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.....as God Meets the Need
How did man in Bakersfield, CA make such a meaningful difference in the lives of over 150 pastors in Nigeria? He said, ‘Yes, Lord, I'll go where you can use me.’
So…Dr. Steve Salyers, a local Chiropractor, accepted and invitation by ICM to go to Nigeria and speak at a number of pastor conferences in the eastern part of the country. While at Gombe and Yola, the conferences concluded with graduation ceremonies. Pastors were awarded a diploma of completion by attending six 3-day conferences during the span of one year. This is a huge commitment in a country where travel in remote areas can be quite difficult.
In an effort to recognize the accomplishments of these church leaders, ICM staff had hoped to give each graduate a John Maxwell study Bible as a graduation gift. However, due to unforeseen financial challenges, extra funds were not available to provide such a special gift that would contin ue to ‘teach’ these pastors. Obviously, everyone was extremely disappointed, but knew that the Lord willing, He would somehow provide the necessary funding for the study Bibles.
Upon returning to the States, Dr. Salyers brought with him the experience of seeing men of God in Nigeria with an incredible passion for the Lord. They are continually seeking more understanding of the Bible, yet they don't have the necessary resources. It's amazing how they accomplish so much for the Lord in spite of great difficulties and opposition. Not only are they resource-poor, but some of the pastors have had their churches burned down and threats on their lives by the opposition in a predominately Muslim area. 
As Steve shares, “I came back home grieved by this situation, and I believe that the Lord led me to step out in faith to make a little personal investment to help out.”
He couldn't afford the entire $7000 necessary to buy the number of Bibles needed, he felt that he could do something that would also allow others to experience the blessings of giving towards a very worth need.
How Others Became Involved.....
Did you Know......
Nigeria, officially named the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising thirty-six states and one Federal Capital Territory. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in the north. Its coast lies on the Gulf of Guinea, part of the Atlantic Ocean, in the south. The capital city is Abuja.
Nigeria is divided into thirty-six states and one Federal Capital Territory, which are further sub-divided into 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Nigeria has six cities with a population of over 1 million people (from largest to smallest: Lagos, Kano, Ibadan, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, and Benin City). Lagos is the largest city in sub-Saharan Africa, with a population of over 10 million in its urban area alone.
Nigeria has remained a key player in the international oil industry since the 1970s, and maintains membership in Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries OPEC which it joined in July, 1971. Nigeria is the 12th largest producer of petroleum in the world and the 8th largest exporter, and has the 10th largest proven reserves.
Nigerians have authored many influential works of post-colonial literature in the English language. Nigeria's best-known writers are Wole Soyinka, the first African Nobel Laureate in Literature and Chinua Achebe, the legendary writer best known for the novel, Things Fall Apart and his controversial critique of Joseph Conrad.
According to the official September 2007 FIFA World Rankings, Nigeria is currently First-ranked football nation in Africa and the 19th highest in the world. Nigeria is also involved in other sports such as basketball and track and field. Boxing is also an important sport in Nigeria; currently, Samuel Peter is the World Heavyweight Champion.
Kwa Falls in Nigeria
...as God meets the need
Feeling that he could somehow involve his professional practice, Dr. Salyers decided to declare a "Bibles for Nigerian pastors day". And payments for any services performed during that day would be made out to ICM. Patients were notified of the special day, and when greeted by their doctor, they saw him in the native Nigerian attire. What a surprise!! And you know what? People were genuinely excited about the project and many gave FAR beyond their fee for services for the day.
 When all the special funds for that day were added up, ICM was able to purchase about 170 Bibles.
It's been such a blessing to receive letters from various pastors in Nigeria outlining how blessed they have felt upon receiving their ‘Graduation Bible’.
Dr. Salyers summed it up by saying, “God is so good and their faith was so inspiring to me. What a special blessing to be a small part of God meeting such an important need in Nigeria.”
Steve and Team
Hope of Africa Fund
The Hope of Africa is Jesus, nothing more or nothing less. We in ICM are committed to partnering with you and those in Africa to ensure that every man and woman has a chance to hear the Good News of Jesus and to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus. Your donation to this fund helps make this goal a reality. To donate on-line just click here.
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