Day 26: Stephan Bauman

Stephan Bauman
World Relief
7 East Baltimore Street
Baltimore MD, 21202

Dear Mr. Bauman,

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.

It is my hope that you will by inspired by their story to partner in their ministry of reconciliation and provide them with the aid they need to keep building peace in Nigeria. 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 have suffered from the violence in Nigeria more severely than the EYN, and their situation continues to worsen.

However, it is so important to hear the EYN’s story not only because of their suffering, but also because of their inspiring, remarkable response to their suffering. The Church of the Brethen, including the EYN, is a historic peace church. The EYN have been steadfast and faithful in their commitment to building peace, despite their horrific trials.

In the face of great hatred, fear, and division, the EYN continue to respond with far greater love, courage, and community. They understand that as Christians they must be a beacon of love to a landscape darkened by violence. They have become leaders in working to restore community, dialogue, and the dignity of all Nigerians, even when it means sacrifice.

These people inspire me, and I will never stop advocating for them.

I hope you will learn more about the EYN and partner with them in bringing peace to Nigeria. The EYN represent the possibility of a sustainable peace in Nigeria, but as their situation and safety continue to become more tenuous, they need our help and partnership in making that possibility a reality.

With thanks and the love of Christ,

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