It had been three months since Grace Ogbonna’s children had seen their father, Uche. He had left their home in Nigeria to attend university in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. In September 2024, the night before Grace and her three children boarded their trans-Atlantic flight to join Uche in Canada, they chatted excitedly with him by telephone. The future was filled with promise.
Upon landing in Montreal, Grace was puzzled when Uche did not respond to their calls and messages. There was still no word from him after another flight took the Ogbonnas to Moncton. Isolated, confused, and sick with worry, Grace spent a sleepless night in a hotel with her children.
An Unimaginable Trial
Two stressful days passed before Grace learned the shocking news: while she and her children were flying across the Atlantic, Uche had suffered a brain aneurysm and died alone in his apartment. Grace, Jesse (age 13), Henry (11), and Sharon (8) were isolated in a new country, grief-stricken by their devastating loss.
A longtime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Grace had stopped attending church as an adult. Although Uche was not baptized, he had worked for the Church and developed close relationships with Church leaders throughout Nigeria. Grace’s Latter-day Saint family members had continuously encouraged her to return to church activity, and her father urged her to find the Church as soon as they arrived in Moncton. But steeped in grief, with just enough strength to enroll the children in school, Grace spent from September to March depressed, withdrawn, and physically ill. She never did reach out to the Moncton ward.
Instruments in God’s Hands
As Grace’s faraway family prayed for her and her children, kind strangers were inspired to help lift their burdens. Upon learning that the university would not refund Uche’s tuition funds, a knowledgeable person contacted Grace. They offered specific advice that enabled her to enroll as a graduate student and apply Uche’s funds to her own tuition. However, the next semester wouldn’t begin for several months.
Separated from relatives and friends, the family continued to struggle with their overwhelming grief. Then, another person who learned of the family’s situation generously provided return tickets for Grace, Jesse, Henry, and Sharon to fly back to Nigeria to spend a few healing months with their family members.
After feeling so alone in her despair, Grace began to realize that Heavenly Father had answered the prayers of her family and friends. She recognized that these two helpful people had been prompted by the Holy Ghost to serve her and her children. She was reminded that when we commit ourselves to following the words of King Benjamin, we become instruments in God’s hands. “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17).
The Lord Leads Us Back
Their months with loved ones in Nigeria brought the comfort and assurance that the Ogbonnas needed for their fresh start in Canada. Grace felt renewed strength and inner peace, assured that no matter where she was, the Lord would be with her. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”(Matthew 11:28).
Blessings continued to flow for Grace and her children when they returned to Canada in July 2025 and settled in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She promised her father that they would find the Church as soon as they arrived. Grace and the children took time from a shopping trip during their first week in Fredericton to walk to the chapel. The building was locked, but standing outside the doors, as if waiting for them, were two missionaries. Only moments before, they had been inspired to change their plans and drive to the chapel. They all eagerly exchanged information, and Grace assured the elders that the family would attend church that Sunday.
After several weeks of studying with the missionaries and attending church with their mother, Jesse, Henry, and Sharon were baptized. Fully committed to living the gospel, the Ogbonnas now look forward to completing Uche’s temple work and being sealed as an eternal family in the Halifax Temple. As they valiantly press forward, they continue to demonstrate to others that life’s trials can be met and overcome through prayer and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Press Forward, Saints, With Steadfast Faith in Christ
Sometimes when our lives are running smoothly, we take our blessings for granted. But trials are inevitable, and how we meet those trials becomes a test. The scriptures remind us of where to turn when we are troubled. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).
Jesus Christ is our source of strength when we feel inadequate to meet life’s challenges. “And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions” (Mosiah 24:14).
Decades ago, I heard Elder Hugh B. Brown of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, then well into his 80s, deliver an inspiring talk that ended with his stated hope that he would be able to endure to the end. I wondered what could possibly overwhelm or tempt this spiritual man at this late stage in his life. But today, at age 82, I understand that as mortal beings, we are always subject to trials and tribulations. We must hold to the iron rod and rely on the Saviour. His example is our road map; His promise is sure.
“Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life” (2 Nephi 31:20).