Ele moved the Sanctuary church with her stories and experiences with the motherless babies home that is provided by her sister and brother-in-law in Nigeria. As a founding member of a non-profit working with women in prison (Truth-be-Told) I know the commitment required, and necessity to use every gift but continually surrender to God's will and provision in the face of difficulties. Nothing could be more important than giving infants a chance to grow up surrounded by God's love through human faces and hands and care. I honor this work with all my heart.
I know Lynda Anyanwu's sister, Ele Clay and have been sincerely touched by the communication between the sisters in which they discuss the progress of each baby or child. The excitement expressed over each sign of progress by a baby can only be genuine. It would sound like they were discussing members of their own families. I am convinced of the love that they have for the children and their intentions to provide the best care possible for these babies. I have full confidence that every cent possible is spent on direct care of the children. I have never been so fond of any charitable organization before. Nan King Austin, Texas This is the first charity of which I have been personally aware that spends every penny possible to provide services to the children. I feel confident that any money I donate is used in the most beneficial way possible.
I sat on the first board with Ele and several others, including my wife. We saw quickly how Lynda and Ambrose could take very little and do great things to help people. I was very fortunate to meet Lynda and Amborse and can tell you that their gentle spirit and concern for others drives them to help everyone they encounter. They live out Christ's concern for humanity in what they are doing where they live. Mark Sneed
I met Ambrose and Lynda Anyanwu a few years ago. I was excited to here about the work they were doing for the children in Eziama. I felt compelled to help in any way I could. The Anyanwus are a people of integrity and true faith. There ministry is one worth supporting.
It is very touching watching the presentation of the growth of the home, schools, hospital, etc. that our donations have helped provide to a very caring organization. It certainly is a God Thing and He is still at work for Eziama Grace. Seeing the grown young men that were the start of a great program is so exciting and rewarding. Whatever donation that is sent is of great assistance to them and their work. They are really working hard to keep EGSN going and multiple their good deeds. God Bless them all.
It was a while after I met the parents that I met Linda and Elenor face to face in Anguilla. Linda was married to an African, Mr. Anyanwu, and living in Nigeria as missionaries, while Ele had gone off to the USA. Bro. and Sis. 'B' were what their parents were affectionately called by the brethren at Central Baptist Church in Anguilla in the Caribbean. They made sure that I knew Linda and Ele as if I actually grew up with them. I got acquainted with the Anyanwu's ministry in Nigeria via Bro 'B'. Our church quickly became financial supporters to their ministries. At that time, I believe the school was started and also the motherless babies home. Linda's heart went out to babies who lost their mothers. When Linda and her husband finally came to Anguilla, the stories of survival they told us were amazing, incredible, awsome and ...!!! I can't imagine myself in her position. I do admire her for her endurance in adversity. I am encouraged to carry on in my little section of God's vinyard and the scripture "Be not weary in well doing..." comes to mind and is made very real to me. I have seen pictures,newsletters, updates, telephone calls and emails from Ele especially since I became a part of EGSN. Their ministries are growing. In addition to the babies home and the school, is the hospital. In spite of all kinds of oppositions, they refuse to 'throw in the towel'. They are of great assistance to their people and anyone connected to this great cause would not regret being a part. Lives are being saved both phisically and spiritually. I encourage all who know about EGSN to support it. In this way we are laying up 'treasures in heaven'. Keep up the good work y'all. God will bless abundantly!!!
I met Ele 30+ years ago in San Juan, PR, at Calvary Baptist Church where my deceased husband served as pastor. Ele quickly became involved in the church and our friendship has been long lasting. Because of Ele's passion and commitment to Eziama Grace Ministry, I have financially supported this wonderful ministry. The ministry gives great hope, love, guidance, opportunities and support to those they serve.
We met Ele and her family many years ago when we were doing some missionary dentistry for the people of Anguilla. We heard Ele sing in her father's church and you could hear a pin drop it was so beautiful. The Lord was with her that night and has continued to bless her as she works so hard for Eziama Mission. We think that this is so important for the people of that region who have very little in the way of material things. May God continue to bless this work among his creation.
I am so proud of the accomplishments and progress this work of God has made. It continues to thrive and strive through countless obsticles, relentless with their quest and goal to give these children a better life. It is ran by selfless workers who give of themselves over and over again. God is good.
When I first heard about Eziama Grace, my heart was moved to be involved. I was moved by Lynda and Ambrose's ministry and how they give of themselves so willingly and without thought. I was so moved that I wanted to go and see these beautiful children and help in anyway that I could. I was fortunate enough to go to Nigeria, meet Ambrose and Lynda, and be welcomed into a loving community of children and teachers. My time there was life changing and all their smiles melted my heart. This place has many needs and only with the help of others can we even begin to touch the surface of their needs. It was after my trip that I became a board member. It has been a pleasure to work with Ele and to see her passion to help as well. All people involved, the board members and Lynda and Ambrose, are people of integrity that all work towards a common goal of being used by the Lord to serve these children and adults of the Eziama community.
When I first heard Ele talk about the work her sister was doing in Nigeria, I felt an immediate tug on my heartstrings and something close to shock. It seemed so close because I was looking at a direct connection. This wasn’t an anonymous phone call not letting me hang up. It wasn’t an invitation to a semi-formal event wanting me to bid on donated items. It was my friend who sat behind me at church, and she was talking about her sister and brother-in-law. They had been doing this incredible work for ‘how many years’? How had I not heard of this? In our information age, we think we have our stethoscope on everything happening in our world. Just turn to CNN each day, and you’ve got it, right? Thirty years, a home for hundreds of babies, two schools, a hospital and all with inconsistent utility service and no promise of long term finicial support. How can that be? While Linda and Ambrose are doing all the things Jesus taught us to do, I’m just over here trying for the ‘American Dream’ and struggling to watch after a few children and grandchildren of my own. My first thought was that I wanted to be there. Knowing that couldn’t be realized soon, I next wanted to know how I could help. Sending money, that is what I could do. And then the realization that the money didn’t have to go through Washington D.C. or a large corporation that I would read about next year when money had been siphoned for some insider’s personal use. I already knew of the character of this family and trusted them implicitly. Tears filled my eyes the day Ele showed the slides of the children and their beautiful smiles. I couldn’t shake the feelings that swelled in me as she told of their accomplishments even as they had lost their mother at birth and their families had deserted them. It was later that I realized there was a second reason why I was so moved. It was Nigeria. Although, in today’s world, the perception and information we have of this country includes stories of negative impact, in my world, the country was part of my beginning. Many times I have read the letters my father wrote to my mother from Nigeria when I was born. He and I didn’t meet until I was two (2) years old. World War II separated him from our family as he resided in Nigeria. He commanded an Air Force Base there and flew aircraft to India and back as the war continued. This deep connection says to me how close we are to a nation and its troubles across a large ocean. It shows me that God is the Father of us all and our ‘brothers’ and ‘sisters’ don’t have to have skin color that matches ours.
I first became aware of the efforts of Eziama Grace Support Network in providing support for Eziama Grace Ministries when my friend, Ele Clay, gave a presentation to our church. What I found so magnetic was the very basic nature of the ongoing needs of these folks in Nigeria - needs which we in America could so easily meet. The goals were realistic and specific. But it was Ele's proximity to the situation - her direct line (as Lynda's sister) to the Anyanwu's "boots on the ground" - that made me want to sign up to help in whatever way I could. There are no layers and layers of administration in this organization. No great headquarter buildings. No extravagant salaries. No Wall Street investment funds. That which is taken in is quickly dispersed. Donations are forwarded to Eziama in a simple and direct line. The 2008-09 Annual Report confirmed my initial reaction to the organization. After the fundraising & administrative costs for the year were paid - a mere $1100 - every penny taken in by EGSN was distributed save $23. Dollars given to EGSN make a tangible positive difference in the lives of the folks in Eziama.
Being convinced that we are all inseparably linked together, it seems that helping each other is the only way to fulfill our place in society. In 1975 I had opportunity to see first hand how others in less fortunate situations are forced to live. For five years we assisted in various ways the young and elderly in Central India. That experienc led to my interest in Eziama Grace. Eziama Grace seems to share that same "sharing" objective. Those in charge have dedicated themselves unselfishly to others. They, in turn deserve our complete support. It pleases me to be able to do that. Reid Schaub