WORSHIP SERVICE AT OSTFRIESLAND

The Worship style at the German community was quite an experience to the Nigerian delegation who were paired on sunday as they worshiped in various churches in Leer, Ostfriesland. Rev Prof Pandang Yamsat who is the leader of the delegation worshiped with Rautha, Helen with Joshua, Mrs Goro and Kefas and finally Justina, Stephen and Dr Hans whom we have wholeheartedly adopted as our Nigerian brother worshiped at the church in Wymeer community which is close to the border of Netherlands. The reception by the Church was quite tremendous and the pastor gave us opportunity to greet the Congregation and to make presentation. It was in light of it that the German Church Shouted Allelluai in response to the 'Praise the Lord' we shouted as it is the tradition with worship in Nigeria. We also rendered a special song titled "Allah de kyau" meaning "the Heir is Gutt" in German leading to the clapping of hands from the German Congregation. What an exciting experience to note that we are all one in Christ, irrespective of colour, Nationality or race!

Justina Ngwobia

Nigerians delegation at Jonannes A Lasco Bibliothek Gross Kirche Emdem

Our visit to the Jonannes A Lasco Bibliothek Gross Kirche Emdem shows the rich historical heritage of the Evangelical Reformed Church of Germany, the Church founded in the 9^th Century had a library attached to it which dates back to 1559. With a collection of about 140,000 books the architectural design of the building is a fusion of medieval times and the very modern and it is open to all that need to use it. The Reformed Evangelical Church has a wholistic approach to preaching the gospel. At it social service store, second hand goods (furniture, electronically devices and clothes) are sold at a very affordable price for the very poor. They also run a a homeless people outfit which allows meals to be served at no cost at all to the very poor of the Germany society. Shelters too are provided for them, who are ill ( either mentally or and physically) .these services are rendered irrespective of gender, nationality or religion affiliation. What a demonstration of wholistic development!

The song now all over the world is renewable energy especially after the Japan experience months back. So a visit to one of such installations marked the high point of the day. With a capacity to generat 1,200kws of electricity meant of about 4,000 people. Nigeria;  that is the only way to go it we want to become one of the twenty industrialized countries by 2020.

Helen Philemon Haggai

Team took off ...

Team took off for Cologne train which was very strange to most members of the delegation. At the station, Hans our guide gave a brief on the entire visit. As we travelled we spotted the famous Catholic Cathedral Church of Cologne which is a reference centre for the homeless people. At Vena the delegation was received by the moderator of Reformed Church. The delegation   visited the Church‘s organeum  which back dates 14th Century.  The head of the delegation Rev. DR. Pandam Yamsat appreciated the warm welcome extended to the team and admonished all to be salt and light of the world.

Lessons learnt

• The humility of the church leadership and members.
• The Director of the Organeum is committed to his task.
• The detail historical nature of the church structure.
• Good maintenance and sustainability of ancient structure.

NIGERIAN DELEGATION DEVOTION AT THE TRAIN STATION

Upon arrival at the Frankfurt international airport, our guide Dr.Hans Spitzeck of EED, Germany received the Nigerian delegation and directed them to RAI train station where tickets were obtainedfor travel within and around Germany. In his modest fashion, he requested that we share from the holy writ. He conducted the devotion in a fascinating manner quoting Matthew chapter five, talking about the beatitudes. For each member of the delegation, a verse was committed in prayer with the laying of hands. The tall team leader and, the speaker could only raise their hands for blessing. It was indeed awesome for me and for those who watched the delegation bowed in humble adoration to God.

Kefas Akundo

Development in Nigeria, Is it not too late?

It was quite interesting to hear the comment of the first immigration officer I met at Frankfurt International Airport confronting me with development question about Nigeria. Development in Nigeria, is it not too late? The question set my mind thinking about what to expect as part of the Nigerian delegation visit on the Church and Society in Germany. The question meant so much to me in the context of Nigeria and development in the West.
Joshua Kasai.