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Great Gospel Campaign in Ole-Ozoro, Nigeria

21 - 25 January 2009

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Nigeria
Nigeria, which is by far the most densely populated country in Africa, is divided into 36 federal states. Owing to the large population, it will continue to be the focus of CfaN’s work in 2009. The north of the country, which gradually changes from steppe to desert, is predominantly Muslim, whereas the south has been superficially Christian since the colonial era. One of the country’s main problems is an unhealthy religious mix (syncretism) of Christianity and animism. A fair number of Nigerian “Christians” continue to make sacrifices to their ancestors, go to heathen festivals, wear talismans, worship totems, etc. A Bible-based, uncompromising proclamation with a call for a clear conversion and a sincere commitment of one’s life is urgently needed in many places, including those with an apparent Christian heritage. In fact, it is no different from Europe, where, despite a history of Christian influence, there are many places where Bible-based Christianity is not easy to find.

Ole/Ozoro
In January the CfaN Team will be going to the two towns of Ole and Ozoro in Delta State in southern Nigeria. This densely settled coastal region on the Gulf of Guinea is home to the Isoko tribe. The two towns, which are the seats of the local governments of Isoko North and Isoko South , are only five kilometres apart and are gradually merging to form one large town. The Isoko region is in the sultry tropical rainforest of the Niger Delta. In this area the rainfall is often heavy and can last for some time and for most of the year humidity is very high, between 85% and 95%. The region is extremely fertile and predominantly agricultural. The climate in the dry season from November to April is influenced by the harmattan, the desert wind from the north-east, which brings warm, dry air from the Sahara. One of the core problems in the region is oil drilling. Apart from problems of environmental destruction and the risk to fishing, the oil drilling is the cause of ethnic conflict between individual clans and rebel groups, as many people living in the region feel exploited by the international companies. There are repeated kidnappings. One of the largest oil refineries in Africa is located in the capital of the federal state, Warri (where we held a richly blessed gospel crusade in September 2003). The mixture of African customs and church traditions is prevalent among a large section of the population in this area. Fetish worship is widespread. There are a large number of ancient shrines and memorials where homage is paid. The message of salvation urgently needs to be preached clearly and unequivocally. The pastors, too, are longing for encouragement, fresh fire and new power. The fields are white unto harvest in the land of the Isoko.

Pictures by Oleksandr Volyk