Thinking Aloud Magazine: Apr-Jun 2018

THINKING ALOUD

ISSUE

2 A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE publication of rehoboth dream solid foundation (rdsf)

APR - JUN 2018

CONTENTS

Cover Photo: Dr. Mrs. Irene Olumese

Mrs. ‘Yemisi Ayeni Chairperson, Board of NASCON Allied Industries Plc. Non-Executive Director, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Ltd.

Mr. Patrick Edebor Editorial/publishing consultant. Owner, Patrick Edebor and Associates.

Mr. Akin Adejuwon Curator, Institute of Cultural Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Dr. Mrs Olayinka Opadiya Senior Pastor, Every Nation Church Sydney Australia.

Mrs. Abimbola Komolafe Founder/Executive Trustee, Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Rear Admiral (Rtd) Oladeinde Joseph , Chairman, Board of Trustees Mr Samson Igbokwe Mrs Roseline Igbokwe Mrs Ronke Osikoya Mrs Ketumi Alasa Pastor (Dr) Joshua Opadiya Dr (Mrs) Yinka Opadiya Mrs Abimbola Komolafe Rear Admiral (Rtd) K O Komolafe

Editor Bimbo Komolafe

Publication & Design Benjamin Eze

Project Manager Tomi Olatunde

Project Team

@2018. Thinking Aloud Magazine, a publication of Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Edison Egere Othniel Komolafe Felix Eguabor Joseph Ogunleye

THINKING ALOUD | APR - JUN 2018

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non -commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

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EDITORIAL

ISSUE

2 APR - JUN 2018

Dear Readers, Welcome to the second edition (Q2-18) of the ‘Thinking Aloud’ Quarterly Magazine. ‘Thinking Aloud’ is the brand name of Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation’s (RDSF) initiative for information sharing.

Our Q2-18 edition brings you interesting articles in pursuit of our Magazine’s mission “to promote and entrench acceptable standards in our society”. The blend of articles in this edition ensures there is something for everyone and will leave you captivated till the last page.

Our cover profiles Dr. Mrs. Irene Olumese. Her story is an awesome testimony of how she survived a lung transplant and double leg amputation, and is filled with lessons to motivate and inspire hope for all. It gives hope for those going through challenging seasons in life and valuable lessons for those seemingly living above life’s storms. Dr. Olumese has taken her pains and turned her experience into a life of purpose and sacrifice. She established the Feet of Grace Foundation, a charity organization that raises funds to provide prosthetic limbs for amputees in poor communities. The Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation (RDSF) has partnered with the Feet of Grace Foundation to provide educational scholarships to two amputee boys and looks forward to sponsoring the academic pursuit of more amputees in future.

The ‘Relationship Corner’ features an interesting fiction story that draws attention to mental health issues within the context of a marriage and the necessary support partners should offer each other. The ‘Finance Coach’ column in this edition looks at the issue of money and gives us 6 key principles on money matters from a biblical perspective.

‘Generation Next’ features 8 success tips for teenagers from a teenager’s perspective. The writer is an award winner whose article will encourage other teenagers.

We would like to receive feedback from our readers on our content. Kindly send your comments either in response to any of the featured articles or suggesting issues that you would like to be featured in future editions, to our official email address ThinkingAloudPublication@gmail.com We look forward to hearing from you. Till then, sit back and have a delightful reading experience.

BIMBO KOMOLAFE Editor

connect with us on social media | thinkingaloudmagazine

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A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

parenting

different strokes for different folks, different ways for different children...

I

have chosen to write on this topic based on the happenings around me. With my experience, I have come to observe that the saying “different strokes for different folks” applies to children just as much as it applies to adults.

Let me start with the definition of a child; as defined by Google; a child is “a young human being below the age of puberty or below the legal age of majority”. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (i.e. African Charter) defines a child as a human being under the age of 18 years.

However, there is a clause in the UN Convention, which stipulates that the definition of a child may be adjusted to accommodate laws under which a child attains maturity or adulthood at an earlier age. The Child’s Rights Laws of Lagos State in Nigeria where I reside (which is pari passu with the Child’s Rights Act) defines a child as a person under the age of 18 years and defines the age of maturity as the age at which a person attains the age of 18 years.

Now, flowing from the above definition, we can therefore safely conclude that a child is not an adult and a child is one who is yet to attain maturity. Children are different from one another; they are also different from adults likewise adults are also different from one another. Factors such as family background, culture, tradition and exposure may be responsible for these differences but I know that God in His infinite power and might made everyone different (adults and children).

I quote from the Bible in the book of Genesis chapter 25, verse 21; when Rebekah, an expectant mother of twins went to seek the face of the Lord as regards the ‘turbulence’ her tummy was experiencing, the Lord said to her “Two nations are in thy womb, and two people from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger’’.

Two brothers - same father, same mother but different destinies. Two children may be born of the same parents, in the same environment and exposed to the same circumstances but still turn out differently. Children, like adults are prone to different temperaments. I first read about the different temperaments in Tim Lahaye’s book “Why you act the way you do”, where he identified four (4) main temperaments. The Sanguine who are always happy, optimistic, hopeful, cheerful, THINKING ALOUD | APR - JUN 2018

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parenting confident and quite lazy; the Choleric who are bad tempered, irascible and easily irritable; they are however hardworking and have no time to waste. The Melancholics are the hardworking ones who keep to themselves and always appear sad or depressed. The Phlegmatics are calm, unemotional and take their time in hatching out their plans.

As parents we need to know which category our children fall into. This difference in temperaments partially accounts for the different learning styles and techniques. A child should be taught in a way that he or she can understand best. After all, to communicate with someone, you have to speak the language the person understands.

This issue of different strokes for different children is of special interest to me because I often see and hear parents expecting too much from their children. They expect from their children what they see other children achieving. I also see and hear some parents expecting from other children, what their own children have been able to achieve. The Bible tells us that ‘our children are for signs and wonders and they are taught of God’.

Nothing good shall be delayed concerning our children in Jesus’ name. However, there are different times for different children. A child may be ready for college at age thirteen while it may take longer for another child. Peter may be on his way to being the best neurosurgeon that ever lived while Paul may be destined to be the best comedian ever heard of.

Both have their different destinies to fulfil. DO NOT COMPEL PAUL TO FULFILL PETER’S DESTINY. We are all vessels in the master’s house to fulfil different purposes.

Do not be judgmental of children with inappropriate behavioural traits. Children do what they see adults around them do and not necessarily what the adults tell them to do. As adults, we are not perfect which partly accounts for why the children around us are not perfect. When we fail and neglect to do the good deeds we require of our children, we are, at best, first-class hypocrites! When the children see us as hypocrites, the next best step is to disrespect and disobey resulting in a deterioration of positive values in their lives.

As parents, our duties include, but are not limited to helping our children set the right goals and to set these goals in the right order of priority. We need to spend more time with our children in order to understand them better. This way, we can use the appropriate methods to help them become who God has called them to be.

Mrs Funke Famobiwo writes from Lagos, Nigeria. Together with her husband, they co-parent their 3 children between the ages of 10 and 15 years. Their success in parenting these three kids is rooted in the fact that they use the parenting style appropriate for each child’s character.

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A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

the finance coach

money matters

How important is money to you?

T

he fact of life is that money is important and according to the Bible, “money answereth all things” (Ecclesiastes 10:19). This is one of those passages in the Bible that one is unsure how to deal with.

The Message translation of the Bible describes this slightly differently. It says… “It’s money that makes the world go around.” (MSG). There are other references in the Bible that provide guidance on how to relate with money for optimal satisfaction. I have faced some serious money challenges in my life and I know other Christians who are drowning in debt, living on credit and constantly stressed out.

It’s easy to see why money is now one of the top triggers for divorce. Benjamin Franklin once said that "money has never made man happy, nor will it, there is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. The more of it one has the more one wants." The foregoing makes it clear that money can be good and can be bad, depending on how one engages with it. Therefore, in articulating the importance of money, one needs to ask and answer the question “What does God think of money?” Furthermore, “what are His expectations on how we treat and think of money?”

owns everything is the logical conclusion that whatever we possess is not really ours, but belongs to God; we are simply entrusted with our possessions. Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” Therefore, we are trustees, not owners.

This principle changed the way I consider “my” money, because in reality, none of it actually belongs to me. I have a responsibility to be a good steward of the resources God has entrusted to me. Once we grasp the understanding that we are trustees or managers of God’s resources; we are more likely to stop acting so entitled and immature in our impulsive purchases and we will become more disciplined. In fact, it has helped me to ask God’s permission to make certain purchases (shamefacedly, I don’t do it often enough!).

Outlined below are some thoughts and principles (in no particular order…) on how to relate with money, NOT exactly from a financial expert’s perspective by any means, but from the best source of financial wisdom…The Bible.

2. Don’t seek money “at all cost” - According to Benjamin Franklin "he that is of the opinion money will do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money." This indicates that our disposition/attitude about money can determine our course of action, and also determine how much satisfaction we can derive from (the use of) money. It’s okay to have money, but never let money have you! Don’t kill yourself trying to get wealth only to miss out on real life in the process. It is advisable to work hard to earn a living, but don’t damage relationships in the process, don’t compromise what matters most (love, health, peace, integrity, etc.) in the pursuit of wealth.

Proverbs 23:4 - “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.”

1. The money is not yours - Money is really not ours, even if it is in our bank account or wallet. The correct perspective about money is an understanding that it is ALL God’s. An extension of the fact that God created and

3. Break free from debt - Indebtedness is a form of slavery, so break free from it as fast as you can. When we borrow and bind ourselves in debt, we’re giving away part of our freedom to the person we owe. God wants us to live in

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the finance coach freedom; not in slavery. So, be careful not to get into debt, and if you are already in debt, do everything you can to get out of debt and avoid going into more debt. A small but practical book (“The richest man in Babylon”) I read many years ago helps one get out of debt in a very simple manner. Proverbs 22:7 “…the borrower is a slave to the lender.” Avoid entering into debt, be careful and strategic when incurring debt, and always repay debt and do so promptly.

4. Be a giver - I have heard it said over and over, “the happiest people are generous people and the most miserable people are misers”. When we are generous, everybody wins. When we are stingy, everybody loses. We all know this, at a cerebral level, but not always at a practical level. Proverbs 11:25 says “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Give as a response to God’s goodness; Give as a way to focus your hearts on God as our source and security; Give to help achieve economic justice (throughout scripture, God expresses his concern for the poor and calls us to share with those less fortunate); Give to bless others (if we are blessed with resources beyond our needs, it is not for the purpose of living more lavishly but to bless others); Give to break the hold of money (while the Bible does not specifically say so, it is evident that persons who give freely and generously are not controlled by money but have freedom). Give cheerfully (for God loves the person who gives cheerfully).

6. Take control of your finances - Watch your finances (budget) and plan appropriately “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations” (Proverbs 27:23–24). Taking control of your finances requires a few specific actions such as saving, investing and appropriate spending. The wise saver is that person who builds, preserves, and invests with discernment. A wise man does not save what is left after spending, but spends what is left after saving. Make saving a strategic priority. Finally, learn to live within your means, to do this, you have to either make more money or spend less money: It really is that simple.

In summary, the truth is, money is not bad, evil, or wrong.

People have often misquoted the Bible to say, “money is the root of all evil” which is not what the Bible actually says. Money is a great resource for good when in the hands of people who follow the Biblical financial principles, but when we have an unhealthy attachment to it or the things we can buy with it, then our worship moves from God to money. Someone once said, “Money is a good servant but a bad master”. “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10

On a final note, we are created to give…we are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27) and we know that God is gracious and generous. We will lead a more satisfied and fulfilled life when we give to others.

5. Guard Against Greed - It is okay to enjoy the fruits of one’s labor, yet it is important to guard against materialism. I have learnt that material things do not bring lasting happiness. The Bible says that real life is not measured by how much we own (Luke 12:15). Every Christian should seek moderation, even King Solomon understood the import of this, for he said, “Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.

Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God” (Proverbs 30:8-9). We must also be content with what we have – Apostle Paul writes, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:12). “Godliness with contentment is great gain… (1 Timothy 6:6).

Mrs Chinyere Almona is a seasoned Finance professional and has over 25 years work experience. She lives in Lagos, Nigeria where she serves alongside her husband, Pastor Obi Almona, who is the Pastor-incharge of Redeemed Christian Church of God – New Dawn Parish, Surulere. They are blessed with three teenage children.

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A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE & RELATIONSHIPS

my dear wife (fiction)

I

married my dear wife when she was 25 and I’ll like to believe I did marry her for all the right reasons.

She was beautiful (inside and out), intelligent, a devout Christian, with a very promising career as a geo-physicist. Lest I forget, a man had never touched her.

I on the other hand, had been touched by many – women that is; but that’s a story for another time. At 30, I wasn’t doing badly for myself – a self-employed, systems network security analyst and budding motivational speaker.

Everything was perfect for us – or so it seemed.

While we courted, Tochi and I enjoyed having long talks about the future and what our marriage would and should look like. One thing she was always very passionate about, asides finally getting ‘some action’, was the talk about our future babies.

She wanted four of them and had extensively planned out how she was going to love each of them without prejudice.

I loved to hear her out every time, each time, grateful to God that my children would be raised in the most-loving motherly arms. Fast-forward 12 years later --- and my dear wife and I are still without child.

The doctors have tested, the pastors have prayed. My people have chipped in with ridiculous ideas, but with my THINKING ALOUD | APR - JUN 2018

wife I have stayed. This is not to say it hasn’t had its ripple effect on our home. Trust me; we have had way better days.

But my major concern isn’t really about me; it is the toll this has taken on my dear wife.

As I step towards the door to what I call home, these concerns take over those of my gruesome day at work. I say a quick prayer before proceeding through the door, and there she sits. Her eyes glued to the screen, but I know she sees me.

“Hey beautiful”, I call out as I steadily approach her. She doesn’t utter a word, nor acknowledge my presence. She just remains hypnotized by the TV. I take a quick glance at the screen.

Behold, she is watching cartoon network, her favourite channel for the past 4 years. I shrug off her silence and lace her lips with a kiss. She doesn’t respond. No qualms, this is not new. I sink into the adjacent sofa and try to create some sort of banter, but my dear wife doesn’t shift ground.

Though exhausted, I remain in my chair for a couple of minutes, feigning to enjoy watching this little kid with some sort of wrist-watch that displays holograms of creatures he can somehow transform into when under attack. Sigh! | 8 |

It must be about the fourth time that I’m snapping out of snooze mode. Only this time, my dear wife towers above me and I swear; I am immediately scared to my pants. Her eyes are cold and scary.

No. Horrifying! Her hands quiver uncontrollably and you can hear her breath from a mile away. I swallow hard, confessing the ‘Blood of Jesus’ several times on the inside.

I am not sure how I said it but the words “Hey suuuugar, are you ok?” somehow escape my lips. She wants to speak and only then do I see it.

The struggle --- the clenched teeth --- the stiffening of the fingers --- Damn! Not again.

I didn’t tell you. My dear wife was diagnosed with ‘Cyclothymia’ six months ago. For those who do not know, Cyclothymia is a much chronic but milder form of bi-polar disorder. Apparently, she had so fantasized about having children that the lack of it had gradually left her devastated.

What began four (4) years ago with intermittent moments of despair, gradually spiraled into mild depressions and unexplainable excitements, which led to a few embarrassing displays at the office that saw her aptly get dismissed.

Not long after came the uncontrollable bouts of anger and the occasional struggle for words. At which point, she couldn’t even keep any job I labored so hard to get her.

Several doctors’ appointments and psych evaluations later and my fears were confirmed. My dear wife was diagnosed with a Cyclothymic disorder and one of its manifestations is what I am witnessing right now.

“You are late again!” she finally blurted out angrily. I rose to pacify her and WHAM! I was back in the chair, massaging my freshly sandpapered cheek. I set my eyes on her and the anger brewing within quickly distills. Mehn, I love this woman.

Another thing I forgot to add is – with Cyclothymia, also came the violence, a development just eight (8) weeks old.

She paces back and forth now.

I slowly get off the sofa, keeping some distance this time.

She stops. I see the tears in her eyes. “Chinedu”, she calls, “why are you seeing someone else?” The words come out easily.

I move in to take advantage of her soberness. “Tochi, I’ll never do that”. I get closer. “You know, you are all that matters to me.” I chip in. I open my arms to hug her when the madness suddenly overwhelms her again. “LIES!!!!” she screams, louder than the vuvuzela.

Before my ears get accustom to the noise, my dear wife rams her fist into me with strength five times her body frame should possess.

I stagger back. She comes for more but I have had enough. “Tochi will you stop all this nonsense! Come on!

You’re being silly and it is beginning to annoy me” I bark at her.

In twelve (12) years of marriage, plus three (3) years of dating/courtship, I have never scolded my wife in this manner, so I can understand the bewildered look on her face now.

“Look” I continue. “I had a very demanding day and I am tired. So I am going to bed.” I add. Tochi remains rooted to the ground as I grab my briefcase and make for the corridor.

I had just walked past the dining table, proud of my antics, when I hear the shattering noise. I swivel and find Tochi by the shelf that houses our mugs and wine glasses.

She grabs another glass and SPLASH! It splatters around her. “TOCHI!” I scream in fear. “WHAT! WHAT! WHAT!” she barks back, smashing a glass with each word.

My heart cringes in fear. My words would not form. “This is all your fault” I hear her say. “If only you had kept yourself a virgin for me. Who knows who you might have offended while you made your manhood a tourist attraction?” she yells as she smashes everything she lays her hands on. Those words cut through me, and for the very first time, I find myself wishing it is the madness speaking, not my wife. | 9 |

A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

MARRIAGE & RELATIONSHIPS She is still now; watching me, another mug in her hand. My eyes well up, but no, she cannot see me cry. She needs me to be strong for her. I turn around and continue to the room. All I remember now is the heavy pain I felt at the back of my head. It must have been that mug. Everything went black afterwards. ………………………………………………………………………………………

My eyes pop open. I am in the bedroom. I try to rise. Only then do I feel the pain at the back of my head. It wasn’t a dream. I manage to look around.

TOCHI! Where is she?

I look up; the time is 2:53am. I get off the bed and find the door to the room open. Now I am scared. My heart joins my head, they both pound. I creep out of the room, fearing the worst. Surprise, surprise, the house is clean. Was it a dream?

I look to the shelf up ahead and I find my answer. No, it wasn’t a nightmare; most of the glasses and mugs are gone. I want to call out for her but a new kind of fear has besieged me.

As I draw closer to the living room, a mixture of sobs and her voice sieve through. The words become more audible as I sneak on. “Please forgive me Lord. I never mean to, I never do” Oh my! She is praying. A smile slowly builds across my face. I see her now. She is on her knees, her back towards me.

The next sets of words I hear melt me.

“And please, touch Chinedu’s heart so he can forgive me. Please, don’t let him leave me. I’ll die Father. Please God, I do not want to lose him.”

I am standing right beside her now. The tears have started pouring, and this time I don’t care if she sees it. I kneel by her side. She is so into praying not to lose me, she is oblivious of my presence. I cover one of her hands with mine. She doesn’t open her eyes but I see that beautiful smile I have fallen in love with over and over again spread across her face, followed by the words: “Thank You Jesus, Thank you Jesus, thank You Jesus!”

I keep watching my wife, more tears flooding down my cheeks. Mehn! I really love my dear wife and not even Cyclothymia is going to change that. She stops, looks me in the eyes. She kisses me. “Can we make a baby?” she asks so seductively. I chuckle as I nod in agreement. Though my body aches and a part of me knows I may not have her sane for too long, I remember my vow to God – to make every sane moment a memory for a lifetime.

I scoop her up and head back for the room. Looking at her in my arms, my mind wanders off to the day we met. Another memory for a lifetime I promise to share that with you guys next time. Right now… errrrrrrrrr… *slams shut the door to the room*.

Oluwabori Richards is a dynamic, creative professional, fascinated by the power of the imagination. A proven creative talent with demonstrated strength in producing effective and engaging television, film and new media contents. With five years progressive experience, delivering client satisfaction, Oluwabori has functioned in varying capacities as writer, director or producer on numerous television dramas, soap operas, featurelength and short films, game shows, talk shows etc.

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generation next

"Y

ou’re not a cookie, God made you into a brownie." I told that to my sister a few years ago before she met my charming and funny brother-in-law. Life is complicated because we don’t have a reason for everything. No one knows why certain things happen, especially when it comes to finding love.

A few years fresh from grad school, it seemed as though everyone in my sister ’s circle of friends was either getting married, having babies, or both! Major news like that, if it ’s not happening to you, can leave you questioning yourself, your looks, and the way God made you.

Seeing my sister in that state got me thinking too. I mean, my sister is by no means ugly - she’s quite gorgeous.

Her persona and personality are magnetic, and she loves to watch Pride and Prejudice (one of my personal favourites about her). Why are all her friends in relationships and she ’s not?

Enter the cookie/brownie analogy.

He [God] explained it to me like this: Some women I made into cookies, and some women I made into brownies.

All the women you see planning weddings right now are cookies. Their time in the oven has come to an end and they are ready to be taken out. However, some people like Simi, [my sister] are brownies.

In no way are they any less than cookies and in no way are they any more; they just have different “baking” times. Imagine if you took a brownie out of the oven the same time you did a cookie. What would happen? The brownie would be somewhat hard on the outside but icky and gooey on the inside. It wouldn ’t even be the gooey type that some people like to eat. In other words, the brownie just wouldn ’t be ready.

So, fret not my daughters, if you are not a cookie it is not the end of the world. Just wait a bit longer and soon enough and it will be your turn. I just thought I would share that with all the girl readers out there - guys too.

I say big congratulations to all the cookies out there! Additionally, to all the brownies , just wait and see. Your time is coming and it is going be amazing.

Teniola Komolafe called Teni for short; is a blogger and a creative and freelance photographer who now calls Sydney, Australia home.

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A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

generation next

Th

ese days when teenagers think of success, they think of shiny cars, big mansions and fame.

Having these things is a blessing but not having them does not make you any less successful. Success and great achievements come in many forms, like being at the top of your class, winning a competition, or getting your dream job.

As teenagers, we still have a lot of time to prove our worth and become great. This means by the grace of God, nothing stops a young person from achieving amazing things today.

are what you want to be successful in, and they give you a sense of direction in whatever you are doing.

DISCOVER YOUR TALENT/ACQUIRE A SKILL - I enjoy drawing; though I have not really focused on it as much as I should have. Recently, while doing research online for University applications, I discovered that there is an extra-curricular section.

This section is a major part of what top universities look for in a student. Then, I realised that my art could serve as an extra-curricular activity and that was my saving grace.

I would like to share some tips that have helped me thus far, and some lessons I have learnt along the way from mistakes I made. I hope you can avoid these same mistakes.

Although your talents will not always be the deciding factor for your goals or your career, it is crucial to identify your talents and build upon them.

SET YOUR GOALS - When it comes to setting goals, your goals can be anything you want them to be. Your goal can be something you want to accomplish in the nearest future or something you would like to accomplish in 10 years.

Are you good at drawing, dancing, singing, running, coming up with ideas, sports, mathematics or chess?

There are many possible talents you can have and no matter how small or how big they are, they are still important.

It might be to finally clean up your room, or to win a competition that is important to you, or even to become the best scientist in a research institution. Your goals

For example, someone who is artistic/creative can make money from selling his or her artworks, become a photographer or produce music. Someone who is good at coming up with ideas can become an inventor or a

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generation next: writer. Someone who is good at math could tutor others who need help, participate in math competitions, or get a mathematics-oriented profession, such as being an engineer or a mathematician.

you know you are on the right track. It does not matter if the task ahead seems too big; just having the right mind-set and starting from somewhere will move you forward.

Your acquired skills can also help you in times of need. You can gain them from going for classes, workshops, internships or just asking people around you to teach you. Acquired skills are things like photography, sewing, make-up artistry, shoe making and hairdressing.

Most successful people did not make it at their first attempt so do not be discouraged by failure, it happens. I was not always at the top of my set. In junior school, I was just an average student, scared of falling below average.

CREATE HEALTHY HABITS – READ, EXERCISE AND GOOD PERSONAL HYGIENE/APPEARANCE - Good habits like eating healthy and getting enough rest (sleeping on time) are very important. Good personal hygiene and appearance involves taking good care of your outward appearance – body, nails and hair.

When you do not take care of yourself regularly, it may become a burden and channelling your energy into repairing the effects of neglect will distract you.

Exercise helps to boost both physical and mental strength and reading about things you are interested in increases your knowledge in those areas.

I am guilty of not sleeping at the right time. I remember once when I did not get enough sleep before an exam; I went to bed late and woke up around 3 a.m. During the exam, I got so tired but I was just lucky this did not affect the results.

AVOID DISTRACTIONS – SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCE, PEER PRESSURE - I know many intelligent and kind-hearted teenagers that could have accomplished great things, but got caught up in the wrong things. Many of the things people focus on right now will not matter in a year or two.

Instead, these distractions will have set them back, behind people who paid attention to the right things at the right time. Many people are obsessed with popularity, so much that they have changed their good personalities and lost many of their good traits.

Some want to look a certain way, which breeds issues with self-confidence. What they do not know is that the glamorous pictures they have painted in their heads about the people they see most times do not exist.

Looking a particular way or doing a particular thing would not add much value to your life if you do not know how to make use of the things you already have.

Do not let small things discourage you, especially if

I did not even dream of getting where I am today. But in year 9, I wrote an exam (Cambridge checkpoint) and I was the second best overall. That was when I realised I could be more than average, and I began to wake up early to read during exam periods.

DO NOT PROCRASTINATE - It becomes a habit and ruins everything. I am very guilty of this and you might be too. Procrastinating has a slow, but inevitable, way of letting time slip in between your fingers and you may not notice until it is too late.

During exam periods, I got really stressed and aside from the fact that time was already limiting the number of things I could read, the anxiety that came with the stress distracted me from reading effectively. I learnt from this and started preparing earlier for my exams. Procrastinating orderliness is also a thing to watch, e.g. “Don’t worry I’ll put it in the right place later.” – more often than not leads to a mess and having clutters of objects like books or clothes laying around in the wrong places.

This can be avoided if these items were put in the right places at the right time. Procrastination is bad.

Distractions cause procrastination. My distractions are the television and my phone. What are yours? Do not let small things distract you from accomplishing your goals, as there will always be time for them later.

This does not mean that you should avoid things you enjoy totally, but you should spend less time with them and more time focusing on what is important.

One thing that does not distract me, but I have noticed distracts others, is trying to be like other people.

It may be by succumbing to peer pressure, trying to do what your friends or the ‘cool’ people are doing, or trying to act like or look like some people on social media. You should be able to differentiate between the people you should want to be like and the people you should not. | 13 |

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generation next: STAY MOTIVATED– GOALS & ROLE MODELS - One important thing is motivation. Your motivation can be anything that will keep you on track and not get you distracted. My two major motivations are my goals and my role models. One of my role models and favourite people in the world is Yara Shahidi.

Yara is an actress and an activist and has been invited multiple times to the White House in the United States.

Yara’s contributions to society have gained her recognition by some of the world ’s most remarkable people, such as Michelle Obama, who wrote her recommendation letter for her university application (and of course she got accepted – to Harvard) and Oprah Winfrey, who mentioned how bright Yara ’s future is and called her ‘one of the most profound 17-year olds alive’.

One thing I admire about her is that she uses her fame to make positive input, even though it is easy for teenagers to get carried away once they get a taste of popularity. She motivates me by inspiring me to have a positive impact on my generation, my country and the world at large.

DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED - Do not let small things discourage you. People can also discourage you by making fun of you or not believing in you or by saying mean things. If you are often made fun of, or are a victim of bullying, please speak about it to an adult (your parent or someone else that cares about you). Also, do not let embarrassing moments discourage you, believe me I am very familiar with those. If I had let everything people said about me get to me, then my story would be very different today.

LEARN FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE GONE AHEAD - Always learn from people who are older and successful. Ask questions and hang out with such individuals as often as you can. Also, be close to your parents or your guardians, they want the best for you and will always give you the best advice possible.

This article is a lot longer than I planned, but I do hope you enjoyed reading it and are willing to take my advice. Remember, teenagers have a lot of potential and the future of the world is in the hands of our youth.

This article was contributed by Moyinoluwa Famobiwo . She is an award winning 15-year-old Teenager and writes from Lagos Nigeria. Some of her awards include; 2017/2018 - Best IGCSE grades in Chrisland High School VGC, Lagos. 2017/2018 - most outstanding student of Chrisland High School VGC, Lagos.

2016/2017 - Best behaved student in Chrisland High School VGC, Lagos.

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inspiring personality

I SURVIVED LUNG TRANSPLANT AND A DOUBLE LEG AMPUTATION Dr. Irene Olumese’s Testimony Inspirational Speaker and Founder of The Feet of Grace Foundation

My name is Dr. Irene Titilola Olumese, wife of Dr. Peter Olumese and mother of Peter Osemudiamen and David Ehimenmen. I speak and write to inspire hope. I am the Founder of Feet of Grace Foundation. I manage the Hands of Grace Creations. I am the Author of Grace In The Storms: A Living Proof. Previously, I worked as a Nutrition Specialist with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for fifteen years in three countries—Nigeria, Ghana, and Egypt.

TESTIMONY & INTERVIEW WITH Dr. Irene Olumese My Background: I am the first of seven children. My father is a Retired Bishop of the Methodist Church of Nigeria. My mother is a retired School Teacher. I was born in Ibadan, Oyo State but I grew up in Lagos.

I attended Ereko Methodist School, Berkley Street, Lagos, and Methodist Girls High School, Yaba. But I returned to Ibadan for my tertiary studies at the University of Ibadan, where I got a Doctorate in Nutrition Sciences.

I had a strict religious upbringing, but I got to know God for myself and developed a personal relationship with Him in August 1984. I love God passionately, and that is nothing compared to His unfailing and faithful love for me!

The Beginning of the Storms: I got married in April 1992 and was expecting our baby shortly after. In January 1993, we lost our baby at 32 weeks. This stillbirth was a traumatic experience, but the word of God comforted me. Two weeks later, I got a phone call to come and start work with the UNICEF Zonal Office in Ibadan.

I went for the training for Nutrition Officers in Kaduna, Nigeria; it was Easter 1993. At the training, I started coughing. I remember vividly that we were in the training hall on Good Friday, and the cough was relentless. I returned home and treated it, but it was unresponsive to the treatment.

After a couple of months of using one antibiotic after the other without any improvement, my doctors wanted a full work up, and the X-ray showed a shadow in my chest. My doctors began to investigate further and realized that I needed to have a surgery. In June 1993, I had a cardiothoracic surgery to remove a cyst the size of my fist, the doctors said. When that came out, we thought that was the end of the cough. No, the cough | 15 |

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“One day in October, I had a complete relapse.

While washing my baby, my hands just went flaccid; and my baby just dropped into the bowl of water, my chest became heavy.”

The Storms Got Worse: By 1998, I was working as a full-time officer in UNICEF, I was nursing a child, and working on my Ph.D. which I finished that year. One day in October, I had a complete relapse. While washing my baby, my hands just went flaccid; and my baby just dropped into the bowl of water, my chest became heavy. It was already five years of non-stop coughing. It was the kind of coughing where you cough so hard that your bladder threatens to burst open.

The cough was so bad that I ended up in the intensive care unit that month. That was when the doctors concluded that the diagnosis was bronchiectasis.

didn’t stop, but it continued, and it got worse.

I had my first son in June 1994. Shortly afterwards, I noted other symptoms. I was having allergies of unknown origin; my eyelids started drooping.

One late afternoon, my pupils became fully dilated in a well-lit room making it difficult for me to see. My doctors concluded that I was presenting symptoms of myasthenic syndrome—a degenerative disease of the neuromuscular junction, which causes a weakening of the muscles.

My facial muscles felt weak; my eyelids continued drooping, and my pupils became sluggish in response to light.

However, no matter what the doctors said, as soon as we stepped out of the doctor’s office, my husband would ask “whose report do you believe?” and I would answer “I will believe in the report of the Lord.”

We used the scripture to counter everything said.

While going through these events, I had my second son in August 1997 while I was working to finish my doctorate.

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This is a disease in which the walls of the airways become damaged resulting in accumulation of secretions in the lungs and recurrent chest infection.

When they told me I said no, I wasn’t ready to accept that.

I went to the US for a second opinion, but the doctors there also confirmed exactly what my doctors in Nigeria said and even added more. This is because the respiratory disease was now combined with the myasthenia gravis, a degenerative disease that can become progressively debilitating.

They said within 5–10 years, I would be wheelchairbound because the disease leaves every muscle so weak that the individual is not able to do things by themselves. I refused to accept that prognosis.

So, I started the medications, which were very expensive. While worrying and complaining, a dear sister of mine said to me, “why don’t you thank God that you have a job that could pay for the drugs and medical insurance?” So that was how we were able to manage the problem.

Shortly after I returned to Nigeria, I had to move from Ibadan to Lagos to work while still dealing with the problem. | 16 |

inspiring personality The Second Lung Surgery: In 2001, I got posted to Tamale, Ghana but had to be in Accra once a month. Hence, I did a lot of traveling back and forth; it was hectic and stressful. The weather was hot and harsh and very uncomfortable for me, but I was able to manage it for two years until one day when both of my lungs collapsed suddenly while in Tamale.

The medical facilities available could not manage the problem. My office called Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso but they also did not have the required medical facilities for this purpose. They could not fly me down to Accra because of my compromised respiratory condition.

I was taken down from Tamale to Accra in an ambulance without an air conditioner, without oxygen and it was such a long journey. We only stopped to refuel in Kumasi, and at this point, I asked myself “will I make it to Accra?” We eventually got to Accra where I spent six weeks at the 37 Military Hospital. They tried to drain my chest, but the situation wasn’t improving. I was in and out of the high dependency ward.

At that point in time, my office decided that I should be evacuated as an international staff; they were not ready to take further risk. The point of evacuation was to South Africa because I’m an African, but because my husband was already working in Switzerland, he insisted that I should be evacuated to Switzerland.

In June 2003, exactly ten years after the first cardiothoracic surgery, I had to undergo a second cardiothoracic surgery to clean out my lungs after all that had happened. It was at that point; I was compelled to reconsider my work and its implication on my health and family life; I decided to go on special leave without pay to rest and relocate my children who had been with me in Ghana to Switzerland.

“The next few years were tough years. Financially, it was difficult because I had taken a loan to buy a house with my husband, secured by our two jobs.”

Stripped of Props: In November 2003 after making significant progress recovering from the health challenges, I returned to Ghana to pack my things without finishing my contract.

The next few years were tough years. Financially, it was difficult because I had taken a loan to buy a house with my husband, secured by our two jobs.

Then without notice, we only had one source of income that had to pay for my huge medical bills, children’s international school fees, house mortgage and the loan.

I could not get a professional job. I did everything I could; I sold Mary Kay makeup, I sold Saladmaster pots and Herbalife nutrition products.

But the money did not even come near what we needed. At least, I had a sense of making some contribution.

I missed the affluence my high-profile job gave me. I missed the voice I once had in places that mattered. I missed being able to spend, as I wanted. Then I realized that I had allowed my job to define my identity and my sense of worth.

It was during this period that I learnt what it truly means to trust God and depend on Him to supply all our needs. I also learnt to let my relationship with God, and not what I own, define who I am.

In 2006, God provoked a recommendation on my behalf, and I was able to go back to work again, this time in Cairo, Egypt. This additional income brought tremendous relief to our financial situation as we could begin to pay back some of our debts.

The Beginning of Another Storm: I stayed in Cairo for three weekends every month and returned home on the 4th weekend of the month to check on my family.

During that period, Cairo was very hot and dusty; it was not good for my respiratory system (all this while I was still coughing and medicating).

It got quite severe one day while I was traveling from Cairo to Geneva, and I had a relapse on the plane.

I had difficulties breathing. When we landed, I was taken in an ambulance to the Airport Clinic. Later I went to my doctors for a proper check-up. At that point, my doctors told me that my lung functional | 17 |

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capacity was depressed, and the blood gases were deranged. Therefore, I needed to have supplemental oxygen. It meant that I needed to have oxygen supplied by an external source, in my house, at work and wherever I was. They felt that it was not right for me to go back to work in Cairo.

We were already having a lot of challenges with the project I was working on in Cairo, and I felt that I couldn’t abandon them in the middle of it.

I asked if I could be allowed to go and finish that particular project and then return to Geneva.

My doctors insisted that I must ensure that there was an oxygen cylinder in my office, an oxygen concentrator at home and one that I can spray on in between the house and the office before they allowed me to return to Cairo to finish the project.

I trusted God for favour, and our family friends in Cairo just took it upon themselves to make sure everything was in place.

We finished that project at the end of December 2007 to the glory of God, and I returned to Switzerland.

I got back to Switzerland January 2008 and went from a full day work agenda to a situation in which my agenda was blank.

I had no official duties to attend to, and nowhere I was needed outside my house. All I spent each day doing was to cough, medicate and nebulize to keep my lungs clear of infection.

Just taking care of my health was a full-time job, and because we didn’t want to bring somebody else in to care for me. It was just my husband, sons and me for the next couple of years.

“Just taking care of my health was a full-time job,... It was just my husband, sons and me for the next couple of years”

From Bad to Worse: By 2010, the situation had become so bad that, at this point, the doctors said they had exhausted all medical options.

They told me that I might forget to breathe while sleeping because my lungs had become very weak. So, I had a ventilator at home to breathe for me at night.

I lost weight – from 83kg to about 50kg thereabout.

The doctors told me the only option I had left was to have a lung transplant. Of course, lung transplant meant somebody was going to have to die for me to live, and I struggled with that. I didn’t know how to pray for somebody to die so I could live.

I went before the Lord and said, “this is too much.”

His word in Isaiah 43:1-4 especially verse 4 comforted me, but I asked for one request, “Lord whoever this person is going to be, let him/her know You and have a relationship with You so that I can see him/her in heaven.”

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inspiring personality After three years of waiting, I got a call on Saturday, April 13th 2013 that they had found a suitable donor and I went in for the surgery. I didn’t wake up until five weeks later.

Apparently, after the surgery, I developed postsurgical complications, and my system started shutting down, so my doctors had to induce a medical coma. When I woke up from the coma, I was very confused; I had a lot of frightening experiences while I was in a coma.

I couldn’t vocalize because I had a tube in my throat attached to a machine that was breathing for me. I didn’t know they were not hearing me. I got so angry because they were not answering my questions.

The doctors came to me, and my husband told me “You had very good lungs, they have stayed. Your body didn’t reject them.” But, because of the complications I had during the surgery, there was poor blood circulation to my hands and legs.

This meant the death of the tissues had occurred and they would need to amputate both my legs and my hands. At that point, I had had enough. I just said, “Lord, just take me home.” I was not going to be a burden to my family, without hands and legs. What was the point of lungs anyway?

“To the surprise of my doctors, my stumps healed so rapidly that I was ready to begin the process of rehabilitation within the first month after the amputation”

months, I was still going to clinics to have the dead tissues excavated from the wounds.

To the surprise of my doctors, my stumps healed so rapidly that I was ready to begin the process of rehabilitation within the first month after the amputation.

What Next?

I asked God what next? I survived a lung transplant.

I am an amputee, what was I going to do next? He impressed on my heart that I am to inspire hope and by taking my story everywhere He would open the door to me. I knew my assignment was clear.

And since He had told me in 2001 that He had called me be an Inspirational Speaker, I knew the time for the fulfilment of that promise had come.

The other part was to ‘enrich lives.’ I wondered what I was supposed to do to enrich lives? While I was going through my rehabilitation, I began to wonder how amputees in poor communities managed.

Because to date, we had spent $35,000 on mine.

I made investigations about who is supporting amputees in the poor communities in Nigeria where I had influence. By the end of that year, I knew I had to have something to do with this.

My Journey so far: I started learning how to bead while I was in the hospital as I recovered the use of my hands. I wanted to able to contribute something no matter how little to the family income considering how much my medical expenses had depleted our finances.

My husband never complained, but I didn’t feel happy not being able to support him.

The Amputation of my legs: In those two weeks, a friend of ours gave us a word that “God will give me the feet of grace that will take me to places my natural feet cannot take me, places beyond my imagination.” Two weeks after I came out of the coma, I was back in the theatre again.

On Friday, May 31st, 2013, my two legs were amputated below the knee. I came out of the theatre, and all I could say to my husband was, ‘they took my legs.” He responded, “it is well.” To the glory of God, I recovered the use of my hands, life came back to it, and I began to learn to write again. For three | 19 |

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Today, the Hands of Grace Creations provides the much-needed additional income when most needed.

Each bead jewelry I have created is a piece of my testimony drawing the attention of the wearer to the faithfulness of God to restore.

I finished writing and published the compilation of my testimonies in a book. It is the story of my life, and it is called, ‘Grace in the Storms’. It was written to do exactly what I do; to inspire hope and encourage people who are going through life challenges. I speak at women’s conferences and churches as well.

Feet of Grace Foundation: In 2014, I established the Feet of Grace Foundation to raise funds and provide prosthetic limbs for amputees in poor communities. Twenty amputees have received prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs, educational scholarships and seed funds to restart small businesses within three years of operation by the end of 2017.

sustained inflow of income to do so. We hope to set up a rehabilitation center, which will also provide physiotherapy services as well as a store providing essential prosthetic supplies for amputees.

Partnerships With Other NGOs: The Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation Partnered with the Feet of Grace Foundation in 2016 to provide educational scholarships to two amputee boys. The boys are doing great in school now because of this unique opportunity.

A Sister In The World, a Swiss based Charity organization, has also provided a scholarship for one amputee girl while Grooming Center continues to provide support for the activities of the Foundation.

It would be very useful to find and partner with other NGOs who can support the provision of seed funds and small loans to amputee women so that they can revive their businesses and contribute to their family’s income.

We organize an Annual Charity Walk in several cities around the world starting from April – the month commemorating my second chance at life and in memory of my unknown benefactor.

The Foundation plans to make the dream of “living life without limits despite missing limbs” come true for 10 Amputees in 2018 (#10Amputees1Dream).

The fund-raising effort was flagged off with the Annual Feet of Grace Charity Walks in 12 Cities in Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States in April 2018.

The Foundation seeks to raise N15million to provide 12 prosthetic limbs to 10 Amputees in 2018 (including two bilateral amputees who require two limbs each).

Currently, all the amputees who have been supported are in Nigeria. Plans are in progress to extend the support to Ghana, starting with holding a Charity Walk in Ghana before the end of 2018. And also, to identify partners we can work with in the country.

The Foundation currently host a WhatsApp Amputee Support Group which provides emotional support and encouragement to amputees. The platform also provides opportunities for amputees to ask questions about the issues affecting the day-to-day life of amputees.

My dream and greatest heart’s desire for the Feet of Grace Foundation is to see the Foundation positioned to provide support for more amputees per year with a THINKING ALOUD | APR - JUN 2018

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inspiring personality MORE ABOUT THE PRIVATE LIFE OF DR. IRENE OLUMESE A Special Childhood Memory that had lasting impact on me: My father owned a Volkswagen Kombi Caravan when I was very young. We did a lot of road travels in it.

Traveling to different parts of the country and Republic de Benin. I remember in particular our trip to Kainji in Niger State to spend Christmas with a British Missionary Couple.

They had lots of cats. I don’t like cats. On the eve of Christmas 1973 or 1974, can’t remember exactly, they had lots of guests in the house for a Christmas party. They had beautifully wrapped gifts under the Christmas tree for everyone including their househelpers, all those who work for them and for their cats too.

Christmas gifts for cats were a novelty for me. Their generous giving left an indelible mark on my heart. I wrote a story about that a few years ago, which I titled “Christmas with the Carters and Cats”.

As I grew up, I began to collect articles for my gift box as I travel to different cities. This way, I always have unique gifts available to bless other people with.

That experience spurred me to always have a gift ready for anyone who comes to my house during the Christmas season.

It taught me the value of generosity. This has become our family tradition today. The Carters will never know how their act of generosity has impacted my life.

My dress code: I was brought up to be a cultured woman who dresses without indecent exposure. I learnt early in life to pause in front of the mirror and ask the image in front of me what image she was creating and message she was conveying to the world through her dressing.

I am proudly African, Nigerian and Yoruba. I like my dressing to convey my pride in and appreciation of my heritage.

My Chief Encouragement Officer (CEO): I would not be where I am today without my husband, who was my primary caregiver throughout the period I was very ill. He took care of me himself.

His dedication and care of me is a demonstration of his commitment to the vows we shared over 26 years

ago; “in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, and for better for worse.” He stood by me when I was at my lowest during the days my life hung on to a thread spun by the spider. He did not give up on me or give me up.

When the doctors told him while I was in coma that my legs have to be amputated. He refused to take that decision behind me. He insisted that we would take that decision together when I wake up from coma.

For all of these and more, I am forever grateful to God for my husband, and he knows it. I say it to anyone who is willing to listen including my husband.

I hold my husband in high esteem.

I honour and respect him. I will always stand in his corner. If you stand against my husband, you will answer to me. If you dishonour or disrespect my husband, you will have to deal with me.

I am his number one cheerleader, just as he is my number one cheerleader. But even more importantly, I am his number one prayer warrior. I stand in the war room for my husband, and I fight for him on my knees.

My husband’s key role in the Feet of Grace Foundation is first as advisory. I double-check all my ideas and proposals with him before sharing with other members of the Board.

He promotes the interests of the Foundation and champions the cause of the Foundation in every place God has given him influence.

I am primarily responsible for the administration of the Foundation, and I oversee the day-to-day management of the activities of the Foundation.

He has efficiently accommodated his responsibilities in the Foundation within his very busy schedule.

However, my workload does put some strain on our time together as a couple since I spend longer hours working at home.

My Advice To Women: Never give up on hope. You see if you give up on hope, it’s a death sentence. Don’t let the enemy have the last laugh. God has to have the last laugh.

Jump on adversity like a springboard, and it will take you to the next level. We cannot afford to waste our pain. Our pain will be in vain if it does not serve as gain for others. | 21 |

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For more information about the activities of the Foundation, please contact us at info@feetofgracefoundation.org.

You can also donate towards this cause. See bank details below: FEET OF GRACE FOUNDATION UNITED BANK OF AFRICA, IBADAN, NIGERIA 1019430471 Kindly send an email message to the above address when you make donations into the account.

Follow the Feet of Grace Foundation on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @FeetofGrace www.irenetolumese.com www.feetofgracefoundation.org www.touchinglives4good.blogspot.com

The first edition of this article was an Interview by Ama Duncan, Corporate Trainer and Founder of The Fabulous Woman Network and was first published on The Fabulous Woman Network Facebook Page.

The article has since been revised, updated and published with the kind permission of Dr. Irene Olumese, Founder, Feet of Grace Foundation.

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RDSF PROJECTS PARTNER WITH REHOBOTH DREAM SOLID FOUNDATION (RDSF) AND EMPOWER YOUNG PEOPLE - LITTLE DROPS BIG CHANGES!!

The Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation (RDSF) is an initiative of some likeminded individuals with a common passion and burden to assist less privileged students around them. These individuals, who had in the past helped indigent Nigerian students in their individual capacities, came together to extend their reach in order to help more students by incorporating the RDSF in September 2009.

RDSF was registered as the channel to achieve this objective and has some of these individuals as Trustees.

The Foundation is purely a charitable and non-profit organization with the core objective of providing economic empowerment to the poor through the promotion of sustainable education, skills acquisition and mentorship.

This year, we have awarded new scholarships to 14 tertiary students bringing the number of beneficiaries from inception to over 160 persons.

Why partner with us?

The Foundation is built on integrity and managed by a team of Trustees with a wealth of experience in socio economic development. The Foundation has taken on the burden to ensure that we reach out to as many indigent youths as possible and encourage them on a path that can give hope to their dreams and an opportunity to lead a positive life. Join us to make the world a better place by giving hope to the less privileged amongst us.

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rdsf projects Ways To Partner With The Foundation 1. One Time Donation You can give a one-time donation through a transfer to the Foundation's account.

2. Pledge Prospective sponsors can also make a pledge to give some money to the Foundation on a regular basis (weekly, monthly, quarterly, bi-annually or annually). Interested sponsors should kindly send an email with details of the pledge and thereafter credit the Foundation's account at chosen intervals.

3. Adopt A Student Scheme Under this scheme, the prospective sponsor will work with the Foundation to identify an indigent student who will be adopted and sponsored for the full academic program. The sponsor can choose to be anonymous or decide to meet the beneficiary. Under this scheme, the sponsor will be provided with periodic updates of the beneficiary's academic performance.

4. Sponsor A Workshop or Training Sponsors can also choose to sponsor or support the periodic skills acquisition program organized for indigent undergraduates to equip and prepare them either for entrepreneurship paths or careers in paid employment.

Sponsorships can be full or part-sponsorship. Usually, these workshops require provision of relevant resources such as facilitators, venue, logistics, feeding, equipment etc.

If you decide to partner with RDSF via one or more of the options listed, kindly contact the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation via email; rehobothdream@gmail.com or call 08079407057 to indicate interest.

Account Name: Bank: Account Number: Sort code: Swift code:

Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation First Bank of Nigeria Limited 2015884815 011152442 FBNINGLA

“

We do not just give scholarship to students on one time basis, but monitor, mentor and motivate our awardees to ensure a successful completion of their program and to be well placed in the society. �

Charity to the less priviledged

Skills Acquisition programmes

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Raise funds for the needy

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Supporting the poor

rdsf projects

TESTIMONIES I want to sincerely say that I am grateful for the support given to me by this Foundation. Sometimes it seems all hope is lost but God continues to work on earth through blessed souls like you. God bless you all. Thank you once again. And may He replenish you.

Chidera Uzuegbunam (400l, Medicine and Surgery, University of Ibadan)

Thank you so much, I'm speechless right now but all I can say is thank you and I love you. I will never forget Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation, no matter where I go. You have made me closer to my goals and I feel I can actually be somebody important in the future. God bless you.

Leslie Abiola (BA English Studies, Tai Solarin University of Education)

In my second year on Campus, a young boy full of dreams, aspirations and passions, compassed with fear of the future. Finance was a critical challenge to me at that moment when Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation found me and lifted me. The foundation helped to pay my school fees, and helped me in paying for a professional exam in pursuit of my career goals. I am sustained academically and professionally. I appreciate the dedication of RDSF to making me somebody in life.

Makanjuola Ogunleye (First class degree in Mathematics from University of Lagos)

Yesterday, I got to the Nigerian Law School Abuja, and today I have registered and have a room of my own. This may not have been possible without your huge contribution. For this, I want to say thank you.

Words cannot convey the depth of my gratitude to you. I appreciate the love of God that you shared with me by helping me to pay my school fees. I pray that God blesses and rewards your labour of love. Thank you so much.

Rachel Ige (Nigerian Law School)

I wish to express my profound gratitude for the financial aid I received today. My first reaction was to jump and dance around. This couldn't be timelier. Thank you so much Rehoboth Dream. I'm one step closer to my dreams. No words could convey exactly how I feel. Thank you so much.

Wisdom Okeoghene (BA, European studies, University of Ibadan)

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rdsf trustees

introducing the rehoboth dream solid foundation trustees Rear Admiral Oladeinde (‘Deinde) Olusoga Joseph was born at Ara-Moko, Ekiti State into the humble family of late Mr. Joseph Owolabi and late Mrs. Ajibabi Owolabi on the 9th of May 1948.

He enlisted into the Nigerian Navy in July 1967 and later graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna and was commissioned as a Sub -Lieutenant in July 1971 in India. He received professional training as a naval officer in India, United Kingdom and the United States of America. Rear Admiral Joseph is a graduate of the Nigeria Command and Staff College Jaji and the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies Kuru.

As a professional naval officer, he went through all the ranks in the Navy until he was promoted to the full Rear Admiral rank in 1998. While in the Navy, he had 4 sea commands, which included that of NNS Aradu (the Navy’s flag ship), 2 Training bases and 2 Operational bases. He had 2 tours at Jaji Staff College as Chief Instructor and Director of the Naval Faculty. He was also the Military Governor of Ogun State between 1990 and 1992. His last job was Chief of Navy Personnel at Naval Headquarters until he retired in June 1999.

Married to Mrs. Katherine Lolade Joseph since April 1975, Rear Admiral ‘Deinde Joseph is blessed with 3 children; Toyin (now Mrs. Borisade), and the boys Seyi and Jide, all University graduates. His hobbies are photography, reading and he is a handicap 9 golfer. A practicing Christian of Methodist Church of the Trinity, Tinubu since 1967, he has a passion to help the less privileged in the society.

Rear Admiral Joseph is a recipient of the National Honour of the Commander of the Order Of the Niger (CON), and brings his experience and goodwill to the Foundation as the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Ms. Ketumi Alasa was born on 12th February 1956 and hails from the Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State. She had her tertiary education (HND Computer Science) from the Sheffield City Polytechnic, England. Her work life commenced with her NYSC, during which she served with The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd. in Lagos between 1979 and 1980.

Thereafter, she worked for Royal Exchange Assurance as a Computer Programmer from 1980 to 1981. She was also employed by Delta Steel Company Aladja as a Computer Programmer/ Analyst developing and maintaining computer applications from 1981-1984.

In 1984, she was employed by The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd as a Computer Programmer Analyst in the Information Technology department. She worked with Shell until 2008 when she retired after a successful and rewarding career.

Since retirement, with her strong entrepreneurial skills, she has been running a business of furniture, household and home decorative items. She has 5 kids, 4 of whom have successfully completed their university education. In her leisure time, she enjoys gospel music and playing golf, for which she has won numerous awards.

She is a devoted Christian with a deep passion for missionaries and their families. She loves to extend help and support to the less privileged. Ms. Ketumi Alasa is a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

THINKING ALOUD | APR - JUN 2018

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rdsf trustees Deacon Samson Madu Igbokwe is a 1983 B.Pharm Graduate of Pharmacy from the former University of Ife (Unife), now known as Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). In addition, he gained a Masters in Business Administration Degree (MBA) from the University of Lagos (Unilag) in 2000. He also acquired a Certificate of Proficiency in Information Systems Management (CPISM).

Shortly after his Youth Service Corp at Military Hospital Lagos, he set up his own pharmacy business at S.W. Ikoyi, Lagos in 1985 which he has been running as Chairman/Managing Director till date. This is a company that supplies and distributes pharmaceuticals to its community and hospitals in Lagos State.

A devout and practicing Christian, he gave his life to Christ on March 31, 1991 in The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Akoka. Since then, he has served in various capacities in TREM as House Fellowship Centre Leader, Zonal Leader, Assistant Area Co -coordinator and Financial Secretary/ Treasurer of Caleb Group of the Christian Men Fellowship.

He is currently serving as the Chairman Hospital Visitation Ministry in TREM. He is a member of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and a Treasurer at Ikoyi Pharmacy Community Zone. He has passion for contributing to his community, and often assists in reaching out to orphans, the fatherless and widows in the community.

Periodically, he visits in a group and prays for the sick in hospitals in Lagos, ministering to their spiritual, physical and material needs. He is happily married to his amiable wife Mrs. Roseline Igbokwe and they have 5 children. Deacon Samson Igbokwe is a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Deaconess Roseline Igbokwe was born on November 2, 1965 in Ikoyi, Lagos, and is married to Pharmacist Samson M. Igbokwe.

She is an alumna of Sikkim Manipal University (SMU), Gangtok, India and the University of Lagos (UNILAG); Bsc. in Applied Information Technology, Business Administration and Masters in Business Administration(MBA) from the same institution.

She holds a Certificate of Proficiency in Information Systems Management (CPISM), Advanced Diploma in Systems Engineering (ADSE), Certificate in Strategies for Managing and Collecting Data (LBS) and Certificate in Core Sales Skills (LCT). She worked with Texaco Nigeria Plc as well as Chevron Oil Nigeria Plc as Food Mart Supervisor, Senior Retail Business Consultant, South, and then MRS Oil Nigeria Plc as District Sales Manager, Southwest Nigeria, Credit Control Manager for Nigeria, Aviation Commercial, Retail Sales Manager for Southeast/Southwest Nigeria and Head, Sales & Marketing. Nigeria.

A hard worker with enthusiasm for excellence, in 2006 she won the ‘African Pakistan Global Downstream 2006 Cultural Award, of Customer Facing and Market Focused ’ in Chevron, having executed superior and consistent execution and sales implementation of all programs, processes and systems.

She had focused the department’s organization around achieving the best business financial targets through an agreed set of Profit & Loss control measures in all MRS Oil Nigeria Plc service stations in Nigeria.

She is an ordained minister with The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM): and at various times has held the following positions: Assistant Secretary, Young Women Fellowship; Assistant Secretary, Christian Women Fellowship and Chairman Disciplinary Committee of the Evangel Voices Choir and Team Lead with the Christian Women Fellowship. Deaconess Roseline Igbokwe is also a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

She is blessed with (5) five children. | 27 |

A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

rdsf trustees Pastor (Dr.) Joshua Gbadebo Opadiya is the Senior Pastor of Every Nation Church Sydney, Australia, a worldwide family of churches and ministries.

He is currently serving as the Hub Leader of the Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, Papa New Guinea and Fiji) overseeing the ‘Every Nation churches and ministries in the Oceania region.

Pastor (Dr.) Opadiya previously lectured in the Lagos State University, Nigeria for 6 years, before moving with his family to Innsbruck in Austria where he lived for almost 6 years. Thereafter, the family moved to Sydney Australia in 1999 where together with his wife, Dr. Mrs. Opadiya started the ‘Every Nation Church.

He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the reputable University of Ibadan in Nigeria and holds a doctorate degree in Ecotoxicology from the Technical University, Innsbruck, Austria. Pastor (Dr.) Opadiya has a burden to raise godly leaders and see the nations return to Jesus Christ. He has travelled and ministered in several nations worldwide.

Pastor (Dr.) Opadiya's passion is to connect with young adults and adults alike who are leaders, peacemakers and bridge builders in their colleges, universities and in their communities. His life has been dedicated to this cause, reaching out, equipping, counseling and mentoring. He is also the dean of Every Nation Leadership Institute, a part-time program that is purposefully designed to provide discipleship training and biblical teaching for people from all walks of life. Pastor (Dr.) Opadiya and his wife have been married for 31 years.

They are blessed with children. He is a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Dr. (Mrs.) Yinka Opadiya is a senior pastor with Every Nation Churches and Ministries. Alongside her husband Pastor (Dr) Joshua Opadiya, she oversees the multi-congregational Church organization in Sydney, Australia – a church with members from diverse cultures, age groups and professions.

She is a teacher and motivational speaker with a passion for teaching about God's love and His purpose for humanity. She is also passionate about women and youth ministry; and is committed to mentoring women and young girls.

Her heart-cry is to see ‘the Church’ respond to the Great Commission of ‘making disciples’ and transforming nations. A graduate of the prestigious Universities of Ife and Ibadan in Nigeria, she also holds a Doctorate degree in French (Women Literature) from the University of Innsbruck in Austria. She had worked as a French Lecturer in the Lagos State University and in various schools in Sydney Australia. Dr. (Mrs.) Yinka Opadiya been married for 31 years. They are blessed with children. She is a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Mrs. Ronke Osikoya holds a law degree (LLB) from the University of Lagos and an MBA (1988) from the same University.

She is a Certified Trainer for the Commonwealth Association on Corporate Governance and has facilitated on the Directors course on Corporate Governance.

She is a Management Consultant that co-runs a management consulting firm, Pedion Partnership Limited.

Her values are strongly shaped by her Christian faith and she believes very passionately in supporting the under-privileged, particularly children, which accounts for her involvement with the Foundation.

Mrs. Osikoya is a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation and lives with her husband and 2 sons in Lagos, Nigeria.

THINKING ALOUD | APR - JUN 2018

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rdsf trustees Mrs. Abimbola Komolafe is a devout Christian who was ordained as a Deaconess of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in the year 2000 and as an Assistant Pastor in August 2013. She served as a Coordinator in the Teens ministry of the Resurrection Parish of the RCCG in Lagos where her passion for supporting the education of the less privileged was birthed .

She is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Banker and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

Mrs. Bimbo Komolafe has taken various management, Leadership and professional courses, within and outside Nigeria and is an Alumna of the Lagos Business School. She worked for 9 years in a reputable Merchant Bank in Nigeria and thereafter worked for 20 years with one of the leading Oil and Gas companies in Nigeria. She currently works as a Principal Consultant for Threshold of Trust Nigeria Limited.

Married to Rear Admiral Kehinde Komolafe (Rtd) who is also an Ordained Pastor of the RCCG Nigeria, they are blessed with 3 children. Together with her husband, they are committed to providing financial support to as many less privileged students as they can accommodate. Mrs Bimbo Komolafe is the founder and Executive Secretary of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Rear Admiral Kehinde Komolafe (Rtd), is a highly revered and distinguished military officer who served meritoriously with impeccable records in the Nigerian Navy. He graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1980 and was commissioned as a Naval Officer a year after. Due to his quest for knowledge and passion for competence, he proceeded to study at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he graduated in 1985 with a B.Sc. Degree in Accountancy. He attended several courses nationally and overseas and witnessed consistent career growth during his active years in the military.

Rear Admiral Komolafe is a change agent with a commitment to providing transformational leadership and ensuring realignment of processes, operations, resource and people on various integrated fronts for optimum value creation. He held various sensitive positions in the Navy before his voluntarily retirement from the Service after 35 years of meritorious service. He presently sits on the Board of many prestigious organizations. Beyond his Military career, Rear Admiral Kehinde Komolafe (Rtd.) is a lover of God and a Pastor. He is married to Mrs. Abimbola Komolafe and they are blessed with 3 children.

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success story My Success Story as a beneficiary of the RDSF Education Support and Skills Acquisition program

L

ife was not fair at the beginning of my life, even at birth. My existence in my mum's womb had caused chaos, despair and depression for a single mother since my dad refused the responsibility of her pregnancy. I was born out of wedlock and I never for once enjoyed the fun of having my parents live together.

Trying to survive was difficult and growing up was tough. Thanks to my grandma of blessed memory who helped out and gave me the salient succour of secondary education when I needed it most.

After my secondary school, my grandma could not help me further my education, as she did not have enough to support my education anymore. She tried as much as she could but was unable to.

In spite of all these unpleasant circumstances; I was a young girl who had dreams. I prayed to God to send me a helper who would make my dreams come true - the dreams of becoming great in life, the dream of becoming a University graduate, the dream of standing out, the dream of becoming the best in my field of study.

I had big dreams, but how would I achieve all these when I was financially handicapped? That was the question that was in my heart each time I thought of all the goals I had set for myself. I had no clue how I was going to achieve them and I really needed someone who could sponsor my tertiary education. The situation became tougher after the demise of my grandmother since I was a rejected child by my father whom I know nothing of. I was financially limited in more ways than one.

I felt helpless being an undergraduate student at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Oyo State, since I could no longer afford the payment of my school fees.

Dropping out of school was imminent and that was the only option left for me. All my dreams and hope were dashed; my guardian made it crystal clear that they could no longer afford my tuition fees. I felt disgruntled; I thought my personal ambitions and dreams had been shattered!

Consequently, as a very young lady that has known Christ so early, I already made up my mind never to go into immoralities and frivolities. That same week that I was so preoccupied and enveloped with the thought of dropping out of school, one of the few good friends I have walked in to check on me.

She then called my attention to an NGO that was, and is still, willing to sponsor undergraduates who may not have the financial strength to continue their education. I stared at her thinking such an idea was fantasy. All she could tell me as she tried to convince me was “to give it a try!�

I picked up my phone and searched for the NGO - Rehoboth Dreams Solid Foundation. I read all the requirements and followed the application steps as spelt out on the website and submitted all that was required of me.

THINKING ALOUD | APR - JUN 2018

| 30 |

success story: One day during my first semester at 300 level, I was taken aback when I got an SMS from my bank that Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation (RDSF) had deposited my school fees for the whole session.

I was filled with so much joy and could not help the tears rolling down my cheeks. I thought that was a dream until the payments continued and I graduated from the University before I discovered I was not dreaming at all.

In 2017, I had the privilege to serve in Ogun State, in a polytechnic where I gained a lot of accounting experience. During my service, my friends and I had the opportunity of coaching young stars.

Achieving my dream made me proud, becoming an Accounting graduate was a big dream I had longed for 6 years ago. I was determined, I made sure nothing hindered my success; I fought for my freedom from pain and tears. I made a second class upper out of a class of 500 students.

I was not intimidated or distracted with the things happening on campus.

I remained focused. Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation provided mentorship on my academic performance and followed through.

My dream of becoming a Chartered Accountant is next. The truth is there is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.

I can boldly say that Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation (RDSF) gave me back my joy, dreams and ambitions of being a graduate when the chance of achieving such feat was slim.

“

My dream of becoming a Chartered Accountant is next. The truth is there is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.

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HEALTH Dr. Banke Adenola a Medical Doctor who studied at the Lagos State University where she was awarded the MBBS degree and emerged as the Overall best graduating student of the college of medicine's 10th set of medical graduates. Her one year internship programme was at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja. She completed her National Youth Service Corps Scheme at Department of State Services Clinic, Calabar, Cross River State. Amongst her notable achievements during her service year was introduction of regular Paediatric clinic for the staff and their dependents; and monthly health awareness programme for Officers and men of the Command. She worked briefly with O & I Health Care Limited, Calabar. She currently works with a private hospital in Ifako, Lagos State. She is a devout Christian.

“Y

ou are what you eat” is a common phrase used by a lot of people and is literally true. Take an inventory of what you routinely consume and ask yourself this honest key question “Am I as good as what I eat?” Your diet affects both your body and mind. It plays a major role in how your skin glows and how your mind flows. Eating is not all about satisfying your appetites and numerous cravings but it is also much more about initiating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The human body comprises of cells that make up the tissues; tissues come together to form organs like the heart, lungs, liver, skin and so on. The organs eventually constitute what is called the body systems.

Without healthy nutrition, the cells do not function effectively and efficiently thereby compromising the functions of the organ-system as a whole.

Healthy nutrition, combined with exercise and a healthy lifestyle, is undoubtedly one of the most important components to healthy living, hence the need THINKING ALOUD | APR - JUN 2018

for individuals to maintain a healthy dietary lifestyle.

The quality of food that you consume goes a long way in determining the quality of life you have. I would be discussing some key points that would help you practically understand how to develop a healthy eating lifestyle.

They include: •Consumption of Low Fat Cuisine •Eat more Fresh Fruits and Vegetables •Embrace High Fibre Diet •Mind your Carbohydrate Diet!

•Adequate Water Intake CONSUMPTION OF LOW FAT CUISINE The combination of excess fat on your plates and behind your belts can contribute to disease conditions ranging from angina stemming from blocked arteries to adult onset diabetes mellitus, hence the need to cut back on foods that are high in fat | 32 |

health & fitness especially saturated fats.

By “cut back” I mean you rationing such food into half, or even less, of what you would usually consume.

Examples of high-fat foods include hot-dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, ham, steaks, eggs, ice cream, whole milk, butter. These are not the only foods with high-fat content but many people consume these in large quantities such that they contribute a large chunk to the fat load.

The fun part of this is that you can combine any fruits of your choice.

EMBRACE HIGH FIBRE DIET Until about two decades ago, fibre was considered worthless and incapable of providing any nutritional advantage to the body. Today, things have changed and there is an entirely new perception of the importance of fibre.

Nuts as well as hard cheese, fried potatoes and avocados are also high in fat but most people do not eat them as often as they would a burger and the other foods mentioned above.

Foods enriched with fibre include sustenance grains corn, rice, wheat, bran, millet, barley, oats, rye, beans (specifically, fava beans, chickpea and kidney beans) and so many seeds and nuts.

The American Heart Association recommends that you get no more than 30% of your daily calories from fat. It is more vital to limit your total fat intake than to go about totally forbidding consumption of high fat foods; hence the need to increase your intake of food that have calories and other vital nutrients but don’t have high fat content. Skimmed and low-fat diary product supplies calories as well as other important nutrients with very little fat.

The added advantages a diet rich in FIBRE has to offer include: •Reduction in the level of bad cholesterol in the blood •Prevention of cancers like colorectal cancer •Prevention and treatment of constipation and diarrhea •Reduction in the absorption of calories that you consume

Monounsaturated fat like olive oil and polyunsaturated fat like corn oil both help to lower the total cholesterol and raise HDL (high density lipoprotein), the good cholesterol found in the blood.

EAT MORE FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES The nutritional value and benefits derived from eating fruits and vegetables cannot be overemphasized yet some people see the consumption of fruits and vegetables as punishment and not fun.

Majority of the vitamins derived from this duo bolsters the immune system, which is the defence mechanism of the body against intruders and subtle invaders.

It is no accident that food close to the way nature made them generally have huge health bonuses. One of the numerous advantages that fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins C, E and beta-carotene proffer is the antioxidant properties.

Recent scientific evidence reveals that these vitamins combat free radicals, which are naturally occurring substances that damage body tissues.

One of the numerous fun ways of taking fruits is making them into smoothies; you can never go wrong with a smoothie made from natural products like fruits.

MIND YOUR CARBOHYDRATE DIET! The need to balance our diet essentially stems from the bad effect that excessive consumption of one particular class of food imposes on the body system as a whole. Excessive consumption of carbohydrate-based diet can culminate into excessive weight gain and its associated disease conditions.

ADEQUATE WATER INTAKE The healthiest liquid your body needs is WATER! It regulates your body temperature and removes waste product that you do not need. According to research findings, it is a kind of therapy that helps natural health.

Water cushions your joints and also protects vital organs. Therefore, cultivate the healthy habit of drinking water first thing in the morning, during or after meals, before going to bed and not only when you are thirsty. An average adult is required to take between 2-3 litres of water daily. To stay healthy, there is a need to take adequate water.

Now that you know the immense impact the food you consume has on your body and quality of life, this should spur you into making healthy choices and cultivating healthy eating habits.

Today, make it your top priority to eat healthy so as to stay healthy.

“

The healthiest liquid your body needs is WATER!

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health & fitness

FITNESS T

he Co-Creators of the Safari Fitness Team, Trisha & Akin Maja started the business in 2010 using a simple method of easy to follow dance steps set to great music of which 70% are afrobeat and 30% other genres creating a party atmosphere. They do not expect professional dancers; the order is to simply keep moving, they say - ‘Safari is for everyone’.

The Safari team shares that dancing is good for your health as it helps with coordination, balance, stamina, memory, flexibility, and fitness.

Dancing releases endorphins, the feel good hormones that lift your mood and self-esteem, consequently relieving stress. Safari Fitness promotes all these factors and more through their dance fitness programme.

The Safari fitness team shares the following additional benefits of dancing: 1. Dancing burns almost as many calories as jogging and it's double fun.

2. Dancing is safe as it can be done slowly at the individual’s own pace.

3. Dancing can be done anywhere; it can also be done bare-footed so you don't need expensive gym gear.

4. Dancing is a great exercise that helps to lower blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.

5. Dancing helps to increase flexibility and fluidity of your body.

6. Dancing has also been shown to improve memory and helps the body to age more gracefully.

THINKING ALOUD | APR - JUN 2018

Safari Fitness is now on a global scale as they joined forces with their European partner Oumar Camara with classes now held in Belgium, France, UK, Uganda and Nigeria with Kenya coming soon.

Currently they hold Private, Corporate and Group Exercise Classes across Lagos Nigeria with their IREP Certificated Instructors and members of GEP, Guild of Wellness and Fitness Professionals of Nigeria, of which Trisha Maja is the Vice president and Akin Maja Communication Officer.

For further information please contact Safari Manager Blessing Kuje on +2347038263715

“

You can dance any time. Focus on moving when doing chores during commercials, after you wake up, in the kitchen while cooking or when washing the car. Take 20 minutes to just dance around your compound and make it your lifestyle. You need it!”

– Trisha M.

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what is in your hands?

Simisola Okai holds a Masters’ degree in Journalism and is a Producer for Turning Point International and loves to spend time with her family and friends.

I

n a social media world full of comparison, it is so easy to get lost in what other people are doing, what other people have and you don’t. It may be material possessions like money, a house, or a car; or it could be a relationship, a spouse, or a job you desperately want. The Bible says in Proverbs 18:16, “your gift will make room for you.” Not someone else’s gift. Your gift.

What is important to know is that most people post the highlights of their life on Instagram and Facebook, yet somehow we as a society fall into the trap of comparing others ’ best with our worst. Here is my word of advice for you; stop comparing, because comparison is a thief.

It will steal your joy, it will rob you of contentment, it will drain your energy and reduce your productivity.

Instead look at what is in your hands, the gifts God has already given you and take the time to celebrate those things.

The late Dr. Myles Munroe, whom I had the privilege of meeting, once said, “If you're a young person in high school or college who is planning your career, don't do what people say will make you a lot of money. Do what you were born to do, because that is where you will make your money. No matter how big the world is, there's a place for you in it when you discover and manifest your gift. ” It is amazing how you will discover the treasures already stored within you when you stop focusing on what you don’t have and instead focus on your God-given talents. For example, maybe you didn’t graduate at the top of your class. Instead of feeling defeated about it, concentrate on the subjects that you did well in and pour your energy into strengthening them.

Maybe you scored low in mathematics because putting numbers together is not one of your strengths. Don ’t despair; it is just a sign that you were not meant to be an accountant. That ’s OK. It doesn’t make you a failure; it just makes you all the wiser for knowing what you are not naturally gifted in.

So instead of feeling low about your friend that just posted about their acceptance into medical school, remember how you won first prize in that art contest? Focus on what you are gifted in and develop that. The gift that God has given to you is what will make room for you. | 35 |

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special feature I know for me, I was on the law school track during my early schooling years and enrolled in political science, law and government classes, thinking that was what I needed to do in order to have a stable, well -paying job.

The only problem with that career path was I found myself falling asleep in class and getting average grades during my exams. Even though my true passion was writing, reading literature, and being involved in the creative arts, I tried to force myself to conform to what the world deemed as successful.

After much soul searching and guidance from my school counsellor, I realized that I loved to write, and I enjoyed the art of storytelling. I made a big step at the end of my first year of college to change my major from Political Science to English Literature and Writing.

I chose to study something I loved, even though I had no clue how that was going to lead to a career. Dr. Myles Munroe also said something that has proved true in my own life. He said: “It is interesting to note that the Bible does not say that a man's education makes room for him, but that his gift does. The world won't move over for you just because you're smart. However, when you exercise your gift, not only will the world make room for you, but it will also pay you for it. ” It was a radical choice for me to make the switch from Law and Political Science to English Literature and Writing, yet somehow I knew I needed to be faithful with the gifts God had already given me. Today, I am so glad I chose to cultivate my gifts, because I am so fulfilled in the career path that I am on now.

I am a TV presenter and producer, and recently published my very first book, Waiting For The Ice Cream Man. God has opened incredible doors for me and done as Proverbs 18: 16 says, “brought me before great men”, all because I chose to use the gifts that was He had placed in my hands.

So I ask you this question, what is in your hands? I challenge you to develop what God has already given you and watch Him use your talents to bless the world around you. Remember the parable of the talents from Matthew 25? The person who was given only two talents didn ’t complain that he didn’t have the five that the other person had.

He put the two that he had to great use and doubled the little he had. Therefore his master said, “well done good and faithful servant.” However, the person that was given only one talent did nothing with it and was called “lazy and wicked” by his master.

The lesson here is if you don’t use your gift and spend all of your time comparing it to others, or complaining that it is not enough, you will lose the little that you do have. Matthew 13:12 says, “ For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

Even if what you have is very little, thank God for giving it to you and start putting it to use. Start with whatever He has placed in your hands and watch God multiply it to bless many. So please do me a favor, and open both of your hands towards heaven. Declare Psalm 90:17 as a prayer over your life: “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us yes, establish the work of our hands.”

THINKING ALOUD | APR - JUN 2018

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book excerpt “

In a world where sexual expression is the norm and abstinence is unpopular, “Waiting For The Ice Cream Man: How I Found True Love Through The Power of A Simple Prayer” is author Simisola Okai's personal journey through chastity, courtship, and marriage. With honesty and wit, Simisola uncovers her tale of coming to faith, waiting on God for a spouse, and ultimately finding her fairytale love. Through her story, you will uncover the unshakeable truth that God is the ultimate matchmaker and the author of true romance.

- Amazon.com

Waiting For The Ice Cream Man: How I Found True Love Through The Power of A Simple Prayer

By Simisola Okai Prologue – Worth The Wait I believe there are a million other people like me who have struggled with one of the most painful, yet necessary, elements to life: waiting. I must write this story, my story, just as it is.

wanted to show me that I didn’t have to have those things in my life to be complete. I had to learn to be at peace and be content with the woman I was becoming, without the approval of another man. God’s approval was the only opinion that truly mattered.

If you would like to read the book, it is available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Noble.com and other major online outlets and bookstores in America, Australia, UK, Canada, Europe, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Russia, South Korea, China and India.

I cannot help but feel that God wants to create something beautiful out of the pain I have experienced through waiting; more specifically, my journey of waiting for my husband.

God works all things together for good, and I know that my case is no different. Through my journey, I came to the realization that the wait was not about getting; it was not about obtaining the ultimate prize of a husband.

The wait had a purpose; the wait was part of the process. It was part of the work God was doing in me.

He allowed it to continue so I could learn, through personal experience, something beautiful about His character. It was painful for me to wait, and to hope, for something I had no evidence would come to pass. During my single years, I asked myself, “Who will I be if not a wife and a mother?”

I was scared to find out, scared to imagine a life without my husband by my side. Looking back, I think God | 37 |

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POETRY CORNER To not only seek love from somewhere else or someone else, But what a joy it would be to be able find it in the outer and inner corners of ourselves To find that same love we express to others and willingly express that love towards our own minds and bodies.

Like trees dancing in the wind, loving others flows so easily.

Its scary to believe that such love could spring forth from one being Can this love even carry on to spreading out to oneself?

Is this love affectionate or familiar?

Could it simply just be embracing self-love?

Is this love within or is it from an outer source?

When did it become a necessity to love oneself?

Voices; inner and outer screaming The craving for affirmation causing conflicts in the comprehension of true self love Swimming through a whirlpool of insecure lies The constant tug and pull of the heart and mind The curious mind forming words and thoughts So many unrelenting notions Darkness seeping into the mind Not a want but a yearning to escape from the bewilderment

Bringing forth a love hidden in the deepest corners of oneself.

A love where reassurance from outside is not a necessity.

A love that fills ones soul with light.

Oh yes how wonderful it truly is to be able to love yourself A love that simultaneously opens up your heart and mind Allowing you to treasure The colour of your skin, The shape of your eyes, The gentleness of your spirit, The intelligence of your mind, The sound of your own voice And, The intricacy of your refined moral constructs.

A moment of serenity I stare at my reflection and I am in awe of the radiating beauty in front of me Its exists in the outer and inner core of my being My soul sings a song of joy and my mind is finally free to know, The art of loving.

A crack in the window Something creeps in Light; a gentle and pure force not to be reckoned with.

Carefully cracking, it opens just a little bit more It whispers something gentle and sweet 'hold on take a deep breath' Even when the night falls and the whispers come in, It’s a battle of the mind.

Hold on to that light, You’re almost there - the light will guide you Didn’t anybody ever tell you reformation takes time?

As a caterpillar breaks free from its cocoon, Only to come out in the form of its true self Oh! to be free like a butterfly A freedom only sustainable through a journey The mind bending through a delicate journey, filled with tears from the highs and lows Freedom where light flourishes in

THINKING ALOUD | APR - JUN 2018

Angelique Opadiya is a motivated and vivacious individual who recently completed a 3-year bachelor degree in Psychology from Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia. Her love for writing started when she was 11 years old and she uses it as an outlet to express her thoughts on personal life experiences.

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PERSONAL INFORMATION: Title:_______________ First Name:__________________________________________________________________ Last Name:________________________________________________________________________________________ Occupation:________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Email Address:____________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone number:_______________________________________________________________________________

Please tick your preferred option and notify RDSF using the contact details below: ADOPT A STUDENT SCHEME: Under this scheme, the prospective sponsor will work with the Foundation to identify an indigent student who will be adopted and sponsored for the full academic program. The sponsor can choose to be anonymous or decide to meet the beneficiary. Under this scheme, the sponsor will be provided with periodic updates of the beneficiary’s academic performance.

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Please add the transfer reference ‘RDSFTA2018’.

Account name: Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation Bank: First Bank Nigeria Account Number: 2015884815 Sort Code: 011152442

CONTACT US: Please contact us for any assistance or additional information to aid your sponsorship or donation.

Phone: Call RDSF on +2348079407057 Email: Scan and send the completed form to rehobothdream@gmail.com Post: Return the completed form to P O Box 51843, Falomo-Lagos, Nigeria. | 39 |

A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

THINKING ALOUD | APR - JUN 2018

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t o be co n t in ue d. . .

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A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE