The spiritual landscape for women in nations around the world was impacted by the seeds of the Gospel planted by Dr. Daisy Washburn Osborn. She preached to multitudes, witnessed miracles and started a revolution of Christian women empowered to be Christ’s voice of hope and healing to their worlds. Her influence spawned the launching of ministries by and for women in places that were labeled as “unchangeable”.
More than 40 years ago, Dr Daisy began encouraging African women. She worked with (now Archbishop) Margaret Idahosa to found a women’s organization in Nigeria that has exploded beyond the borders of Africa across the globe.
Although the Osborns had been ministering in Nigeria for many years prior, in 1976, Dr. Daisy traveled to Nigeria with her daughter, Dr. LaDonna, and her sister-in-law (Dr. T.L.’s Sister) Pastor Daisy Guillock, to launch the Christian Women’s Fellowship (CWFI) with (then) Margaret Idahosa, and her husband, Pastor Benson Idahosa.
The women began with conventions where Christian women were encouraged in their faith, and taught ministry and evangelism strategies. Dr. Daisy served as the lifetime Spiritual Advisor until her passing in 1995, teaching and guiding the formation of the nascent organization. (Upon Dr. Daisy’s passing, Dr. LaDonna replaced her as the Lifetime Spiritual Advisor).
In recognition of her years of faithfulness to preach and teach the Gospel, Osborn Ministries (then OSFO) ordained Dr. Margaret Idahosa, making her one of the first women to have full ministry ordination on the continent of Africa. She has gone on to become the first female Pentecostal Bishop of a vast indigenous ministry in Africa, and she was consecrated as Archbishop in November, 2009.
Ground was broken for what seemed to be an impossible dream in those days: a Restoration Center where hurting women could come to live, receive medical treatment, be sheltered from abuse and the violence that was often the plight of African women four decades ago. Dr. Daisy and Osborn Ministries proudly planted the first financial seed to make the Restoration Center a reality. (Today the Restoration Center accommodates 10,000 women, and includes a skill acquisition educational component).
Dr. Margaret Idahosa gave this special tribute to Dr. Daisy at her homegoing service.
