07/29/2021 Washington D.C. (International Christian Concern) – “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Jesus goes on to say that when Christians help those most in need, they are helping Him. When Christians ignore those in need, they ignore Christ Himself. This holds true today. Nigeria is one of the most violent countries in the world for Christians. Thousands are killed every year. Families are torn apart by those who hate Christ and His children.

We often think about and pray for the families of those who are killed. We lift them up during their time of pain and struggle. But this can only go so far in healing their wounds. We must also step in and help those in physical need as well. Due to the violence in Nigeria, many children are left without fathers, mothers, or both. These children are among the “least of these” of which Jesus spoke.

In order to fulfill this command, ICC has been providing an education for 100 displaced students, working alongside Tivid Orphanage in Benue State, and assisting widows and orphans through our communal farms. Through the ICC donor family, thousands of children have received aid across Nigeria.

Currently we assist 100 children who have been displaced from their homes by Boko Haram. These children receive school fees so that they are still able to attend school in their new location. This will give them a much better chance in the future to have a normal life.

Tivid Orphanage is home to more than 50 children who have lost their parents to Fulani militant attacks. Sister Favour, the leader of the orphanage, has accepted these children as her own. According to Favour, “Fifty-six children currently benefit directly from the program and 60 others benefit indirectly.” These 116 children have suffered from violence. They have lost their parents and loved ones. They need another family that will help care for and raise them.

However, Favour is not able to do it alone. She oversees a staff of teachers, medical personnel, and caretakers. She also has ICC which has stepped in on a number of occasions to provide food, clothing, furniture, and school supplies. Sister Favour wanted the ICC family to know, “Your generosity has been instrumental in making a huge progressive difference in the Tivid Orphanage Home. For this, we humbly say, ‘Thank you! You make a difference!’”

Finally, we have been able to help numerous widows and children who have lost family members throughout the Middle Belt region of Nigeria with our communal farms initiative. These people are able to work and provide for themselves and their families by growing food on these large farms. This program provides skills to children and dignity to families that lost the ability to provide for themselves. Thank you so much to all of our donors and partners who have stepped alongside ICC in caring for those most in need throughout Nigeria.

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