It is with great sadness that we have learnt about the home call of
our very dear brother Bishop Bitrus Kato.
Bishop and I had worked together for several years and I appreciated
so much his enthusiasm and energy to make Christ known. He chose to
work in the more difficult and challenging parts of Nigeria and
indeed visited other countries where again it was costly to proclaim
Christ.
The TV ministry we shared was so fruitful and i will never forget
making a programme with him in Minna, seeing it a few hours later on
the TV in his office then sms messages coming to his mobile as
almost instantly there were responses.
He was a constant encouragement and was frequently sending me a
greeting and an exhortation to press on and believe God had more for
me to do.
His care for my wife Elaine and his patience and love for two of our
boys he met, Steve and Jon was so special. The last time I saw him
in Nigeria he paid for me to stay in a very nice hotel while he took
more humble accommodation then came early to get me to the airport
on time.
Bishop was a great servant of God a powerful role model to up and
coming leaders and throughly devoted to his wife Sister Betty and
his family. His participation in the wider Africa team I lead was
again remarkable. He understood my purpose and vision so well and
made strong efforts to support me.
Above all he was our friend and we
are poorer without that friendship.
God bless you all especially sister Betty and the family, Be assured
of our love and prayers at this time. Bishop Kato is with our
Saviour and the great cloud of witnesses urging us to run and finish
the race we have to run. Lets run and then join him when Jesus calls
and receive what we are sure he received.
"Well done good and faithful
servant !"
Key Features:
Area 924,000 sq. km. Tropical forest in south, merging into Savannah in the north. Desert encroachment in the north. Previously divided into 12, 19 and now 30 states to minimize the impact of ethnic loyalties on national politics and to accelerate development.
Economy: Rich in agricultural land and mineral resources. Vast oil wealth squandered on grandiose prestige projects such as the new federal capital and wasted through incompetent management, corruption and neglect of agriculture and infrastructure. This mismanagement led to economic collapse and high inflation. Public debt/person $356. Income/person $319 (1.5% of USA).
Politics: Independent from Britain in 1960. A federation of 30 states. The wide differences between the cultures of the feudal and predominantly Muslim north and the entrepreneurial largely Christian south and the manipulations of the Muslims to retain political control are the main causes of the turbulent post-independence history of tension, violence, coups and civil war. There have been a
succession of Muslim-dominated military governments since 1983, but a controlled transition to civilian democratic government has been set in motion. After several false starts, the changeover is expected in 1993. The root problem of dishonest politics and corrupt government has not been squarely faced.
Religion: Freedom of religion, but most post-independence government have given preferential treatment to Islam and have ignored incidents of Muslim persecution of Christians. Nearly all the statistics for religions and churches given below are estimates; few denominations maintain records.
All Statistics taken from Johnstone, P. (1995) Operation World: Pray for the World. OM Publishing: Carlisle.
Work Living Hope Does:
Living Hope Ministries has good contact links with churches in Nigeria.
Some Pointers for travelling to Nigeria:
A full British passport, visa and return ticket is required.
Check with your credit card company about the services available for bank machines and the use of traveller's cheques.
Insurance is essential.
You need to be updated with health injections. There are also other numerous jabs that are required. Bring your medical certificates with you.
Bring insect repellent and a mosquito net.
First aid kit.
It is essential to carry your "Yellow Fever" certificate. This is essential for entry into the country.
Be careful to eat clean and well-cooked food with clean hands. Drink only bottled water.
Prayer Points:
There is a need to reach unreached people, to reach Muslims, to pray for persecuted Christians. There has been a great growth in the church and the church needs to face the challenge to help to disciple these people.
International Links
