Gave up his life for the poor and destitute!
Mercy’s tribute
To my dear Chidi,
When two oceans meet, the thud of the roaring waters and the heights of the mighty waves
and ripples are precious to behold. That has been our lives together. God made you just for
me and us for His people. You lay down a giant, slain in service.
Like every young girl, in a godly society where marriage is esteemed, I was prayerfully waiting
though wondering whether I could meet someone who could understand what God had made
me for, to genuinely compliment what I wanted to live for. Many nights I pondered how life
would turn out since my passion for community service burned through my bones and my
dream was vivid – something uncommon for a young woman in an African society where the
kitchen remains the only place of influence. Meeting you was a great reward for my faith in
Him. At that moment I knew that we were destined for each other and deep in my heart I
knew together we would go places.
It is now 17 years since you took my hand into a journey that turned out mostly special, ad-
venturous and stunning. Tears fill me and fear grips me to imagine life without you. We shared
our joys, achievements and health as much as our fears, poverty, sorrows and battles. Even in
difficulties, I was always persuaded I was yours and you were mine. Your commitment to
excellence, dedicated hard work and tireless sacrifice topped with a splendid sense of humor
were jewels that adorned you for greatness. Your love and support far outweighed any differ-
ences we suffered and the force of our united faith and purpose permanently impacts thou-
sands of lives.
You are the father of our wonderfully amazing children Ijeoma, Chidinma, Chidiebere and
Chikanma - the most precious reward we received together this side of life and the lasting
reminder of who you really were to me. I am scared of what to do as I join millions of wid-
owed and single mothers in our continent. I desperately hold on the hope that God will not
forget your labour of love and the kindness you have shown in service to His people. That our
children and I will find strength to carry you in our hearts and pursue with precision the goals
EMMANUEL CHIDI OGBONNA
you have taught us to live for.
January 17, 1956 - October 14, 2012
Even at your weakest point, you still were strong since your strength was in God. I liken you to
King David, a man who in pursuit of God found favour with man and did exploits for God in You Fought a good fight!
service to people. Time will surely tell the magnitude of the gap you have left behind. I pray
that God who carried you will be merciful to us and like Jesus, may we see more fruit of the
gospel from those you have entrusted the mandate of the noble work to the poor and desti-
tute.
I will never understand why things are the way they are but unless I accept that I am now
without you, my friend, match and fellow soldier, I will delay to speed the hope as we did
together. That itself takes grace from heaven. I loved you in life; I will love you in death and
honour you and God. Words limit my expression of what I feel, my thoughts are scrambled
and my heart is broken. Rest in peace my friend, my love and my husband. When I am done, I
too by God’s grace will come home, the greater place where our treasure lays – the heaven of
God – forever.
Always yours, EULOGY
Mercy Chidi
16 Ripples International….Saving Lives, Serving Children! 1
Gave up his life for the poor and destitute!
Program
Time Activity
Body retrieval
Arrival at Kithoka
Opening prayer
Praise and worship
Sermon
Speeches
Tributes
Above: Chidi jigs at the opening of Tumaini Centre Facility - July 2012.
Photo Session
Below: Chidi the Chief Servant crushes stones at the laying of foundation
for RI Facility - September 2010
Laying of Wreaths
Vote of Thanks
Refreshments
Departure
2 Ripples International….Saving Lives, Serving Children! 15
Gave up his life for the poor and destitute!
Songs
I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE LAMB HIDE ME NOW
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb Hide me now, under Your wings
With all my strength with all I am Cover me within Your mighty hand
I will seek to honour his commands
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
I have heard how Christians long ago Father You are King over the flood
Who were brought before a tyrant’s throne? I will be still and know You are God x2
They were told that he would spare their lives
If they would renounce the name of Christ Find rest my soul, in Christ alone
But one by one they chose to die Know his power in quietness and trust
The Son of God they would not denounce
Like a great angelic choir sing ENDA NASI
I can almost hear their voices ring Tuanomba uwepo wako uende nasi
Ewe Bwana wa majeshi tusikie
Now the years have come Kama huendi nasi, hatutaki kutoka hapa
and the years have gone Hatuwezi peke yetu enda nasi
Above: Chidi plays with children at New Start Centre in June 2007.
And the cause of Jesus still goes on
Below: Chidi and Mercy with Kitsy Polaski and her daughter—Great Now a time has come to count the cost Tuwatu wa shingo ngumu tusamehe
friends from GCI the prime sponsors of New Start Centre: March 2011 To reject this World to embrace the Cross Hatufai mbele zako turehemu
And one by one let us live our lives Tusafishe Eeh baba,
For the one who died to give us life Tuonyeshe uso wako
Till the trumpet sounds on the final day Twahitaji neema yako, enda nasi
Let us proudly stand and boldly say
Tuta vua mapambo yetu
To the Lamb of God who bore my pain Vitu vyote vya dhamani kwetu
Who took my place? Mioyo yetu twaleta mbele zako
Who wore my shame? Tutakase na utembee nasi
I will seek to honour his commands
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb Tunaomba utuonyeshe njia zako
Kwa maana umetuita kwa Jina Lako
I pledge allegiance to the lamb Twalilia eh Bwana
With all my strength Utukufu na Uso Wako
With all I am Bila wewe tutashindwa
I will seek to honour his commands Enda nasi
I pledge allegiance to the Lamb
14 Ripples International….Saving Lives, Serving Children! 3
Gave up his life for the poor and destitute!
DESCENT & FAMILY
The late Emmanuel Chidi Ogbonna was born on 17th January,
1956 in the town of Abu, Abia State in Nigeria. He was the son of
the late Mr. & Mrs. Lazarus Ogbonna; the fourth of five children; a
brother to Mrs. Victorious Ajero, Mr. Kenneth Ogbonna, Mr. Ralph
Ihenyi Ogbonna and Mrs. Joyce Asikogu. The late Emmanuel Chidi
Ogbonna met Mercy Nyawira in Isiolo in 1994 and they got married
on 16th September, 1995 at the Deliverance Church Meru. They
were blessed with four children namely Victorious Ijeoma,
Chidinma Nkatha, Zawadi Chidiebere and Grace Baraka
Chikanma. He was the son-in-law to Mr. Ernest Kiumbe and the
late Inspector Jane Kiumbe; brother in Law to Jeremano Gikundi,
James Murithi, Pauline Musa and Sammy Mwongera.
EDUCATION
The late Emmanuel Chidi Ogbonna went to Aba Township primary
Above: Chidi and Mercy with the children visit the relatives in Nigeria.
school, Government Collage Umaihia secondary and West Indies
University in Jamaica for his first degree in Business Administra- Below: Chidi and his in-laws in Meru. From Right: James and his wife, Karimi,
Sammy, Mr. Kiume (Father-in-law), Gikundi and Mercy.
tion. He also graduated from Pan Africa Christian University with a
diploma in Transformational Church Leadership. An ardent student,
who made time for personal development through reading widely
and academic pursuit, at the time of his passing Chidi was taking a
masters degree in Organizational Leadership from African Interna-
tional University formerly - NEGST.
MARRIAGE & FAMILY
The late Emmanuel Chidi Ogbonna was a loving husband to Mercy
and was not shy to display affection and care for her. He went out
of his way to coddle her and their children as he showered them
with unending love and dedication. As a responsible loving father
he, made time to create quality experiences and memories with his
wife and children, amidst his busy schedules. He worked hard to
make sure that he built a firm future for them and helped to lay
God’s principles in their lives.
4 Ripples International….Saving Lives, Serving Children! 13
Gave up his life for the poor and destitute!
Snapshots He instilled discipline and a culture of integrity in his children which
stemmed from his Christian beliefs. His wife and children loved and
respected him as the head of the home. Chidi was prayerful. He
made time to fervently intercede for his family, work and the calling
that God had placed in his life. He dedicated time and resources to
the service of the church, where he was a mentor to many and helped
young people discover their purpose in life for God’s glory.
1 LIFE PURPOSE
2
3 Numbered 1-6: Chidi and Mercy
before wedding, at wedding, with
first child Ijeoma, Chidinma added,
Zawadi added, grace added.
Chidi and his wife Mercy with their four children at holiday - Nov 2007
The late Emmanuel Chidi Ogbonna, like King David of the Bible had
the grace from God for lifting people from desperate situations to be-
come mighty warriors. His life purpose was to create a platform for
people to find their identity and experience God’s love. In the fear of
God and pursuit of excellence in service, the late Chidi did not waste
time at taking every opportunity to improve the quality of life for those
around him. He believed in a large life for all.
6 5
12 Ripples International….Saving Lives, Serving Children! 5
Gave up his life for the poor and destitute!
God had it that he would shine his light through him to the lands far
away. That, He did in amazing ways. At the age of 34, the late
Chidi Ogbonna left Nigeria and joined UN WFP Pakistan and Af-
ghanistan cross border operation from November 1989 to Decem-
ber 1992. He was then re-assigned to Kenya as the head of sub
offices in Isiolo, Lodwar and the Kakuma Refugee Camp till year
2000 when he and his wife Mercy left their lucrative jobs in answer
to God’s call and started Ripples International.
Ripples International first lived in the heart of God, was revealed to
Chidi and Mercy and in faithfulness, they joined hands with other
warriors of like passion, who were obedient to what God had said.
Since 2001, Chidi by God’s grace touched thousands of lives in
various projects. The most special to him was New Start Centre, for
the rescue of orphaned and abandoned babies where he became a Girls from Tumaini Centre present Chidi and Mercy as the ambassadors
father to over 120 children who he gave the same quality of life as of hope during the opening of their new facility - July 2012
his own.
Of persons who were broken by hunger, disease, poverty and depres-
sion whose lives were re-ordered through him.
Like a treasure in earthen vessel, Chidi Ogbonna was not concerned
that he was earthen but that he had a treasure to share in a fallen
world. He is remembered as a warrior for dignified living.
DEMISE
The late Emmanuel Chidi Ogbonna died on impact from a fatal road
accident along the Nanyuki-Meru highway on the morning of Sunday,
October 14, 2012 on his way to pick his daughter Chidinma Nkatha
from school.
The late Emmanuel Chidi Ogbonna will always be remembered as a
bold, hardworking, God-fearing leader who tirelessly and sacrificially
served God, his family and the community.
Chidi playing with children at Ripples Kindergarten just after his 56th Birth-
day on 19th Jan 2012 Emmanuel Chidi Ogbonna - You fought a good fight! II Timothy 4:7
6 Ripples International….Saving Lives, Serving Children! 11
Gave up his life for the poor and destitute!
Timelessly, transparently and with precision, Chidi and Mercy with It takes a lot of resources to build a corporation of the stature of
support from their friends and family have sent ripples of hope Ripples International. It takes much more to transform society. For
across the land with their project Tumaini Centre sending spasms Chidi and Mercy Ogbonna, the start of Ripples International as a
across the globe. His was a life poured out for the widows and or- nonprofit religious trust and a Kenyan indigenous civil society or-
phans - which is true religion. God filled his life with goodness and ganization, was purely a journey of faith in what God had decreed.
greatness. While he served at Kakuma as the head WFP Sub-office, God said
to him, “I will close this door and open another door to save lives
and give hope.” His wife believed him and the journey started six
months later with confidence that God would only take them to a
greater place.
Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka VP Congratulate Chidi and Mercy during the
10th Anniversary celebrations and official opening of the
New Start Centre Facility - April 2012
Chidi with the support of his wife Mercy translated his vision from
God into hope for thousands and even in death his spirit will live on Chidi and his wife Mercy at the Office Ground - April 2012
to the glory of God. His life was full of purpose and meaning for
many. He is celebrated locally and internationally as a servant to They only had one thing assured, that God had called them to
the poor and destitute, who since 2001 spearheaded the crash of touch and save lives for His glory. This was not without tempta-
stigma on persons living with HIV, campaigned for the rights of chil- tions, as the bills began to bite and offers of three international jobs
dren, and empowered men, women and children to take charge of dangling, Chidi was to have his faith tested – he did not turn back –
their lives through dignified hard work. Eternity holds the stories of he believed that God who had called him was faithful. In deep sac-
people whose lives were saved and of the children who were rifice, they chose to serve humanity rather than serve themselves
served through him. with huge monthly pay checks.
10 Ripples International….Saving Lives, Serving Children! 7
Gave up his life for the poor and destitute!
After much prayer and fasting they registered Ripples International in
2001 based on a baseline survey which justified Meru as the place
where God intended for them to start the intervention. They then
steadily work hard to build it using various skills they had acquired
through education and work experience. As an astute administrator, a
great leader in the company of a hardworking and compassionate
wife, Chidi had grace abounding for the journey. After miles on, they
wrote in their news brief, “over the past few years, we have seen each
day open a different chapter of intriguing challenge but God has not
left us in suspense. It has been steady work of patience rooted in faith
in God.” This is the spirit of Ripples International - Faith in God.
Chidi and Mercy honour their 60+ staff members during the
10th Anniversary Celebrations at Kithoka - July 2012
The need for children to be rescued was petrifying. Since it was not
practical for him to take them all into his home, Chidi and Mercy
started a program, the New Start Centre for this purpose. It has
since been a home for over 120 children who had been left by a
roadside, in a toilet pit, hospital bed, in the bush and had no hope
of living. Most are now adopted into families. Why would anyone
carry a baby for nine months only to abandon them? They realized
Chidi and RI Board of Governors (Kenya and USA) and Trustees in the that the root was deeper and decided to focus of transformation
company of Kenya’s Vice President Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka - April 2012 rather than treatment. This led to other programs for holistic impact
on society for education, awareness’ creation, health, gospel out-
In his life, Chidi Obonna empowered children in an empowered com- reach, community empowerment and leadership. Ripples Interna-
munity according to what he came to understand as the purpose and tional operates under the acronym HEALS: (Health, Education, Ad-
vision of Ripples International. This organization, in many ways makes vocacy, Leadership, Shelters). Over 12000 children have gained
the highlight of his career life. Without the obedience of Chidi access to health, education, psychological care or material support
Ognonna and Mercy Chidi, Ripples International would never have as direct beneficiaries while thousands of other people have been
been. influenced for godliness across the country through his works.
8 Ripples International….Saving Lives, Serving Children! 9
