Healing and Transforming Leaders
Nigeria
Healing and Transforming Leaders (HTL) in Nigeria began in 2012. With over 80% of Nigerians encountering trauma from firsthand experiences of violent crime, kidnapping, persecution, and poverty, HTL focuses on healing and reconciliation as a connection to individuals and communities ultimately leading to discipleship and gospel movements.
Ben and Lydia Akpera, HTL’s national leaders, began ministry where they live in northern Nigeria by starting healing trauma groups that quickly began to grow and multiply. These groups then opened the door to partnerships with other non-profit organizations and church denominations. Over the years, Ben and his team have been able to train individuals from these networks, coaching and empowering them to ignite the local churches and ministries to replicate leaders and start Discovery Bible Study (DBS) groups. There are currently 9,560 DBS groups in HTL’s network among the Boko Haram, the Fulani, rappers and gang members in over 150 slums, athletes, and many other communities.
