After his return from America, Jonathan got married to Dinah Ekong. He moved around as a missionary with her and their children
Serving God has been a lifestyle for his children. His son Hosea, is a pastor of Lutheran Church in Ohio . Here is a recollection of his father, Jonathan Udo Ekong Ndem.
My name is Hosea Jonathan Udo Ekong, a Lutheran Pastor and fourth son of Jonathan Udo Ekong. My father was born in Afaha Ibesikpo in 1881. Both of his parents were heathens. They worshipped idols made of clay and wood. At birth, he was named, “Oyop Idem” which means, “sacred palm” because an important native event involving the oil palm tree took place on that day.
My grandfather was named Udo Ekong Ndem, and his father was named Ndem Ekping. He was the head Chief of the Iniobong tribe. As was the custom at that time, he married several wives, and consequently had a lot of children.
According to Chieftaincy protocol, my father was next in line to become a chief. However, he had to turn it down because he was a Lutheran minister. He couldn’t see himself as Pastor, making sacrifices, some involving human sacrifices, and performing other heathen practices.
My father’s life is absolutely fascinating. How does the son of heathen parents find his life so turned around, he would be seeking the church that preaches unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ- for himself and his people? Only by the grace of the Almighty God. Not surprising because in some my father’s interviews, he called his journey, ‘Footprints of God’. God by his grace, would direct and guide Jonathan Udo Ekong’s life so he becomes the ‘venerable patriarch of the Gospel’ of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Dr. Victor Jonathan Udo Ekong, the fifth son of Rev. Dr. Jonathan Udo Ekong was a committed member of the Mother Church in Afaha Ibesikpo and a strong supporter of his father’s work.
Victor’s son Jonathan Jnr, remembers Victor telling him how he used to carry Papa’s hymn books and Bible while following him around for his missionary work. He remembered his father being very dedicated and religious.
His daughter, Deaconess Dorcas Umoffia, served as the chairperson of Lutheran Church of Nigeria Women Fellowship (LCNWF) and is still attending the churches at both Enwe street, Uyo and Afaha Ibesikpo. Here is her recollection of her father, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Udo Ekong.
Ete Jonathan Udo Ekong, Papa my father was a kindhearted, caring, loving, compassionate father. He loved all his children and cherished his grandchildren. He was unassuming. As a daughter, I did not know he was a great man, He was full of humility.
He cared for his siblings. His youngest brother was very dear to him. At our compound, our two houses, with the same design and standing adjacent had memories of the two brothers. When they come back from work, one will stroll to the other’s house and share they would their experiences for the day. His youngest sister Mma Jenny Udo Ekong Ndem doted on him a lot. She was always bringing farm items from her farm. We loved going to her house.
His sons were all educated his first son being Headmaster, another a vet officer Ernest Jonathan trained at Vom in Jos, another a war veteran Ita Jonathan and the last two Rev Hosea Jonathan Ekong and the last late Dr. Victor Ekong and last but not least Deac. Dorcas Umoffia.
His brother, Chief Effiong Udo Ekong MBE had11 children of which Prof Donald Ekong (late) was one of them, Prof. Christy Ekong a neurosurgeon in Canada, Late Ambassador Joe Ekong, Engr. Ibanga Ekong who Papa shared many of his experiences with and other distinguished accomplished sons and daughters.
Mma Jenny, Jonathan’s sister had a son Obong S.S. Ndem, a business man of no means measure. He was chairman of Lutheran Laymen League in Nigeria.
Papa Jonathan had a good voice. One of his favorite songs was JUST AS I AM WITHOUT ONE PLEA. That was the last song we sang together in the hospital. He was able to sing the six verses.
Jonathan Udo Ekong, ‘Ete John’ loved his wife and they had a peaceful marriage till death
There was a great man, a trusted friend, secretary who worked with Jonathan Udo Ekong. His name was Nyong Etim Udo. He was the custodian of records and who communicated with on all matters. Information between America and Uyo passed through him, note everything was on telegraph.
He is one man to be greatly commended because otherwise there were occasions he would have pulled out and abandon the whole program. He is a man to be honored. He comes from Nung Udoe, Uyo.
We will not forget Madam Ubaha Anwa Ekwere, the patriarch‘s mother. she brought stability and good counseling by advising the son to seek permission from his father before giving the land. Yes, he was given the land but he took permission from the father before he gave to the missionary for the building of the mother church, in Afaha. She was like Mary the mother of Jesus, saw him off at Aba on his way to Port Harcourt.
Here are the names of all his children:
Nko Jonathan Udo Ekong
Essien Jonathan Udo Ekong (Headmaster)
Ita Jonathan Udo Ekong
Edem (Ernest) Jonathan Udo Ekong
Atim Jonathan Udo Ekong
Arit Jonathan Udo Ekong
Affiong Jonathan Udo Ekong
Hosea Jonathan Udo Ekong
Victor Jonathan Udo Ekong
Dorcas Jonathan Udo Ekong
Comfort Jonathan Udo Ekong