Ibadan, Nigeria - March 2009

In the last six months Andy Economides has completed two visits to Ibadan, Nigeria, West Africa. The Soteria team during the last mission trip consisted of Annette Lawrance-Owen (50) counsellor, Jana Stetinova (29) Soteria administrator and Andy Economides (52) director of Soteria Trust.

Education for Jobs
The Soteria team focused their energy at the Soteria Business School. This vocational educational establishment for school leavers is in the city of Ibadan. The school provides affordable and excellent education in Administration, IT, Computing and Business. Other subjects taught include Mathematics, English, Economics, Accounting and Entrepreneurship. The training, values and qualifications gained helps Africans help themselves by creating job opportunities, either by securing employment or by business start ups.

Martins has just completed his two year Diploma in Administration, IT and Business and has already secured employment working in a Cyber Café. The purpose of the Soteria Business School is to provide real education for real jobs, to impart values such as determination, integrity, service, compassion and make mature disciples of Christ.

Annette Lawrance-Owen introduced a balanced diet with the provision of fruit and vegetables for the students and staff. Annette trained the canteen cooking team and together produced two wonderful lunch-time meals served by retrained student waiters and helpers. The canteen was re-launched and functioning properly. The practice of hygiene in food preparation was developed by Annette. Also the importance of everyday hygiene was taught to students and staff. Jana Stetinova worked with the Soteria Business School staff in developing administrative tasks. Jana gave a master class to the students on how to clean the school toilets. The toilets were absolutely spotless. Jana says, "I was moved talking to some of our sponsored students knowing the difficult conditions they used to live in and now they have an opportunity to become something in life because of education".

Andy Economides spoke to the Soteria School staff on Universal Lessons of Professionalism, namely: Loyalty, Honesty, Reliability, Solutions, Energy, Excellence, Quality and Values. Andy also spoke on Survival Etiquette, namely; Promptness, Focus, Courtesy, Responsiveness and the Personal Touch. Andy appointed students, Pius Okoro head boy and Faith Eze head girl in recognition of their excellent contribution and service to the vision and welfare of the Soteria Business School.

Soteria Sponsorships
The Soteria School provides educational sponsorships for vulnerable and needy young people. This includes some living in the dormitories and being fed. It costs £19 per month to sponsor a young person at the Soteria Business School. Children can also be sponsored at Prospect Children’s School for £19 per month. An information pack is available. (Please, return the slip or call the office).

The second building has been used for one year now since it was completed. This has provided good dormitory facilities for boarding students, a well run library by Christopher Ossai, two good size classrooms and an excellent canteen with kitchen facilities. Phase 3 is the final stage of the building of the Soteria Business School which will provide further classrooms with equipment and furniture. There is a shortfall of at least £30,000 to finish the Soteria Business School. The Soteria team awarded continuing sponsorships at Prospect School to 18 children and their parents. Andy Economides sponsored three more needy and worthy children at Prospect during this trip.

Good News for Schools
Andy Economides took discipleship seminars at Prospect School and at the Soteria Business School on Jesus Christ being Lord, Saviour and Friend. The Good News was also proclaimed at the famous and respected Sunshine International School to the older students. This is an excellent private school. Mr. Adewuyi Kehinde Adeyemi, the headmaster, warmly welcomed the Soteria team. The Prospect School football team beat the Soteria Business School football team on penalties. The game was watched by the entire school. The Soteria team publicised the Soteria Business School everywhere visited throughout the week.

The Word

Andy Economides proclaimed the Good News or gave Bible studies at C.A.C Oke-Agbara with Rev. Michael Olowere, C.A.C Agbala Itura with Rev. S. K. Abiara, Global Fire Church with Rev. Matthew Anyanwu, Nations Light Ministries with Rev. Alfred Kingsley, Oke Ado Baptist Church, and at the Soteria Church to over 3,300 people throughout the week and Sundays. The Soteria team was warmly received by the Baptist Pastor Rev. Bayode for the first time where Andy Economides spoke at the two Sunday morning services. Andy Economides says," I cannot describe the impact and difference my two friends and colleagues made on this special trip. I am delighted that the Word went out with simplicity, with a gentle force. One lovely warm evening I thought I was preaching in Greece. I stood on the veranda with a canopy of trees overhanging the people beneath sitting on the ground. They listened attentively to the practical Christian teaching and Bible study. I was deeply moved. ".