A Refuge of Grace: Bearing One Another’s Burdens in Nigeria
by Rod Page
Tucked away behind the classrooms and dormitories of a local theological college where we stayed in Nigeria sits a quiet haven for those who have lost nearly everything. Here, several Christian families driven from their ancestral villages by severe persecution have found a place of refuge. Officially staying as “guests” on the seminary grounds in a formerly dilapidated school, these brothers and sisters are living in simple, temporary quarters—yet their spirit remains strong and hopeful because of Jesus and the saints who are there for them.
Having seen their need, some members of our team felt an immediate burden to come alongside the seminary and provide a little tangible support. Thanks to our national coordinator, Joel, we pooled our resources to deliver some basics directly to their doorsteps: a large sack of rice that ended up being delivered by motorcycle, some tins of milk, cooking oil, and other household basics to help carry them through the coming weeks.
Walking into their “courtyard,” what strikes you first isn’t despair, but life carrying on with quiet dignity. Children rolled bicycle tires through the dirt and greeted us with shy, inquisitive, but radiant smiles—including young Prosper, who came right up to say hello. Under the shade of sprawling trees, mothers washed their babies in small traditional tubs, laundry hung along the veranda, and life pressed on and forward in faith. Our brother Ebenezer (the Provost of the college), who often visits to encourage the families, made his rounds, checking in on everyone, especially keeping an eye on a favorite baby (Esther), carried snugly on a sister’s (Bathsheba’s) back.
Near the back quarters, the rhythmic thrum of an engine filled the air as a woman poured dried cassava pieces into a grinding mill. She was preparing the flour needed to make swallow—the beloved, dough-like Nigerian staple rolled into dumplings and eaten alongside rich sauces. Even in exile from their homes, the comforting rituals of daily bread endure.
It was a humbling reminder that edifying the saints is rarely about grand gestures. Often, it looks like a motorbike loaded with staple foods, a shared greeting under the afternoon sun, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our persecuted family so they know they have not been forgotten.
Please keep these resilient brothers, sisters, and children in your prayers as they rebuild their lives in hope.
A brother who went with us that day has a ministry to a camp of refugees just like this near where we were ministering. He ministers in this camp of 20,000 and has an incredible reach through his team that offers trauma counseling, Bible studies, education, and micro-grants to get them back on their feet. Oh yeah, he also directs the online distance education at the seminary that he graduated from there in Ilorin. What a connection, as we presented to him a “theology for peacemaking.”
That same day I met this brother, I noticed that he was wearing a beautiful T-shirt that bore the name of his ministry—called “The Daniel Damilare (which is Yoruba for ‘God create/make and vindicate me’) Peace Foundation.” That’s quite a name for an overtly Christian ministry!
Jeremiah says that in this New Covenant He would write His Word on our hearts and minds! God laid it on Daniel Adeyinka, in the dangerous Middle Belt of Nigeria, to build up the persecuted believers who have been displaced through kidnappings, murder, and terror to understand that they are justified/vindicated only in Jesus Christ, and they need the peace and safety found in the Body of Christ!
But how can that be if the Body is dismembered relationally? What kind of safety net is there for those truly persecuted saints if the majority of saints won’t love each other without doctrinal, ethnic, or any other kind of prejudice?
Jesus has made provision for over 20,000 decimated saints who spiritually are actually just fine in their spirit because they are one with the Lord now! 1 Corinthians 6:17
Being there to fellowship and help carry the load for the few families of believers was truly edifying and humbling to us. What a privilege to stand alongside them in a small but practical expression of love.
Please continue keeping these sweet families in your prayers as the Lord provides and sustains them each day, and the thousands in makeshift camps all over Nigeria!
The Lord be praised for what He is doing in Africa!
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