Azubike Kalu, Back2Back staff, looked down at the big brown eyes standing before him. “Chuy*! Sorry, Golibe*! Or . . . Mongo*? How are you this morning? Did you sleep well?” A small smile stretched across the four-year old boy’s face, but he never answered Azubike’s question. This morning was the first morning for a… Read more
Abeo*, one of the Nigerian Hope Students, listened intently as the list of names was called out. He waited nervously to hear his own. Recently, Abeo’s school had been selected to nominate three participants for a local math competition. He was hopeful he would be picked. He felt his stomach drop as the third name… Read more
A visiting guest, Kali, a physician’s assistant, sat across the table from 15-year old Lovely*. Kali knew Lovely was struggling with pain, but the young girl sat quietly before her. “Staff members informed me Lovely had been experiencing a lot of pain, but she was very brave when we first sat down together,” shared Kali…. Read more
One way children in Nigeria have fun is through playing and watching soccer. The children from Igmin Kibe Education Center recently invited the children from Destiny Children’s Home to compete in a spirited soccer game during a school break. “It’s always special to me when children from different homes come together,” shared Azubike Kalu, Back2Back… Read more
Joel and Emmanuel are brothers born to a very young mother. While living with her, they were often under the care of their older sister, Magdalene. Childhood wasn’t always easy for the boys. They were teased by peers, told they were products of their mother’s mistake. Their story took a turn in 2012 when Magdalene… Read more
Eighty children from Igmin Kibe Education Center and Destiny Children’s Home were recently able to visit a certified medical clinic in Nigeria. This was the first time to see a doctor or visit a clinic for many of the children. Their eyes were wide, taking in the new building and faces. Each child by the… Read more
Ezra runs the ball in for a goal. He hears his teammates whoop victoriously behind him, and a small smile breaks out on his face. He turns and runs towards his team and coach. They high five him, bringing him close to the huddle as their soccer coach nods knowingly. Ezra is a young man… Read more
The other students call sixteen-year old Danladi the pastor of the house. His faith is strong and his understanding of Scripture is sound. Danladi transitioned from Destiny Children’s Home to Calvary House as a Hope Program student. He read very little English and was well behind academically when he arrived, but is making up for… Read more
“Auntie! Auntie! I want to share something with you, Auntie!” Sunday runs towards Abigail Ali, Back2Back Care Giver. “Auntie, today at school I learned about Jesus walking on water!” As eight-year old Sunday sits down with Abigail, he shares the story he learned at school – recalling details and sharing it precisely. Abigail smiles softly to herself as she… Read more
Children walked forward with bundles of bananas and watermelons and loaded them in the car. As fruit and bundles of art supplies filled the car, the children at Rukuba Children’s Home spoke excitedly en route to House of Recab, a local refugee home taking in orphans from Northern Nigeria. Director of the Rukuba Children’s Home,… Read more