Widows’ Conference – August 2025

STM Update 7.28.25

We were privileged to support a successful outreach to the widows of Plateau, Benue and Kaduna states in central Nigeria. In early August, hundreds of widows were provided a safe place to stay on the campus of Messiah College, provided with three good meals each day, given free medical checkups and necessary medication, and experienced several days of solid bible teaching, encouragement and fellowship.

August is known as the lean season since food is expensive and hard to come by especially in this time of economic crisis, and amidst the violent attacks driving villagers off their farms. Widows attending this conference were sent home with a good supply of staple foods to help get them through this difficult season.

Many of the widows are also encouraged weekly at local Bible studies scattered across the states. Martha (see below) is one of those Bible study leaders and served as one of the worship leaders for the conference.

While food, safety, and medical attention are vital, the spiritual and emotional encouragement is paramount. Widows are very vulnerable to all sorts of exploitation. Some are very young and have recently lost their husband and are left with young children. What are they to do? A network of friends who are committed to Jesus is their lifeline.