Megan’s hair for her. They had been wanting to do this for several days. They wanted her to have an African look to take back home. Zach brought out his guitar and we sang and laughed and had a good time together. The wife of the hotel manager told me “You seem to feel free here – you can be yourselves.” That was a great compliment.
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