Ibadan, Nigeria - April 2011

In the last ten months Andy Economides has completed two visits to Ibadan, Nigeria, West Africa. The two Soteria teams consisted of Rev. Simon Allaby, director and evangelist of the 6:19 Trust, James Turner, managing director of Star Plants Nursery, Jana Stetinova, Soteria Administrator, Hazel Mumford and Andy Economides director of Soteria Trust.

Water Restored
For many weeks the Soteria Business School, Ibadan was without water because of a broken borehole pump deep below the ground. A Grundfos stainless steel 90mm diameter borehole pump fitted with a waterproof cable, was taken in Andy Economides' suitcase. This weighted 17kg. During the first few days of arrival Andy Economides oversaw the installation of the pump 28 meters below the ground. The school celebrated the restoration of water.

Soteria School Developments
The Soteria teams focused their energy and directed their talents at the Soteria Business School. This vocational educational establishment is approved by the Ministry of Education in Nigeria. The school is an ICAN approved centre. The Soteria School is affiliated to Chichester College, England. The school provides affordable and excellent education in Administration, Computing, Business and Accounting. The training and qualifications gained helps Africans help themselves by creating job opportunities. Soteria School imparts values such as determination, integrity and compassion and makes mature disciples of Christ. Computers and flat screens from the UK have been safely taken to Nigeria. An ordinary classroom has been converted into a computer classroom with 16 new computers. This second IT room has provided the school with a total of 40 computers. The school has introduced two new courses. The ATS, Accounting Technicians Scheme and Chartered Accounting courses through ICAN.

James Turner visited the Soteria School for the second year in succession. James continued to develop the appraisal system he introduced. Mrs. Winnie Ogan, the principal of Soteria School appraised staff and produced development plans. Mr. Pius Okoro, the premises manager has benefited from the development plan being actioned. Regular appraisals will provide a valuable tool to develop skills and performance in staff. Hazel Mumford worked with the Soteria School to improve hygiene and cooking. Healthy and nourishing meals were produced. The school kitchen surfaces were thoroughly cleaned. It is hoped that the improved system, weekly meal rota and new rules in place will continue.

Jana Stetinova supervised letters written by young people to sponsors at Prospect Children School and the Soteria School. Jana trained staff at the Soteria School in administration and accounting. Cards, letters and photographs were presented to the young people from their sponsors. Andy Economides addressed the parents of the sponsored children assuring them that their children would continue to receive education once they leave Prospect and come to the Soteria School. Awards were presented by Andy Economides at the Soteria School to the staff for excellent achievement. This included ‘outstanding work’ to Mrs. Juliana Giwa, the school secretary and for ‘longest serving teacher’ to Mr. Christopher Ossai. Further books were donated to the Soteria Library. Andy’s discipleship books were given to new students and those who became Christians at the school. Andy Economides dedicated little baby Victor Andy Okoro.

Soteria Sponsorships
Poor parents and children were interviewed by the Soteria team at Prospect School for sponsorship consideration. 10 new Soteria sponsorships were awarded to children. Soteria Trust currently sponsors 46 children at Prospect. The Soteria School provides 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 and staff at the Soteria Business School, for the same amount also children at Prospect. (Please return the slip or contact the office).

Good News in Schools
Three secondary schools were visited where the Good News was clearly and powerfully proclaimed with an invitation to know and follow Christ. The response was most encouraging and Christ received. Often classroom seminars were given by Andy, Simon and Pius Okoro immediately after the Gospel presentation. The Soteria School football team won their first ever match against Prospect School beating them 2 v 0. The game was watched by the entire school with staff and students at Prospect.

The Word
Andy Economides and Simon Allaby proclaimed the Good New or gave Bible teaching throughout; at Miracle of Faith with Rev Matthew Anyanwu, Oke-Ado Baptist church with Rev. Bernard Bayode, Glad Tidings Church with Rev. Elijah Olumoye, the Soteria Church with Pastor Tunde and several Redeemed Churches in Ibadan. Prayer and ministry was given throughout by the Soteria teams. The Soteria Church continues to feed the poor and beggars on the streets and orphans regularly. Eight students at the Soteria School responded to the call to follow Christ. Bible teaching on the meaning of baptism was given to the young people. They were baptised by Andy and Simon.