Local Church Outreach to Orphanage in Nigeria

By Marah Joseph


Yes, the economy is in crisis and things are tough globally. Food prices have risen and cost of living has also increased. Imagine what it’s like to maintain an orphanage and support tons of people during this economic crisis. Bishop Elijah Mboho knows exactly what it is like.

Kingdom Life International Christian Center (KLICC), a local church on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, is an active supporter of the Nigerian ministerial orphanage Gospel Village, presently under the leadership of Bishop Elijah Mboho. KLICC, under the headship of senior pastor Ashley C. Estrada, assistant pastor Bernaby Joseph and with the help of approximately seven hundred members, this orphanage in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria is faithfully being supported.

Gospel Village was established in 1965 by Bishop Elijah Mboho. This five acre land is currently home to approximately 1000 individuals
, 80 percent of which are adolescents under the full-time care of Mboho and assistants and 20 percent are older individuals with disabilities who are incapable of providing for themselves. The majority of the children taken to Gospel Village are orphans. Many were abandoned by their parents at birth, and some were found in the woods given away as sacrifice to wild animals. “Some of these children didn’t even know their names, and many have no idea who their biological parents are,” said Carlton Leslie, correspondent person for the Gospel Village mission in KLICC.

Gospel Village, with the help of KLICC mission has helped individuals in so many ways. It provides shelter for all who come seeking help. “Bishop Mboho has never refused anyone help. He welcomes everyone in the name of God,” Leslie said. Even spiritual help is offered in Gospel Village. Leslie said that many people come to Bishop Mboho for help in their spiritual life; some come for deliverance and others for prayer.

“Living conditions may be tough in Gospel Village but Bishop Mboho never allows anyone to call these children less fortunate. He hates that term,” Leslie said during Sunday morning service. Infants only a few months old to four years of age receive three meals a day, children from the ages of five to 11 years are given two meals a day and those above age 12 receive one meal daily.

Each year, more individuals come to Gospel Village for food, shelter, or security, thus, cost of living also increases. Monthly, the KLICC people donate to Gospel Village. The members of this local St. Thomas church contribute by fundraising, and missionary donations. “A small amount of five dollars a week helps provide these kids with food, electricity and necessities,” said Leslie who is also head of the missions department for Gospel Village. Although this amount may seem to be very small and insignificant to many people here on St. Thomas, but it could help feed a hungry child.

“I donate to Gospel Village almost every Sunday. It is amazing what we can achieve if we all come together to support those in need,” said Neisa Cazaubon, Junior Biology major and member of the KLICC church.

A few members from the KLICC pay annual visits to the orphanage in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Each year some report life-changing experiences. “I have never seen so many grateful children in my life. They constantly thanked us for our donations and never ceased to pray in the midst of all that hardship. It was amazing to see girls and boys of different age and sizes all praising God together,” Karen John said during Sunday morning testimonials. “It was a humbling experience that has changed my life forever,” said Reah, a member of the KLICC church. Others testified of the spirituality differences between the KLICC congregation and the children at Gospel Village. Some were amazed by they way they saw children praising God for his goodness. “I have never seen anything like it, not even in the church,” said Leslie.

One of the goals that KLICC hopes to accomplish this year is to help raise public awareness. Raising public awareness will first inform people about the Gospel Village. This awareness will then urge people to help donate to a good cause that will feed, educate and provide shelter for children and those adults who are in need. “All I think about is ways that I can help the kids over in Gospel Village. I pray everyday that I can make enough money to support them much more,” said Leslie.