THE GIVING ON THE PART OF THE NIGERIANS
Nigerian Believers gave: Gasoline, rides, language help, money, water, bananas, peanuts, fish, salad, beef, turkey, chicken, cashews, oranges, grapefruit, biscuits, medical help, use of their automobiles, a drum, a tambourine, Yoruba Bibles, books, letters of encouragement, advice, cloth, bedspread, sets of clothing, help with carrying my bags Bible and water, pictures, motel expenses, medicine, prayers, hospitality, ministry and teaching opportunities, help to fan me, (but, no one was willing to carry me on their head), and love.
During an extreme petrol or gasoline shortage, people would either give us money for gas, or rides, or the use of their car, or would give us of their supply of gas. People would take time helping with the language, would help me carry my suit-cases, Bible, brief-case, etc. They would give me a handkerchief or sweat cloth. They would give us gifts of money, water and food. We went to a lady pharmacist, who took us to a Christian doctor friend, who doctored me for free. Others gave us the use of their automobiles in a society where they have no insurance, where the death and accident rate is the worst in the world. One pastor named Lois made an announcement that the people would be blessed by God if they gave to “the man of God”. She and they gave a drum, a tambourine, six sets of clothing, and other gifts. Elijah’s brother gave a white Yoruba Bible for Joshua and Tara for their wedding. Others sent cards, letters and gifts for them. The Nigerians gave books, letters of encouragement, advice, cloth. One lady who is a chief, a merchant and a nurse, gave food, lodging, an expensive bedspread, cooking, the use of her car. Others gave us new sets of clothing, help with carrying my bags Bible and water, pictures, motel expenses. One man gave us a whole week for free a stay in his motel, along with air-conditioning. Others were willing to pray for me, for us, for our family and for our ministry, and some even fasted. Others gave us hospitality. Others gave us opportunities to minister and teach. Some came to actually help to fan me, so I could preach without suffering heat stroke, (but, no one was willing to carry me on their head). The love and giving from these people was sacrificial.