By Bob Allen
The Baptist World Alliance has dispatched $10,000 for flood relief in Nigeria, where heavy rains have killed 363 people since July.
More than two million Nigerians have been forced from their homes by this year’s floods, the worst in a half century.
“Heaven just opened up without restraint,” said Olasupo Ayokunle, president and chief executive officer of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, as he described scenes of submerged bridges, roads and communities especially near the River Niger.
“Many Baptist communities were affected as properties were destroyed,” Ayokunle said. “Boats were used to rescue people from their homes.”
Nigerian Baptists have responded with trucks carrying food items to three Baptist state conferences in hard-hit areas. Ayokunle estimated costs for food, clothing and other supplies in the affected areas to be at least $25,000 in the initial stages of immediate assistance.
In addition to the initial $10,000 grant, the BWA is accepting donations for additional disaster relief.
— Based on reporting from BWA communications.