I recently met Archbishop Ignatius A. Kaigama at DePaul University for a panel discussion on Christian – Islamic dialogue in Sub-Saharan Africa. Abp. Kaigama sat on the panel due to his experience as Pastor of Christ’s flock in the Diocese of Jos, situated in predominantly Islamic, Northern Nigeria.
I was amazed at a story he told of a parish in his diocese that was bombed by Boko Haram. Several people were killed and some boys begged the Archbishop to provide them with guns to go avenge their loved ones. He told the boys, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, that Jesus’ way is the Cross and not violence.
Here is a man who performs his priestly ministry in the midst of violence and insecurity and, yet, preaches and lives peace! What an incredible example for HEAL and the Messengers of Justice (MOJ) as we serve orphans, widows, and rural villagers in the Christian majority region in Southern Nigeria! Abp. Kaigama shows us that no threat, however horrible, should ever deter us from our mission.
Though security threats will never stop any disciple of Christ, we must do what we can to minimize them. Our plan is to build a shelter in an undisclosed site, where we can move the Home School orphans in case of a security breach. This precaution will help us perform our services with less anxiety and stress.
Because we are in a relatively safe area, the structure will serve primarily as a lodge for volunteers on mission trips and only secondarily as an emergency shelter. We have raised the funds for the land, but now we must build the structure. The MOJ’s, like Abp. Kaigama, are truly dedicated missionary disciples and are worthy of your support!
Help us in any way you can!