The Oru Refugee Camp came into being 18 years ago during the outbreak of the Liberian Civil War, and is now home for Liberians and Sierra Leoneans. The refugee camp houses about 3000 people, 120kms from Lagos, Nigeria.

In June 2008, the Federal Government of Nigeria issued a directive for the camp to be closed down since peace had returned to both countries. This however was a huge blow for the refugees who, as much as they would have loved to return to their home countries, couldn’t go yet because of repatriation problems. Some others, who were born there and knew no other life except life in the camp, have considered the option of integrating into the Nigerian society, but this has proved very difficult to achieve because of social differences. Thus, the refugees have found themselves in a quagmire; being unable to return to their homelands and having to bear with the meagre feeding, healthcare and shelter they get at the camp. They are without care from home and abroad since even the external organisations that catered for them have withdrawn their support.

One man’s vision for change
Touched by their plight at the refugee camp, Pastor Sylvester Esebede of Christ Embassy Abeokuta, visited the place alongside some partners to see things for himself. He was truly shocked at what he saw. He informed partners of Rhapsody of Realities in his church of the need to minister to the suffering people at the refugee camp. They needed to be furnished with aid materials, farming equipments, food, and most importantly, Rhapsody of Realities, which would enable them know the Word of God for themselves and live victoriously in life.
Excited by this idea, the partners swung to action and immediately decided to distribute 4,000 free copies of Rhapsody of Realities and 400 free copies of Rhapsody of Realities for Kids amongst several other aid materials to the refugees.

Motivated by true compassion
Very early in the morning of the 28th of March, 2009, the partners loaded themselves in several buses and headed for the camp. 100 partners, dressed in special t-shirts and caps, stormed the camp, visiting people in their blocks and witnessing to them. So many people got saved that day! Everyone also got a free copy of the devotional which they clung dearly to. They had learnt from the partners that Rhapsody of Realities was an anchor for their souls, securing them through the storms of life.

Free distribution by kid-partners
Some kid-partners were also present at the event. Armed with hundreds of copies of Rhapsody of Realities for kids, they distributed it freely to children at the camp. When they were through distributing, the partners gathered the children together and prayed for them, insuring their future with God’s Word.

Distribution of material aids
The partners also distributed raw foodstuff in polythene bags to the women, who filed up in a long queue across a field. When the bags were given to them, they rejoiced exceedingly and sang songs of praise to God. Other refugees were given farm equipments, while others yet were given clothes and shoes; everyone went home with something tangible that day!

Ministration to the sick
For those who needed healing in their bodies, Pastor Sylvester prayed for them one after the other and they were healed. He also prayed for members of the Welfare Department of the refugee camp that they would be strengthened and enabled to do more for the refugees.

Time to go
It was all sobs and sniffles as the partners boarded their buses to return to Abeokuta. Their visit was worthwhile, for it had improved them spiritually and materially. With the love and support they received from partners of Rhapsody of Realities, they could now forge ahead in life with hope and determination. That’s the true meaning of the gospel!