Despite security risks, ministry in Nigeria grows.

Nigeria (MNN)–The Association of Christian Schools International is in the process of rebuilding their missionary school following arson attacks last year.

At the outset of the Islamic holy month this year, there are some that the staff could see more of the same. ACSI’s Dan Egeler. “The school was targeted by Islamic fundamentalists and their dormitory for the boys was burned down, twice. They were singled out because they were the children of missionaries that were going in and expressing the Gospel message to Muslim people.”

However, Egeler says this year, the local Muslim leader came to school officials to tell them he did not condone the violence done to the school. Further, he says the cleric’s granddaughter attends the school. “He really values the ministry of the school. He said these were extremists, folks that he did not concur with at all. So, he’s put a call out to protect the school and its ministry, because he’s seen its ministry and vitality in the life of his own grandchild.”

Funding is still needed to repair the damages from the fires. On his recent trip to Nigeria, Egeler says he handed the school’s administrator one-thousand dollars in cash, upon which he was told, “this money is going to replace the tin roof on our dorm that was burned to the ground.”

ACSI’s mission, Egeler explains, tells their story in the community, “The predominant part of that community is Muslim. But the high quality education that has moral fiber, they don’t truly understand the Christian philosophy of education, but they’re attracted to that, and enrolled their children. As a result of that, their kids are hearing the gospel message in the context of the school day.”