Nigeria (MNN) — A 2018 study found that substance abuse in Nigeria is more than twice the global average.
Addictions became even more prevalent after the pandemic. Nearly half of the Nigerian college students and young people surveyed in 2022 were involved in drug and substance abuse.
Today, Nigerian Christians are teaming up with believers in the United States to introduce a solution. A Nigerian staff member at The Lighthouse is spearheading the effort.
“The Lighthouse is a men’s drug and alcohol rehabilitation program,” says the ministry’s founder and director, Brandon Bower.
“We take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the struggling men and help them through life with Christ as they heal the bonds of addiction.”
Pastor Michael, the Nigerian staff member, is taking what he’s learned so far at The Lighthouse to start a biblical recovery program in his hometown.
“As soon as the passports and visas come through, two (Nigerian) staff members will live with us for six months and train with us,” Bower says.
“They can see what The Lighthouse is doing and how it can impact their ministry. Then, we’ll spend some time in Nigeria helping them get their program started.”
There’s room for you on this adventure. Connect with The Lighthouse here to learn more.
Most importantly, pray. Pray for travel mercies as Nigerian believers make their way to the U.S. Pray for creativity as these believers study The Lighthouse’s approach and adapt it to meet the needs of their communities.
“Without prayer, it feels [like] we’re alone on an island doing this work ourselves, so to know that hundreds of thousands of Christians around the world are praying for us is an encouragement to keep going,” Bower says.
Header image depicts youth at a Nigerian college. Nearly half of the Nigerian college students and young people surveyed in 2022 were involved in drug and substance abuse. (Photo courtesy of Daniel Pam/Unsplash)
