Sheltering in Love grant alleviates hunger

Many elderly and other vulnerable people in the Nigeria Episcopal Area won’t go to bed hungry thanks to food relief distributed by United Methodists.

The church in Nigeria received a Sheltering in Love grant from the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s COVID-19 Response Fund. Through that fund and additional support from its parent agency, the Board of Global Ministries, some $2.3 million was distributed through 230 Sheltering in Love grants. The program was created to help United Methodists and denominational partners support local communities during the pandemic. 

More than 350 people benefited from the COVID-19 food assistance in the four conferences of the Nigeria Episcopal Area, which is led by Bishop John Wesley Yohanna.

Dr. Godfrey Ogbu, principal medical officer at United Methodist Nigeria Hospital and leader of the distribution team, said the grant was used to buy food — including rice, beans, Maggi seasoning and salt — as well as soap and detergent.

  Dr. Godfrey Ogbu (left) talks with villagers during the distribution of food in Saladuna, a village in the Ampandi District of Nigeria. The Nigeria Episcopal Area provided food assistance in all four of its conferences with money provided through an UMCOR COVID-19 Response Fund grant. Photo by Richard Fidelis, UM News. 

Dr. Godfrey Ogbu (left) talks with villagers during the distribution of food in Saladuna, a village in the Ampandi District of Nigeria. The Nigeria Episcopal Area provided food assistance in all four of its conferences with money provided through an UMCOR COVID-19 Response Fund grant. Photo by Richard Fidelis, UM News.


“We chose to help these people because they are vulnerable,” said Ogbu. “COVID-19 is often severe in vulnerable people that are older than 70 years or those who have some health challenges. These vulnerable people are supposed to stay at home to be safe. This token given to them is to encourage them to stay at home.”  

According to data from a World Bank phone survey covering 15,000 households in Nigeria and analyzed by researchers from the Brookings Global Economy and Development program, more than 70 percent of respondents in both rural and urban areas of Nigeria are facing food insecurity during the pandemic.

Augustine Jeji, director of connectional ministries for the Central Nigeria Conference, said the assistance is vital.

“There are many people who are looking for such help, but very few have received it,” he said.

He said he is thankful for UMCOR and the leadership of the bishop in improving the lives of members of the church. “May we continue to do so in order to build the body of Christ.”

Auta Magaji, one of the beneficiaries, was overwhelmed by the gift.

“I think I am alone, but I do not know God is remembering me through some people who are not even in our country. They are not here, but their spirit has touched us. We have seen and tasted their goodness. You are far away, but (we are) together in one spirit in Christ,” he said.

Titi Maigoro, a Muslim woman, also received support.

“I am very happy with these food items given to me. This will be very helpful. My mouth will eat something good today. I am homeless and have no children. I am too old to go to farms and look for food,” she said. “Thank you very much for putting a smile on my face today.”

Peter Danyaro, 51, who is blind, said the support is much needed and appreciated.  “My stomach today is full … God bless the people who helped.”

Fidelis is a communicator for the Central Nigeria Conference.

News media contact: Vicki Brown at (615) 742-5470 or [email protected]. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free Daily or Weekly Digests.


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Mission and Ministry
John Kodjo (standing), a member of Mapamboli United Methodist Church in Kinshasa, Congo, tries to salvage things from his flooded home. Torrential rains and flooding on April 5 damaged over 1,000 homes in the area and killed at least 33 people. Kodjo’s family fled on the roof of their home. Photo by the Rev. Fiston Okito, UM News.

Floods devastate United Methodists in Congo

Thousands have been displaced and two United Methodist churches have been damaged by flooding in Kinshasa, the country’s capital.
Bishops
Bishops Daniel Wandabula (at left in purple robe) and Emmanuel Sinzohagera welcome Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye and First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye to the installation celebration at Ingoma Stadium in Gitega, Burundi, on March 29. More than 4,000 people gathered to celebrate Sinzohagera’s installation as a United Methodist bishop in the newly created East Africa Central Conference. He will lead the Burundi-Rwanda Episcopal Area and serve as the central conference’s president. Photo by Priscilla Muzerengwa, United Methodist Communications.

Burundi celebrates new bishop, episcopal area

United Methodists from Burundi and Rwanda united for the installation of the area’s first bishop and establishment of the East Africa Central Conference.
Mission and Ministry
Alice Samuel (second from left), Northern Nigeria Conference women’s coordinator, distributes food during an outreach event in Yapilo Village in the Chonge District of the Shongom Local Government Area of Gombe State on March 29. In addition to providing relief supplies and free medical services, the women preached the Gospel and led prayer sessions in the community. Photo by Ibrahim Babangida, UM News.

Women’s group in Nigeria offers free medical care

More than 100 people received health care, medicine, food and other supplies during a day of outreach in the Northern Nigeria Conference.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved