Gidan Bege
"House of Hope"
Cripples
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Approximately 1% of the population in Nigeria has some physical disability. In a city the size of Jos, Nigeria there are about 7000 disabled or cripples. Some were born with physical disabilities, some are the result of injuries like accidents and burns and some are even caused by parents wanting a child to grow up as a beggar.
Because of the limited educational and vocational training opportunities, the acceptance of a crippled class and inadequate medical and rehabilitation facilities, most Nigerians with physical handicaps grow up learning to beg on the street corners to support themselves and their families.
Because many of these street cripples are young men, they often leave their families and are amazingly mobile throughout the country. There are cripples unions and recognized leaders in the crippled community.
The Gidan Bege staff are now meeting regularly with many of these young cripples to encourage them and disciple them for Jesus Christ. Some face persecution and are given temporary food and shelter at Gidan Bege. The staff are also helping train them in wood carving and other small industries to help them survive without resorting to street begging. Through the donations of many people, the Gidan Bege ministry is working to provide the cripples with wheelchairs that will help them independently move about in society.
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