Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN), the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria, is the largest national body of the Church of the Brethren in the world. With a vibrant history of nearly 100 years, EYN has placed a high emphasis on education, health, and agriculture. Today EYN continues to be ravaged by attacks from the militant group Boko Haram. Emergency assistance is being provided through the Emergency Disaster Fund. Go to the Nigeria crisis page for the latest information.
Before the destruction by insurgents, EYN had nearly a million people attending services and has carried out mission efforts in neighboring countries. The church’s ministries include its peace witness, aid to those affected by the crisis, leadership development, Women’s Fellowship (ZME), and youth programs. EYN is a member of the World Council of Churches and the Christian Association of Nigeria.
The Church of the Brethren in the US partners with EYN in a number of meaningful ways: Kulp Theological Seminary (KTS), the major training institution for Nigerian church leadership; and the church-sponsored Comprehensive Secondary School. In addition, the Theological Education by Extension (TEE) program trains more than 1,500 people in basic Christian education.
See the Global Food Initiative (GFI) page for more information on sponsored agricultural projects. See the history of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria pages here.
Nigeria News
- Bethany Seminary president Jeff Carter visits Nigeria
President Jeff Carter, academic dean Steve Schweitzer, and coordinator of Seminary Computing Services Paul Shaver returned in mid-January from a visit to Jos, Nigeria. They met with Bethany employees Sharon Flaten and Joshua Sati, as well as students, and local religious and educational leaders.
- People killed, church communities attacked in Christmastime violence in Nigeria
Congregations and communities of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) were among those suffering attacks during the Christmas season in northern Nigeria, reported EYN staff.
- Churches in Nigeria fill with music, dancing, and prayer as WCC visits
Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) was among the Nigerian denominations whose congregations received visits during a recent meeting of the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee in Abuja, Nigeria. Members of the WCC executive committee visited an array of congregations on Sunday, Nov. 12, “bringing a deep spiritual aspect to their gathering,” said a WCC release.
- EYN farmers suffer violence in northeast Nigeria, interview with EYN district secretary for Wagga
Clergy of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) have counted 107 farms harvested by Boko Haram said Mishak T. Madziga, EYN district secretary for the Wagga district, in an exclusive interview. In addition, he reported several deaths of EYN members at the hands of the terrorists. EYN president Joel S. Billi, who was in the area to celebrate the autonomy of a new local congregation, confirmed the report of many farmers losing their farms to Boko Haram in this critical time of harvest.
- 29th October: A day to remember
This poetic reflection on the experience of members of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) when under attack by Boko Haram was written by Sara Zakariya Musa and contributed to Newsline by Zakariya Musa who serves as head of EYN Media.
- Visit to Nigeria boosts agriculture program of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria
The trip was a fact-finding visit and a chance to learn more about the agriculture and business initiatives of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). We had opportunities to discuss and assess the possibilities of EYN’s idea to open a government-recognized seed business to serve farmers in northeast Nigeria.
- More abductees gain their freedom in northeast Nigeria
Talatu Ali has been reunited with her family, along with three of the four children she gave birth to during her 10 years of captivity. She was rescued by the Nigerian military, from the Gavva area of Gwoza Local Government, Borno State, during an operation in which 21 people were rescued including women and children who were mostly trapped in the area by Boko Haram.
- EYN Women Development Centre graduates 48
The EYN Women Development Centre in Kwarhi, Nigeria, has graduated 48 students trained in skills acquisition, meant to develop the capacity of the underprivileged women. On Aug. 18, the celebrants, parents/guardians, and well-wishers converged at the Headquarters of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria.
- EYN: A wounded healer
“EYN is regarded as a wounded healer,” said Ekklesiyar ‘Yan’uwa a Nigeria vice president Anthony Addu’a Ndamsai. The statement was made while addressing staff members at the EYN Headquarters at Kwarhi, Adamawa State, Nigeria. He was one of a group of EYN leaders who have just returned from the United States, encouraging members to sustain the peaceful heritage of the church which Ndamsai considered has helped the church survived the difficulties imposed by Boko Haram terrorists.
- Southern Oho and Kentucky District extends post-conference fellowship opportunity
The Southern Oho and Kentucky District will offer an opportunity to meet and greet the leadership of Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN), the Church of the Brethren of Nigeria, this Sunday, July 9, from 2:15 to 3:45 p.m. at the Brethren Heritage Center.