Despite her commitment and regular outreach—taking the gospel of salvation, hope, healing, and restoration to hospitals, prisons, elderly homes, and the less privileged communities through her Women of Grace Ministry, Ikorodu, Lagos, Apostle Ijeoma Obona shares with Christian Benefits magazine that her work does not negatively affect her family life. Rather, she reveals that it has earned her the full support of her husband and children, who she says, wholeheartedly stand by her charitable-based outreach ministry. Excerpts below.

Can we meet you, Ma?
I am Apostle Ijeoma Obona, the Convener of Women of Grace Ministry with headquarters in Ikorodu, Lagos.

For how long have you been in ministry?
I have been in ministry for about 15 years, through the help of Bishop Gift Peters, the International President of Berakah Episcopal Ministers Fellowship (BMF) network. The Lord came to me during my wilderness season and entrusted me with a ministry. It takes someone spiritually discerning to recognize the gift of God in another person’s life. I joined Bishop Peters’ ministry, where I was pastored, mentored, and discipled. He later ordained me as an evangelist in his church. Over time, my ministry focus shifted toward women. I developed a deep passion for vulnerable women, including widows and orphans. Bishop Peters encouraged me to pursue this calling wholeheartedly. Eventually, I had to separate my ministry from his, and he gave me all the support I needed — truly a wing to fly on, regardless of the challenges.

Can you share your rebirth encounter?
I accepted Christ in 2009. Before then, I suffered from a mysterious illness for two years. My stomach was swollen, and I coughed constantly from morning till night. Numerous medical tests were conducted, yet nothing was found. It was a terrible experience.One night, I had a divine encounter in a dream. I saw myself being sacrificed on an altar and was in severe pain until a man rescued me and threw me into a field of dry grass. When I looked closely, I saw that it was Mrs. Peters, my pastor’s wife. She asked me to farm with her, and then I woke up. At that moment, I knew it was not an ordinary hand but the hand of God. In the dream, I had already offered thanksgiving for my healing, so I did the same in reality — even when people insisted I was still sick. I took a step of faith by organizing a thanksgiving service, and afterward, my life changed completely, to the glory of God.

How did you receive the call to ministry?
I received the call in a dream where the name of the ministry was boldly written: Women of Grace International Fellowship. When I shared the revelation with Bishop Peters, he confirmed it as my divine calling.

What is the mandate of the ministry?
The mandate is to put smiles on the faces of those in need, reach the unreached, and express the love of Christ to people.

Who are the primary targets of the ministry?
Widows, the elderly, orphans, the less privileged and the vulnerable

What gifts has God endowed you with to fulfill this mandate?
God has given me the gift of counseling. When I speak with women, they apply the counsel given and often return with testimonies of transformation.

Tell us about some of the programmes and activities of the ministry.
Three years ago, we established a chapter in Abuja. To the glory of God, it has grown significantly. The members visit hospitals, prisons, elderly homes, and less-privileged communities. Last September, we visited Ebonyi State, and we now have members there. We are currently training about 10 children in Aba. To the glory of God, we have empowered 6–7 women with profitable skills to help support their families. We also host meetings that are open to men. After our upcoming general conference in Lagos, we plan to officially inaugurate a chapter in Ebonyi State. We also have our major national conference of Women of Grace coming up on June 21, 2026 by the grace of God.

What should people expect from the national conference on June 21, 2026?
We expect a powerful gathering with meaningful discussions and the sharing of the gospel. The conference theme is currently under prayer.

Is there a church arm of the ministry?
No, I do not have a church. I worship at Revelation Church and I am also a member of Barakah Ministers Fellowship (BMF), where I serve as one of the decision-makers. I am still under the mentorship of Bishop Gift Peters.

How do you fund the charitable activities of the ministry in view of its capital intensiveness?
God has been faithful. I thank Him especially for my husband, who supports me financially and emotionally. He respects my calling and does not hinder me. While we sometimes raise funds through supporters, most of the funding has come from me personally because I believe in investing my resources in the work of Christ.

As a mother and minister, how do you balance the home and the ministry without affecting each other?
During my discipleship, Bishop Peters taught me that the home is my first ministry. My family must be in order before ministering to others. By God’s grace, I have balanced both without neglecting either. My children grew alongside the ministry and are now fully grown men who still support the vision.

Tell us about your upbringing.
I come from a family of teachers; my parents were teachers. We were deeply rooted in church life. My parents rarely went anywhere except church. Even when sick, they preferred prayer in church to hospital visits. I grew up in a practising Christian home. I attended Mbasi-Yuba Primary School in Abia State, St. Ann Secondary School in Abia State, completed my School of Nursing at University Teaching Hospital, Ibadan, and later earned my BSc from the National Open University in Lagos State.

How old is Women of Gace Ministry now?
Women of Grace Ministry is six years old now.

Where do you see the ministry in the next four years when it will clock 10, if Christ tarries?
I see the ministry expanding beyond Nigeria and Africa, as long as God remains on the throne.

You are a staunch member of Berakah Episcopal Ministers Fellowship (BMF). How has BMF impacted your ministry?
BMF has given me access to many reverred bishops, pastors, and women who readily support our ministry programmes. The International President of BMF, Bishop Gift Peters is a man who knows how to connect people effectively. He also provides his shoulders as a platform for us to stand strongly, progress and fulfilled in ministry

What is your position or status in Berakah Episcopal Ministers Fellowship (BMF)?
I serve as BMF Welfare Director. I oversee the members’ welfare needs and wellbeing including during illness, and coordinate welfare arrangements during BMF programmes. Any welfare-related assistance passes through my office.

How will you encourage more people, especially women, to join BMF; what are the benefits of joining BMF?
Since its (BMF) inauguration last August 2025, many of its members have received certificates that grant credibility and access, even at embassy levels. Active members are never left without support. There are many benefits to belonging to the fellowship.

As a Christian charitable ministry, how can individuals, corporate organizations, and government agencies partner with Women of Grace Ministry?
We seek greater visibility and partnerships to expand into more communities. Many elderly women suffer from hunger and health-related issues, and we are committed to addressing such needs with the support of individuals, corporate organizations, and government agencies.

Interview with Deaconess Daniel; a frontline member of Women of Grace Ministry

Can we meet you, Ma?
I am Deaconess Daniel.

What can you say about Women of Grace Ministry?
By the special grace of God, Women of Grace is a platform that enlightens women living in spiritual darkness — including believers who feel overshadowed. It leads people to Christ and supports women facing marital challenges. Transformation has taken place in the lives of those who have joined.

For how long have you been a member of the ministry?
About one year.

What is your role in the ministry?
My primary responsibility is to lead women into the ministry. The Lord has made me a coordinator in that area.

What can you say about the set woman of the ministry, Apostle Ijeoma Obona?
We have worked together in ministry for about 15–16 years. She is a woman with a large heart who acts according to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Women of Grace Ministry Lagos Headquarters Office
5, Ayinke Ayedun off Modupe street, Arowojobe Estate, Mende Maryland Lagos.

Abia Chapter Office
220, Urattah Road, by Port Harcourt Express way Aba Chapter Abia state

Tel: 08036009237

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