How We Got Here

Concerned with issues of social justice and the imbalance he noticed among people of different socio-economic and political status, in June of 1994, the Rev. Moses Sowale had a conversation with four of his friends. The discussion led to the founding of The Voice organization. Born with the mandate of Isaiah 40:1-5. The Voice started as a ministry of help in Isara Remo, Ogun State Nigeria with the daunting goal on how to bridge the gap between people with differences.

The name “The Voice” emerged as Moses was discerning a title for the ministry. Out of his discernment, Moses was drawn to John the Baptist when he was asked, who he was, in the gospel of John. John responded, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘make straight the way for the Lord.’” John 1:23. John re-echoes Isaiah’s prophecy of a time when the oppressed people of God will be comforted. A time when lions will befriend lambs and when differences will be a blessing rather than a curse. The Voice seeks to create a space where valleys can be raised, where mountains and hills can be lowered, where rough grounds can be made level and the rugged places made plain.

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins. A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” Isaiah 40:1-5.

The Voice had its first office apartment in 2004 at Iwo Road Ibadan when Moses was serving as Youth Chaplain and Curate at Bishop Akinyele Memorial Anglican Church, Iwo Road Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria. The four room apartment building was designated as: Counseling/consulting/prayer room; Library and Internet Services; Photocopy and conference room and Computer training room. Many youths and young adults were immensely blessed by this center as it became their abode of rest and spiritual nourishment. Many parents were blessed as they knew that their children were in good hands. Adults also visited the place for counseling and some of them contributed to the success of the place.

The name “Fingerprint:” As we proposed to get The Voice registered as an NGO (Non Governmental Organization) with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria, it became clear that the name The Voice had been used by many organizations. Moses began to discern again on another name. The title “Fingerprint” emerged as a perfect name symbolizing the uniqueness of each individual person.

The Voice is now registered in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts United States of America. The Voice received the award of Jonathan Daniel Award from Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge in 2013.

In 2016, Dr. Moses Sowale was chosen for the Outstanding Faith, Justice and Leadership Award by the South Shore Leadership Conference. The South Shore Regional Community Excellence Awards celebrates and acknowledges the outstanding work of individuals and organizations, as identified and determined by fellow community members. Recognizing that there are many people working every day to strengthen community in their own way, this event provides an opportunity for the community to collectively thank those who demonstrate exceptional work, inspire hope, and promote excellence.

Moses continues to spread the news of human liberation among his friends, pointing them to the challenges and daily struggles of the marginalized and offering possible solutions in alleviating oppression and other self-imposed burdens. Today, The Voice a.k.a. Fingerprint has as many members as friends, colleagues, partners, daughters, and sons in the Lord of Reverend Moses.

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