A dialogue set in Nigeria, with acknowledgements to Women’s World Day of Prayer, 2026. I wrote it to support a Lent group session that Jane and I led, exploring, ‘One Faith’.
Olu, a recent graduate in Agriculture aged 22, is looking for work. He’s talking to his aunt Felicity, recently widowed with 3 young children. Olu is regarded as a man of strong faith. He always has a lot to say in the church meetings and is good at quoting scripture. Felicity, on the other hand, doesn’t know much theology, whatever this means. Apart from a few rather helpful bible verses…
-o-O-o-
Olu: Man, I’m so frustrated I can’t get a permanent job. There’s so much work to do, but the Government won’t fund it. Too busy lining their pockets…
Felicity: Yes, it’s sad but it’s true. After Eddie died, I went through a very dark time. How was I going to feed my children? I cried out to God for help. Then I was invited to join our church’s Widows’ Programme. It was old Désirée who started it, 12 years ago. She asked people in the community round about, to donate clothes, rice and money to help. She went on to start self-help groups, so we could find ways to earn a small income. Then instead of just accepting help, we could give back to others who were struggling. I’ve got a little plot of land, so I took out a small loan to buy a flock of chickens. I sell the eggs and use part of the plot to grow beans.
Olu: Impressive! They sound like good people.
Felicity: When I joined the programme, straightaway I felt loved and supported. What’s inspired me most is the staying power and faith of my fellow widows. Life’s hard, but we stay committed to Jesus Christ. It’s such a comfort to know that Jesus is our burden bearer.
Olu: Felicity, all this sounds nice, but the Government should be helping provide for widows like they do in Ghana. Talking of which, they need to do something about the faith-based persecution faced by Christians in the North. I know things are peaceful at the moment, but I worry that the Muslims in our own village will rise up against us unless we do more to protect ourselves. I say Mohammed has a lot to answer for in justifying holy war. We shouldn’t have to put up with this! One of the girls from Dapchi secondary school, Leah, is still being held by Boko Haram because she refused to convert!
Felicity: Olu, I know persecution’s a terrible thing. Only…didn’t Jesus tell us that “in this world, you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world.”? I don’t feel strong because I expect an easy life. I feel strong because I know that Jesus walks with me through every hardship. Leah’s story reminds me of the cost of my faith. But it also shows me its power. I’ve heard that in Damaturu, a little Christian community still gathers to pray for Leah to come home. Their hope, their persistent faith, inspires me to keep believing, to keep loving, to keep living alongside all my neighbours – Muslims and Christians alike.
Olu: I’m impressed by your optimism, Felicity, but this isn’t going to make Nigeria a better place. It needs a better government, hopefully one that understands the Christian faith and the bible…
Felicity: Olu, my faith – and my hope – isn’t just optimism! To me, believing in Jesus means He’s there every moment of my life. It all started when I was a girl at school.The teachers decided I was stupid and they made me repeat a year because I was a slow learner. But some kind schoolfriends taught me to pray, “God, I am your child, I am smart, I can learn and grow.” Then things began to change. Teachers came alongside me and helped me where I was failing. A light went on in my mind, and it wasn’t long before I caught up.
Olu: Yes, and I admire you for what you’ve achieved. But…well, you seem to just about be coping, and putting on a brave face…
Felicity [interrupting him]: Olu, my friends and I aren’t just coping, we are living by faith! The bible says that those who are cast down will be lifted up. So, we keep moving, keep believing that one day the storm will pass. [she pauses reflectively)]
…and, Olu, do you and I mean the same thing when we talk about faith? Don’t you need to exercise faith over finding a job? Or might God want you to take a step of faith and go into politics? What a difference Jesus could make through you!
[The drama ends with Olu thoughtfully scratching his head!]
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