Day 19: Bola Sujiwade

Bola Sujiwade
Nigerian Ladies Association of Texas
P.O. Box 23
Denton, TX 76202

Dear Ms. Sujiwade,

My name is Emmett Eldred. I am one of many youth and young adults who belong to an active, passionate movement within the Church of the Brethren to better reflect the love and teachings of Jesus in our everyday lives. I am writing to you as part of a series of over 1000 letters that I will write to public figures and community leaders over the next year about the Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN), the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria.

You and your members should care about the EYN for a number of reasons. The EYN is the largest body of Church of the Brethren anywhere in the world. Also, the EYN operates in virtually the same region as Boko Haram, meaning that the EYN has suffered especially from the violence in Nigeria. In fact, roughly three-fourths of the schoolgirls in Chibok kidnapped by Boko Haram belong to the EYN, and their situation continues to worsen.

There are many groups that have suffered terribly from the violence in Nigeria. However, the EYN are particularly inspiring in the way that they have responded to their suffering. The Church of the Brethren, including the EYN, is a historic peace church. The EYN has been faithful and steadfast in promoting peace in Nigeria, despite their hardship.

In the face of great hatred, fear, and division, the EYN consistently responds with far greater love, courage, and community. They understand that as the Church they must be beacons of Christ’s love in a climate darkened by violence. They have become leaders in working to peacefully and sustainably restore community, dialogue, and the dignity of all Nigerians, even when it means making sacrifices.

These people fill me with hope, and I will never stop advocating for them.

I hope you will learn more about the EYN and share their story with your members and supporters. Add your voice to mine in advocating for their aid. I truly believe that the EYN represent the possibility of lasting peace in Nigeria, but their situation is growing worse. They need our help. Be that help. Share their story. Invest in their ministry.

With thanks and the love of Christ,

Emmett Eldred
Carnegie Mellon University SMC# 2046
Pittsburgh, PA 15289
eeldred@andrew.cmu.edu
814-502-8349