August 24, 2022

Lott Carey’s involvement in Nigeria began in the early 1960s when it reopened a school that was closed due to a lack of resources. Located in the southern part of the country, the school served 22 villages that had no other institutions of learning.

This brief history was shared at Lott Carey’s 125th Annual Session in New Orleans by Rev. Kenneth Ebong, superintendent of Lott Carey Baptist Mission, Nigeria. He told the hundreds gathered in-person and virtually that “I am a product of that school.”

Since that first intervention, Lott Carey now operates six schools in the West African country, many located in areas with few options for school-aged children.

“We are very happy and very proud,” Rev. Ebong said. The schools have had such impact that several past students have returned to serve these institutions, including the principal of the Ikot Ebom Nursery Schoiol.

Lott Carey’s Nigerian mission provides incentives to families. Those with three children pay for only two to attend, from kindergarten through to grade 12.

Rev. Ebong commended the global Lott Carey family for its support. In addition to education, Lott Carey helps to support the ministry of 80 congregations. Among other things pastors, many riding bicycles over long distances, received motorcycles to improve their travel and mobility.

Women In Service Everywhere, Lott Carey’s women’s ministry group, provided a revolving loan that enabled women to gain greater levels of independence and autonomy. “Once you emancipate the women, you emancipate the whole family,” Rev. Ebong told the gathering in New Orleans.

Men on Missions, the men’s ministry arm of Lott Carey, provided funds to dig and commission a well in one of the communities.

Lott Carey assistance was crucial during the Covid-19 pandemic, enabling children to continue their education and for communities to meet their basic needs. “God made a way,” the Baptist leader declared.

The Annual Session was held August 15-18 and incorporated Bible Study, worship, mission education classes, mission service opportunities, and presentations on issues of concern such as human trafficking, voting rights and social justice. There were special events for children and youth, among other activities and programs.