Compassion Trip

Dear Friends and Family,

In 1991, a group of people came to my hometown and burnt down my family’s home. Everything was destroyed: food supply, furniture, even baby photos. With all 8 siblings pooling our resources to help our parents buy another home that too was quickly burnt down in 2001 by the same group (photo above). It is now 2013 and they are back. This time, they have taken the name Boko Haram. Which the United States has just declared a terrorist organization.

Last month I found out my parents are housing over 50 displaced Christians running from their towns for protection. Struggling to provide for such a large group, my wife and I have been sending money to help feed these displaced families, but we feel it is time to do more.

First, God has been laying on our hearts a burden to go beyond praying and to begin taking practical steps to assist with peace and reconciliation. We plan to get together with area leaders and young people to begin considering peace talks. Second, we plan to help purchase mattresses and blankets (as this has been described to us as the biggest current need) for those displaced by the violence. Third, we will research potential long-term economic solutions for affected families. We are not sure what we will find but we are committed to empowering solutions in these communities.

We plan to make the trip to Nigeria this March. Our total goal is $8,200 to provide for food assistance, mattresses, blankets, and on the ground support. However, in order to make plane tickets, accommodations, and transportation arrangements we estimate we will need the first $3,600 by early February. Please consider partnering with us as we step out in faith and trust for God’s protection and provision.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

In Christ,

William & Shiloh Karshima