Rabbi Yehudah’s Return to Nigeria in
2013
Shalom dear
family, friends, associates and fellow ministers of Torah and Messiah,
Greetings in
the Name of Yeshua our Messiah,
A little
over three years ago I was contacted by a man who changed my life. That man was
the late Rabbi Ukahson of Nigeria Africa, man from the Igbo tribe that resides there,
who gave me a Macedonian call to come and minister to the Messianic and Natsari
believers in Nigeria. The evil one threw
every obstacle in my way to prevent me from going. Needless to say he did not
win. As a result of going to Nigeria, I have never been the same since. I have made two trips thus far to the place in
Nigeria they call Igboland to hold conferences with leader and laymen alike as
well as to distribute Judiaca items and Messianic and Natsari literature to
help cultivate and grow this band of Torah obedient followers of Messiah. While
there ministering among them I had the humble surprise and privilege to be made
a chief within their tribe. I was given the title; “Odum Biara Ana Igbo Nwanne
Di Uto” Which means, “The Lion who came to Igboland is a Sweet Brother.” My
Igbo name is “Tochukwu” which has the same meaning as my Hebrew name, Yehudah
which means, “Praise God.”
While there ministering
to the various congregations in city and bush I was privileged to meet a few
paramount rulers as well as a King over them all whom are also believers. While
speaking with the rulers and the elders I was heard and began to investigate
and later substantiated their claims of being a portion of the Israeli lost
tribe of Gad which I have compiled into a book called “Finding Gad: The Quest
for the Lost Tribe of Gad,” which can be found at our website: www.abrahamsdescendants.com . I
am presently continuing my research and I am finding evidence that seems to
include Levitical and Zebulonite blood within the Igbo as well. I am also
finding much more overwhelming cultural evidence that links the Igbo people to
Israel. Thus I am plan on expanding my present book about the Hebraic
connection of the Igbo to Israel.
I have also
attended and spoke about their Hebraic origins to their World Igbo Congress
that’s held annually in North America and have been warmly received and invited
back to speak again this year. However, due to the untimely death of Rabbi Ukahson,
I have not been back to Nigeria since 2011. Therefore with all the work I have
been doing since by visits and with all the Igbos I have meet online who live
in Igboland, I must return to continue to help teach and train up leaders and
laity in Torah and in Messiah to perpetuate this movement as well as continue
my research into their tribal roots as sons and daughters of Jacob.
In the past,
Rabbi Ukahson has taken care of all my expenses while in Nigeria. However, with
him gone I will have to be sure my way while there is secured. With the obtaining
of the visa, purchasing the plane ticket and making sure I have sufficient funds
to sustain me while I am there I will need approximately $8000 US dollars. I
have taken temporary and odd jobs to try and raise the funds myself. To donate,
or to get some ideas on how to raise money for the missions trip please visit
this link for more information: http://www.abrahamsdescendants.com/donate.html
To learn
more about the Igbo and the work being done in Nigeria please visit the “Tribe
of Gad” tab and its subtabs on our website: www.abrahamsdescendants.com
I also
deeply covet your prayers. Nigeria can be a dangerous place, so much so that my
host issued me body guards and police escorts while there. Nigeria is also rife with witchcraft and it
has been forged against me in the past, so pray for my protection and spiritual
strength. Also keep my family’s safety
in your prayers as I will be away from them for weeks at a time. This is emotionally
draining and I ask you pray for my strength in that respects, for at times I
become very homesick for my family. Pray as well for physical my strength, for
sleep does not come easy and the itinerary is hectic and full, not to mention
many insect and food borne illnesses can occur there as well as having to adapt
to the heat and humidity. Finally,
please pray for the success and accomplishment of a GOD has for me to do over there
for His Glory.
A date has
not been set as of yet, though I expect to return likely in the fall. I also need
to find a trustworthy host that is competent to make all the necessary
arrangements as well as schedule the itinerary for me before I get there. I am hoping to go with a dear Igbo friend of
mine who lives stateside, Rabbi Gavriel Ogugua. I pray he can come as well.
Thank you
for your love, prayers and support.
Shalom,
-
Rabbi
Yehudah (Tochukwu) ben Shomeyr
