Ibadan, Nigeria - October 2007

This year Andy Economides has completed three visits to Ibadan, Nigeria, West Africa. On his last mission he was assisted by four gifted people who voluntarily gave of their talents, time and treasure. Ian Wilkins (44) company director, Mike Turner (46) National Health Service manager, Jana Stetinova (27) Soteria administrator and Bernadette Ocampo (35) Philo Trust personal assistant.

Education Matters
The vocational Soteria College in Ibadan provides affordable and excellent education in secretarial and computer studies. This education and training helps Africans help themselves. Mike Turner secured equipment from his employer, his local NHS who donated excellent second hand Dell flat computer screens for the African college. Twenty-six screens were safely taken with the team. Mike completed the wiring in the computer room at the college and successfully installed the screens. This was a significant achievement. Godwin, the security guard said to Andy Economides; "Pastor, when I saw you cleaning the toilets yesterday, I was impressed".

Andy Economides and the Soteria College board interviewed many candidates for staff positions and appointed four people. Mr. Christopher Ossai was unanimously and enthusiastically appointed as acting provost with teaching responsibility. Mr. Daniel Nwaogu is assisting the provost. Mr. Ojelade Akinwale and Mr. Emmanuel Adesida were appointed as teachers and Mrs. Augusta Agwa as secretary and teacher. A financial controller and accountant is also in place. The three security guards provide twenty-four hour protection, seven days each week. There are currently nine staff and classes started in November. The Nigeria Soteria manager of operations Sunday Akinyemi continues to play a significant part in the establishment of the Soteria College. Sunday also teaches computer skills at the college.

Esther Oyinloye joined the team and provided excellent discipleship classes for teenagers in schools. Her presence and wisdom is always appreciated. A Muslim boy gave his life to Christ when the message of the Gospel was preached. He was challenged by his parents as to why he did it and he told them he liked what he heard about Jesus. The young boy asked for prayer to understand the scriptures.

Schools Matter
Andy stood on a chair under a tree and boldly proclaimed the grace of God to hundreds of young people. An opportunity to receive Christ was given and many responded. Immediately after this, three simultaneous discipleship classes followed with fifty students in each. An opportunity for questions is always given.

Students asked: "How do I grow in Christ? Is baptism necessary for salvation? What is the purpose of the Holy Spirit? What did the cross of Christ accomplish?" Books and tapes were freely distributed. The team spent two days at Prospect Children's School. Soteria presented 19 scholarships for a further year of schooling to a gathering of parents, children and staff. The sponsored children wrote thank you letters and drew pictures for their sponsors in the UK. Ian Wilkins refereed the football match that was especially arranged for the Soteria team. Four discipleship classes were conducted at Prospect and a leadership seminar for teachers given by Ian Wilkins and Andy Economides.

Andy says; "The team I took was just great. So much was achieved. I am very proud and very humbled by it all. One day I was preaching to thousands and another cleaning the college toilets. I don't know which I liked best. I loved it all".

What Matters Most?
Christ Apostolic Church is a large denomination all over Nigeria with churches around the world. Andy Economides was ordained as Christian minister in 1998 by the church. The founder of C.A.C. Oke-Agbara at Bodija, Ibadan is the much loved and respected Rev. Michael Olowere. A warm friendship and partnership has developed between Michael Olowere and Andy Economides. During this visit to Ibadan, Andy Economides spoke at the services on the two Sundays. At the Yoruba service 2,426 people gathered to hear Andy speak passionately about the greatest requirement for Christians, to love our neighbour and to love God.

Rev. Elijah Olumoye welcomed Andy to speak at his church 'Glad Tidings' and the Soteria team prayed for individuals during the meeting. Elijah and his wife Ronke had a great lunch at Tantalizer's with Soteria team. www.soteriaschool.com