The Founder & Board

Message from the Founder

“My heart’s desire is to be an ambassador of Jesus Christ, to carry the gospel of Jesus Christ to my church, my local community here, my home community in Nigeria, and around the world. I strive daily to:

  • Care for the needs of the homeless and the poor (Isaiah 58:7)

  • Be pure and genuine in caring for orphans and widows (James 1:27)

  • Build up and be a blessing to my city (Proverbs 11:11); and

  • Serve with humility (James 4:10).

I was born and raised in the Baptist Church in Nigeria. I am now privileged in serving with the oldest Mennonite congregation in Southern California (founded in 1903), which today is called “Upland Peace Church.” It looks a little like what heaven will look like—a Nigerian serving a white congregation, now filled by immigrants from Europe; Asians from Indonesia, China, and Taiwan; Mexicans from South and Central America; native Americans; some homeless; and a few “other” people. It is truly a privilege and an honor to work with my home community through the Anabaptist Peace Center.

Rev. Nehemiah (Nemi) Chigoji

A man in business attire sitting at a desk with a laptop, phone, and documents in an office.

Our Advisory Board

We are privileged to have an Advisory Board composed of people who represent a variety of denominations and a broad spectrum of worldwide talent, education, experience and spiritual maturity:

  • Rev. Dr. Reuben Chuga, President, Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Kaduna

  • Sis. Corinne Edington, Chino Brethren in Christ Church; Board Member, Southern California MCC Relief Sale; Former Board Member, West Coast MCC

  • Rev. Dr. Stanley Green, Executive Conference Minister, Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference; Former Executive Director, Mennonite Mission Network (originally from South Africa)

  • Dr. Mathew Krabill, Director of Paris Mennonite Center (grew up as son of missionaries in Ivory Coast)

  • Rev. Dr. Ron Malott, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church of Lathrop, MO; Former Missionary in Nigeria

  • Sis. Nancy Ellis, Board Member of Upland Peace Church (grew up as daughter of missionaries in inner-city St. Louis, MO)

  • Rev. Neville Peterson, retired Pastor; Former
    Missionary in Laos

  • Rev. Silas Yako, Evangelist/ECWA Pastor in
    Kaduna State; Former Missionary in Gambia

Two people standing in front of a Mennon Church USA banner, with one holding a tablet. The woman on the left has short blonde hair, and the man on the right is bald, wearing a black shirt with orange and green accents.