January 2012

Dear Friends and Family,

We pray this note finds you all well. I know many of you have had really rough winter weather this January. Sorry oh.  We continue to pray for your warmth and safety.  Wish we could bundle up some of the heat we have here, as we have plenty to share.

We have continued to enjoy a number of visitors, many wishing to start the new year by blessing us.  The biggest surprise was the visit of the governor’s wife, First Lady Judith Amechi.  She came just on a personal visit, to say that she remembered us and wanted to know if there was anything she could do to help.  We do not know what may come of her visit, but it was an encouragement to know that she remembered and was concerned.

All visits, and notes I get from friends, serve to encourage me.  I struggle at times, just as perhaps many of you do, in the battle to remain positive and focused.  Many who came by over the busy end of the year period, offered prayers that I would remain strong in the work we share together.  I am thankful for the prayers and support of all who recognize the value of what is being done here.  The fact that many lift us up before the Father, asking Him to continue to give us grace and strength, means more than you can ever know.

Our Sundays continued to be blessed with the fellowship of three widows and their children.  They come from a good distance from us, getting up very early in order to make it by our 10 am worship service.  Widows have such a struggle, especially here and with children.  It is a little respite for them, and an opportunity for us to bless them in some small way.  One lady has a 7 year old who is severely mentally handicapped.  She is unable to leave him to go out to work.  She has to carry him on her back, wrapped as mothers traditionally carry their young.  I am encouraged by her determination to continue to love and care for her child.  I am praying for a solution to their circumstances, and for others who wish to follow them.

Five of our bigger boys got a chance for temporary employment at a start up bakery. Although slow sales only allowed them to work for a little while, they got a good taste of a working man’s world.  We are getting pans, etc together to let them bake bread in the house, as we eat 30 loafs a week. Longer term plans are for us to even have a small bakery of our own, as a way of helping us help ourselves.  Any suggestions or recipes?

Schools all over the country, including private schools, were closed through out the month.  So we have had an extra long Christmas break.  This was to allow the political process to go on, with two weeks set aside for voter registration.  This is a very critical time for the country, and hopefully the process will remain calm and peaceful, and that representative government will continue to strengthen here.  I was proud of the efforts many made to stand in long lines for hours just to register to vote.  My older ones left the house before 6 am, in order to get in line.  This they had to do more than once, as the line can stretch for days.

Talking of school, Janna and Innocent both got admission to the University of Port Harcourt.  Janna will study Computer Science, while Innocent was admitted to study Agricultural Economics.  Though I have mixed feelings about them going to University here, because of the many problems, it is a step forward.  They are in the process of paying fees, trying to find accommodation, etc.

Tessy traveled to the other side of the country to interview for a placement for her mandatory internship.  She has gone through this process in several of the state capitals in this region.  We don’t know if she will be able to be successful outside the area, but I am glad she had the chance to try.  Meanwhile she started work at a local medical lab, where she can keep up her skills in medical lab science.

We continued visiting the campus of Nigerian Christian Bible College at Ukpom.  We started the month with a visit on the 1^st for their annual village day.  It is a big day for them, with highlights being competitions of various kinds.  The biggest is the final match of the area soccer tournament.  It amazed me to see the vast number of young people who came, eager to have a chance to get out and about. 

We also met on campus with area brethren on the 22^nd, who want to see the school returned to days of former glory.  It is a long and difficult process, but I am glad to see many committed to the school.  We went a third time to meet with the chiefs.  One told me he was just a young many when the foundations of the first buildings were laid 56 years ago.  He pointed out large trees he planted on campus, and expressed hope of seeing continued success.

Our friends the Perrys came to visit from Abuja.  They are moving to work at Uyo at Nigerian Christian Institute.  Please pray for them as they make this adjustment, and for their safety.  Kidnapping still happens in the area, though not as frequent.  We look forward to their being closer to us.

Please join us in prayers for the families of Mike Davidow and Allen Baggent.  Both were young men who were struck down in their twenties, and now their families are left to struggle with their loss.  Young Davidow’s parents were friends and his father a school mate in Vienna, were we attended the Eastern European School of Evangelism.  He had a massive heart attack at 29, and Allen lost his battle to lung disease at 27.  His father is much loved and respected here, as someone who has visited a number of times during the annual preachers workshop.  It is never easy to give up those we love, but the loss of a child is perhaps the hardest.  We also had a death in the family, with Uncle Hugh passing away at 96.

One last item.  My brother Philip has been assigned for 3-5 years to China.  Along with his family, they will make the move later in the year.  Exciting changes ahead for us all.

God bless you for loving us.  Cliff and Co.

Dear Friends and Family,

I want to start with an apology to those who get this letter by post. The normally reliable posting did not take place, and you were informed late of my journey to the US. By the time you got the mail, I was already back in Nigeria. Sorry about that. Here is a brief account of a long and busy journey.

I left at the last of August, chiefly to be able to join the annual board meeting of the trustees for the African Christian Schools Foundation in Nashville. My purpose was to try to gain more clarity about how we could advance both the good of the school and that of my children. As I have mentioned earlier, I have a burden on my heart for the Nigerian Christian Bible College which has served so well for so long.

I was able to meet with these good folks associated with ACSF three different times, twice at Board meetings and once at a fund raiser. Hopefully, we gained in our appreciation of each other and a better understanding of how we can compliment each other’s mission. I respect so much their longstanding service for the people of Nigeria and elsewhere, and pray that my contributions will amplify what they are doing. I continue to thank them for their warm hospitality and for being given an opportunity to work together.

I was able to also meet a number of good folks who have continued to be longsuffering and loyal to our work together for the children in my care and others. I spoke at Saucer Creek, Southern Hills, and Hillcrest congregations in Mississippi, as well as the Northwest congregation in San Antonio and a congregation in Murfessburo, Tn.. I also visited the Fulton , Mayfair, and Brown’s Creek congregations. I cannot say enough good about such folks who have given so sacrificially over extended periods of time. I know that God has noted their faithfulness, and will reward them accordingly. I pray that the few remarks and brief time I was able to spend with them was an encouragement. I do believe the pictures helped give them a better understanding of what we are doing together.

I want to mention for special thanks three widows who gave, even in time of grief and sorrow. One woman, a Nigerian nurse working for Shell here in Port Harcourt, lost her husband to assassins in June. One lady was a member of a Sunday School class in San Antonio who have given so generously over the years. Many of the members are widows, including herself, yet that hasn’t stopped them from giving. This dear sister gave and extra gift during my visit. And a dear sister in Oregon, gave her regular monthly contribution, even during the week of her husband’s demise. She added the money set aside to pay the minister for his service at the husband’s funeral. What a testimony to her faith and love, that she could set aside her grief and look after the needs of others.

It is hard to describe how it feels, knowing that folks have invested so much into our lives. It is humbling, strengthening, encouraging, frightening… I know that I will have a lot to answer for, having been entrusted with so much. I pray that I can be found faithful in handling such gifts, the most precious being the children themselves. The task seems so overwhelming at times. Please continue to pray that our work together will achieve that which we all desire.

It was good to be with family as well, though the time is always too short. 

My dad was able to enjoy his 57^th high school reunion, seeing classmates he had not seen since the early 50’s. What a special time that was for him. My mother’s family also had a family reunion, with many driving long distances to be able to enjoy a time of renewal and reconnection. I saw cousins and aunts and uncles I haven’t seen in years. I regret that we are not able to spend the time we once did together. It was sad to see the empty places, having lost 8 uncles and 2 aunts on both sides of the family plus my mother since 2002. But it was good to see the younger ones running around in the yard, knowing the family keeps marching on.

There were important family matters for my own immediate family as well. My dad was not feeling too well, though you would have found it hard to believe seeing the schedule he kept. We went to the hospital for tests just before I left to come back. Unfortunately, results did not come back until after I left. His heart had two blockages, even though he had open heart bypass surgery last year. It required two attempts to place stents in the arteries, but he is now back on his feet with some improvement. I felt that I had abandoned ship, leaving my father to face such procedures and my sister having to pull nurse duty alone. I thank God for a successful treatment, and that they both still encourage me to continue with our work here. 

It is difficult, knowing I have loyalties and duties on both sides of the ocean. For now, as for many years in the past, my stateside family continues to sacrifice in order to allow me to continue to work here. I thank them for their encouragement and selflessness.

I was able to have a short time with my sons in Texas as well. Jonathan lives in Lubbock, and Jeb in Abilene. He and his family came up and spent a couple of days with us, and it was good to be together in our former home town. We went to the old barbershop for haircuts, and that sure was a trip down memory lane. It was especially good to see my grandson, and hopefully we will have more time to connect and help each other. Jon had surgery for cancer last year, and he is still struggling with the aftermath. He had much of the roof of his mouth removed, part of his lip, and the scar tissue in his throat makes it difficult to swallow. He still faces another surgery when he is a bit stronger. Please continue to join me in prayer for my loved ones who have to share me with so many others.

While in Lubbock we visited both Lubbock Christian University and Sunset International Bible Institute. This school, which has been at the forefront of preparing folks for greater ministry, has a complete 40 course Bible study on DVD. The complete set retails at over $7000, and we asked for a donated set to form the basis of an improved curriculum for the Bible school here. The school agreed to seek funding to make such a set available for us.

I want to close this part of our news thanking all who made this trip possible. For the meal with the Turners, the weekend with the Massey’s, for the overnight hospitality of Sis. Joyce Anderson and the Don Harrison family, for Mike Bruno who helped with ticket money, for all those who made extra contributions to help with the kids; the number is too long and my memory too poor to complete. A very special thanks to my sister Donna, who drove well over 1000 miles taking me to Nashville and Birmingham and other places. Her love to me has been steadfast since she was that little baby sister that smiled up at me. I hope to make my next trip less stressful for her.

Meanwhile, back at the home front, all was well when I returned. Six of my children had entered boarding school at Nigerian Christian Institute in Uyo. It hurt to seem them gone, and it is hard to know who is missing whom the most. We pray this is another step forward for us all. Many thanks to Nkiru and Chima and others who worked hard to keep the family together in my absence. School has started so it is back to daily commutes and new uniforms and school fees. We keep looking to God to provide.

Thank all of you again for your love, your prayers, your financial commitment. We pray for the Lord to continue to strengthen us, to guide us, to provide for us all. It is in His service that we remain committed.

With Love,

Cliff and Co.

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October 2009

11/8/2010 10:07:12 AM

October 2009  

Dear Friends and Family,

We trust and pray all is well with everyone, that the Halloween costumes are safely tucked away, and that the final candies have been enjoyed.  I am afraid there would be major panic if “trick or treaters” were to show up here.  Witches and goblins are very much a part of people’s beliefs, and are to be avoided at all cost.

We continue to rejoice and be strengthened by your love and concern for us and others.  We often are reminded of your prayers and well wishes.  We thank you for your continued steadfastness, even in the face of difficult economic times.  God will continue to bless you.  We are also comforted by well wishers here, who let us know they regularly pray for us.  It strengthens us to know that folks labour in prayer on our behalf.  We know that we are not alone in this struggle, and we treasure everyone’s fellowship.

I am thankful to be able to report that my father is much improved and has been able to leave the convalescence home to head back to the farm.  Our daughter Jessica is staying with him till her visa expires, and learning more about farm life.  Thank you for your prayers on his behalf.

We also rejoice that we have more electricity than ever before. Just next to us is a small hotel, which was recently bought by a political figure.  He has breathed new life into the place, and generously shared his electrical connection with us.  The current is often too strong, and we replace burnt light bulbs regularly, but it is definitely a help.  We had to buy fuel everyday to run our generator, and our fuel bill is now much less.  And it sure helps to have fans at night to chase away the heat and mosquitoes.

We were called upon to assist in a small way with a major problem facing a congregation in the neighboring state of Akwa Ibom.  This congregation has been in litigation over the title of their church property for 22 years.  Recently the case was settled in favor of the church, and they began a much needed expansion.  However, their enemies have not relented, especially since this property is now of prime commercial value.  A mother came to ask of her 18 year old son, who was a labourer on the construction site.  She later returned with police claiming her son had been murdered and buried in the foundation of the new building.  People are still killed here as spiritual sacrifices to gain favour of the gods. Sure enough, his body was found buried on site.  The police arrested the minister and more than 20 men of the congregation, holding them now for over one month.  We were able to go to the area command in Calabar to plead the case with the AIG, the top police officer for this region.  He knows of the reputation of the church, and promised to look into the matter.  To date, most remain in custody and two have collapsed and have been hospitalized.  Your prayers are needed for this congregation and the jailed men.

Police here do their work differently than in the US.  These men can be jailed for months without being charged, while investigations are being held.  One of our child care worker’s mother was also jailed this month, beaten and tortured, in an effort to get her to produce her son.  His unnamed crime is a village matter, which usually means a land dispute.  A near neighbor was shot in the leg by police, along with every other passenger, when a pistol was found in the bus he was traveling in.  Only he and the driver survived.  These things defy believe at times, and yet they are part and parcel of everyday life here.  We are constantly reminded of the Grace of God which has protected us from so many dangers, known and unknown.

I took an overnight trip to Abuja to address a training session of the Nigerian Prison Service High Command.  My brief remarks were intended to encourage them to greater levels of professionalism in their important service.  I keep making such efforts on behalf of a company that trains folks in how to handle medical emergencies.  There is a lack of education in basic emergency management, and I feel the little I do is a contribution that can possibly save a life. 

We did lose another life of someone close to us this month.  Victoria, one of our baby workers, went home to her village some weeks ago.  She had not felt well, and confided that she felt someone had placed a curse on her.  The actual cause of death will never be known to us, but the effects of this belief system is as real as any other disease.  As a man thinks in his heart, so is he…  Our 5 year old Jael is struggling to understand death, as this is the first time someone close to her has died.  We all struggle with the meaning of death, and its eventuality for all of us.  It is made all the harder when the person is young and the cause unknown.  We thank God that we know what we must do to prepare for that journey that we all must make.

We told you of a friend from Holland who took a sabbatical from Shell to volunteer with Doctors without Borders.  Fenna Snater has been a good friend to us all, and her volunteering to work with AIDs patients in Zimbabwe is typical of her concern for others.  Our prayers are with her as she settles in one of the most difficult works in one of the most difficult countries in the world.  It is easy to get overwhelmed by all the evil in the world, and it is an encouragement to me to be reminded that there are still many good folks in the world doing many good things.

We all continue to look in hope to better times and circumstances.  I know that things are unsettled in the US economically.  A friend in Florida recently had a stroke, lost his job, and has now been evicted.  His family is going through severe stress.  His case made me more aware of how difficult things can be even in a developed country.  The fact that you continue to faithfully support us, in spite of your challenges, means more to us than you can know.  We will survive this together.  Things will get better.  After the winter comes spring, by God’s grace.

May the Lord continue to strengthen you as you continue to serve Him by serving us and others.

We love you,

Cliff & Co

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March 2009

11/8/2010 10:07:12 AM

March 2009

Dear Friends and Family,

We’re thankful to be able to once again share a moment with you, and trust this note finds you all well.  I’m here on the balcony, with sweat dripping off my nose.  My sister just told me that it is forecast to snow in Ms. tonight, and I’m thinking of how different our worlds are.  Yet I’m glad we share a common tie in our efforts to serve others.  No matter the differences of race and nationality, of gender and geography, of class and denomination, we stand united in an eternal purpose.  And for that I will always be thankful.

The fact that so many folks from so many different walks of life share in and with us, remains one of my greatest sources of comfort and encouragement.  The second Sunday in Feb. was a good example of this diversity being united.  After morning worship service usually comes on of the highlights of my week, the Sunday afternoon nap.  But before I could get settled on my favorite couch, an unexpected group from the Covenant Baptist Church came by with gifts and well wishes.  Before this group could leave, an even larger group from St. Vincent Catholic church came by, also bearing gifts of rice, beans and other foodstuffs.  We had almost 100 people in our living/ dining room, sharing a common prayer for the future well being of our children. 

As I looked at the many smiling faces, I was stuck by a sense of history, both past and present.  In this time and place God worked His wonders, and it was marvelous in our sight. Here in the crowded room of a house rented from a Northern Nigerian Muslim, a group known for persecuting Southern Nigerian Christians, was a group of orphaned children of different tribes, being fathered by a white red-neck from the Deep South.

Gathered around them in solid, tangible support were two religious groups whose pasts history included open persecution and distrust. 

For a brief moment, without human planning or forethought, I saw in the eyes of those gathered, a glimmer of hope for a better future.  By His Grace, sworn enemies can lay down the weight of past problems and prejudices, and unite on the common ground of concern for those most innocent and disadvantaged.  The day was made complete by and evening visit from an Anglican church group.

There has been some unity and closure in Ukpom as well.  I reported that threats hade been made, discouraging us from moving forward.  Yet the Chiefs and clan heads, the youth and various community leaders have come together to condemn this action and have committed to working with us.  We are praying for wisdom and the means to move forward with this opportunity.  We are thankful, that in the midst of threats and confusion, there could grow a sense of community and common purpose.

I did travel a bit this month.  I made an overnight trip to Bonny Island to talk with officials about their pledge to help us.  They suggested they combine efforts with monies given by Dr. Fred Massey and Family to buy and repair our home which has been rented the past 11 years.  Any left over funds could be used to invest in the campus in Ukpom.  It is a consensus that this is a wise course of action, allowing us to maintain a presence and ministry in two places.  Please help join us in prayer over the matter, that we be led in the right way.  I would welcome your comments and advise.

I also traveled to Lagos to welcome our friend Mike Bruno for a brief visit.  He has a great personal interest in children, having been orphaned himself.  Please pray for the success of various business projects he is trying to develop here, as this can give an increased level of needed financial support.

I finished the month in an overnight trip to Abuja, the capitol of Nigeria.  I was invited to help in a small training exercise on CPR to the Senate President and principal officers in the Senate.  They recently had a member collapse and die during a heated debate, so they were receptive to the need for preparing for emergencies.

I am happy to report that baby Precious is still with us, along with his mother Mercy.  He was over one week in the hospital.  At one point, they called us in, fearing he would not live much longer.  Yet a unit of blood, several of glucose, plus other attentions, helped to turn the tide.  Today, he is one of three babies sharing our home, and quickly filling out.  We have met family members and are trying to work on some reconciliation.

We were saddened to hear of the passing of my wife’s Aunt Wanda Stolzenburg.  She was a quiet, gentle woman whose last year was marked by painful kidney disease.  We are thankful she rests from her struggle in a place of sure salvation.

Thank you for your continued loyalty and concern.  A dear sister in California restored the money stolen from Tessy.  This was in spite of the fact that she and her husband are retirees, with significant health challenges of their own.  Many of you are on fixed incomes.  Yet in the midst of the global financial uncertainties, you continue to reach out in love.  The Nigerian currency has lost 50% of its value since December, so there is a lot of worry and concern on this side as well.  We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but remain confident that God will work all things out to His glory.

Thank you again for being a part of the solution and not the problem.  May God continue to richly bless you.

Love,

Cliff & Crew