A Story of Hope: Quarterly Update from Back2Back Nigeria

To Ask for Help  Eighty children from Igmin Kibe Education Center and Destiny Children’s Home were recently able to visit a certified medical clinic in Nigeria. This was the first time to see a doctor or visit a clinic for many of the children. Their eyes were wide, taking in the new building and faces. Each child by the end of the day would have the opportunity to share if anything was hurting. Medical professionals took the time to ask each of the children how they were feeling, making it clear they were there to help meet their needs. As each boy and girl met with a doctor, they were able to recognize when help was needed, they simply had to ask.

“Consistent, preventative medical checks have been a struggle,” shared Dori McCormick, Back2Back staff. “In order to keep updated medical records and maintain a high standard of care, we have begun a partnership with a local, Christian family clinic.” The clinic employs well-trained medical professionals with hearts to serve orphaned and vulnerable children. The children’s visit to the clinic was fruitful. Staff members were able to identify some of the children who needed medical treatment and several of the children were referred to specialists. A few were even able to see an optometrist and take steps towards corrective lenses.

Depth of care is occurring within Nigeria as the physical needs of each child are considered, and the children are learning they can communicate how they are feeling. “We are teaching each child to be aware of their body’s physical needs and to ask for help as they need it,” shared Dori.

Helping Each Other Succeed  One way children in Nigeria have fun is through playing and watching soccer. The children from Igmin Kibe Education Center recently invited the children from Destiny Children’s Home to compete in a spirited soccer game during a school break. “It’s always special to me when children from different homes come together,” shared Azubike Kalu, Back2Back Staff. “It presents an opportunity for them to build relationships away from school and with new people.” The boys played against each other first while the girls took a walk – talking and getting to know each other more. In the continued spirit of friend competition, Destiny Children’s Home also invited children from Kids with a Vision Children’s Home to a soccer match on April 26th. The boys and girls took turns playing against each other. This time the girls took the field to play in their match while the boys gathered on the sidelines to coach the players towards victory!

“It was a beautiful thing to see!” shared Azubike. “The boys exhibited maturity and responsibility by encouraging the girls and helping them succeed.” The teams lined up and walked by each other, shaking hands, after the matches ended. The games proved to be a unique way for the children to grow in different areas while having fun.

Please pray for the twenty-two children from Igmin Kibe Education Center, Destiny Children’s Home, and the Hope Program who will be testing for admission to Mashiah Foundations Academy. Please pray for the farm manager as the pig, chicken, and crop farms become more developed. Pray for more wisdom and discipline as he continues to lead the farms well.

Note from The Meidals: We are so excited to join the Back2Back team! As IT Director at the home office in Mason, Ohio, Jared will use his experience of managing IT and web here at The Oaks Camp to help Back2Back reach more kids, more effectively. We ask you to consider financially partnering with us. All staff (international and stateside) at Back2Back raise 100% of their support, enabling the ministry to further impact the lives of orphans and vulnerable children around the world. Monthly or one-time gifts will directly affect our timeline to move to Ohio to join the work God is doing through Back2Back around the world. You can begin giving now by visiting www.back2back.org/donate. Select Staff Support as the reason for your gift, enter the amount, and be sure to write Jared Meidal in the memo line. Or you can download this form for ACH transfers.  Thank you!