The orphanage home of the United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN), Mile Six, Jalingo, Taraba State, celebrated the first set of orphans to graduate from secondary school on Nov. 1, 2015, at the orphanage multi-purpose building.
The set of students who are all female include Rejoice Anthony, Rose John, Bukata Kefas, Feleciah Kuvah and Pennoh Isuwa.
Nigeria Episcopal Area Bishop John Wesley Yohanna, who is also the chairman of the orphanage board of directors, encouraged the orphans to always remember that there is no disability in being an orphan.
Yohanna commended the Rev. Dr. Eunice Iliya, head of the Nigeria Area youth department, orphanage supporters and staff for their dedication to the orphanage. He prayed God to bless them in all their undertakings.
Guest speaker, the Rev. Dan Gombe, of Jalingo, emphasized that God is the one that cares for the needs and wellbeing of orphans. His sermon referenced Psalms 68:5, 104:26, 139:14 and Hosea 4:6. He called on the first set of the students to remember the days of their beginning as they become accomplished and successful adults.
In her remarks on behalf of her graduation class, Rejoice Anthony expressed her appreciation to God and those that contributed to their upbringing. She pointed out that their support has helped them to see the light and love of God through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Earlier in his address of welcome, Coordinator of the Orphanage Home, Simon Benjamin, said the orphanage has a total of 158 orphans in its records.
Out of the aforementioned number, 100 are housed at the orphanage, 40 are in foster care and 18 have been given for adaption. He explained that in addition to the five students who completed their secondary school education, there are 33 more enrolled in secondary school education. The coordinator gave thanks for the support being enjoyed by the orphanage from overseas partners, Taraba State Government, churches, corporate organizations and individuals. Benjamin pointed out that generous, ongoing support is needed for the orphanage to continue to meet its care and education goals for the students.
A highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the certificates to the five students.
Orphanage Director Simon Benjamin prepared this PowerPoint to help tell the graduation story. Keep up to date with the Nigerian Orphanage on their Facebook page.
For more information on Great Plains Mission Partnerships contact the Rev. Kalaba Chali (Chali) at kchali@greatplainsumc.org. For more information on the Nigeria Partnership contact Dottie Halvorsen at halvorsen312@yahoo.com.
The Great Plains United Methodist Conference Advance for the Nigeria Partnership is 300 for the orphanage and 301 for secondary student scholarships (this enables the five students who graduated to receive scholarships to go on to post-secondary school). Donations can be made through your local church offering plate or by mailing your check to Nigeria Partnership, Great Plains Conference Administration, 4201 SW 15th St., Topeka, KS 66604. (Be sure to put the Advance number in the memo line of your check.)
This report has been aired by one of the Nigerian television houses. The plan is to also publish it in one of the widely and only circulating Christian magazines in Jalingo, owned by the Christian Reformed Church, CRC in Nigeria.
Submitted by Al-hassan Abdullahi Agyo, director of communication and governmental affairs, United Methodist Church of Nigeria Orphanage
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