RENEW International Brings Together People of Nigeria

RENEW International was invited by the bishops in Nigeria to help the dioceses within the struggling country. They responded and the programs and materials of RENEW International helped build-up Christian communities and teach people off all faiths the power of Christ's compassion. In Nigeria, there are dioceses within areas which are inhabited by people of different beliefs, such as Muslims and Protestants. The lessons within the bible showed everyone within the villages how social actions can help heal their community and bring people together. They were able to see that those of all faiths have shared interests, such as clean water, developing education, and vaccinations. People also learned how helping their fellow man made the entire village stronger.

RENEW International strengthened the Dioceses by identifying and training leaders. They started at the grassroots level and taught both clerical and layman to be leaders. In many villages, it was the first time women were placed into positions of leadership which broke important barriers socially, politically, and economically. In February of 2002, RENEW International opened in Ibadan, Nigeria "The RENEW School of Evangelization." The goal of the school was to train leaders for parish ministry. The school grew into a renown center for catechists and others leading small faith sharing Christian communities. Participants learned Church doctrine, studied moral theology and the catechism, and ways to lead within a group. It became a strong resource throughout the area which helps train leaders who later return to their parishes and revitalize the faith of their people. RENEW International is proud of their work in Nigeria and seeks opportunites to help similarily challenged people everywhere.