November 2001

A letter from the Crumleys
Hillcrest School
c/o EYN Guesthouse
PO Box 626
Jos, Plateau State
Nigeria

Dear Family and Friends,

Greetings to everyone. We have been home on an extended furlough due to the expectancy of the arrival of our new son born August 3, 2001. His name is William Johnathon. We call him Johnathon. We have a picture of him being held by his big sister, JoAnne, who is now 8 years old. We were waiting for him to receive his first set of immunizations before we planned to return to Nigeria on October 8. However, at the same time, we learned that John needed surgery and it has put off our return date to November 26. John is doing better now and the baby is growing healthy and strong. JoAnne has been enjoying third grade in Polo, Illinois, along with participating in third grade girls basketball games, swimming lessons, and girl scouts.

In the meantime, we are very thankful for all that God has provided us – a safe delivery and a healthy baby boy, John's returning health and all of the faithful doctors and nurses who helped care for us during this busy time. We are also thankful for this special time to spend with family here.

Also, we are thankful for Chaplain Atherton who was able to fill in for me with the Hillcrest High School Band during my extended absence. He thought he would only be filling in for one quarter beginning August 7 but has faithfully continued with the band even at this time. I am also pleased to report that the band has continued to grow since it began again last year. Each semester there have been a few more students join the band. The middle school band children continue to wait for me to return. Next semester will be a very busy one making up for lost time as I will be teaching the middle school general music classes as well.

In response to the violence that occurred in our hometown of Jos while we were away with plans to return soon, these are John's thoughts:

What does it profit us? - a reflection on the violence in Jos, Nigeria

We were greatly saddened by the news we received September 7, 2001 by the violence that erupted in Jos, Nigeria. We were preparing to return to Jos in early October.

Then this event and the September 11 events in New York and Washington D.C. shocked our spirits. We still felt we should return to Jos, Nigeria, where Patty teaches instrumental music at Hillcrest School.

We had returned to the US in June for what should have been a "normal" leave, or furlough. The timing for our return would have almost been perfect except we had to get a passport for our new son and he needed immunizations before he could go.

Our feelings about the violence in Jos has weighed heavy on our hearts and left us wondering, what does it profit us or them when Christians and Muslims fight each other? It's a lose, lose situation. Lives and property are lost. People will be out of their homes and businesses. Some will be living on the street until they can find another place to live or start a new business. We have to ask why one group of people think their way of life is better than someone else's. What does it profit us or them?

During the year-and-a-half we lived in Jos we felt a sense of security and peace. Now we know that feeling may never return in the next year-and-a-half while we will be there. Our prayers are now for safe travels back to Nigeria and that everyone there may understand that no one wins when property is destroyed and people are killed.

We would covet your prayer support while we and other missionaries work for Christ and the Church. Any cards or letters you may send will be greatly appreciated.

In His Service,

John, Patty, JoAnne, and Johnathon Crumley