Monday, November 01, 2021

New Book by Rebecca Dali

What fuels Rebecca Dali’s passion when “responding with compassion to the most vulnerable persons in northeastern Nigeria”? According to Dali it is her personal story and history–one of “poverty, frustration, rape, a son abducted (by Boko Haram) 11 years ago”–that inspire her life’s work. Dali, a member of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), is founder and executive director of CCEPI (Center for Caring, Empowerment, and Peace Initiative), an organization that serves the most vulnerable populations who have been traumatized by Boko Haram attacks.

On Oct. 9, she spoke to 26 CCEPI-USA board members and guests in Manheim, Pa., attending the launch of a book about her childhood and life’s work. We Have Walked in Each Other’s Shoes: Rebecca Dali’s Story is written by Frank Ramirez with Rebecca Dali and is illustrated by the author’s daughter, Jessica Ramirez, who painted and photographed a series of nesting dolls in the Russian style, reflecting different stages of Dali’s life.

Both Frank and Jessica Ramirez donated their services so that the entirety of the profits from the book benefit Dali and her ministries. In addition, photographer Glenn Riegel donated the photograph of Dali that graces the back cover. We Have Walked in Each Other’s Shoes can be purchased from Brethren Press for $15 at www.brethrenpress.com or by calling 800-441-3712.

In related news, Samuel Dali (former president of EYN from 2011-2016) had his prostate surgically removed on Oct. 12. Thankfully, the cancer had not spread and no chemotherapy or radiation will be needed. His recovery is going well, and he hopes to return to his speaking engagements soon.

However, Samuel and Rebecca—who live in Mason City, Iowa with their son and his family—do not have health insurance. Congregations and members are invited to assist with medical bills by mailing donations to Northern Plains District Financial Secretary, Rhonda Bingman, at 820 Raven Lane, Madrid, IA 50156. Please write “Samuel Dali Medical Expenses” on the memo line of your check. Any excess funds will be given to CCEPI. Cards may be mailed to Samuel at: 6 Cairnbrae Hls, Mason City, IA 50401.