PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA, March 15, 2010—Crossroad Bible Institute continues its international expansion with the opening of a new distribution center near the Elele Prison Farm Center in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. For Nigerian prisoners, the religious division and resulting violence that afflict their country are compounded by deplorable prison conditions and unjust treatment. CBI studies are now providing much-needed hope.
Nigeria’s criminal justice system bears significant flaws. An Amnesty International report estimated that 65 percent of Nigerian inmates have not been convicted of a crime and are awaiting trial, and this period of waiting often spans years. Those in prison have little to no legal counsel, and most do not have the money necessary to acquire a lawyer or seek help from family on the outside. Some cases stall because files have simply been lost.
This broken judicial system contributes to poor prison conditions. With so many awaiting trial, overcrowding ensues. Mattresses and bedding are uncommon luxuries. Outdated facilities, poor sanitation, limited food rations, inadequate health services and even torture plague prisoners, threatening their physical and mental wellness.
Fortunately, the CBI distribution center, the second in Africa and the tenth worldwide, offers a glimmer of light. Distribution center director Sunny Roberts, who studied with CBI years ago while serving time in the U.S. prison system, states, "I am thankful the CBI Bible studies will shower the students with God’s love and provide a breath of fresh air in one of the most constricted and unpleasant environments to study in." Students have responded enthusiastically. One writes, "May the Lord bless you people. I can’t believe you spend your money to help us, the ones who are forgotten by the world."
CBI President Dr. David Schuringa remarks, "As Americans, we often fail to recognize the great disparity between our prisons and those of many other countries. I am pleased that, through this new distribution center, CBI is actively responding to our brothers and sisters enduring the challenging environment of Nigerian prisons."
Crossroad Bible Institute is a prison ministry in its 26th year of operation. With over 40,000 students, Crossroad has ten international distribution sites with three more openings pending. Go to www.cbi.fm for enrollment forms or more information. CBI’s programs are provided at no cost to prisoners and their families.
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