Community Pillars Of The South Bronx: Rev John & Pastor Felicia Udo-Okon

By Oyiza Adaba, New York

**“Feeding Souls & Bodies”** - Rev. John & Felicia Udo-Okon of Word of Life International in front of their South Bronx location in New York. (Photo by Africa-Related)

The Nigerian-born hosts, Rev. John and Rev. Felicia Udo-Okon have been serving the spiritual, physical and social needs of the underserved South Bronx community for over 20 years through their ministry Word of Life International. They conduct food pantry, social and medical outreach programs.

REV. JOHN UDO-OKON

Rev. (Dr.) John Udo-Okon is the Senior Pastor at Word Of Life Christian Fellowship International, Inc. , Bronx, New York and the Executive Director, Word Of Life International, Inc., a community outreach and development corporation based in the South Bronx of New York City. Rev. Udo-Okon together with his wife, Rev. Felicia Udo-Okon has devotedly worked with his congregation to fight hunger and poverty in New York City. Thousands of New Yorkers are served monthly at their program. He is an Executive Fellow, Class of 2007-2008 of the Nonprofit Leadership Development Institute of the United Way of New York City. In 2008, he completed Executive Leadership Certificate program at Support Center For Nonprofit Management, New York, New York. In 2010, Rev. Udo-Okon also completed the Mentoring Supervision Training with Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City. His organization, Word Of Life International, Inc. has become a beacon of hope in the Bronx continually finding ways to provide meaningful services that sustain lives and support independent and productive living.

REV. FELICIA UDO-OKON

Rev. (Mrs.) Felicia Udo-Okon serves as Co-pastor, Word Of Life Christian Fellowship International, Inc. and the Director Of Food and Fitness Program, Word Of Life International, Inc. For over 20 years, she has worked alongside her husband, Rev. (Dr.) John Udo-Okon in both the formation and development of the two organizations. Word of Life International, Inc. serves an average of 8,000 household members every month.

Rev. (Mrs.) Udo-Okon has contributed immensely and in various capacities to the mission and development of Word Of Life International Inc. She has consistently proved to be an enthusiastic worker and team leader who has initiated and participated in a number of initiatives that have greatly impacted the lives of our clients and community residents. The mission of Word Of Life International, Inc. is to provide short and long term support that enhances self-sufficiency to poor and low-income families especially women, children, veterans, the elderly, immigrants, and the unemployed in the South Bronx and its surrounding neighborhoods. Its program services include among others: Community Food Pantry, senior wellness program, fitness program, health outreach, nutrition training, benefit enrollment/ referrals, and youth development programs.