Day 23: Simone Campbell

Simone Campbell
NETWORK
25 E Street, NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20001-1630

Dear Sister Campbell,

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 over the next year to public figures and community leaders about the Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN) the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria.

It is my hope that you will be inspired, moved, and challenged by the story of the EYN, like I have been. I’m sure you remember the 276 schoolgirls from northern Nigeria who were kidnapped by Boko Haram. Roughly three-fourths of those girls belong to the EYN. In fact, few groups have suffered from the violence in Nigeria as severely as the EYN, and their situation continues to worsen.

However, it is not only the suffering of the EYN that makes their story so remarkable, but also their courageous, inspiring response to their suffering. The Church of the Brethren, including the EYN is a historic peace church. The EYN have been steadfast and faithful in their commitment to peace, despite their horrific trials.

In the face of great hatred, fear and division. the EYM have responded with far greater love, courage, and community. They understand that as Christian they must be beacons of Christ in a landscape darkened by violence. That have become leaders in working to restore community, dialogue, and the dignity of all Nigerians, even when it means terrible sacrifice.

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

I hope you will learn more abut the EYN and consider how you can partner with the EYN is their ministry of reconciliation. The EYN represent the possibility of peace for Nigeria, but as their physical safety dwindles they need our help to continue to help others. Share their store. invest in their imagination. Join with them in walking with Jesus to create peace.

With thanks and the love of Christ,

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