Questions about our work in Nigeria

We have gotten many wonderful questions from people when we share about our ministry in Jos, Nigeria. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

1. Who is SIM?

SIM is an international, interdenominational mission organization. We are so excited to serve as Members of SIM. The people we serve with are passionate about Jesus and about spreading the gospel through evangelism, relationships, and ministering to their physical and social needs of those they serve. For more information about SIM visit www.sim.org.

2. Why go to Nigeria?

Nigeria is the 8th largest country in the world and the largest in Africa. Nigerians are strong leaders who are influential in Africa and around the world. Although it is said that almost half of the country are Christians, many Nigerians are still bound by fear of the spirit-world and do not fully understand the power of God. Also, Islam is the predominant religion in Nigeria and is trying to spread. Nigerian Christians believe that if Nigeria becomes a Muslim country, the rest of Africa will follow. Unfortunately, many Nigerian believers do not know how to share the Gospel with their Muslim neighbors effectively.

3. What are we involved in, in Nigeria?

We work with City Ministries in Jos, Nigeria. The mission of City Ministries is to share the Gospel and love of Jesus Christ with Nigeria’s most challenged communities, especially orphans and needy children, widows, the impoverished and unreached people groups. We work specifically with children, through discipleship and crafts, we show these children that we love them, and most importantly that God loves them. It is our dream to help these children become productive members of society who share the love of Christ with those around them. We also hope to educate Christian Nigerians on Islam to break down walls of fear and encourage them to reach out to their Muslim neighbors in love with the gospel. We have fallen in love with Nigerians and we can’t wait to get back!  For more information about City Ministries click here.

4. How much money do we need to do ministry in Nigeria?

Support: In order to live in Nigeria we need to have promises of support gifts totaling $5800/month. This money can be given through commitments of monthly, quarterly and yearly gifts to SIM. This covers our housing, living expenses, insurance, and retirement as well as administrative costs to SIM USA, SIM International, and SIM Nigeria. Without the assistance of these offices we would not be unable to live and work in Nigeria. People often say this amount seems like a lot, however living in Nigeria is not cheap as, for example, an uncooked chicken can cost $13-$16.  To donate to support funds choose Support on the donation page.

Ministry: Besides support, we also need approximately $600/month to allow us to do ministry in Nigeria.  These funds cover cell phone use, internet access, books, financial assistance for Nigerians and other needs for ministry.  People wonder why our cell phones are under ministry costs.  In Nigeria, we pre-pay for cell phone use.  When a local wants to contact us they generally “flash” us (this means they call but don’t wait for us to answer).  They do this because they generally don’t have the funds to pay for much credit in their phones.  This way, we will call them back, using our funds.  Therefore, much of the cost of our cell use we are able to pay for through ministry funds.  To donate to ministry funds choose Ministry on the donation page.

One Time: We also need to raise an additional $45,000 in one-time gifts. This covers our preparation and training to return to Nigeria, transportation, one-month’s support, setting up our house and doing any needed repairs, and a vehicle. We learned during our time in Nigeria that we will need an SUV to be able to do the ministries we are involved in. Do you own a business that could help with these expenses? Or perhaps your company offers matching gifts? Donations to SIM are tax deductible!  To give to our one time needs, choose other on the donation page.

GIVE NOW*

*Don’t want to give online?

If you would like to you can mail a check or do direct debit from an account.  To do this, send a check to SIM USA, PO Box 7900, Charlotte, NC 28241. Include a separate note stating that the donation is for Toby Abts, 012049.  SIM will send you a receipt, and if this is an ongoing gift you will get a form to submit with your next gift.  If you would like them to continue directly debiting it from your account, send a voided check so that they can set this up, or call SIM at 1-800-521-6449 for more information.

5. Are there other ways that I/we can be involved in your ministry?

Yes. Please PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! We need people committing to pray for us while we are in Nigeria. If you are not receiving our e-news letter please sign up on the left of this page. Also, your church or small group can be involved by praying for us and through donations. We would love to come and visit with your church or small group to share more!

Thank you for being an important part of our team!
We hope this answers your questions. If you have any more questions, please contact us or SIM directly:
SIM USA, PO Box 7900, Charlotte, NC 28241 1-800-521-6449