Anthony Obinna facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Anthony Obinna |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | Anthony Uzodimma Obinna April 15, 1928 Umuelem Enyiogugu, Aboh Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria |
| Died | August 25, 1995 (aged 67) |
| Spouse(s) | Fidelia Njoku |
| Parents | Obinna Ugochukwu (father) |
Anthony Uzodimma Obinna (born April 15, 1928 – died August 25, 1995) was a very important person in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nigeria. He was the first person from Nigeria to join the Church. He was born in a place called Umuelem Enyiogugu, in Aboh Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria.
Contents
Early Life and Faith
Anthony Obinna grew up in a family that followed traditional local beliefs. But when he was young, he decided to become a Christian. He later became a school teacher, helping children learn and grow.
A Special Dream
In 1965, something amazing happened to Anthony. He had a special dream, or "vision," where he saw beautiful rooms inside a wonderful building. Six years later, in 1971, he was reading a magazine called Reader's Digest. To his surprise, he saw a picture of the exact building from his dream! He learned it was the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Finding the Church
Anthony quickly contacted the Church headquarters to learn more. They sent him books and information. At that time, the Church told him they did not have plans to send missionaries to Nigeria. Missionaries are people who travel to teach others about the Church.
Building a Community
Even without missionaries, Anthony Obinna did not give up. He started an unofficial group of people who were interested in the Church. They met together and learned about the Church, waiting for the day they could officially join.
A New Beginning
A big change happened in the Church in June 1978. After a significant change in Church policy that allowed all worthy male members to hold the priesthood (a special authority to serve in the Church), leaders were eager to share the Church's message more widely.
In November 1978, missionaries from the Church finally came to Nigeria. Anthony Obinna and many others who had been waiting were baptized as members. Right after his baptism, Anthony was given the priesthood and became a priest. He was also chosen to be the branch president. A branch president is like a local leader who helps guide the Church members in their area. Anthony Obinna is believed to be the first black person to serve as a branch president in the Church, and definitely the first in Africa. His own brothers were called to help him as his counselors in the branch leadership.
Family and Legacy
After Anthony received the priesthood, he baptized his wife, Fidelia. She also became a leader, serving as the first black Relief Society president in Africa. The Relief Society is a worldwide organization for women in the Church. In 1989, Anthony and Fidelia were sealed together in the Logan Utah Temple. Being "sealed" means that families can be together forever, even after this life.
