Nigeria
Nigerian minister Okon Mkpong released
Okon Mkpong, a longtime church leader in Nigeria, was released unharmed by his kidnappers Feb. 23 after nearly 12 days in captivity.
“We know that this is another testimony to the awesome power of God,” said the minister’s daughter, Uduak Afangideh, who teaches biology at Faulkner University in Montgomery, Ala. Another daughter, Idongesit Mkpong-Ruffin, chairs Faulkner’s computer science department.
“All members of the Mkpong family, both in the United States and Nigeria, would like to thank our Faulkner family for their prayers during the past week,” Afangideh wrote in a message to Faulkner employees. “God answered those prayers in an amazing manner …”
“We got to talk to him — amidst songs of praise by family members back home,” Afangideh added.
Mkpong is an elder of a Church of Christ in Uyo, a city in southernNigeria’s Akwa Ibom state. He launched a Christian school, a ministrytraining school and a hospital in his home country.
He was abducted from his home Feb. 11. The kidnappers demanded a ransom, and family members in Nigeria negotiated for his release.
While her father was held captive, Afangideh wrote a message to supporters.
“My family is resolute in the fact that God is fully in control, that the Bible is full of promises to rescue those who trust in him, secure in the fact that my father has served him all his life,” she wrote. “We stand on the faith of our fathers and refuse to give in to fear.”
Last August Dr. Robert Whittaker, a British-born physician and church member, was abducted from his home near Aba, Nigeria, about 50 miles west of Uyo. After 48 hours, church members negotiated for his release.
Whittaker continues to recover from a gunshot wound he suffered during the kidnapping. The physician recently returned from a medical mission trip to Haiti.
“We know that this is another testimony to the awesome power of God,” said the minister’s daughter, Uduak Afangideh, who teaches biology at Faulkner University in Montgomery, Ala. Another daughter, Idongesit Mkpong-Ruffin, chairs Faulkner’s computer science department.
“All members of the Mkpong family, both in the United States and Nigeria, would like to thank our Faulkner family for their prayers during the past week,” Afangideh wrote in a message to Faulkner employees. “God answered those prayers in an amazing manner …”
“We got to talk to him — amidst songs of praise by family members back home,” Afangideh added.
Mkpong is an elder of a Church of Christ in Uyo, a city in southernNigeria’s Akwa Ibom state. He launched a Christian school, a ministrytraining school and a hospital in his home country.
He was abducted from his home Feb. 11. The kidnappers demanded a ransom, and family members in Nigeria negotiated for his release.
While her father was held captive, Afangideh wrote a message to supporters.
“My family is resolute in the fact that God is fully in control, that the Bible is full of promises to rescue those who trust in him, secure in the fact that my father has served him all his life,” she wrote. “We stand on the faith of our fathers and refuse to give in to fear.”
Last August Dr. Robert Whittaker, a British-born physician and church member, was abducted from his home near Aba, Nigeria, about 50 miles west of Uyo. After 48 hours, church members negotiated for his release.
Whittaker continues to recover from a gunshot wound he suffered during the kidnapping. The physician recently returned from a medical mission trip to Haiti.
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FeedbackWe remember meeting him in Jos some days to our wedding, he wished us the best, hugged us and prayed with us. God is alive!!! Why should we fear? Thank God for answered prayers.
Bro. & Sis. Jacob Akerigba.Bro. & Sis. Jacob AkerigbaChurch of Christ, Taraku.Taraku, Benue
NigeriaSeptember, 15 2010I work with the Sunset International school as their Dean of African Training. We have receved information about a Bible Training program in Uyo, Nigeria that would like to have a partnership with Sunset. I read your article about Okon Mkpong and his release by his kidnappers. Thank God. Do you have an email address for him? I would like to write him about the school in Uyo. Thanks, Jerry HoggJerry HoggSunset Church of Christ, LubbockKnoxville, TN
USAMay, 11 2010Okon stayed in our home for a period of time when he began his bachelor work at David Lipscomb College. I was in my early teens.
My mother, Maxine Cato Hunter and the entire Cato family rejoice at Okon’s release. May the Lord continue to bless him.Keith CatoGranny White Church of ChristBrentwood, TN
USAMarch, 2 2010I remember Okon as one of my better students. There was no doubt as to his ability to preach the gospel as it is written in the New Testament. He always had a desire to train others as servants of the Cause. Even though kidnapping was exceedingly stressful, he has demonstrated his faith which he has in the Lord. Also, the outcome has reminded me of the days at Ukpom. It is wonderful to know that he and his family are faithful to Christ.Glenn MartinAtlanta Church of ChristAtlanta, MI
USAFebruary, 27 2010God is alive and will not leave his own.The release of brother Okon Mkpong really shows that our God is alive and is working among his children.May we continue to pray for Nigeria.
Azembeh I. JosephAzembeh, I. JosephBauchi Ring Road Chuurch of ChristJos, Plateau
NigeriaFebruary, 26 2010It is a wonder that he didn’t baptist them. Because I know he probably preached the Gospel to them. I just have a feeling he did. Because he is about the Gospel.stephanie hartfeldsouthside church of christ richmond capinole, ca
united states of americaFebruary, 25 2010ALL God loving and fearing people are grateful for the release of our beloved brother,we pray for His forgiveness oof all evil doers and hpoe someday they repent and recieve his boundlesssalvation.we thank you for your support of the nigerian workISAIAH ETUKERENCanyon church of christ.Litchfield park, Arizona
usaFebruary, 24 2010I know brother Mkpong since my childhood. He is like my second dad after my father David Anako passed on.Iam glad he has been released. His work is not finished yet on earth. Please lets continue to pray for peace in my country NigeriaMarshall AnakoWest Olive Church of ChristSurprise, AZ
USAFebruary, 24 2010i thank God that by his grace and mercies our brother has been realease unhurt, this really shows we are serving a living God,who will never leave us nor forsake us,may His name be praised now and forever more. Amen.seth amankwahElandsfontein church of christjohannesburg, gauteng
south africaFebruary, 24 2010I Thank God that Bro. Okon Mkpong is safe and unharmed. Isn’t God Amazing! I know that the prayers of the righteous were heard by God in this horrible ordeal. I praise God for His lovingkindness and protection of His children. May God Bless you Bro. Okon Mkpong and your wonderful faithful family.Elvin Golden, Sr.Midtown Church of ChristRacine, WI
USAFebruary, 23 2010I will pray, and Pray!
Deborah!Deborah SytnikMargret st. Church of ChristMilton, Fl.
United StatesFebruary, 23 2010
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I have been trying to locate him since I took him to his airplane to go home in the 1970’s This story may have assisted me with my lifelong friend HI OKON
United States of America