Dear Friends,
Fondly called “Ishay’s Last Supper,” after Leo da Vinci’s Last Supper painting, except the main character this time (Ishaybabar) is missing from the photo. Ishay came to Christ from a Muslim-Fulani family and was brought to CFM for safety and learning about 10 years ago. He was formerly a nomadic cattle herder, with no education. Today, Ishay is responsible for site maintenance at Wurin Alheri, with a support team, as he trains others, while also mentoring them. That’s one theme of the Last Supper: making disciples. Pictured above, under the online supervision of ITEC USA, Ishay trains students in engine mechanics. That’s how I learned mechanics as a youth, by pulling engines apart and putting them back together. At least, pulling them apart! Ishay is now married to a local girl, with their first child, and lives on CFM’s site.
CFM is printing course materials (see blue folders in the photo) for 1,200 students, in English, Hausa and French, for 15 courses for this six month semester in our bible college. That’s a whole lot of translation our staff have done. It means buying new (second hand) photocopiers to take the load. The paper and ink cost A$10,000 each semester. Our students do the photocopying and collating work. We give handouts to those students who can’t afford to purchase them from CFM. Education requires a lot of support. Many come with no education, but are motivated and intelligent. A 25 year old lady who works in our house from a Muslim background, who arrived at CFM illiterate, does extra tuition with Ruth, so she can cope with secondary level science and maths in an adult education centre CFM sponsors. Each student needs support for a leg-up, then they contribute to many others.
One of our graduates sent by CFM to a village to begin a mission station, shares Christ with the village heads.
Global corruption has taught us we need to shine Christ’s light. When Israel came out of Egypt, their deliverance was spiritual, economic and political. So our students need some education in these issues also, to build a better future for their children, to build peace. We need redemption in all areas.
The Lord has taken us through so much:
Youth violence in our community that killed thousands, burned down houses, massacred people right where we lived. Thousands in gangs on rampage.
Boko Haram that besieged Jos for three years and attacked our churches and schools, suicide bombings, spread death throughout our city, then killed and displaced millions where are students, pastors and staff families live.
We were ambushed on a highway, a leader of CFM was murdered. Kidnap and banditry, almost on a daily basis for years.
Armed robbers once inside our home, followed by SWAT police. On another occasion, armed robbers in our compound, killing a security officer on site and wounding another.
Fulani conflict that killed thousands where we are located, and thousands more where are students our staff live and work, displacing millions.
The Lord taught us to build peaceful community in his name, bringing massive change in many communities, with so many eyes opened to the gospel.
The Lord then showed us agricultural principles that bring restoration and peace, that are now being widely used. We have seen thousands of lives restored this way.
We are certain the Lord will also get us through the global monopoly system that is Africa’s number one issue. It is killing millions of people, and is the biggest elephant in the room when we speak of peace and hope for millions of youth.
We are seeing a controlled demolition of the global speculative bubble economy, to return us to real investment and development that serves the people, like we had in the 1960’s, when monopolies were illegal, and families could live well on one income. No false flag event will distract from this. Such good news for Nigeria’s future. Nothing can stop the good now unfolding. Pray!
Kate Shettima, a founding member of CFM, speaks to our students: “The truth is powerful. It doesn’t campaign but always wins. You can do nothing against the truth. Anything built on lies cannot stand. Lies endanger your life. The truth will set you free. ‘The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.’ (Psalm 145:18) Don’t be scared of saying the truth. The truth is your life. ‘Mercy and truth shall preserve the king.’ (Prov 20:28) It is better to be flogged for saying the truth than to be praised for saying lies. Do not trust blindly. Make investigation. Find out the truth. The truth opens your eyes. I have not seen a man who stands by the truth and gets defeated. In due time, you will be vindicated. The more you know Him, the more you hate lies. Stand by the truth, and make the light of God shine. Enough of the lies and fake promises. Let’s live a life of truth and please Him. I don’t care what anyone says. I will tell the truth, so help me God.”
One of CFM’s missionaries, Zuru (a Muslim convert), went to our new mission station to share on Reconciliation, Kingdom of Christ and Community.
“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matt 7:11) God is much “gooder” than us. His reward is immense, never ending, always growing, things we never even thought of, he is doing. His heart is only good, in a way we have not understood. Stay faithful to him. If you go off his path, ask him to cleanse you and put you back into his program. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:19) “He rewards those who diligently seek him.” Nothing can stop the good that is coming.
Thank you for praying for and for supporting CFM.
Love in Christ,
Kent, Ruth and our team
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We don’t have any admin fees. 100% of what is given to CFMI goes to our projects in Nigeria. Our admin costs are covered by volunteers. Kent & Ruth receive no wage from CFMI. No address is added to CFM's news email address list without a personal request. See www.cfaithministries.org