Special Projects For 2004…

High Impact Christian Clinic -

We are going to build a hospital in Ajakurama.  Bear in mind that there are absolutely NO medical facilities anywhere in the region.  The only medical practitioner in the area is DeRock, Pastor of our church in Ajakurama.  A few years back he read a book on Jungle Medicine and began caring for the infirm and injured.  He stitches wounds, sets bones, gives injections and delivers babies.  When I approached him with the idea of expanding his medical work he handed me a shopping list that included 2 beds and a stock of medicines and supplies.  The grand total came to just under $1000!  At that point I made the decision to raise the funds to build a hospital/clinic that DeRock will operate from.  We are working on securing a 4-bedroom house that is presently vacant in the middle of Ajakurama.  The house will be perfect for a clinic and we believe it can be had for minimal cost.  DeRock will hire trained Ijaw Nurses to work out of the facility and we will expand the operation as the Lord provides the funds.  The impact of this project is incalculable, and will be a huge benefit to the community and the work of the Gospel.  My friend, Pastor John Good, of Bible Gospel Center in Hamden, CT, has donated the initial $1000 towards the project and a special fund is establish for those who wish to contribute towards High Impact Christian Clinic project.

A Motor Boat -

All Ijaw villages are connected by the waterways of the Niger River Delta.  Travel by land is very limited and difficult, seeing there are no roadways and few villages have connecting paths.  The greater population of the Ijaw lives in fishing villages built on stilts right in the river.

The only way to reach these communities is by boat.  At present we are totally dependent upon renting the services of a boat and paying the high cost for fuel.  We are in serious need of our own motor boat.  With a boat of our own, our Pastors can travel between the villages plus we can produce some income for the churches by providing taxi service.  We would be able to buy fuel up the river at greatly reduced rates. Such a boat would tremendously improve our ability to evangelize the river communities as well as maintain contact between our present churches.  The cost of a good used fiberglass boat and new motor is about $7,000.  We are raising money for this special project and would greatly appreciate any contributions.

An Ijaw woman and boy fish the Delta.  Wilson's Mother-in-law w/ us waits at river's edge in Abere, to ready a boat to take us to Ugbulighaga.

On behalf of the entire ministry of NIM and HICC in Nigeria, I want to thank all our supporters for their financial contributions and prayers.  As you consider renewing your giving in 2004 please share the ministry of NIM and the amazing things that are happening among the Ijaw of the Niger Delta, friends and family who may want to join you in supporting this great effort.

Yours In The Yoke Of Christ,

Nick Champlin

(L) Wilson and I in Abere.  (R) "Praise", Wilson's wife, 5 mos pregnant.

(L) Baptizing at Ugbulighaga.  (R) Ijaw shower facilities

(L) Ugbulighaga: someone gave me a baby!  (R) Children at Ogbudugbudu

(L) Pastor Alade and kids at Ajakurama  (R) Find