Paul Dangtoumda, who is leading YWAM in Nigeria, gave this account:

Things were going well in Nigeria. We were excited to stand at the threshold of a revival. And then tragedy struck. Eight YWAMers died and others were badly hurt in a motor accident, which seemed so utterly unnecessary. We were numb with shock and pain, wondering what future there was for the ministry and us.

Let me tell you of a number of great developments since:

• 80 YWAMers, all wearing their YWAM T-shirt, attended the funeral in Jos. We sensed the presence of God strongly. The grieving families were deeply touched, some reconciled during the burial, others thanked YWAM for their role in the remarkable transformation of their children; one of them had once been a gangster. Many young people publicly declared they wanted to become missionaries. Some of them have already started their DTS in Port Hartcourt and Jos
• The family of the driver who caused the accident wrote a letter of appology
• God healed Jizer, whose shoulder was badly hurt in the accident. He is presently leading the first ever DTS in Abuja
• The Governor thanked YWAM on TV, on the Radio and in the Newspaper for the work YWAM is doing in Nigeria
• The Governor's wife, the Honourable Justice, Mrs. Mary Odili, (seen on the above photo to the far left) visited us in Port Hartcourt and gave 4000 USD to the base. On her second visit she surprised us with a brand new white Toyota van. She then welcomed the national leadership team 'in the spirit of collaboration', thanking us for YWAM's service in Port Hartcourt. 'This is a new season,' she said. 'Let us work together more now than ever'
• Justice Mrs. Mary Odili is running a project in Port Hartcourt and River State where adolescents learn skills. YWAM overseas the spiritual training of these youngsters. The Arsenal Football Club is sponsoring football teams for young men and women. Many of these young people gave their life to Christ. It is YWAM's privilege to disciple them
• A Christian ministry also gave us a blue second-hand Toyota van, also in very good condition
• We now maintain an all-night prayer chain every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. People are praying for an hour each. There is a strong presence of God. People pour out their heart. But most importantly, God is speaking. The entire community meets on Sunday evening for all night prayer. I believe this prayer movement is the key to our quick restoration
• We see a new beginning in YWAM Nigeria. It is in this spirit that our recent DTS's have started in Abuja, Port Hartcourt and Mediguri.
• Going through the campus today, one would never guess the intensity of the tragedy that we experienced, but God is wiping away our tears
  

We want to thank people for praying for us. God really turned things around. We see a spirit of blessing and a new beginning. Also heartfelt thanks for all the donations and funds that we have received, even from around the world!

Click here for the beginning dates of our upcoming schools.
Click here for the letter of appology from the driver's family
Click here for background information concerning the recent deaths in the mission