GAMAID
- July 24, 2025
Restored by Grace: Happiness Effiong Ukpa’s Triumph Through GAMAID
I am Happiness Effiong Ukpa, a 24-year-old student from Uyo. Since 2021, GAMAID Foundation has walked alongside me through seasons of struggle and renewed hope. Before their intervention, I was battling multiple crises at once: severe financial hardship left me hungry and desperate; repeated academic failures in medical school eroded my confidence; and persistent health issues—nail fungus and allergies—added daily discomfort to my burdens. There were nights I lay awake, overwhelmed by the thought of another day without resources, wondering if I could ever recover my footing.
My journey toward help began with a spark of faith. I first heard about God’s Lighthouse Church back in 2017 through my friend’s roommates, but it wasn’t until 2021, when Edima Sunny personally invited me, that the door to real support opened. That invitation became the pivot point in my life: suddenly, I was connected to a community determined to lift me out of despair and into purposeful living.
The assistance I received was both comprehensive and transformative. GAMAID met my most urgent needs with food and upkeep money that kept hunger at bay. They covered my school fees when I was at risk of falling further behind. They provided me with safe shelter—an anchor of stability—as I worked to rebuild my academic standing. Through counseling, they helped me navigate emotional and spiritual wounds. Job support gave me opportunities to earn my own income, bolstering my self-reliance. When my laptop charger broke down, they swiftly supplied a replacement, keeping my studies and creative work on track. Finally, thanks to their creative and professional placements, I secured roles that not only paid well but also expanded my skill set and portfolio.
Over the years, their generosity amounted to tangible milestones: approximately ₦50,000 in upkeep funds between 2021 and 2024; ₦52,000 for school fees in 2023; ₦15,000 for a laptop charger that same year; nearly ₦100,000 earned through paid jobs with UCDS and ACGH in 2022; roughly ₦370,000 from a remote graphic design position since 2024; and about ₦80,000 through creative roles at UCDS in 2025. Each sum was a lifeline, and each opportunity a stepping stone toward independence.
The impact of GAMAID’s support has been nothing short of profound. Their love and provision healed deep emotional wounds and taught me the meaning of authentic community. I formed lasting bonds with fellow believers, growing in empathy and relational intelligence as we shared meals, prayers, and dreams. Professionally, I honed my creative talents—graphic design, content creation, and more—building a portfolio that reflects both skill and conviction. Spiritually and personally, I emerged stronger, more responsible, and filled with hope.
It has now been four years of uninterrupted, Christ-like love. Words cannot fully express my gratitude to GAMAID Foundation and to God, who has used them as vessels of grace. My prayer is that your labor of love never goes unnoticed or unrewarded. I look forward to the day when I can pour into others the same kindness you have shown me—and even more. Thank you for restoring my life and igniting my future.