Greetings from Nigeria!

It is our privilege to bring to you the most recent exciting news about our collective effort in bringing Community Development to our rural people. We rejoice with the individuals, organizations and communities that have worked with us to make it all so remarkable and we are extremely grateful for those who have been generous through these difficult times to keep us going.

The beginning of the year witnessed a significant milestone in our growth. We were able to secure an office space in Keffi. This became possible as a result of the tremendous goodwill and level of interest our activities have generated in this immediate community. The location is the ground floor of Kana House, 100, Keffi-Akwanga Road, GRA Keffi. Its spacious and great location is convenient to meet with Development Partners and network with other groups in the area. This office will enable us not only to reach the people, but also offer easy accessibility for the people to find us. A small dedicated office staff of three has been put together, and we are running full speed. Stop by and say hi if you can!

Our annual Medical outreaches in partnership with The Isaiah Connection from the US took place in February, 2009. Free Health clinics and medications were dispensed to more than 2500 people mostly in rural communities. There was work done in Kokona, Bassa, Angwan Pah, Ngazu and a tour of a Breast Cancer screening Center in Lafia. We are in talks with the American Cancer Society to have some of their materials translated into the local languages for people to self-examine and look out for warning signs. There were about 25 Nigerian volunteers who teamed up with the guests from the US during this two-week program. We are very grateful because each year, the number of local volunteers has kept growing to the point that we even had to turn some down. This is indeed a tremendous testimony to the little things that teamwork can accomplish. We are seeking equipment donations for some of our local clinics and we would appreciate any help in this matter. Testimonies of changed situations abound and we are hugely indebted to our supporters for helping us pull this off again this year. We are looking forward to next year with much anticipation. Please plan to be part of this annual adventure. The joy of service is beyond premium.

         Donations for more wells and washrooms: One well
            costs $3,500~$5,000. With the new rig we have
            increased capacity to provide safe drinking water for
            villages we had to turn down in the past. One
            washroom costs $2,000.

          2 Monthly support for the Director: Living out his
             faith, Silas selflessly dedicates his time solely on
             GCDA. He truly appreciates your support. Silas will
             be visiting the US in the near future. We will let you
             know as plans firm up.

          3 Wisdom and support for the interfaith dialogue.
             The time is ripe.