Rev. Dr. Matthias Ikenna Chijioke

Rev. Dr. Matthias Ikenna Chijioke was born in the village of Nkata-Ibeku, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria, to Rachel and Caleb Chijioke Ndulaka. Raised alongside six siblings and surrounded by a close-knit community of family and friends, he developed a strong foundation of faith, perseverance, and service. As a teenager, he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ through the ministry of the Assemblies of God Church, beginning a lifelong walk with Christ. In December 1982, Matthias immigrated to the United States with the dedicated help of his brother Abraham Chijioke and in order to pursue higher education. He earned a bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University o Maryland Eastern Shore in 1986 before returning to Nigeria, where he me and married the love of his life, Nnuola Chikerenma Mbagwu, om December 7, 1986. Together they build a loving home and were blessed with four sons: Prince, Michael, David, and George. After returning to Maryland, Matthias completed his master's degree in Accounting and Finance at Morgan State University and began a distinguished career with the State of Maryland, eventually retiring as a State Auditor with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. He also fulfilled his passions of financial services and entrepreneurial endeavors through his business, Macro Resources, which he faithfully owned and operated for many years. Mathias devoted his life to ministry and service. In 1990, He and Nnuola became two of the founding members of the African Christian Fellowship (ACF), Baltimore Chapter, and faithfully served in numerous leadership roles over the decades that followed. He served as the Financial Secretary and Treasurer at the local and regional levels and served as the Vice President and President at the local Baltimore Chapter. While serving ACF he also served at various positions within the Umuahia Family Association - Baltimore Chapter for many years to include Treasure/Financial secretary and Vice President. In 2011, he and Nnuola were ordained as Reverend Ministers in the Assemblies of God Church under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Terry Kirk at Central Christian Church. He also served faithfully in the church's Care Ministry and as a Small Group Leader. A lifelong learner and gifted teacher, Matthias earned his Doctor of Business Administration in 2017 and published several academic articles. In his younger days, he taught course at his brother Abrahams's school, Chiji's College of Commerce, and would later become a lecturer at Bowie State University and Liberty University in Virginia. He also authored two books: "Dynamics of Corporate America and Innovation" and "Resilience, Rescue, and Rebound: From Valley to Victor. "The latter was somewhat of a memoir of the hope and strength in God that he found through his battle with cancer as he hoped to encourage anyone suffering or struggling through life. On the night of May 27, 2026, with his beloved wife close by, Rev. Dr. Matthias Ikenna Chijioke entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior as he breathed his last breath. His life was marked by unwavering faith, wisdom, compassion, and a deep commitment to God, his family, and his community. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and in all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Tributes

Rev. Dr. Matthias Ikenna Chijioke

September 30, 1954 - May 27, 2026