Iris Ogbonna lectures at William Wheatley Theological College

and is married to Rufus.

Background

Iris Ogbonna (nee Brown) became a Christian at a young age - "I thank God that as a child I trusted the Lord Jesus as Saviour and through the influence and encouragement in the things of God from my home Church (Harper Memorial Baptist Church in Glasgow) was built up in my faith and trust in the Lord.  Early involvement in Christian Endeavour, Sunday School and Children’s work prepared me for what the Lord had already purposed for my life."  A love for children led Iris to do a Nursery Nurse Course after which she was employed by Glasgow Education Authority in Nursery Schools.  A time out for 18 months in Canada, with a change of career in banking, was all preparation for God’s plan.  She returned to the UK and was again employed in pre-school education until 1979.

Iris has been serving in Nigeria since 1980.  In 1988 she married Rev. Rufus Ogbonna, the General Secretary of the Qua Iboe Church and became a mum to 5 grown up young people!  "Being integrated into the Nigerian family was not too difficult since I’d been really involved with many children and their parents before – but I’m thankful that within the Ogbonna family, many love the Lord – and God’s love has united us.  I thank God for Rufus and his encouragement and help."

God's Call

 

A visit to Nigeria in 1977 changed the direction of Iris' life.  "God challenged me with the need in Nigeria and caused me to respond “I’ll go, if you call.”  In February 1980, I came to Nigeria to be the Principal of the Qua Iboe Church Nursery School in Uyo.  This was a project of the women’s fellowship of the church.  My Nigerian ‘Mother’ helped me to settle quickly and the school grew by God’s grace from an initial 60 children to 1200 children before I left there in 1991.  These children and their parents were all very dear to me and I thank God for the opportunity to influence so many with the Word of God and give a good educational foundation."

 

In 1991, Rufus and Iris moved to Holley Memorial Hospital in Ochadamu.  "A different environment and a variety of tasks – which included accounts, drug orders and supplies, hospital purchases, hospitality, jaimeys, s.s work and being at the beck and call of all!  We spent 9 and a half years in that busy hospital where we met so many needy people and many good friends."  It was then time to move again – this time to Azuiyi, Abia State where the first work amongst the Igbo people began.  This was also Rufus’ home village.  "In March 2001 we became part of the teaching staff of William Wheatley Theological College (W.W.T.C.).  God’s timetable is the best and He knew we needed a less stressful role at this stage in our lives than our two previous assignments which held great responsibilities.  So it has been a joy to be involved in all the areas of mission – TEACHING – HEALING – PREACHING and we do thank God for His faithfulness since 1980 until present date."

 

Iris has been serving in Nigeria now for nearly 3 decades - "Nigeria is a place that gets into the blood and I don’t just mean the mosquitoes!  Just what causes us to want to come back despite all the noise, smells, dirt, corruption, frustrations and poverty?  Simply – the love of Christ constrains us."

 

There are many things that are difficult such as long church services and ceremonies, lack of basic amenities (light, water, roads etc), sticky heat, malaria and climate related sickness to name but a few.  But when we remember why God sent us here – our attitude changes from complaints to challenges!  'We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.'  He promises strength for each trial and each task and I’ve truly proved it these 27 years. 

“WHO WOULDN’T BE A MISSIONARY”