Pastors in hundreds of churches are now including their wives in ministry, rather than sidelining them, following workshops in their areas.

Male pastors are recognising they can minister more effectively to their congregations when they include their wives, and that ministry is much more than preaching during Sunday services.

Following our pastors and wives workshops in their areas they are also realising they are role models for how to live as a Christian couple, how to father children, manage finances, show Christ’s love to others and lead teams at work.

“They now are convinced that just as they should be preaching about living righteous lives, they also need to role model righteousness. Their congregations look up to them, as do others in their communities,” said international coordinator Tassie Ghata.

One hundred and seventy-four people attended the workshops for COCIN churches in Bwarrak and Kabwir Regional Church Councils during September and October last year.

Since the workshops many of the pastors have invited the Jos volunteer teams to share, counsel and test for HIV during their Sunday services.

Participants at both workshops highlighted an issue their congregations are facing – child trafficking. Many children in rural villages are lured away from their families by the offer of better jobs or education and never heard from again.

Some are taken to Nigeria’s cities, other African nations, the United States and Europe where they become house servants, prostitutes and may even be ritualistically sacrificed.

“Grace & Light has partnered with Plateau State Gender Commission to stop child trafficking. During workshops and church visits we call on parents to stop giving their children away and instead commit to being loving parents to them,” said Tassie.

Prayer Requests

Please pray for:

• Pastors and wives in the Bwarrak and Kabwir churches to continue in faithfulness to God and be positive role models for Christian living in their congregations and communities
• Continuing invitations from these pastors for first and repeat visits to minister to their congregations
• Other church regional councils will invite Grace & Light to run workshop for pastors and wives in their areas
• Children who have been trafficked, and their parents, that they will find their way home and be accepted by their siblings and extended families.