CBN has been reaching out to the people of Nigeria for many years through its television programs and with various humanitarian projects. Since 2002 many villages in remote areas have received the gift of clean water. Through these efforts many Nigerians are accepting Christ as their personal savior

School children

Saburi, a village in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria, is one example. It has a population of about 1,000 people. Their main occupation is farming. They are basically traditionalists with a few Christian believers. The community doesn't enjoy any government facility. They used to rely on water from a very dirty pond.

Then in May Saburi Well was commissioned by Victor Oladokun, the host and producer of CBN's Turning Point, a magazine format TV program that airs in Africa and the Caribbean.

Women danced.

On arrival at the village, the commissioning team was welcomed with dance and traditional songs of the Gbagyi people. They were indeed very happy with the gift of the bore well. School children were released from classes just to come and be part of the commissioning exercise. It was indeed a great occasion in the village.

Women danced around the well in their traditional dress. They were full of excitement and overwhelmed with joy. They also brought their containers to fetch water freely.

The well is commissioned.

The Chief of the Village Mallam Daniel Dogo welcomed CBN and officially gave permission to declare the well open. The chief said, "on behalf of my community I welcome you to my village. I want to tell you that I appreciate your work here in my community. Thank you for helping my people. I thank CBN and the donor for their love. We will never forget your love for my people."

After that wonderful welcome demonstrated by the Saburi community Victor Oladokun was given the honor of commissioning the well. He encouraged the people from the Word of God. He extended an altar call and about 30 people responded by raising their hands to be prayed for. He then prayed over the well and declared it to the glory and honor of God.

Using the well

Present at the commissioning were Kim Mitchell, director of operations, CBN International, and Ben Edwards, CBN WorldReach vice president. Also in attendance were Felix Oisamoje, general manager Anglophone West Africa, John Kalma, Operation Blessing manager, and the production team from the regional headquarters in Nigeria.

A hygiene lecture took place a week later by the well site About 70 people were in attendance. They were instructed on how to take good care of their drinking water. They were advised never to expose it to any dirt, as well as to protect the bore well from being misused. Children were never to be allowed to use the well unless supervised by adults.

An outreach was organized one week after the well commissioning. About 187 people were exposed to the gospel during the crusade. 25 people gave their lives to Christ.