Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Tell all the nations, the Lord reigns!
1 Chronicles 16:31 (NLT)
Jesus teaches that there is joy in heaven over one lost soul who repents and returns to God (Luke 15:7). We rejoice for thousands of students who responded positively to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the abstinence message in Benue State of Nigeria. We had the privilege of telling over 14,000 students that The Lord reigns! Yes! He reigns!
First, we met with the Ministry of Education officials and expressed our appreciation for their cooperation with the War on AIDS program. We also requested their continued support. The response was in the affirmative. The Lord reigns!
Secondly, we met with the principals and AIDS instructors from the schools in the Otukpo Local Government area. We shared the purpose of the War on AIDS program and sought their cooperation in promoting the War on AIDS and supporting the students in choosing abstinence. All of them, without exception, said their schools are open to us. The Lord reigns!
Thirdly, we began a tour of the schools; 25 in all. We were pleased with the response and cooperation from the principals. Once we arrived at a school, the school officials gathered the students together and turned the whole thing over to us. We began our presentation with an opening prayer, then the theme song:
YES TO LIFE! NO TO AIDS! YOU CAN MAKE IT
IF YOU CHOOSE, CHOOSE LIFE AND LIVE,
YOU CAN MAKE IT
I WILL MAKE IT, YES I WILL! YES I WILL!
The students caught on quickly and enjoyed singing the song. Then, a presentation was made, educating students on HIV/AIDS. The gospel of Jesus Christ was also presented to them, followed by an opportunity to make a choice; to pray to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and to take a Vow of Virtue. When we made the call, the response was overwhelming! (click to see pictures ('war_on_aids_rally_2006');)
We are compelled to continue with this project when we think of the fact that:
¨ One in three students is affected intimately by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, one in twenty students is already infected, and 98% of the students are willing to do whatever is necessary to stay free of HIV/AIDS.
¨ You will agree with us that the young people must be educated to make a life changing decision that will result in prolonged health, a productive life, and the assurance of eternal life.
¨ We believe strongly that a major change in an individual's behavior is the only effective solution to the AIDS epidemic.
¨ Individuals who have moral convictions based on their religious faith are more likely to experience a lasting change in behavior.
¨ The likelihood that there will be a lasting result is very high when the educational program is combined with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Students will receive immediate knowledge to combat HIV/AIDS, along with the opportunity to hear the gospel and to make a life-changing decision that can result in prolonged health, productive life, and assurance of eternal life. That is why we do what we do.
I want to say a big ?Thank You' to all of the supporters who contributed to make this program a success. May God richly bless you!
We still have a long way to go. There are over 300,000 students in Benue State of Nigeria. So far we have touched 29,000 students. And we must reach them all! The Lord reigns! I am counting on you to help us finish this task.
Right now I want to call your attention to the projects we have on hand.
FEEDING THE MULTITUDE: We have launched a Feeding the Multitude program for the purpose of feeding the poor around us. While the program is ongoing, the last Sunday of the month is set aside to bless the needy. Through this local effort and with your support we will make food and clothing available to the poor in the church. We have scheduled this program for Sunday, December 17, 2006. This program has been a blessing to the poor and needy among us. We are expecting to feed 200 people that day. Our goal for this project is $250.00 a month.
CHRISTMAS SURPRISE: In addition, there are many fatherless children who will not receive a gift because they've lost their parent(s), and those helping them do not have the means to provide extra gifts for them. Our goal is to help the children we are sponsoring with a surprise gift. As you support our Family Outreach Program, you are enabling us to bless them. Our goal for this project is $3,000.00.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas, we are requesting that you help us minister to these families in a tangible way. Any gift will go a long way in helping us reach our goal. Your participation is completely voluntary. You have done so much already, and if you can't send a gift right now, we understand. But if you are able to contribute, it will be very much appreciated.
Yours in His Service,
David C. Akaji
Vice President for the Africa Region
Remember to check our websites: www.ebminternational.com or www.opendoorministries.net/devotions for updates. You can access daily devotions from our website. Check it out.
P.S. Please keep these widows, orphans and needy in your prayers. | 
