Nigeria
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| The Rev. Sam O. Ewah is a pastor in charge of protocol for the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (PCN). He started his working career as an engineer in construction, but after some fifteen years he felt God’s call into ministry. Sam is married with four children. The names of his children are Kelechi, meaning “thank God”; Chukuvu emeka, meaning “God has done great things”; Chi ji oke, meaning “God holds my portion”; and Chigozirim, meaning “God has blessed me.” “Sam and his family in many ways represent the PCN, her down-to-earth, rooted-in-reality nature, and yet, the spiritual vibrancy that she manifests through her God-centered joy, and hope, and faith, and energy, and love,” writes Caryl Weinberg, regional liaison with Central and West Africa.
Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa, so one enters Nigeria sensing the crowds, the traffic, the pollution that comes with growing industry, and the sights and smells of people living closely together. “It would be totally overwhelming if not for the warm, outgoing nature of the Nigerian people who express their welcome through heartfelt greetings, large smiles, and open and embracing arms,” continues Caryl. The PCN is active throughout this country, with nine synods in nine states and with congregations in the neighboring countries of Togo and Benin. One of the big challenges the PCN has identified as a priority is that of HIV/AIDS. The Rev. Okechukwu Iro leads the Presbyterian AIDS ministry for the PCN. It has focused on intensive training around prevention at both presbytery and congregational levels. The Rev. Dr. Benebo Fubara-Manuel, principal clerk of the PCN, speaks about AIDS every time he has the opportunity. As a leader of the church, he believes it is crucial to openly discuss HIV/AIDS and the reality of it in the churches and congregations, and to develop strategies for what can be done. “When have you preached a sermon on HIV/AIDS?” he asks a group of pastors. The PCN asks for prayer that the church can actualize its vision for mission both in Nigeria and abroad, and that the leaders who are engaged and committed to the holistic health and well-being of the individual and the church will be encouraged as they grow in Christ’s image. |
 Partners/Ministries Presbyterian Church of Nigeria: Rev. Dr. Benebo Fubara-Manuel, principal clerk • Christian Council of Nigeria: Rev. U. B. Usung, general secretary PC(USA) General Assembly Staff Champaka Srinivasan, WMD Susan Lee Stack, NMD Elder Susan Stanford, DEDO |
 Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness (James 1:19–20). |
 Ps. 32, 130, 139, 148 Joel 2:28—3:8 James 1:16–27; Luke 16:1–9 |
