T. Victor Erekosima, Ph.D.

Members of the International Christian Host Coalition (ICHC), Together In Ministry International (TIM) and the Capital Region National Day of Prayer (CRNDP) pause to remember . . .

A man who walked with vision and purpose

Dr. Erekosima was a grandson of a King on his mother's side and his father was a High Chief who gave up his position because of his Christian faith. That heritage was passed down to his son, Victor.

In his home country of Nigeria, he was a revolutionary leader during the Nigerian Civil War. He was in charge of the media and established special forces. He was held under house arrest for two years and suffered graciously for his convictions. Later, Erekosima was to be at the forefront of the reconciliation of the Nigerian people.

At age 20, he arranged for a scholarship, boarded a ship and 6 months later was in Rochester, NY, where he studied and received an undergraduate degree in political science, graduating Cum Laude. He received two MS degrees, one from UCLA and the other from Catholic University. He returned to Nigeria to became one of the foremost educators in Africa. His passion was to show persons he touched to work together in harmony. Then in the mid-1980's, he came back to the United States to earn a Ph.D. Degree in Human Performance Engineering.

Our beloved colleague

Dr. Erekosima served faithfully since the early 1990's as affiliate, board member, secretary, chairman of the board and liaison for his pastor, Rev. Dr. Stephen Gyermeh of the Church of the Living God. He was a faithful and dedicated member who loved his church

In life, Dr. Erekosima walked among us as an example of Ephesians 4:2-3: "Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each others faults because of your love. Try always to be led along together by the Holy Spirit, and so be at peace with one another."

He Declared and Proclaimed

Dr. Erekosima declared and proclaimed the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

What he believed and imparted to us

Truths which enhance scriptural unity

To continually develop a forgiving spirit.
Promote healing among sinners and Christians alike though forgiveness. (Ephesians 4:32)
Clear the record of those who offend us and transfer the responsibility for any consequences, correction or punishment to God.
Excuse or pardon everyone in spite of their short comings or errors.
Release anger, it must go if you want God's presence.
Pray for your offenders. Prayer is the way to connect with God. It helps us see our offenders as God sees them. We release Gods Mercy and Grace in the situation.
God entrusts us believers with the responsibility to demonstrate Christ Love.
Share Christ's love and create a presence for God.

Our beloved prophet/scribe

NDP 2008 Photo 375

Dr. T. Victor Erekosima strengthened the foundation of Together In Ministry International. He captured and penned key points of our Vision:

We are all part of one body...
The church is to be manifested in its multi-cultural, non-denominational, cross generational and unified diversity:
Bonding further together within itself
Reaching out to others yet committed and un-reached
Together we overcome the kingdoms of this world in a decided spiritual warfare.

The concept of a coalition with the name ICHC is founded. The name completes the organizations characterization as working in a team fashion with no other head or distracting hierarchy of officialdom but Christ. ICHC activities enable each participant to merge in binding love their special gifts (oh, how we value these precious gems of the Holy Spirits out working in each belier out of ) Africa, China, Korea, India, the Caribbean, the Spanish speaking nations, America and elsewhere, so that always God alone is glorified.

(Quoted from the writing of Dr. T. Victor Erekosima.)

August 2008 TIM Meeting

This was the first TIM meeting with Dr. Victor Erekosima watching from the grandstands in heaven cheering us on.

The special effect during the service was to see people from every kingdom and tribe worshipping God freely and enthusiastically. There were representatives from Africa, India, China, Korea, The Caribbean, South America, Central America, African Americans and Anglos making a spiritual mosaic representing their countries and cultures as they worshiped, prayed, interacted and listened to what was being said.

The participation of the Hispanic pastors and the fellowship and brotherly attitude exhibited by their two main leaders: Dr. Rafael Guevara and Pastor Carlos Peñalosa sealed the spiritual sense of the moment. The air we were breathing was perfumed by unity, thus manifesting the spirit of Reconciliation which was at the center of Dr. Erekosima's way of life; and nothing would have given him more joy and pleasure than seeing this great harmony among the brethren. God is doing a mighty thing in our midst and we are live witnesses to it. Therefore, we must cleanse our minds, hearts and thoughts, so that we are useful vessels for the miraculous manifestation of the Spirit of God in our sphere of influence.

Embracing the Challenge

The challenge of his legacy is for us to continue praying, worshiping and exalting our Lord and Savoir united in humility and peace. His life encourages us to continue pressing on, so that we may please our Lord in all we do, especially in our relations among ourselves. Let us break any barrier that prevents us from being united.

May we be filled with His love and His peace!
AMEN.

A Tribute to Dr. T. Victor Erekosima
On behalf of ICHC Board,
Dr. Corinthia R. Boone, Founder and President

Images provided by Sam Brown, Studio III Photography, 301-910-1692

International Christian Host Coalition | PO Box 92765 | Washington, DC 20090-2765 | 202-526-1760 | www.ichcndp.org