Nigeria - Slideshow
A short slideshow of worship in Central Nigeria.
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In this land, rich in agricultural soil, mineral resources and large oil reserves, live more than 137 million people (2004 statistics), making it the most populous African country. Nigeria prides itself in its diversity as over 490 ethnic groups share 36 states, each having their own language and culture. Christians make up 50% of the population, while Muslims comprise 40% and other indigenous beliefs 10%. Although Nigeria is constitutionally a secular state where religious freedom is guaranteed, the recent history of the country has been characterized by tensions between religions, often leading to outbreaks of violence.
Amid this tension and diversity, the Church puts its trust in the Lord to renew its strength for ministry: to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind. (Isaiah 61)
Covenant Christian Church of Nigeria (CCCN) is a small but growing denomination of 14 churches in 11 villages, comprising more than 400 baptized members (mostly the Ava’di people). The CCCN was established by Christian Reformed World Missions (CRWM) in the late 1980s, operating under the Sudan United Mission (the term “Sudan” does not refer to the current Republic of Sudan, but instead means “black people”). Its first baptisms were celebrated a little over a decade ago. Today, a team of missionaries, located in the bush in Niger State, works with the Ava’di on literacy, translation, health and development ministries, and evangelism.