Day 31: Joan Chitister

Joan Chittister
355 E. Ninth St.
Erie, PA 16503

Dear Sister Chittister,

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 figure and community leaders about the Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN), the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria.

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. Few groups have suffered from the violence in Nigeria more severely than the EYN, and their situation continues to worsen.

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

In the face of great hatred, fear, and division, the EYN consistently respond with far greater love, courage, and community. They understand that they are called to be beacons 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, even when it has meant sacrifice.

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

I hope you will learn more about the EYN and partner in their ministry of reconciliation. The EYN represent the possibility of sustainable peace in Nigeria, but as their own safety continues to become more tenuous, they need our help and partnership to make that possibility a reality. Please consider what you can do to support their ministry and share their story of Christ-shaped love and hope.

With thanks and the love of Christ,

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