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NIGERIA ADVENTIST DEAF CONVENTION STORY

Posted on fév. 18 2025

THE MAIDEN NATIONAL TRI-UNION ADVENTIST DEAF CONVENTION IN NIGERIA WAS A GLORIOUS EVENT.

"I Will Go: From Glory to Glory" was the theme of our first-ever Nigeria's National Adventist Deaf Ministry convention, held from August 4th to 11th, 2024, at Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. This historic event brought together three Unions in Nigeria for the first time since the reorganization of our Nigeria Union Mission. As Adventist Possibility Ministries (APM) in Nigeria continues to work toward its initiatives, we are thrilled that the convention achieved its primary goal: bringing our Deaf brothers and sisters closer to Jesus, fostering a sense of belonging, and fellowship with fellow deaf brethren in the Lord.
The convention was initiated by El-dad Monu, the Deaf Gospel Outreach Worker in Nigeria and APM Director of the Eastern Nigeria Union Conference (ENUC). Planning for the event began in late 2022 when El-dad, then the ENUC APM Associate Director, was driven by a passion to spread the gospel to the Deaf across Nigeria. Pastor Dr Agbabiaka Nurudeen and Pastor Benjamin Yemson Nuhu who both were elected this year 2024 to lead as the APM Director of Western Nigeria Union Conference (WNUC) and Northern Nigeria Union Conference (NNUC) have been invaluable and extremely useful to the success of organising our convention.
 
Though the event faced multiple delays and date changes, it successfully concluded, leaving attendees with lasting memories. The convention focused on four key areas: Evangelism, Education, Entrepreneurship, and Entertainment.
The opening ceremony was led by Pastor Dr. Adeleye Ezekiel, President of the Western Nigeria Union Conference, representing three Union Presidents, including Pastor Dr. Udoh Bassey and Pastor Dr. Istifanus Ishaya. A parade, organized by the Deaf Pathfinder Club from Aba East Conference in collaboration with the Youth Ministry of Pioneer Church, Babcock University, was a highlight showcasing teamwork and spirit.

Entrepreneurial workshops covered topics such as cosmetics and device repair, while several lectures enriched the event. Prof. Philemon Amanze, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, gave a lecture on the history of Adventist education in Nigeria. Mr. Nwokoma Sampson spoke about the role and challenges of information communication technology in the 21st century. Pastor Benjamin Yemson, APM Director of the Northern Nigeria Union Conference, led a session on youth development, encouraging the Deaf audience to embrace positive thinking.
Dr. Mrs. Elizabeth Okonkwo provided valuable insights into dealing with depression as a Deaf person, highlighting how communication barriers, stigma, societal misunderstandings, and marital issues can increase the risk of depression among the Deaf community.
The convention was not without unforeseen circumstances, but our God came through to save the day for His name sake. A few of these experiences include:

Attendance and Testimony of God’s Protection:

A total of one hundred eighty-five (185) delegates had registered for the convention. However, on August 1, 2024, the "END BAD GOVERNANCE" peaceful protest in Nigeria escalated into violence, leading to loss of lives, vandalism, and disruptions in transportation services from August 2nd, 2024. Despite these challenges, ninety-six (96) Deaf individuals and forty-one (41) hearing participants (including APM directors, interpreters, and caregivers) bravely attended the convention. By God’s grace, the social unrest subsided during the week, allowing delegates to safely return home after the convention on August 11, 2024. We give glory to God for His protection and the safe travels of all attendees.
The Testimony of Saved Souls: An evangelistic program was necessary to share God's gospel to everyone at the convention. Therefore, Revival Services were held from August 5th to 9th, 2024, from 5 PM to 9 PM at the same venue. Members of the Babcock University community and the surrounding area were invited to attend daily. Soul-lifting tracks and flyers with impactful messages of the undiluted Word of God were distributed throughout Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. The revival was led on Monday by Pastor Dr. Wisdom; Tuesday to Thursday by Pastor Jeff Jordan of the General Conference (GC); and on Friday by Pastor Jallah, the APM Director of WAD. The highlight of the Revival Service was the baptism of five individuals who gave their lives to Christ. Among them was Mr. Adielechi Abel, a deaf-blind brother from Aba East Conference, who chose to accept Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. The baptisms were conducted by Pastor Azorondu Peter Ndukwe at the Pioneer Church.
God’s Providence for a Memorable Learning Excursion: Although there was no initial financial budget for an excursion, God impressed it upon the Seventh-day Adventist Pioneer Church at Babcock University to sponsor a trip to Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, Nigeria.

They generously provided a 14-seater bus and financial support. As the number of delegates exceeded the capacity of the bus, the Division of Spiritual Life (DSL) graciously contributed a 42-seater coaster bus, making the excursion possible. On the morning of Thursday, August 8, 2024, we set off for Olumo Rock. Standing as tall as a 10-story building, the rock drew both young and old to climb it with faith, fun, and enthusiasm, with 70% of the participants reaching the summit. Olumo Rock holds deep historical significance, having served as a refuge for the Egba people during the three-year war between 1930 and 1933. Hidden rooms within the rock sheltered the people, ultimately helping them gain freedom. This excursion was not only awe-inspiring but also a remarkable educational experience.


Launching Deaf Worship Centre in Pioneer Church officially.
As part of our collective efforts to promote Deaf Ministry, we were able to formally establish and inaugurate Deaf Worship Centre (DWC) under Pioneer Church in Babcock University after the significant increase of deaf membership. It was formally inaugurated by Pastor Jeff Jordan and Pastor Jallah Karbah on 10th Saturday August 2024 to the glory of God.

The DWC will help to ensure that the worship activities are carried out in alignment with the Deaf ministry, culture, and language for better understanding and learning. It is hoped that they will start their worship in their own room separately from the main church building every Sabbath, which will attract more Deaf both Adventist and Non-Adventist, to attend and fellow with us at Babcock University.
 
During our courtesy visit the President of Ogun State Conference on 8th August 2024, Pastor Dr Sunday expressed the love and commitment of the conference to promote APM. He assured that the conference will continue to support the ministry at all times.
Centre for Supportive Services for Students with Disabilities at Babcock University:
We had the privilege of paying a courtesy visit to Professor Tayo Ademola, Vice Chancellor and President of Babcock University. This meeting was significant as we expressed our heartfelt gratitude for the institution's support during our convention. In return, we discussed the importance of promoting full inclusion and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities at Babcock University.

A key part of the discussion was the proposal to establish a Centre for Supportive Services for Students with Disabilities. This initiative would align with the implementation of Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Nigeria's Disability Discrimination Prohibition Act, and our Adventist Possibility Ministries (APM) objectives to achieve Total Member Involvement (TMI).
Professor Ademola assured us of the university’s commitment to enhancing support for students with disabilities and promised to collaborate with us on these efforts in the near future. This discussion marks the planting of a seed at Babcock University, and we ask for your continued prayers that the administration will follow through by providing the necessary support services for students and staff with disabilities.

Appreciation:
We are deeply grateful to the General Conference for sending Pastor Jeff Jordan and Bro. Oma Sampson from America, along with the gift materials, despite the short notice. Your support has touched our hearts and will not be forgotten. We pray that God replenishes your resources as you continue in His service.
Special thanks to the three Union presidents in Nigeria, led by Pastor Dr. Bassey Udoh, for their unwavering support in ensuring the success of the convention. We are also thankful to the management of Babcock University for welcoming us with open arms and treating us like family. A heartfelt thanks to the Chief Medical Director of Babcock University Teaching Hospital for providing medical care to our participants, with 80% of the services rendered free of charge. The bursar of Babcock University can not be neglected in our appreciation for greatly supporting our feeding with the provision of food stuff. May God bless you and your institution abundantly.
To our sponsors, including Mr. Nwokoma Sampson and his wife, Mrs. Maggie Sampson of the Chesapeake Conference (USA); Engr. B.E. Ojum; Dr. Mrs. Uchechukwu Elekwa; Mrs. Gladys Nwokocha of Adventist Women Ministry (ENUC); Prof. Joshua Ogbonna; Dr. Mrs. Akudo Anyaogu of Adventist Technical Secondary School, Ohafia; Dr. Medad C.C. Monu, and many others, your contributions were invaluable. We pray for God’s continued grace and providence in your lives and endeavours. To the convention organizing committee, who worked tirelessly before and during the program, may God reward your efforts abundantly. Our fellow Deaf brethren and participants were delighted with the program and are already praying for another edition soon. This convention has reminded us of the importance of unity, regardless of tribe, gender, or social status, as emphasized in Romans 12:4-5. We are looking forward to our second Nigeria Trio-Union Adventist Deaf Convention in August 2026. The three Union APM Directors are working on the next convention. Consequently, the date and venue of the next convention will be communicated as when due.
More glorious events ahead. More victories in Christ alone!

Shalom!