Day 31: Kristyn Komarnicki

Kristyn Komarnicki
PRISM
Evangelicals for Social Justice
P.O. Box 367
Wayne, PA 19087

Dear Ms. Komarnicki,

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 teaching 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 media 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 share the EYN’s inspiring and challenging story with your readers. I’m sure you remember the 276 schoolgirls from northern Nigeria who were kidnapped by Boko Haram. About 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, the EYN’s story is so remarkable and important to hear and act upon not only because of their suffering, but also because of their 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 building peace, despite their horrific trials.

In the face of great hatred, fear, and division, the EYN have responded with far greater love, courage, and community. They understand that as ambassadors of the gospel, they must be a beacon of Christ’s love to a landscape darkened by violence. They have become leaders in working to restore community, dialogue, and the dignity of all Nigerians.

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

I hope you will learn more about the EYN and share their story with your readers. Your readers share the EYN’s understanding of the intersection of the gospel with social justice, so I believe it is important for them to be informed on and have the opportunity to support one pressing ministry of Christians living out their faith in radical, kingdom ways. Moreover, your readers are sure to be personally challenged by the EYN’s devotion to living like Jesus. They will have to ask themselves what I have had to ask myself many times: Would my faithfulness be so great?

With thanks and the love of Christ,

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