After lurching from one military coup to another, Nigeria now has an
elected leadership. But it faces the growing challenge of preventing
Africa's most populous country from breaking apart along ethnic and
religious lines.
Political liberalisation ushered in by the return to civilian rule in
1999 has allowed militants from religious and ethnic groups to express
their frustrations more freely, and with increasing violence.
Thousands of people have died over the past few years in
communal rivalry. Separatist aspirations have been growing, prompting
reminders of the bitter civil war over the breakaway Biafran republic in
the late 1960s.
The imposition of Islamic law in several states has embedded
divisions and caused thousands of Christians to flee. Inter-faith
violence is said to be rooted in poverty, unemployment and the
competition for land.
The government is striving to boost the economy, which
experienced an oil boom in the 1970s and is once again benefiting from
high prices on the world market. But progress has been undermined by
corruption and mismanagement.
Read full article here at BBC.com _______________________ Continue
to pray for Nigeria, her people and the peace in the land. Nigeria must
rise above the corruption and chaos it has portrayed in the news. Thanks for all your prayers, correspondence and support!
Gabi, Zion along with cousins and grandparents (Schaafsma)
PEACE Not sure what to think of that word, "peace" when it is uttered. What do you think? Calm. Serenity. Quiet? It could be as it relates to politics, religion, ancestry and even financial.
- Arabic: Salaam means 'Peace'. It also can be used as a greeting, used synonymously with 'Assalaamu Alaikum', meaning 'Peace be with you' - Hebrew: Shalom means peace, but also 'fulness' and not the absence of struggle.
Jesus is described as the PRince of Peace and mentions on the night of his betrayal promises, "my peace I leave you" (John 14:27). This is the type of peace that transcends any circumstance.
The media gives us the impression that it can never be realized and should not be given much thought, leaving you hopeless and unable to develop optimism.
USA Being back in the States for over 6 weeks we have come to understand the struggles and pains manifesting, but also discovering many great things. Political fights over debt, unemployment, droughts, floods, etc., can leave you dizzy, but hope is found when we see individuals caring for neighbors, people donated their time and resources.
In spite of that, we have had some great visits and don't take for granted the generosity and support from so many. We were able to see our immediate families and most of our relatives - and many great friends. We feel bad that we were unable to see others - our list was greater than our allotted time.
We witnessed the marriage of Patrick (Ann's youngest brother) & Sarah, shopped, golfed, swam, drove, and of course, ate lots of great food!
NIGERIA We left Nigeria at the end of May with relative calm. Despite other places in Nigeria going through unrest (Abuja, Maiduguri, Bauchi, Kaduna, etc), Jos remained mostly quiet. We pray that the efforts to build a sustainable Nigeria will continue.
