September 6, 2024
Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and one of its most diverse, and it is a vibrant land known for its art, music, film, and sun-kissed beaches. Despite the abundance of beauty, nutrition remains scarce.
One in three children under the age of five struggle to reach their full potential due to impaired growth and development because of poor nutrition according to a 2021 UNICEF report. For one pastor’s wife and student at a Nigerian college of theology, this was a constant concern. Like many mothers, she worried about her family and children back home in Northern Nigeria, who were often weak and lacked the energy to thrive.
Fortunately for her, she participated in Send Relief’s soybean project at her college. Sixty-seven women have learned a valuable skill: using soybeans to improve their families’ diets, generate income, and minister throughout their communities.
The project wasn’t just about cooking. It was about empowerment and faith. For a semester, the women learned five delicious and nutritious soybean recipes. They practiced together, ensuring they could confidently prepare these meals back home. But the project didn’t stop there.
Each program graduate received 22 pounds of soybeans – known for their high protein quality. Soybeans, which also contain good amounts of carbs and fat, were a critical resource to jumpstart healthier eating habits in their families. This seemingly small act had a ripple effect participants shared their soybeans and knowledge with others.
The impact goes beyond just nutrition. The project has also become a bridge between communities in a region where religious tensions often boil.
“We thank God for the soya bean project,” the pastor's wife said. “The project is helping us with mission work in the village.”
“When we organized the training, we also invited women of other faiths. We had four Muslim women who attended. We are now friends, and we are sharing the love of Christ with them.”
Her story is just one of many. Through generous supporters of Send Relief, an estimated 6,700 people have been impacted by the soybean project and 600 people have heard the gospel, with two Bible study groups starting. There were also 67 local churches involved, strengthening the network of believers in the region, 418 people trained in areas like agriculture and healthcare, and 67 microenterprises initiated.
These numbers translate to real change. Children are healthier, families are stronger, and communities are coming together. But there’s more to be done.
Looking ahead, Send Relief aims to equip even more women this year with the knowledge and resources to improve their families’ lives and become agents of change. The goal is also to encourage graduates to use their harvests to plant future crops and continue trainings independently.
With continued support, Send Relief can empower more women, transforming not just diets but also building bridges of peace throughout Nigeria.
