Serving globally

For Bishop John Wesley Yohanna, Iowa and Nigeria are partners in Christ. They’re linked by the work people do to help to transform the lives of Nigerians.

“And, in fact, the base of my understanding, if there’s any link between the United Methodist Church in Nigeria and globally, United Methodism, I think Iowa is the link,” Bishop Yohanna said. “And Iowa, for many years, has been supporting the church in Nigeria in all ways of life.”

Yohanna is the Episcopal leader of Nigeria United Methodist Church. From Oct. 22 to 28, he was scheduled on a church speaking tour of the central, east central and southwest districts of Iowa.

In Osceola

His first stop on the tour was in Osceola to see Cross Ministries Wednesday, Oct. 22. This was followed by a potluck and presentation at Osceola United Methodist Church. Yohanna was also accompanied by his wife Asmau Yohanna.

Yohanna is considered a personal friend of the church’s Iowa conference and has hosted many of its Iowa teams in Nigeria. Yohanna and his wife have come to Iowa as part of the Iowa Nigeria Partnership.

“There is need to appreciate Iowans. The work they are doing in the country, in Nigeria, and for touching lives, lives of the poor, lives of people who need Jesus Christ,” Yohanna said. “So, we are here to give thanks to God and to appreciate people in Iowa, also the churches in Iowa who have been supportive of the projects, and also programs in Nigeria.”

He said Iowans have been supporting evangelism, medical work, agricultural work and leadership training.

As for the local work being done at Cross Ministries, Yohanna said it was amazing and wonderful to see.

“The people who are doing it are great people of God, people who fear God and people … who are sacrificing for others,” he said. “I see them trying to ensure that they help other people. And, I think this is a very great ministry.”