Newsletter From Nigeria
The busy end of November brought us to a milestone in our work here. Forty young men graduated from the two years of concentrated study. It is very difficult to give a conception of the position of these students in the lessons they have been learning, because there are so few standards here that are common to America. Possibly a few of the final exam questions may give some indication of their status in knowledge of the scriptures.
(Class in Revelation) Name seven cycles of "7" in Revelation. Identify and tell whether allegiance is to God or Satan: the lamb 5:5; red horse 6:4; dragon 12:3; 7 candlesticks 1; land beast 13:11; remnant of seed 12:17; sea beast 13:1; frog beasts 16:13; great harlot 17:1; he that sat on throne.
(Class in Scheme of Redemption) Name fifth period of OT history and events at beginning and close. Give two examples of OT types and NT antitypes. Draw diagram of OT tabernacle and furniture. True or False: Men today bear the guilt of Adam's sin but not the consequences.
Of course there were many other questions, but these will give some idea of the level of study these young men have had. On both of these exams the class averaged over 85 percent.
As you can clearly understand, some of these may prove to be wood, hay, or stubble, but we need all of them who can be used in the work of deepening the churches here. Support can be supplied for about seven pounds ($20 dollars). If your congregation would be interested in supporting one of these young men, let me know and I'll send full particulars. Several individuals in America are helping in the work in this way. In the closing days of the school term we took some formal pictures of the students. If you would like one of these for your church bulletin board, let me know and I'll be glad to send it to you.
Another feature of November was the lectureship, featuring the Nigerian evangelists as speakers. This proved to be inspirational to the workers who attended as our American lectureships always do. Visitors came from many of the churches. They are all anxious for another lecture next year.
The rainy season is over now. The mud has been replaced by dust just as deep as the mud used to be. The nights are a constant temperature of 75 degrees, with days ranging from 85 to 105, depending on how cloudy it is or how much shade there is. This sun has a burning quality in the direct rays that just isn't found in temperate zones. Usually there is very little breeze, but the shady places are usually comfortably cool — at least so far. They tell us that soon the "Harmattan" begins, with strong winds bringing dust storms and burning heat down from the Sahara. More about the weather when that hits.
Finally we have received word that our car is waiting in Port Harcourt and I plan to go Monday to get it. It certainly is going to be welcome to our cramped schedules in making appointments. We are made daily grateful to the many of you who made it possible to buy the car and get it over here. Without the fellowship of very many of our brethren this work could never have been done. On behalf of the Nigerian churches we thank all of you.