My First Experiences, A Preparation for The Year 2013

Here are just a few snap shots (or snaps as the Nigerians would say) of my brief time in Nigeria from October through early December 2012. This trip was to introduce me to the country, rural living, and my sponsoring Diocese. 

My first week in Nigeria I experienced the ancient custom of a dowry ceremony. The groom still has to pay a bride price for his betrothed.  I was told if we did this in America, our divorced rate would plummet. The dowry took the form of yams, rice, etc.

Here the men are gathered for the dowry exchange. There was eating and drinking, a quite festive affair.

Myself with Rev. Christian and his wife and a friend. Behind us is St. John's Anglican Church, Umunumo Ehime Mbano where a wedding would take place the next day. Can you recognize the American in this picture?

The Sanctuary of St. John's. A typical Anglican church is large, the size of a cathedral in the USA. 

The library at Trinity Theological College. I was hard-pressed to find any books of modern scholarship.

Students presenting there papers for evaluation at Trinity Theological College.

This is the kitchen of the refectory of Trinity Theological college. Since electricity is rare, wood fire is the most  dependable source of heat for cooking.

The children in Nigeria are taught discipline at a very young age. Here they are getting ready to enter their classrooms in the morning. These children belong to DINS, Diocese of Isiala-Ngwa South Academy.

The Christians in Nigeria are very religious and appreciate traditions. But those living in the rural areas live without the benefit of electricity It's there but distribution is a problem. Education is valued but text books wanting. The clergy are on fire but theological training is limited. 

The goals of The Diocese of Isiala-Ngwa South are to add a high school so students do not have to go away for their education in the upper grades and to increase opportunities for the clergy to broaden their experiences. All of this is within the scope of the Great Commission as  there are many folk in these communities who have yet to hear the gospel. 

My ministry is to share resources from America and connect the Diocese to opportunities available in America through my presence and gifts God has provided me! Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated in this calling. 

Heavenly Father, You sent Your Son to preach peace to all the world: Raise up sponsors and benefactors for Your servant Allen and for The Diocese of Isiala-Ngwa South as they seek to spread The Kingdom of God through preaching and teaching to all peoples. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.

Please donate using PayPal Donate button on the top right corner of this blog! Thank you.

The Mission Statement of Epiphany College

Here is the working mission statement for the proposed high school to be established in The Diocese Isiala-Ngwa South this coming year. 

Epiphany College

Mission Statement

The Mission of Epiphany College is to train the future leaders of Nigeria through a traditional education in a Christian environment. Epiphany College equips young men and women with an education in the sciences and humanities providing a foundation for knowledge that will guarantee success in all future endeavors of the student.

Why is Epiphany College Unique

Epiphany College provides a curriculum guaranteeing the students acceptance in most American universities.

Administrative Structure

President

Board of Trustees

Principal

Vice-Principal

Vice-Principal - Academics

Chaplain

Dean of Academics Dean of Students

Chairmen of Departments

Teachers

Office of Financial Affairs & Student life 

Through Community Life and Boarding students are wrapped in discipline with an emphasis on Christian life, the arts and dancing.

Our goal is to build linkages between this rural Diocese in Nigeria and western education in order that youths have a greater opportunity to escape poverty and broaden their horizons.

To support this project you may make a financial gift by clicking the "Donate" button in the top right corner of this blog. For in-kind support please email me at padreallenp@aol.com. subject 'Nigeria 2013'. 

May all glory be to God and to His Righteousness!

God Calling

I found myself in Nigeria the last couple of months. And now I am returning in just a couple of months! One of the things I learned is the need for support from my home country. Support that comes in the form of material, spiritual, and emotional. This blog is an attempt to fulfill that need! It is also an attempt to journal my experiences.

In 2013, I will return to Owerrinta, Abia State, Nigeria serving The Diocese of Isiala-Ngwa South. A major goal of this trip is to lay the foundation for a high school designed to help the children of this rural village have as many opportunities to succeed in a world that has many obstacles! Also I will be building bridges between the Church in Nigeria and The Anglican Church in America!

To that end financial support and in-kinds gifts are needed! So please hit the donate button on the top right and make a free-will offering. If you wish to give material goods, please email me at padreallenp@aol.com.


But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you.For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord. With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will. We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man. And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men. (2 Cor. 8:16-24)