Mark43 Work in Nigeria: Spring 2022
When Mark43 was established a few years ago we began with a bold vision of helping individuals and communities discover the abundant life that is theirs in the Kingdom of God. We began by doing what was within reach: providing food, clothing, and other vital needs for our staters and brothers in Carthage, OH. We also had our sights set on a goal that was outside of our reach; namely, establishing a Greenhouse Farming development in Nigeria to provide the space and opportunity for local residents to work towards an abundant Nigeria. The goal was to see Nigeria became a nation where its citizens use their own resources to bless one another and the world.
This is a very bold vision for such a small organization, but we moved forward knowing that we weren’t going at it alone. Zechariah 4:10 was a constant source of encouragement for us; it says, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…” Our small beginnings were very frustrating but fruitful. We met several obstacles along the way, including a global pandemic, registration issues with the Nigerian government, issues opening a bank in Nigeria, etc, etc, etc!
Thanks be to God, all of that important work has been completed, and although delays are never fun, this one ended up being fortuitous. While waiting, we realized that in order to realize our vision in Nigeria, we would need to build relationships of trust first. Mark43 is a relatively unknown organization, and we didn’t want to show up giving off, “here we come to save the day” vibes. Therefore, since we had success assisting with a few other organizations in Nigeria, we decided to go further by intentionally developing partnerships with organizations that are working towards a vision similar to ours.
Our board members in Nigeria researched organizations that we could partner with, then we sent them $10,000 to make contributions. But it was important for us to do more than give people money, we wanted to partner in a way that gave us sweat equity, and would let them know that we are more than mere benefactors, but co-laborers in this good work.
You may be wondering how much can be done with $10,000. It’s important for you to understand how much buying power $10,000 has in Nigeria. The average salary in Nigeria is roughly $9,000/year, and that’s for people who are considered to be middle class; these are not the people we are working with. We are working with those who fall far below that level. Those for whom $100 makes a life changing difference. So we were primed to make a significant impact; and, thanks be to God, we are!
Partnerships in nigeria
So far, only using half of the money we sent over, we have partnered with 2 Orphanages (Amazing Tots and Adorable Angels Orphanage Home) and the Manoach Missions and Training Center in Gboko. Our partnership with these organizations has enabled us to build playgrounds, purchase a new refrigerator and washing machine, repair and paint facilities, replace broken windows, provide food, clothing, and medicine for those they serve, and much more!
Beyond these important material things, our partnership has cultivated hope. All of these organizations had visions of what they could do if only they had the support that would enable them to get beyond the day to day subsistence living. We all know this to be true; don’t we? We’ve all had dreams of pursuing a goal, or opportunity, but we could never pursue it because something more immediate and pressing stood in the way. Well, imagine if the immediate and pressing things were food, clothing, shelter, and medicine… things we take for granted. By partnering with these 3 organizations, we’ve helped them solve some immediate problems, and enter into a space were we can dream together, and work towards making those dreams come true.
What’s Next and How You Can Help?
Because of the success of these partnerships we intend to make sure that we keep working with them to realize their goals and objectives. This means investing more financial resources; it means working with their leadership teams; it also means being patient about reengaging our initial plan and trusting that God will let us know when it’s time to revisit our idea.
We want you to help with that. All of us, regardless of our station in life, were created to give of ourselves, especially to those sisters and brothers in need. In America the majority of us have been blessed financially in ways many people in other countries could only dream about. We look at people like Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos and wish we had their bank accounts, many people in poor countries look at us and wish the same thing. I remember reading an article that described a lady in India’s response when Bill Gates visited her home. The interviewer asked her, “What does it feel like to have the wealthiest person in the world in your home?” She said, “Everyone in America is wealthy.” Sobering thought.
You are reading this newsletter because you are a generous soul. You know that a little in Nigeria can go a long way, and perhaps you’d like to make a contribution. Thank you for your consideration. As you prepare to give, please don’t do so asking the question: What’s the least I can do? Do so with an abundant and generous heart that wants to make a tremendous impact with us in Nigeria.
Thank you.