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The small town of Isanlu in Nigeria is home to
Greater Grace Orphanage. This orphanage was founded by Joseph Obielodan in
1996 to provide food, shelter, and a nurturing environment where the gospel
could be shared with children. Joseph was trained by SIM (Serving in
Missions) missionaries throughout his informative years. The Lord burdened
Joseph’s heart to do something to help care for just some of the millions of
orphans in Nigeria. It is his hope that by the grace of God the children
will learn to play an active role in their local church and serve as mentors
for other orphans one day. The orphanage began in a
four-bedroom, one-bath home that was offered to them free of charge.
However, this facility had definite limitations due to the large number of
children and staff that lived in the house. In 2006, the Lord provided land
and funds to begin work on a new facility. By God’s grace, the children were
moved into a dormitory-style building in December 2010. The hope is that
one day the campus will include a dining facility, library, kitchen and
offices that will enable the orphanage to care for at least 200 children.
This facility will also provide land needed to teach the children
agricultural skills to provide food and income for themselves and the
orphanage. The skills they learn will aid in addressing the agricultural
challenges experienced by much of Nigeria.
Joseph lives in Xenia with his wife and two
daughters. He ministers in his local church and serves as Director for the
mission’s ministry. He has been employed as a production worker at a Dayton
company and is currently retraining to gain new employment. |
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