A Trip to Christ the King Catholic Church

Toto, Nasarawa State, Nigeria 
My trip to Christ the King Catholic Church, Toto, in the Diocese of Lafia in Nasarawa State first appeared like a trip to any parish in a village. Then, the 2.5-hour trip brought us to the abode of Fr. Chris Edebianga, MSP. Fr. Phyllisbeto Gomez, MSP, our driver; Fr. Jude Alih, MSP, and Fr. John Okeme, MSP were part of this great experience. “Wow, this is great. My brothers are here!,” said Fr. Chris, delighted to see us. He showed us around the compound with great enthusiasm. There were crops of various kinds. We were shown catfish in a big black container. According to Fr. Chris, it was for consumption in the house. “All these, just for consumption in the house?” I asked myself. “I should like to be a member of this house where I can always have fresh fish.” There was also a fish pond, with more than a thousand fish. Though the fish were as tiny as my finger, they were pragmatically basking in the pond. It was evident that the fish were properly cared of for a great harvest. Toto has a good market for fish. A light for the future generation is beaming in Christ the King as a new secondary school has commenced full activities. They have Madonna Nursery and Primary School, which was renovated. Our world today needs schools to secure the future of our dear country. Fr. Chris sees the need to educate the young ones. He told us that most of the men in the area are married to two or more wives, so they cannot receive the sacraments. “I pray for them and leave them in the hands of God,” he said. “It is the children who we can help to receive the sacraments.” Polygamy is still a big challenge in our African society today, inhibiting people from receiving the sacraments. It becomes pertinent for Christians all over the world to nurture the young ones, such that they are able to share in the joy of Christendom. This joy will be incomplete without the life-giving grace of the sacraments. Undoubtedly, Fr. Chris is a lover of farming. He grows coconuts, moringa, yams, and a number of other crops on his large farm. While walking around the compound of St. Peter's Secondary School, we saw youngsters playing football and joined them briefly. The priests all took their turns to play, in a bid to score goals. The school compound has been encroached after the crisis in Toto, which left the place desolate for a long period of time. Fr. Chris, with the help of prominent persons in the community, is gradually reacquiring land that belongs to the school. Toto is known for inter-tribal conflicts and crises, especially between the Ebiras and the Bassas. It is striking that Fr. Chris is happily serving God in this community that is prone to danger. One could see his joy in telling how the place is developing gradually—and his zeal to be part of the development. Back to the house we went, where Fr. Chris entertained us beautifully with sumptuous fresh fish peppery soup. Our trip was wonderful and we got home to MSP headquarters in Abuja in good time.