Forming Servant Leaders for the future Nigeria means providing the necessities for living and learning with as little interruption as possible. Our diesel fuel vendor has generously supplied our energy needs with extended credit over a long time period. But, he is now demanding that we settle outstanding balances with him or else our fuel supply will be cut off!
Even though Nigeria is the 6th largest oil producer in the world, it is the most under-energy-supplied country on the African continent. “Can you imagine a country of almost 200 million people sitting in darkness for a day, a week, or a month, only for the lights to turn on for 10 minutes before turning off again?” Rev. Leo Okonkwo asks. This happens not because of a lack of fuel, but because corrupt leaders are more concerned with lining their pockets than building out energy infrastructure to serve the common good of the nation.
Rural communities in Nigeria like Akpim and Ohaji, where HEAL carries out its mission day to day, must depend on power from a generator. And so, we buy diesel. Lots of it! “We use well over 150 litres daily”, Rev. Leo says. Our 150 KVA generator powers the computers, refrigerators, lights, pumping of clean water, and window air conditioning units for the 300 students of BOMCA, MENPS, and the Compassionate Home.
The consequences of a diesel fuel cut off will be devastating to HEAL’s mission! Water will not flow from the reservoirs into the buildings, meaning the children will not be able to bathe or flush the toilets. “If the air conditioners are off at night, the children will open the windows, inviting dangerous mosquitoes carrying Malaria into their rooms,” warns Rev. Leo.
Indeed, it is time for HEAL to meet our obligations for diesel fuel. We MUST raise $40,000 by December 31st to remove the threat of a mission-crippling power outage. So, if you want to give a much needed CHRISTMAS GIFT to the least of God’s people (Mt. 25:40), here is your opportunity!