Page 14 - 2026 August-September Newsletter

Page 14

A Letter from Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN)
CHURCH GROWTH IN THE MIDST OF VIOLENCE

There is no doubt that the church in Nigeria is suffering from all kinds of persecution especially in the North -eastern
state where the Brethren church is concentrated. The persecution is characterized by kidnapping, abduction, killings and
frequent attacks on communities causing large displacements and forcing people to live in crowded camps as IDPS. The
church has learned to engage with the government which is saddled with the responsibility of safeguarding lives and
properties of citizens.

Despite these challenges the church has remained faithful and steadfast in our belief in the midst of adversity and
injustice. We have learned to demonstrate the power of the gospel through forgiveness to reflect the life and teachings of
Jesus Christ. As Christians and Brethren we have been challenged to promote the spirit of peaceful coexistence to help in
building trust between Christians and Muslims and others in Nigeria. The church is going on with her mission of reaching
out with the gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ.

We therefore appeal peacefully to our Brethren in America and other countries to join us in prayers trusting that God in

His mercy will intervene in our situation. It is however worthy to note that the challenges of insecurity has helped Christians
to come together in faith and unity and moving the church forward. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) an
umbrella body made of all Christian denominations in Nigeria is working hard to bring Christians together to address this
evil consuming our great multi ethnic and religious country.

The Lord God is our strength.

By Rev. Dr. Toma H. Ragnjiya
EYN LCC POLO, MAIDUGURI
BORNO STATE

NIGERIA

A New Scholarship for Church of the Brethren It is with sadness that the Denomination shares the
Students news that Suely Inhauser, a longtime leader of Igreja da
Irmandade (the Church of the Brethren in Brazil), passed
Bethany Theological Seminary has announced generous away today after living with a progressive motor neuron
new financial aid for students who are members of the disease.
Church of the Brethren. Beginning fall 2026, Bethany will For decades, Suely and her husband, Marcos,
offer full-tuition scholarships to members of the Church faithfully served together in ministry, helping to nurture
of the Brethren who are enrolled in a graduate degree or and strengthen the Church of the Brethren's witness in
graduate certificate program. Brazil. Even through significant health challenges in
recent years, they continued to embody a steadfast faith
For more information about the new Church of the and hope in Christ.
Brethren scholarship, email Maya Armstrong or call Please keep praying for Marcos, their family, and the
765-983-1844. members of Igreja da Irmandade as they grieve Suely's
death.

Brethren Disaster Ministries BRIDGES Newsletter now available by Email
Would you prefer an email version of BRIDGES, instead of paper? Emailed PDFs are easy to read and save, AND
you can forward it on to others who may be interested in our ministry. Emails also cut down on print and postage

costs. If you would like to receive BRIDGES via email, contact: bdm@brethren.org or call 800-451-4407.