Nigeria Outreach

November 2010

by: Katelyn Makowsky

Back Row: Dr. John Anyaogy, Liam Robinson, Dr. Chikwe Nkire, Comfort Nkire, Dr. Emmanuel Agaonu Chibuikem, John Olekanma, Iain Sommerville, Donna Makowsky, Cor Potma, Jen Richards, Maureen Ahaiwe, Chimdi Nkire, Jen Miedema, Mary Miedema

Front Row: Katelyn Makowsky, David Umune (Pastor, Reverend), David Miclash (Chief), Linda Miclash (Lolo), Nwafor Promise Onpkachi, David Edward

“This trip has been a small part of the international development of God’s kingdom. We must remind ourselves that this isn’t a short term trip, but the introduction to the new us.”

Missing From Picture: Favour Olekanma, Raymond Chimdi Olekanma, Dr. Ezekeil Ojimadu, Blessing Ugo-Israel, Obinna Ugo-Israel (BB), Hope Umnue, Comfort Iheme, Chinwe Attuama, Aunti Jemimah Umune, Godwin Ottahewe (Pastor, Reverend)

“How beautiful to see the church of God spill out into the community, praising Him and engaging with the people.” – Jenny Miedema

“The energy at the service was amazing, and the excitement was contagious. An all together wonderful experience.” – Liam Robinson

“The kids were so cute – the way they latched themselves onto your arms made it hard to leave them behind.” – Mary Miedema

“From the smiling faces of the children to the strong sense of community, I feel blessed to have had this opportunity to share.” – Donna Makowsky

“It was a very special reunion for me. The love, prayers, and

encouragement I received from them while ill carried me thru.”

– Linda Miclash

“It was very inspirational how the whole church sang and danced through the whole village for an hour, inviting people to join them.” – Cor Potma

“Church is always lively and although large groups of children can be overwhelming, their smiling faces are always joy filled.” – Jen Richards

“It was very encouraging and emotional to receive such a warm welcome, and to see those who obviously remembered us from last year” – Iain Sommerville

Established 1985, founder Sunday Umune was a missionary by calling and had a great vision. He wanted to bring the gospel to the unreached people.

“The people we touch owe us their lives because they have met Christ, because of you [Alongside International].”

14 Alongside International teams have travelled to rural villages in Nigeria and have helped build the 15 churches and numerous schools. Vision clinics, medical clinics, and borehole restoration projects have been a key focus.

Reverend David Umune, president, travelled to Canada where he met David Miclash and the partnership between TETMI and Alongside International was born.

“We look forward to seeing the Nigerians in Heaven”

People in the villages have benefited greatly. Outreach projects, including education, have helped develop a sustainable future. Up from a dozen 7 years ago, 1300 students are currently enrolled in a TETMI school.

Leaders have responded by offering to give land that TETMI had not been able to purchase earlier.

NIGERIA NOVEMBER 2010: Medical Stats

Date Nov Location

Total # of pts Malaria

Resp Infection

Skin Infection

Joint / Muscle

Pain GI

Worms /

ParasiteENT / Mouth GU

CV / Dehydration HTN Other

15 Asaga 98 54 2 2 35 15 11   7 5 9 616 Asaga 134 90 14 10 52 12 20 0 12 0 10 1717 Amaosonta 187 124 25 11 71 10 10 2 13 3 14 3218 no clinic                        19 Mpu 206 145 44 13 51 11 59 3 14 6 4 1920 Okpankeu 188 112 34 8 56 6 42 4 20 5 7 4121 no clinic                        

22Amaeze Okpa 184 123 18 9 70 7 15 6 13 0 14 27

23 Iyioji 251 152 27 13 66 10 25 6 33 4 9 4924 Iyioji west 198 118 42 12 53 7 20 10 29 5 9 2725 no clinic                        26 no clinic                        

TOTAL 1446 918 206 78 454 78 202 31 141 28 76 218

Total Treatments 2430

“Similar to healthcare in Canada, it’s not about how you physically help them, but knowing you have touched their lives in a positive way is fulfilling.” – Donna Makowsky

Jen MiedemaMary MiedemaJen RichardsLinda Miclash

Iain Sommerville (Dr., Professor)“Pictures helped teaching immensely, not just

information transfer, but implanting the idea that they are smart and can move on and perform well in university. It’s important to motivate them, they can climb higher than they ever thought or dreamt; and that somebody loves them”

“The Alongside team have obviously established life long relationships. The team was made to feel welcome, loved, and appreciated. The seed of faith in God was planted and continues to grow.” – Donna Makowsky

We have had the opportunity to develop friendships that will last forever, you know you can always depend on that person.

Imela imela imela OkakaImela imela imela ChinekeImela Onyeomg

Thank you thank you thank you, Great OneThank you thank you thank you God, the CreatorThank you, Good God

Imela (Nigerian Song)

Tremendously impactingRewarding, fulfilling, will change and benefit

all of usI feel stronger than when I startedSinging brings us togetherI have made my skills useful by serving GodThankful to see the Nigerians here with usThe amount of people coming out shows how

high the need is.

We are here because God wants us to be. We have a purpose and there is a higher agenda

I will be stronger because of this tripIncredibly gratifying, it’s not difficult to make

a huge differenceVery encouragingHe’s teaching us

Humbled by the gap between city and rural differences, we should continue to do this. We are one family

Thank God for all of you helping these people, I’m happy to be here, to serve this ministry

This year there were 15 Nigerians on the team. What did they have to say about the experience?

The long line was a challenge. Thank God I have come to share what I can. Now that I’ve seen this poverty, I feel blessed. Thanks for coming to help us help our people

I love to visit Akaeze, and I want to be an agent of change. I will pay half of the tuition for some kids there to keep them in school.

Involvement with this team has transformed my life.

I have learned new things from everyone on the team and I can see much humility and love in them. I have been humbled and I will continue to reach out.

I didn’t realize how much work AlongsideInternational has done for these people. I haveseen things in a new way, the gap between therich and the poor needs to be bridged.

Tobin

Son

Favel

Husband

Colleagues

Emily

Medical students

We know that participation in trips like this would have a positive impact on many of our loved ones. When asked “Who do you wish was here now?” The answers plenty.

MomGranddaughterDaughter

Billy

Tom

Caroline Youth from churchBrother

Sister

Friends

My husband and I knew we were supposed to be doing something for God, turns out working with Alongside International is it. While building this ministry the Nigerians have showed me I am doing the right thing, and I have renewed hope.

I have become more compassionate, daring, gentle, caring, passionate, and stronger.

It has been eye opening. I will more easily seek happiness in the simple pleasures of life. Materialism is tragic.

I have broke out of my routine. I am stronger, more fulfilled, and have a renewed purpose.

My compassion increases each time I visit. Education must go beyond information transfer, they need the motivation to push past emotion to commitment.

To get so close to poverty is inspiring. I love coming here to interact with the kids and share the skills I have developed in my life.

It is easy to forget what is important. When I return home I will remember this and be more focused.

It is a great joy for me to be more aware of what God wants.

I am thankful to God for the opportunity to serve in this mission. I feel happy and encouraged. My love for kids and others has increased.

Liam RobinsonCor PotmaJohn OlekanmaKatelyn MakowskyDavid Umune

In total 10 borehole wells in numerous rural communities were repaired. Some of the wells had been out of operation for as long as 5 years.

The restoration of these wells has a tremendous impact on the community, and they show their appreciation.

It is extremely rewarding to know that a little of our work will touch the lives of so many. It is also very humbling to have the community gather around to sing and dance with joy.

Fulfilled

ExpandedGreat

Relaxed

Good

Thankful

Blessed

Called

Challenged

Joyed

Tired

Amazed

Rewarded

Friendship

Openness

Teamwork

Cultural Exposure

Overwhelmed

Patience

Empathy

Leadership

Understanding

Purposeful

Accomplished

Stronger inner sense

Bolder

Insightful

Connected

Passionate

Generous

KinderGentler

Kinder

Flexible

Motivated

Directed

Commited

Friendlier

Worldly

Overwhelmed

Supernatural

Growing

Closer to people

Useful

EncouragedHappier

SimplerMore loving to children and people

Focused

Humbled

TransformedCompassionate

In touch with God

Closer

Knowing

Different Perspective

Aware

Reliable

MercifulFaithful

Inspired

Softer

Confident

Redirected

Reassured

Independent

Caring

Loving

Stonger

Daring

Vision

Eye opening

Greatful

Will sponsor a child and spread the word of medical

outreach to my colleagues.

Will have a gathering for the people who supported us, will continue to be involved.

Will look into sponsoring a child and tell friends about this opportunity.

Will continue to do this work and perform evangelism.

I will continue to do this work and make presentations to bring attention to the places that need it.

Will tell people across Canada about how easy it is to get involved. Will work part time

and be part time missionaries.

I will come back. I will host more pig roasts and make presentations at schools.

I will work out the details of the

coming solar system and make

presentations to my youth group to get

more young people involved.

Do more outreach.

Look into wholesale medical supplies.

Interview with the newspaper.

Will perform more outreach.

Will volunteer more often.

“WE ARE NOT A CHARITY GIVING MONEY TO THE POOR RATHER AN ORGANIZATION OF VOLUNTEERS WORKING WITH NEEDY PEOPLE ASSISTING THEM IN LIFE TRANSFORMATION IN ORDER FOR THEM TO BECOME COMPLETELY SELF SUSTAINABLE”

  - David Miclash, Founding President, Alongside International