Mike & Megan Ribbens
Who are we?
Daniel Center is a community of service and learning that trains and walks with leaders from a biblical worldview. Mike, currently the director of the Daniel Center, trains, mentors, and networks with Nigerian leaders. Megan serves as a resource person, advocates for children, disciples others in parenting, and mentors women.
Why we wake up every morning:
No matter where we are on the globe, we have a tendency to shorten the Good News. The Gospel was never supposed to be abbreviated. Doing so ushers in drastic, deadly consequences. But when the Gospel is delivered whole, there is sustainable life as our hearts, churches, and communities get transformed by God’s grace.
The real message is that Jesus Christ fulfills the biblical story by moving into a spoiled creation to redeem it and keep a community living faithfully by the Holy Spirit, centered on God’s Word. The Daniel Center serves God by equipping Christ’s community of disciples for a connected, daily delivery of Christ’s Good News through words with deeds.
What is God's scope for our work in Nigeria?
Daniel Center contributes to the formation of agents of transformation who integrate the biblical worldview by promoting healthy churches, growth in Christ, justice and peace in social relationships, and sustainable communities. This integral gospel restores all sectors of society—church, family, school, business, and government.
How are we walking alongside for transformation?
Church: Pastoral leaders are mentored to live out the Gospel and unlearn cultural lies.
Testimony from Pastor Umar Garba: “The training changed my worldview on church activities. After learning the biblical scope on comfort, we saw our neglect for the widows.”
Home: Individuals discover their full identity in Christ. Couples apply the biblical view of marriage. Parents are discipled to care for God’s children.
Testimony from Martha Ajaver: “My marriage has been revitalized! Last night my husband washed my feet.”
School: Christian educators explore teaching as a calling, apply Christ-centered teaching and view children as image-bearers of God.
Testimony from Peacemaker: “It’s been a heart searching outing for me. It’s a life transforming workshop that every Nigerian teacher should attend.”
Workplace: Strengthening Christian professionals to demonstrate integrity, compassion, and excellence in their workplace.
Testimony from Richard Ikiebe: “What you presented stirred the murky waters. We didn’t like what we saw come up, but it was necessary.”
About Nigeria
Nigeria, located in West Africa, is slightly more than double the size of California. Home to approximately 140 million people, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and home to a diverse group of people. Nigeria has over four hundred ethnic groups, each one with its own language and culture. Spirituality is part of Nigeria’s cultural fabric. Most Nigerians claim to be either Christian or Muslim, while a few cling to African traditional religions. Although many languages are spoken throughout the country, English remains the official language.
Nigeria built Abuja up from a village to its leading capital city. As the federal capital territory at the center of the country, Abuja contains all the seats of governance. The urban center and its surrounding satellite towns number approximately three million people. Abuja’s population could potentially climb to ten million as Nigerians continue to move to the capital from all corners of the country. The religious and cultural make-up of Abuja richly reflects that of Nigeria as a whole.
Thank You
We praise God for His work around the world and the privilege of serving Him. Thank you for your prayers, generosity and support for our ministry with Christian Reformed World Missions. Together, by the grace of God, our efforts are transforming lives and communities worldwide. Thank you.
Contact Information
Email: mribbens@crcna.org
Blog: http://mribbens.blogspot.com
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