Published on October 26, 2016 by Kristen Padilla  
Kwashi

Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi of Jos, Nigeria, who was almost killed by the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, will give three lectures for Beeson Divinity School’s annual Reformation Heritage Lectures Nov. 1–3 at Samford University.

Twice Kwashi escaped death at the hands of Boko Haram in 2006 and 2007. In 2006, more than 40 men came to his home to kill him. When they didn’t find him home, they brutalized his wife, Gloria, and left her for dead. Since then, Kwashi and his wife have been very outspoken about the cruelty of Boko Haram, even making global news in 2014 for criticizing those in the British media who said Boko Haram was caused by poverty, not religion.

In addition to his role as archbishop, Kwashi is chairman of the international Anglican mission agency SOMA (Sharing of Ministries Abroad). In 2003, he was given the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger.

Kwashi will lecture on the impact of the Reformation on Africa, African preaching and persecution.

On Tuesday, Nov. 1, Beeson Divinity School also will welcome world-renowned vocal artist Wintley Phipps, founder of the U.S. Dream Academy, to present special music during the first day of the lectures.

All lectures will take place in Hodges Chapel at 11 a.m., and are free and open to the public. The lectures will also be streamed live at YouTube.com/BeesonDivinity.  

Kristen Padilla is marketing and communication coordinator for Beeson Divinity School.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 5,791 students from 49 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.