Rishama International's History

May 29, 2014

Inception of Rishama International
Thomas Maijamaa graduated with a master degree in urban ministry at Westminster Theological Seminary. During that summer he and his wife, Hanna, stayed at the home of Steven Modricker. With Steve’s help, Thomas’s vision of a school and orphanage started to become a reality with the foundation of the non-profit organization, Rishama International.

Inauguration service - ECWA Church Keffi
An inauguration service is held to promote the vision to build an orphanage in Keffi Nigeria. During the inauguration service, over 300 children raise their hands when asked if they do not have a mommy or dad. This sparks the vision for building the Rishama International Orphanage and School.

December 21, 2014

July 2015

The Road
A road is constructed that will give access to our property.

Children's Conference
A wonderful day to experience God through prayer and worship with the orphans. They loved it and we enjoyed it together, and God's name was glorified. Praise God!

July 11, 2015

December 19, 2015

Ground Breaking Ceremony
Steven Modricker and Don Jones went to Nigeria to celebrate the purchase of our 5 acre plot of land. We also went to raise awareness and funds so we can start building an
orphanage on this land. $40,000 is raised to purchase 2 acres of land in Jigwada.

Land Cleared

April 2016

November 2016

Fundraising
$27,000 raised to start construction on Girls Hostels, dining facilities and Administration building.

Construction begins

December 9, 2016

December 19, 2016

Children's Conference
Part of what we do is to just spend time with the orphans to experience God through
prayer and worship.

Building
Girls Hostel, Admin Block, Dining Hall Walls

June 12, 2017

July 2017

Fundraising
Raised $52,000 visited to do fundraising in Nigeria and to inspect progress

Roofs completed

August 14, 2017

December 1, 2018

Building dedication and school inauguration
Former President Gen Yakubu Gowon dedicated the buildings and inaugurated the
school on December 1st 2018. What a wonderful event. Raised $72,000 by December.
I can see why everyone loves Dr. Gowon. He really loves the Nigerian people. He called the children up and encouraged them to do well in school and to live for Jesus.

Orphanage
First 20 children came under the came of Rishama put $20,000 down payment on 25 acres of back property to farm for food and income.

February 2019

May 2019

Staff Interviews
Teacher interviews and hiring of 21 full-time staff

School Opening
A total of 210 Children arrived for the opening of the school

September 9, 2019

March 2020

Coronavirus
Praise God no children or staff of Rishama were effected by coronavirus.

FIRST SCHOOL YEAR successfully completed!

June 2020