In April, the 2008 Called to Witness group will travel to Nigeria to see Catholic Relief Services responding to poverty and fostering peace. Check back in the weeks ahead for postings to our travelogue, telling the story of our journey and pilgrimage to Nigeria. If you are interested in learning more about Called to Witness visit the Called to Witness homepage.

Our fifth entry in the travelogue is written by Christina Lujan, from St. Louis of France Catholic Church.

Enchantment and Honor

Called to Witness participants pose with Father Charles, the rector of the seminary of the Archdiocese of Jos and a newly appointed Bishop in Nigeria.

What an incredible journey thus far! We have been so overwhelmed by the welcoming of the people. Everywhere we turn, we are welcomed with smiles and beautiful greetings. One can feel the joy of our presence in this country. Today we were told by Father Oscar that he was “enchanted” by our coming. We too have been enchanted by what we have heard and seen. What an amazing honor it is for us to sit in room filled with the Archdiocesan youth director and numerous youth leaders that have gathered to highlight their ministry here in Jos. One can honestly say that they are far more advanced in their structure of youth leadership (defined in Nigeria as ages 15-35) than we are in the United States. It was impressive to see and hear how numerous youth organization come together as one. They work collectively to achieve one common goal: to build the youth who are the present and future hope of the church.

We went from an inspiring meeting to yet another blessed gathering at St. Augustine Major Seminary. Just to see and hear that there are over 270 seminarians was inspiring. WOW! We then met with the director, Father Charles, and received the news that we were sitting with a newly appointed Bishop. What an honor!

Yet the day’s excitement was only increasing. We later enjoyed one of the best meals with great company thus far. We were hosted for dinner at the Bishop’s residency in Jos. We were the guests of honor amongst many religious and friends; at least 70. There is no such thing as a ‘small’ meal or gathering. The relationship and interaction of the church with the people is one I have never experienced before. At times it has been hard to differentiate the priest from others. It brought much joy to be able to share a meal with many of the friends we have met during our stay in Jos.

It appears as though our amazing experience her Nigeria is quickly coming to an end, much to our dismay. This morning we had a debriefing meeting with three of the CRS Nigeria staff ; P.M Jose, the country representative, Darren Posse, the head of Programs and our guide and facilitator, John Pilaku. We were able to share with them our hearts on what this journey into Nigeria has meant for us and what it taught us about CRS.

Sue Versluys and David Gallant pose in the native attire that was made for them during our visit and worn at the CRS Nigeria annual party.

Together we had a beautiful afternoon in retreat, reflecting and sharing our experiences of people and places over the last week. Each one of us has been touched by something or someone and we are not going home the same person. It may have been a conversation, a sight, an encounter or a gesture, but the people of Nigeria have given us new view on what it means to really embrace all of life.

In the evening we were invited to the CRS Annual Staff Party. We all had beautiful traditional Nigerian outfits made by Seun, the wife of our guide, Ayo. At the party 3 women who are HIV positive shared their testimonies with us on how CRS has helped them and the challenges they face. Awards were presented for outstanding CRS staff work, providing an even bigger picture of the scope of CRS’ work. Good food and conversation were shared; digital pictures became the amusement of children. We even were able to share our unique style of “American” dancing and learned some moves from the Nigerians as well. It was another day of celebrating community that the people here truly embrace. I hope to be able to pack that sense of community into my suitcase.

Written by Amy Bly, Lake City, MN

In April, the 2008 Called to Witness group will travel to Nigeria to see Catholic Relief Services responding to poverty and fostering peace. Check back in the weeks ahead for postings to our travelogue, telling the story of our journey and pilgrimage to Nigeria. If you are interested in learning more about Called to Witness visit the Called to Witness homepage.

Our fourth entry in the travelogue is written by David Gallant, from St. Mary of the Annunciation Parish & National Association of Catholic Youth Ministry Leaders.

Read the rest of this entry »

In April, the 2008 Called to Witness group will travel to Nigeria to see Catholic Relief Services responding to poverty and fostering peace. Check back in the weeks ahead for postings to our travelogue, telling the story of our journey and pilgrimage to Nigeria. If you are interested in learning more about Called to Witness visit the Called to Witness homepage.

Our third entry in the travelogue is written by Dennis Fisher, from Catholic Relief Services’ Northeast Regional Office.

Read the rest of this entry »

Packing up to leave Jos was somewhat of a sad day. We all developed many friendships in the few days there.

Amy Bly poses with a market vendor who delighted the Called to Witness group by trying to teach them how to carry food and wares on the head, a typical practice by many women in Nigeria.

We went to debrief with the department heads of the Justice Development & Peace/Caritas Commission (JDPC), the Diocesan Health Committee (DHC) and the Youth Chaplain, Father Alex. There was an exchange of experiences, suggestions and ideas between all, allowing us to further discover the commonality we share. Someone stated, “We have seen the risen Jesus in the people of Jos and they too have seen the risen Jesus in us.” I must mention that Ayo who was in the seminary for 7 years, stood up and thanked us. He stated he left the church, has three children whom are not baptized and now because of his experiences with us is returning to the church and will have his children baptized.

We were given beautiful gifts; the ladies were given purses and the men were given native shirts, both by a co-op for prison inmates, and Father Alex asked us to please pray for the inmates. We all posed for pictures, or “snaps” as they are called, hugged each other goodbye one last time, exchanged e-mail address, loaded up and left.

We hadn’t driven very far, perhaps only to the outskirts of town when we stopped at a roadside stand that sold all sorts of beautiful, fresh fruits and vegetables. The team from CRS in Abuja was going to purchase a few items for their families. The idea was to stay in the van. Of course none of us could, and out we piled to experience carrying fruits and vegetables on our heads. They were much heavier than we expected which gave us an appreciation for the hard work the ladies are doing.

Our nightly reflection was just as moving as the experiences of the day. We were interrupted too many times to count: The lights flickered off and on. Then the phone rang. We had to stop to get measured for the clothes we were having made. Finally, the maintenance man stopped by to fix the toilet. Life happens, yet, sometimes in the most surprising manner through the sharing of ideas, stories and acts of kindness! When we finally finished our nightly reflection, the thoughts of our dialogues reminded me of a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Thought is the blossom, language is the bud and action is the fruit behind it.”

The two tribal chiefs from the communities at conflict with one another join hands after sharing with the Called to Witness group the process of reconciliation that the CRS peacebuilding has helped them to embrace.

This afternoon we were welcomed into the village of Namu, in the Archdiocese of Shendam, about 3 hours outside of Jos. The Archdiocese of Jos Office of Justice, Development and Peace Caritas Committee had briefed us earlier regarding the 2005-06 crisis between the Gami and Pan Tribes which had resulted in the destruction of property, lives and relationships, including the displacement of thousands in the Namu community. Our welcome by the recently resettled people of Namu included a hope filled ‘handshake of peace’ between the Christian Chief of the Pan Tribe and the Muslim Chief of the Gami Tribe which took place beneath the branches of a gnarled old tree that had survived the recent violence.

Several of us then had the honor to spend time with a few of the youth who live in the village and, like young people everywhere, they were eager to share their stories. Two teenage boys told us of their water woes—most notably that the closest well is over 10 km/6 miles away and of a water system that was installed but has never worked. They also shared their joy by inviting us into their home, proudly showing us their new handmade furniture, and explaining that extended families with as many as 25 or more children lived in each 2 room dwelling. The reality of the situation was stark as we witnessed new houses being constructed along side the charred remains of fire bombed homes.

Another young man introduced us to his wife, 2 children, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and various siblings and cousins. As he showed us around he quietly shared with us that his father had been killed during the conflict and then went on to speak of his hope for the future. As we prepared to depart, 13 year old Genevieve, who had joined a group of children running their dark hands through my blond hair, took my hand, smiled up at me and called me her friend. I was humbled by the sincerity of her precious gift of friendship.

During the long ride back to Jos we reflected on our basic human rights and responsibilities and shared intentions for those we had met, while we pondered the contrasts we had seen and the connections we had found amidst the rubble in Namu.

In April, the 2008 Called to Witness group will travel to Nigeria to see Catholic Relief Services responding to poverty and fostering peace. Check back in the weeks ahead for postings to our travelogue, telling the story of our journey and pilgrimage to Nigeria. If you are interested in learning more about Called to Witness visit the Called to Witness homepage.

Our second entry in the travelogue is written by Matthew Robaszkiewicz, from the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry.

Read the rest of this entry »

In April, the 2008 Called to Witness group will travel to Nigeria to see Catholic Relief Services responding to poverty and fostering peace. Check back in the weeks ahead for postings to our travelogue, telling the story of our journey and pilgrimage to Nigeria. If you are interested in learning more about Called to Witness visit the Called to Witness homepage.

Called to Witness participants pose with religious leaders from the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in Abuja (April 17).

Our first entry in the travelogue is written by Sue Versluys, from the Diocese of Rochester.

Read the rest of this entry »