In 1976 Rev Dr. J.Y Akpem. felt touch and decided to became involved in the program. He then decided to come back for more training during his Internship at Pine Rest Hospital in 1979/1980, he was challenged by Rev. Jim kok his supervisor to see the need of caring ministry and chaplaincy in Nigeria.
Rev Dr. J.Y Akpem After brief discussion with him, he went over to invite late Reverend Harold Bode, chairman of Chaplaincy program of the Christian Reformed Church of America, (CRC). To consider the possibility of coming to Nigeria to assist him in establishing such program in the Nongo U Kristu U Ken Sudan Hen Tiv change to Nongo U Kristu u I ser u sha Tar, Translated as the Universal Reform Christian Church (URCC) The answer was negative.
Rev. Dr. J.Y Akpem went back to Pine Rest and share with his supervisor Rev. Jim R Kok. He advised him to forget about it for now, but he encourage him to start it by himself.

In 1983 Rev. Dr. J.Y Akpem came back to Nigeria after graduate work at Theology Seminary Pasadena, USA and started clinical pastoral education (CPE) on a local Level but because of changes in administration. misunderstanding on the part of leadership at that time was unable to succeed. “Time was not right”.
In June 2000 Rev. Dr. J.Y Akpem call Rev. Jim Kok to review the issues for discussion, at this time he was about to leave Grand Rapids for California. He was very helpful in giving an insightful ideas which Jim’s recommendation, Rev. Dr. J.Y Akpem went to see Rev. J Heerema, head or chaplaincy program at CRC headquarter, Reverend Heerema referred him to late Rav. Harold Bode. Again. His excitement turned quickly into joy. Who responded firmly but consciously with his advice, they hard first meeting at Seoul Garden on July 6th 2000 at 11:45 to 1:30 pm. Rev. Dr. J.Y Akpem ask Reverend Harold Bode to come from Macedonia and help. The late Rev. Harold Bode suggested that he should invite more people to participate in the discussion. The second meeting was held at La Grave CRC in November 2000.

Greetings to the choosing people and delegate to the Tiv Synod. This report has been prepared by the coordinator and approved by the Chaplaincy committee before presenting to the Synod. Chaplaincy Ministry is designed to care for the Sick and needy in the hospital the disable and mental individuals who need care, its seek to strengthen individuals faith also prepared the handicap to be able to work in the society and be able to manage their lives after being rehabilitated. The NKST Synod approved and it commence on the 1966/1967 by Sister Emily Mae (Duyst) Akpem and Rev. Josphe Yina Akpem. The work became known and accepted officially in 2002. The first committee formed included 1. Reverend PP Teen 2. Evangelist Achika 3. Elder Ape Tyough 4. Reverend Dr. J. Y. Akpem (coordinator) As the idea was sold and accepted by NKST Synod the first chaplaincy conference were heard at a Mkar 11 participated and certificate were awarded and presented to them by the NKST Synod president Rev. Jacob Orkuma

Those in attendance were

1. Reverend Harold Bode Retired Grand Rapids MI USA

2. Reverend Jacob Heerema home missions Grand Rapids MI USA

3. Reverend Carl Van ham, Wedgewod Christian youth center Grand Rapids MI USA

5. Peter Winkel, pastor of La Grave Church, Grand Rapids, MI USA.

6. Reverend Dr. J.Y Akpem. from NKST Church nigeria.

They supported the idea but requested that Rev. Dr. J.Y Akpem should explore more avenues and possibility and keep them informed. This message was communicated to NKST, church.

The chaplaincy committee report to the NKST Synod, November 6th to 17th 2006 by Reverend Dr J. Y Akpem (Chaplaincy coordinator) through a letter writing to NKST Synod A Committee late was formed and approved by the NKST Synod. They included

1. Rev. Jacob. Ikyagh – NKST health services - Chairman

2. Eev. S N Shisha NKST School of Health Technology Mkar member.

3. Rev JN Tseeneke Member

4. Mrs Christiana Agber, admin BLS in Mkar - Treasurer.

5. Evangelist/chaplain Achika - Secretary

6. Mr I Mbasugh - Med. Lab NKST hospital Mkar

7. Reverend J.Y Akpem Coordinator .

On October 31st 2007. The committee met and deliberate on the following issues. 1. Center, BLS to become Center for Chaplaincy Ministry pending Synod ratification 2. Name:- The name of the NKST Chaplaincy Ministry was proposed as NKST Emily Mae Ministry and chaplaincy center, BLS rehabilitation hospital Mkar Gboko , Benue State, Nigeria, West Africa. 3. funding: To solicit personal donations from friends and supporters of the Ministry in and outside Nigeria. 4. NKST Synod for financial aid. The Synod accept the report and gave approval. Most of the 5 man chaplaincy committee were health care workers. 5. The name of the Chaplaincy Ministry was officially approved by the Synod. 6. The chaplaincy ministry to register with the CPE headquarters in Decatur, Georgia, USA. 7. The chaplaincy workshop be organized for February 2008. 8. The Emily Mae Canteen at Benue Leprosy Hospital (BLS) was approved to become an office of the Chaplaincy work. 10. Funding accepted and started on number 3 above.