 Charles Obugo Okonkwo
In 1988/99 I gained admission into Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria to study for B.Sc. Psychology. During which I was actively involved in a campaign against HIV/AIDS, tagged: Plain Truth against HIV/AIDS. Which was sustained through out my National Youth Service. I completed my masters (M.Sc.) program in Clinical Psychology from the University of Lagos, Nigeria in 2000. Also, earned a Diploma in Theology, at Vineyard Leadership Institute, Ohio USA.
I have worked as a lecturer/counselor for Family Life Educational Institute Enugu, Nigeria; was a Project Manager/Head, Psychological Services at Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, Nigeria (PRAWA) a non-governmental civil society organization (Non-Profit Organization), at PRAWA I was privilege to write or co-write grants proposal to World Bank (Developmental Market Place Program); European Union; British High Commission; US Embassy; United Nation Voluntary Fund for torture Victims (UNVFT); Ford Foundation, Macarthur Foundation and many other multinational funding agencies present in Nigeria. I was nominated by the United States Embassy in one of the most coveted and esteemed training program (International Visitors Program -IVP) on Non-Profit Management, sponsored by the US Department of States an experience that created an opportunity to work as an International Intern for a year at Community Family Life Services in Washington DC. I relocated to Columbus Ohio, USA after getting married to my lovely and compassionate wife Maureen. I sincerely believe that the Lord Jesus Christ in His infinite mercy, grace and wisdom prepared Maureen for me and she tells me earnestly that God prepared me for her. As a child my parent enrolled in the catechisms classes in the Catholic Church. However, during my adolescent to early teen, I lost interest in religion, but in my late teens I gave my life to Christ – Born Again – in a Pentecostal church, I did not fully understand the import of that decision, somehow there was this underling feeling that the experience was influenced or motivated by the need to belong.
During my early twenties and first two and half years as an undergraduate, my born again experience became lukewarm only to pick up heat when it appears to be cool.
Remarkably, (by the grace of God, which is in Christ Jesus, via the power of the Holy Spirit) in 1991, age 21 after a dramatic incident, which I consider as my authentic conversion – God converted me – I just got up one faithful early morning at my university private room and fell totally and completely: hook, line and sinker in love with God, Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit.
My desire, passion and worldview changed forever. The desired to be with the Triune God at all times became unquenchable, passion to read the Bible (as well as other faith books), love people unconditionally without compromising my faith was overwhelming and there was an unshakable confidence and faith that God/Jesus Christ/Holy Spirit was in absolute control, in spite of who, what, where, when and how. It was a peaceful and joyful feeling and knowledge. One of the things I know for sure is that in the next two decade the destiny of Nigeria/Africa – which is intricately woven with that of the world – will change for good, shedding crucial internal and external constrain that hold her back from real progress. The spirit that raised Jesus Christ from the death will quicken this prophetic hope. Amen.
 Maureen Okonkwo
I grew up in a Christian home and attended church regularly. Although I was around observant Christians and knew what it meant to surrender my life to Jesus and have Him change me; I had plans of my own. I didn’t want to give Jesus authority over my life, and thus, successfully ran my brief life into the ground by the age of eighteen. Spiritually bankrupt, I knew that Jesus was the only place I could turn. The process to submit my life to
Jesus gave me an immediate and voracious hunger for the scriptures. I clung to my new relationship with Jesus with desperation and the knowledge that He was my only hope.
I earned my bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University, USA in 1996 in Art Education. I spent five years working with Campus Crusade for Christ a non-denominational Christian organization in a variety of settings around the world. I spent a year and a half year in the mid nineties in the small eastern European country of Albania. I eventually moved to New York City and continued work with students.
I relocated to Columbus Ohio after my father became ill and started work with a non profit organization. I worked as a project coordinator to help underserved children receive free meals and learn in an after school setting. While there, I also began to write grant proposals and through my work, our agency was awarded over one third of our annual budget. I wrote proposals to private funders as well as government agencies to fund our work. I learned how to manage those grant dollars by reporting on projects I managed and meeting the benchmarks our agency promised funders.
I also worked briefly with our local church to minister to people with HIV/AIDS.
Most recently, I worked as a project manager for a commercial printer. My work included logistics and distribution for Wendy’s International. Our business oversaw all signage marketing for Wendy’s and ensured that over 6000 stores worldwide received their marketing material.
I met Charles in 2003 and we married in 2004. We found immediate connection in our life goals, burdens and mission. We belief that the Gospel impacts all areas of life. When brought to bear on Nigerian society; we belief Nigeria will lead all of Africa into a new season of wholeness and life. This is our life’s work. Currently I am a stay at home mom to our new daughter Constance Ebelechukwu. It’s my favorite job so far!
 Ayodele Fashemi He earned master of Intellectual Property/Commerce and Technology (MIP/CT) from Pierce Law Center Concord, New Hampshire U.S.A. upon his graduation he worked as an Intern with Iandiorio & Teska Intellectual Property Law Firm Waltham Boston. MA on broad range of Intellectual Property matters including Copyright, Licensing, Patent, Trademarks and Trade secret: As an educator, he always wanted to make the difference in the community, affect, improve and better the lives of better teacher. These needs are his calling that led him to School of Missions Vineyard Leadership Institute Columbus Ohio U.S.A where he earned Diploma in Missions. His calling is environmental advocacy and activism program. He has passion for environmental issues and how communities in developing countries should have environmental education awareness and importance of wide variety of environmental issues like clear air and water, healthy and nourishing food, and a flourishing ecosystem.  Gabriel Nwoffiah |
The Team 
