Religious traditions can be beautiful and meaningful. Or they can be mindless and cruel. In parts of the world where voodoo and other forms of spiritualism remain, the latter is sometimes tragically the case, as in the African nation of Nigeria.

The Christian-dominated south of Nigeria enjoys more peace than its Muslim-majority north. Yet in the safer southern region, some indigenous churches mix Christianity with superstitious beliefs.

Women and their children often become victims of dark traditions when a man dies. Village women might say: “You were the cause of your husband’s death.”  A new widow might be forced to have her head shaved, or worse, locked inside with the dead body. Any protection from her husband is gone. The deceased man’s children are likewise vulnerable, sometimes given away to be used—or abused.  Young girls have been given to men with AIDS, under the notion that a cure comes from having sex with a virgin.

Diran Adedeji, a San Antonio mental health facility owner and operator, helps the weakest in his native country. In 2000 he founded Abundance Ministry to address the immense needs of Nigeria’s orphans and its widows—who receive no assistance from their government.

Sophia Casteleyn serves as Director of Abundance Ministry in San Antonio. She’s been to Nigeria five times to participate in a yearly medical mission. She knows heart-wrenching realities such as those mentioned here, but says, “Nigerians are the most joyful people in the world. They cling to and claim scriptures, with faith that endures.”

Nearly 2000 widows receive support from Abundance Ministry through four village centers in southwest Nigeria. They have monthly stipends, and some get assistance in starting a small business or in paying rent or medical bills.  They enjoy opportunities of fellowship and meetings that offer mental, emotional and spiritual support.

Abundance Ministry established two fully-staffed orphanages; the Christian-based residences currently house 22 children—through age 15. They take in children who’ve lost parents from AIDS or childbirth, or those abandoned. They offer schooling, medical care and a nurturing environment. Abundance Ministry also provides university education—all the way through. In contrast, the state orphanages in Nigeria are very few in number and cannot provide for the millions of orphans. They make no provision for education or medical needs. At age 18, children leave with no resources.

Casteleyn works by internet to recruit physicians from the U.S., England and Nigeria for Abundance Ministry summer medical trips. The five-day mission offers basic check-ups and provides medical supplies, and more recently, eye exams. Evenings during the week include worship rallies with altar calls and ministry brought by the Christian Association of Nigeria.

Plans for their next medical mission, set for July 25-29, 2011, include searching for a dental team. Medical and non-medical volunteers and donations for supplies and medications are needed. Find out more at abundanceministry.net, or call Sophia Casteleyn, 210-885-0622.