1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

Bishop Desk
CONSISTENCY
- OUR WATCH WORD
O
ur Diocese is a
Diocese that has
remained together,
running our programmes,
doing our projects in line
with our vision.
yourself. Also,
take copies for
your friends and
p e r u s e t h e
contents for
yourself.
We are consistent.
The
church is a spiritual and
human organization that is
involved in a lot of spiritual
and physical activities, with
the propagation of the gospel
as the main agenda. So
many things can make the
church to lose focus and
begin to do other things in
deviance to the vision.
Let me equally
welcome you to
nd
the 2 Session of
rd
the 3 Session of
our Synod holding
in St. Barnabas'
( A n g l i c a n )
Church, Igwuruta
District, Igwuruta
Archdeaconry.
This synod
f o c u s e s o n
“INTEGRITY”. Be
part of all the presentations
and discussion that will lead
to consistent resolution.
For us in the Diocese of
Ikwerre, Church of Nigeria
(Anglican Communion),
consistency is our watch
word. This means that no
matter what is going on, no
matter what we are doing, we
have remained together and
we have remained focused.
Bringing the gospel closer to
the people has remained our
goal, in line with the great
commission “Go ye into all
the world and preach the
gospel to every creature”
(Mark 16:15).
One parameter to use in
measuring consistency is
this one and only official
publication of our Diocese
The Announcer. Since
inception, The Announcer
has been published
annually. Every synodist
and member of our Diocese
and indeed the general
public look forward to the
publication at every synod.
We commend the members
of the press and media unit
and her editorial team for
being consistent in their
ministry.
The Announcer is hereby
presented to you with all its
educative, entertaining and
informative resources. The
only way to gain from its
contents is to pick a copy for
God bless you for being part
of the consistency of Ikwerre
Diocese. It is our prayer that
you remain focused,
resilient, committed, strong,
persistent and convinced.
Amen.
RT. REV'D. BLESSING C.
ENYINDAH, Ph.D JP AmP
Diocesan Bishop.
April, 2015
1
News
PRIMATE OKOH CALLS ON CHRISTIAN
LEADERS TO PRACTICALLY CONTRIBUTE
TO GOVERNMENT POLICIES
by Rev Friday Wosu
Ibru Ecumenical Centre,
Agbarha-Otor from the 5th to
the 10th of January, 2015
presided over by Primate of
the Church, Most Rev.
Nicholas D. Okoh.
T
he Church of Nigeria,
Anglican Communion
advised political office
seekers to ensure that the
unity of the nation is not put in
jeopardy by any reckless action
or utterance. This call was
made at the end of the 2015
annual Bishops' retreat held at
According to Primate Okoh,
“We call on all leaders to
admonish their adherents on
the virtues of peace and
tolerance as the nation goes
into this critical stage in its
democratic experience''.
“As Christ's Ambassadors and
watchmen over the affairs of
human societies, Christian
leaders are enjoined to
practically contribute to
Government policies,
intervene in crisis situations,
speak out against evil and
corruption and defend the
rights of all citizens,” the
Church stated.
Bishops were reminded of
their ordination vows which
require that they be good
examples to the ock by their
moral and spiritual life-style.
“As Ambassadors of God to
the world, they must keep on
contending for the faith that
was once and for all delivered
to the saints and bring the
good news of God's salvation,
love, peace and hope to a
world troubled by
persecution, suffering and
insecurity.” *****
BE AMBASSADORS
OF CHRIST JESUS:
ENYINDAH, THE IKWERRE
PRELATE ADMONISHES
AT THE TRINITY
ORDINATION OF PRIESTS
by Sir Osita Tasie Echeonwu
T
he Bishop, Diocese of Ikwerre
Anglican Communion, the Rt. Rev'd
Blessing C. Enyindah calls on newly
ordained priests and all people of God to
remain good ambassadors of Jesus.
parishioners must give their good support to the
Enyindah who made this call at the trinity priests for effective and efficient service to God
ordination of priests on 7th September, and humanity as much as the priests remain
2014 at St. Barnabas' Anglican Church, ambassadors of God.
Igwuruta, Igwuruta Archdeaconry
Headquarters highlighted that as priests, Rev'd Uchenna Igwe, Rev'd Bekweri Onu, Rev'd
“you are to love and serve the people among Sunday Geoffrey, Rev'd Christian Oziezi, Rev'd
whom you work, caring alike for the young Saturday Agbaru, Rev'd Emmanuel Dike Rev'd
Okechukwu Opara, Rev'd Dr. Michael Okpe Jere
and old, strong and weak, rich and poor”.
Ordained Priests By Bishop Enyindah
T h e B i s h o p w h o i n s i s t e d t h a t t h e atthedivine service.*****
2
Press Release
Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)
Province of Niger Delta
Diocese of Ikwerre
SYNOD COMMUNIQUE
A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE 1ST SESSION OF THE 3RD
S Y N O D O F T H E D I O C E S E O F I K W E R R E , N I G E R D E LTA
PROVINCE, CHURCH OF NIGERIA, ANGLICAN COMMUNION
HELD AT ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, NDELE DISTRICT, NDELE
ARCHDEACONRY, EMOHUA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF
RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA FROM THURSDAY 24TH – SUNDAY 27TH
APRIL, 2014.
At the 1st Session of the 3rd Synod of Diocese of
Ikwerre, Niger Delta Province, Church of
Nigeria Anglican communion under the divine
guidance of the Holy Spirit and presided over by
the Bishop, Diocese of Ikwerre and President of
the Synod, His Lordship, Rt. Rev'd Blessing
Chinyere Enyindah Ph.D. JP. AmP. from
Thursday, April 24 – Sunday April 27, 2014 at
St. John's Church, Ndele District, Ndele
Archdeaconry on the Theme: PRAYER AND
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD (Acts 6:4)
A call for spiritual revival in the Church, the
following resolutions were taken and issued as
communiqué at the end of the Synod.
WHEREAS:
agencies to re-strategise to curb this menace.
3.
The synod commends the National
Assembly for the enactment of the Law against
same sex marriage and homosexualism in
Nigeria despite external influence.
4.
The Synod calls on Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC) and
Nigerians to ensure peaceful, free and fair
elections in 2015.
5.
This Synod further commends the
Government of Rivers State under the
leadership of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi
Amaechi for the developmental strides in the
state.
The Church is derailing from spirituality
to secularism, the Synod calls on the Church and
Christians at large, to refocus on Prayers and the
teaching of the Word of God to bring back
spiritual revival in the Church of God.
1.
The rising rate of crime, moral
decadence and insecurity in our society is
alarming. The synod condemns this situation
and calls on the Government and security
2.
Rt. Rev'd Blessing Chinyere Enyindah, Ph.D, JP, AmP
Bishop, President of the Synod
Sir Hon. Justice E.N.T. Ebete
Diocesan Chancellor
3
Press Release
DIOCESE OF IKWERRE
(ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
ANGLICAN YOUTH FELLOWSHIP (AYF) NIGERIA
CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS
AND COMMUNIQUE
A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 7TH ANNUAL BIBLE STUDY
CONFERENCE OF THE IKWERRE DIOCESAN ANGLICAN YOUTH
FELLOWSHIP (AYF) HELD FROM THURSDAY 24TH – SUNDAY 27TH JULY, 2014
AT ST. PAUL'S (ANG.) CHURCH OKPOROWO OGBAKIRI DISTRICT,
HEADQUARTERS OF IKWERRE SOUNTH ARCHDEACONRY
0.1. INTRODUCTION
Whereas:
The 7th Annual Bible Study
Conference of the Anglican Youth
Fellowship (Nig.), Diocese of
Ikwerre was held successfully
under the divine guidance of the
Holy Spirit and the leadership of
Bro. Saviourson Horney Orlu,
the president of the Anglican Youth
Fellowship, Diocese of Ikwerre
from Thursday 24th - Sunday 27th
July, 2014 at St. Paul's Church
Okporowo Ogbakiri District,
Headquarters of llcwerre South
Archdeaconry.
On arrival, the president Bro.
Saviourson Horney Orlu,
accompanied by his team of
executives attended a courtesy call
to H R H, Eze Ferdinand S.
Mekwa Eleni Ekenta JP, the
Paramount Ruler of Ogbakiri
Wezina Clan and other dignitaries
in Ogbakiri. The courtesy call was
marked simultaneously with a
youth rally tagged “Youths against
Violence”.
This conference was the best of its
kind ever, beginning from the
inception of the Annual Bible Study
Conference editions in our mother
church (Diocese of lkwerre). It was
attended by a total of 356 persons
comprising both adults and the
Youth Stars. His Lordship, Rt.
Rev. Blessing Chinyere Enyindah
(Ph.D, Justice of the Peace) was
ably represented by the Chaplain,
Rev. Chichetam G. Eleeh who
gave a talk on the conference theme
“The Alpha and Omega” Rev. 1:8.
Hon. Godstime Orlukwu, the
Executive Care Taker Committee
Chairman of Emohua Local
Government Council was also ably
represented by Hon. Benjamin C.
Wokama, the Chief of Staff of
Emohua Local Government
Council . We also noted with great
excitement the presence of Sir Lolo
Awara, the 1st Vice President of
the National Council of the
Anglican Youth Fellowship (Nig.),
and also the president of the Joint
Ecclesiastical Provincial Council
(JEPC 2) of the Anglican Youth
Fellowship (Nig.), Bro. Innocent
Worusah, the Treasurer National
Council of the Anglican Youth
Fellowship (Nig,), Bro. Edwin
Amadi , the president of the Niger
Delta Provincial Council of the
Anglican Youth Fellowship (Nig.)
and also the President of the
Diocesan Council of the Anglican
Youth Fellowship (Nig.) Diocese of
Niger Delta North, Bro Ikiriko
Adokiariye Dawaye, the president
of the Diocesan Council of the
Anglican Youth Fellowship (Nig.)
Diocese of Niger Delta, Bro. Job
Samuel, the former 1st Vice
President of the Diocesan Council
of the Anglican Youth Fellowship
(Nig.) Diocese of Niger Delta
North and others who graced the
occasion.
The conference featured salvation,
sound teachings, bible studies,
bible expositions (the books of
Genesis and Revelation), talks,
seminars, panel discussion cultural
d i s p l a y, t a l e n t h u n t s , q u i z
competitions, evangelism, praises,
ministration and the award of
trophies. Goodwill messages were
received from the host
archdeaconry and church, Ikwerre
South Archdeaconry Council of the
Anglican Youth Fellowship (Nig.)
and St. Paul's Church Okporowo
Ogbakiri District Council of the
Anglican Youth Fellowship (Nig.)
respectively. Others include;
Igwuruta Archdeaconry Council of
the Anglican Youth Fellowship
(Nig.), Emohua Archdeaconry
Council of the Anglican Youth
Fellowship (Nig.), Ikwerre North
Archdeaconry Council of the
Anglican Youth Fellowship (Nig.),
Alimini Missionary Archdeaconry
brethren and the POD Foundation.
0.2 Conference Theme: The
theme of the conference was “The
Alpha and Omega” taken from
(Rev. 1:8). The conference theme
was considered very relevant and
important as it unraveled the
sovereign personality of God, that
God is supreme over all things
4
Press Release
including man.
The conference gave
commendations to Ikwerre South
Archdeaconry Council of the
Anglican Youth Fellowship (Nig.)
and St. Paul's Church District
Council of the Anglican Youth
Fellowship (Nig.) respectively as
the hosts for a successful
conference hosting. At the end,
this communiqué was issued with
the following resolutions;
0.3.1. Politics: Politics was
instituted by God for positive
transformation. Politics is the only
means by which people get power.
And politics is also the only means
by which human government is
acquired on earth. Inspite of the
negative implications of politics,
If the church particularly, the
Christian youths take active part in
politics, it will help bring sanity to
the polity, reduce corruption in the
government system as well as
create a stronger synergy between
government and the church hence,
we call on all Christian youths to
take active part in the national
politics in line with the best
Christian practices. In the
forthcoming 2015 General
Election, youths were advised to
come out in mass to vote and be
voted for. They must avoid being
used as political thugs by bloody
politicians.
0.3.2. Youth Violence/Security
Challenges: While commending
the government authorities for
their various efforts in containing
violence and terrorism to establish
peace in the society, we observed
with great dismay that violence
and lawlessness are a combination
of actions perpetuated by the
youths which produce insecurity
in the system and hamper
development as well as our
corporate existence. We affirmed
that youths are undoubtedly the
greatest assets for sustainable
development. The conference
calls on all youths to shun
cultism/terrorism and live a life
devoid of violence. We humbly
appeal to the State Governments
and other corporate bodies to assist
the Federal Government to combat
crime and terrorism in Nigeria and
ensure the speedy release of the
abducted Chibok-Girls Students.
0.3.3. Marriage: Godly
relationship is the best practice. It
involves the manner in which two
adults, male and female come
together to do what is right based
on the established principles of
God to fulfill the purpose of God
for man. In this respect, the
conference makes a clarion call for
all youths to maintain a godly
relationship in marriage and resist
the new colonial order for gay
marriage/homosexuality.
0 . 3 . 4 . Yo u t h a n d C h u r c h
Development: Remember now thy
creator in the days of thy youth,
while the evil days come not, nor
the years draw nigh, when thou
shall say I have no pleasure in
them (Ecc. 12:1). Youths are the
future church. They are
instruments for church
development. The conference
therefore, calls on all youths to be
deeply involved in the
Evang. Riches E. Amini Esq
Chairman, CommuniquéCommittee
development of the church
through regular involvement in
evangelism, church labour and
church organization.
0.3.5. Unemployment: The high
rate of unemployment in the
society cannot be overemphasized especially in our
church. It is expedient and
sacrosanct for our men and women
to rise up to this challenge. They
should take up responsibilities to
help provide jobs for our
unemployed youths to reduce
criminality, violence and premarital sex in the society.
0.3.6. Vocational Skill: Today's
world is not the world that
encourages idleness even with the
prevalence of many skills. God
frowns at idleness but wants
everyone to be meaningfully
engaged in one form of activity of
t h e o t h e r. I t i s h e r e b y
recommended for our youths to
engage themselves meaningfully
and also be involved in the
acquisition of vocational skills to
help themselves become
employed. Youths should embark
on any worthwhile business
ventures and avoid being
idle.Conclusion: Indeed, we are
very grateful to God for His
mercies and divine protections all
through the conference. The
conference thanks God especially
for the bright and peaceful
atmosphere enjoyed in the land of
Ogbakiri. May all the glory,
honour, praises, and adoration be
ascribed unto Him, in Jesus name,
Amen.
Bro. Emesiobi, Justice Chimezi
Secretary, Communiqué Committee
Bro. Saviourson Horney Orlu
President, Ikwerre Diocesan AYF
5
News
A FOUR-IN-ONE SERVICE:
IKWERRE PRELATE RELEASES “DIVINE TOUCH”by Osita Tasie Echeonwu
T
Altar.
he Diocese of Ikwerre in the
style of annual service of
rededication converged at St.
Peter's Cathedral, Isiokpo for 2015
rededication service on Sunday 11th
January, 2015. The service which was
described as a four-in-one service had
in its programme the thanksgiving for
the cathedral building dedication,
licensing of Lay Readers,
commissioning of Evangelists,
unveiling of plaques and names.
Cathedral new auditorium building
began in 2005, was completed and
dedicated on 7th December, 2014 by
the Primate of all Nigeria, Anglican
Communion, The Archbishop
Metropolitan and Primate of All
Nigeria, The Most Rev'd Dr. Nicolas
Okoh. The Diocese used the
opportunity provided by the annual
spiritual exercise of rededication to
specially thank God for the
completion and dedication of the
building.
The Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev'd B. C.
Plaques unveiled
were of Prestigious
Honours' List,
Standard Honours'
List, Honours' List,
and Plaque of Honour
which had the names
of the cathedral
building committee
members from 2005 –
2014.
Enyindah licensed 53 Lay Readers,
commissioned 15 evangelists
recruited as voluntary workers to
provide service in God's vineyard. The
Bishop named seven important places
in the cathedral after persons. These
were the Bishop's Vestry, Clergy
Vestry, Lady Chapel, Bookshop,
L i b r a r y, C h a p t e r R o o m a n d
Choristers' Vestry. Others are the
Administrative Blocks, Baptismal
Font and Pool Porch, four of the
Staircases, open space behind the
BISHOP ENYINDAH
LAYS FOUNDATION STONE
AND DEDICATES PROJECTS
AT ST. PAUL'S IGWURUTA ALI
by Uche Ochiagha
I
t was a colorful day away from what it used to
be like on an Episcopal visit, the atmosphere
was more charged within Igwuruta Ali as
Bishop Enyindah stepped in for episcopal function
for foundation stone laying of a new church
auditorium, dedication of a multipurpose hall,
public conveniences and other amenities at St.
Peter's Anglican Church, Igwuruta-Ali parish on
Sunday 26th January, 2015.
In his sermon,
Enyindah showered
the blessing of the year on the
worshipers. Taking his text from the
book of Mark 6:56 “as many as
touched Him were made well”, he
declared the year 2015 as year of
DIVINE TOUCH.
Diocesan officials, knights, all units
and departments were in attendance.
Prayers of rededication were offered
for all units and departments of the
Diocese.*****
the plaque and dedicated the completed
multipurpose hall of the church, public
conveniences and other amenities. The new
auditorium which is about 90% complete
was started in June, 2014. This project is
single handedly being executed by Sir
Godwin Wonodi of St. Paul's Church,
Igwuruta Ali. The donor
said he was spiritually
touched to carry out the
project in appreciation of
God's abundant blessings
to his family.
Rev Okechukwu Chezu,
the vicar of the church
expressed the joy that the
The Bishop and his entourage were received by the
parishioners at the Igwuruta village boundary with
Omagwa. On arrival His Lordship inspected a
guard of honour by the Boys' Brigade of the
church.
In his address, Rt Rev'd Blessing Enyindah said that reaping the fruits of their
labour have to do with commitment and dedication to the service of God.
According to the Bishop, time had come when those that do not put adequate
commitment to the service of God to have a change of heart, repent and give
their lives to the father in haven. Doing this is attracting his blessings and a
reaffirmation of peace to the world.
project is coming
at the right time to
accommodate the
growing members
of the church who
are desirous to
worship and serve God. *****
The Diocesan, who laid foundation for the new church auditorium, unveiled
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Press Release
IKWERRE DIOCESAN
CONGRATULATES MOTHERS
I
kwerre Diocese went
agog on Sunday, March
15th, 2015. The
occasion was global as the
Anglican Communion
celebrated the 2015 edition
of the Mothers' Sunday.
Usually, in the church
c a l e n d a r, M o t h e r i n g
Sunday is celebrated two
Sundays away from Easter
which marks the
resurrection of the Lord of
mankind three days after
burial that was preceded
with the traumatic trial and
gruesome execution.
Mothering Sunday is the
day to nostalgically recall
infectious affection,
immeasurable love of one's
mother which manifested in
the pains of pregnancy,
delivery pains and often, attendant
complications, keeping sleepless
nights for nurturing and guiding from
vague babbling into meaningful
talking.
Jesus cherished the mothering care of
blessed virgin Mary and realizing
how much she would miss him
committed her to the disciple the
loved saying: “woman, behold thy
son” and to the disciple, “behold thy
mother. And from that hour, that
disciple took her into his own home”
(John 19:26-27). This explains why
in the Anglican Church, all the
faithful are encouraged to show love
and affection to all women
(mothers), whether biological or
surrogate.
In compliance with the foregoing,
the women in Ikwerre Diocese
celebrated the mothering Sunday.
Bishop Blessing who worshiped at
the Cathedral with his wife, Precious
congratulated the women and
encouraged them to service with his
fear in them. The women of the
Diocese skipped the long week of
activities associated with mothering
week in honour of the departed
pastor's wife, Mrs. Contance
Opurum who died as a result of a
ghastly road accident along Ubima
road. Among others, the women of
King of Kings Anglican Church,
Elele presented four(4) respectable
Christian grandmothers for honour
on mothering Sunday. Attendance
from relations of the mamas broke
through denominational boundaries
and the young church bubbled and
bustled.
Earlier in a realistic sermon, the wife
of the priest Mrs. S. O. Nnodim,
drawing from Genesis 2:21-23 and
other scriptures admonished the
congregation on” virtuous woman
that fears the Lord”. Citing her
examples and analysis, Mrs. Nnodim
said any woman who tells lies, any
woman who is lazy, any woman who
exposes her husband to public
ridicules, any woman who ridicules
her husband before their children,
any woman who misapplies funds etc
is not virtuous and does not fear the
Lord. She
argued that
a virtuous
w o m a n
w o u l d
comply
with Matt
6:33 to seek
whatever is
right in the
eyes of the
Lord and
t h e n
receive her
requirements as favour.
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Press Release
“DEATH HAS CHANGED PROTOCOL”
-
V
VENERABLE ONUEGBU
enerable Napoléon Onuegbu has
observed that the protocol of
death has been altered all over
the world. Speaking as the Archdeacon of
Alimini Missionary Archdeaconry at the
funeral service in honour of Late Mrs.
Caroline Elemma Enah at St Paul's
Anglican Church, Akpabu on Saturday,
February 21, 2015, Onuegbu held that
the protocol of death was such that
people usually grew old and weak before
they eventually died. Such death, he
argued, met relations of the deceased
prepared for the ceremonies associated
with dispatching the elderly to the abode
of their ancestors. On the contrary,
whenever death knocked at the chambers
of the young, it left devastating tears and
trauma on the relations of the deceased.
Mrs Elemma Enah, born in 1978 in Elele,
after getting educated to the level of
Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE)
got married to Mr. Emma Enah, a lay
reader in the Anglican Church at Akpabu,
had a son two years earlier but suddenly
yielded the ghost in the process of
bringing forth a second child who did not
make it to this life. In subdued tears, her
husband, Emma told the congregation:
“If it were human effort, she wouldn't
have died; even she who is dead did not
know that she was going to die because
she was asking me about our son, Master
Chikanma before she gave up…”
Giving up at 37 along with an unborn
child violates the protocol of life being
fully lived and death and death occurring
at the end thereof. But that was the fate of
Caroline Elemma Enah, a chorister,
p r a y e r w a r r i o r, m e m b e r o f t h e
prestigious Mothers' Union and Women's
Guild of the Anglican Communion.
The protocol of death was also violated in
the demise of Miss Faith Nhehinuchi
th
Wotogbe, 4 child of Venerable Professor
and Mrs. Wellington Wotogbe Weneka at
a little below 30years. As was the case at
the funeral of Elemma, there was
palpable pain in the hearts of relations,
friends and associates of the Wotogbe's
especially young media colleagues of the
late Faith who after bagging a degree in
Linguistics and Communication Studies
from unique Uniport set out to make a
career in broadcasting but got cut down
by death in violation of its known
protocol. She is being missed by her
numerous radio fans and co-choristers in
the Anglican family, especially at St
Michael's, Imogu-Omagwa.
In the twilight of 2014, at Rumuwike,
Obio-Akpor LGA of Rivers State, death
did the unkind by rudely snatching a
kind-hearted Dr. Mrs. Helen Okas-Wike
from the midst of prayer warriors,
Women's Guild and Mothers' Union of
St. Peter's Church, Rumuepirikom.
Helen Okas-Wike who hailed from the
Nsiegbe group of families in Rebisi
Kingdom had tortuously gone through
the academic ladder, obtaining the doctor
of philosophy degree (Ph.D) in
Educational Management a few months
before demise at the youthful age of 43.
Helen was cited as having kindly paid for
healthcare of the needy on many
occasions but when her young life
entered the critical state with triune fetus
in her womb, money in any conceivable
currency was not a factor. And Helen
rested from the pains of labour in the
pangs of death with numberless
beneficiaries missing her and what she
stood for in their lives.
by Sir Sam Eke
Death in another trick armbushed Rev
Franklyn Ofurum and his wife Constance
along Ubima Raod and introduced to
nd
them a deadly accident on Sunday 22
February, 2015. Without pity, this
pastor's wife, Constance was later cut off
by the icy hand of death on Wednesday
th
25 February, 2015. By the infinite mercy
of God, Rev Franklyn O F U R U M
survived the accident. This young mother
and a daughter of a retired school
Headmaster, Mr. Ogundu Wabali was a
young lay reader of only one month, a
vibrant MU/WG leader, a teacher and
staff of Rivers State UBE.
In all of these selected and numerous
other cases, preachers seem agreed that
“saints do not die, they fall asleep.”
Venerable Onuegbu, for instance, after
citing Psalm 39:4 admonished his
congregation to “choose to sleep early
and make heaven rather than live older
than Methuselah and end in hell.” The
Announcer Magazine agrees no less
especially as Psalm 16:9-10 assure the
saint: Therefore my heart is glad, and
my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall
rest in hope. For thou will not leave my
soul in hell; neither will thou suffer
thine Holy One to see corruption.
Corruption here means decay. For one to
sleep or die and not see corruption would
mean to be embalmed with spiritual
chemicals by angels from heaven. Let the
bereaved therefore be comforted that
their beloved who have slept in the Lord
are indeed resting, awaiting the trumpet
sound to wake them to meet Him in the
cloud. *****
8
News
POLITICAL NEWS: NIGERIA HOLDS
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION PRESIDENT
GOODLUCK JONATHAN CONCEDES VICTORY
FOR UNITY OF NIGERIA
The Presidential and National Assembly elections in Nigeria were held on March 28, 2015 (Saturday). The
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held two press conferences in Abuja on March 30, 2015,
Monday. The announcement continued the next day, Tuesday, with several breaks. The collation was been completed
in the early hours of April 1, 2015, Wednesday. Total votes of 36 states (Ondo, Osun, Kogi, Enugu, Ogun, Ekiti, Oyo,
Nassarawa, Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Kwara, Kaduna, Anambra, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Plateau, Ebonyi, Niger, Lagos,
Bayelsa, Gombe, Cross River, Rivers, Adamawa, Zamfara, Kebbi, Benue, Bauchi, Yobe, Edo, Taraba, Sokoto, Delta,
Borno) and FCT Abuja, according to the INEC:
Details of the official result of the presidential elections are as follows
APRIL 2015 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION RESULT
S/N
STATE
1
ABIA
2
APC
25%
mini
PDP
25%
mini
WINNER
13,394
3.34%
368,303
91.83%
PDP
ADANMAWA
374,701
56.67%
251,664
38.06%
APC
3
AKWA IBOM
58,411
5.68%
953,304
92.68%
PDP
4
ANAMBRA
17,926
2.55%
660,762
93.94%
PDP
5
BAUCHI
931,598
89.60%
86,085
8.25%
APC
6
BAYELSA
5,194
1.40%
361,209
97.17%
PDP
7
BENUE
373,961
53.19%
303,737
43.20%
APC
8
473,543
94.86%
25,640
5.14%
APC
9
BORNO
CROSS
RIVERS
28,368
6.09%
414,863
89.04%
PDP
10
DELTA
48,910
3.74%
1,211,405
92.76%
APC
11
EBONYI
19,518
4.96%
323,653
82.28%
APC
12
EDO
208,469
39.88%
286,969
54.87%
PDP
13
EKITI
120,331
38.89%
176,466
57.03%
PDP
14
ENUGU
14,157
2.42%
553,003
94.43%
PDP
9
News
15
GOMBE
361,245
76.30%
96,873
2.04%
APC
16
IMO
133,253
18.21%
559,185
76.40%
PDP
17
JIGAWA
885,988
82.66%
142,904
13.33%
APC
18
KADUNA
1,127,760
68.34%
484,085
29.33%
APC
19
KANO
1,903,999
87.64%
215,779
9.93%
APC
20
KATSINA
1,345,441
90.80%
98,937
6.68%
APC
21
KEBBI
567,883
79.41%
100,972
14.12%
APC
22
KOGI
264,851
60.29%
149,987
34.14%
APC
23
KWARA
302,146
65.48%
132,602
28.74%
APC
24
LAGOS
792,460
52.97%
632,327
42.27%
APC
25
NASARRAWA
236,838
45.40%
273,460
52.42%
PDP
26
NIGER
657,678
77.86%
149,222
17.67%
APC
27
ONDO
299,889
51.49%
251,368
43.16%
APC
28
OGUN
308,290
55.09%
207,950
37.16%
APC
29
OSUN
383,603
57.83%
249,929
37.68%
APC
30
OYO
528,620
56.93%
303,376
32.67%
APC
31
PLATEAU
429,140
42.88%
549,615
54.92%
PDP
32
RIVERS
69,238
4.37%
1,487,075
93.84%
PDP
33
SOKOTO
671,926
76.67%
152,199
17.37%
APC
34
TARABA
261,326
43.36%
310,800
51,57%
PDP
35
YOBE
446,265
90.75%
25,526
5.19%
APC
36
ZAMFARA
612,202
78.47%
144,833
18.56%
APC
37
FCT
146,399
46.33%
157,195
49.74%
PDP
15,424,921
52.417%
12,853,262
43.67%
TOTAL
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Articles
THE NEW FACES IN THE ALTAR:
Old Soldier Never Dies
ears change, months
change the weeks and days
too, but the I AM NEVER
CHANGED.
Y
helping matters because whatever
method applied in God's work, the
ultimate is the glory every work
brings to the name of God.
Situations change, people change,
times too change, yet the church of
God marches on. Theories of
change state that what is constant in
nature is change.
One fundamental issue in being new
to a place is that of keeping watch at
first to know the tempo and size the
faith and quality of devotedness in
members.
In life situation, time changes value,
as what was a priority for a child in
school today about where to go and
what to put on change with time in
later life.
For members to gossip others in the
parish is human, but a seasoned man
of God and a good leader and Pastor
remains neutral to watch overtime.
January of every year sees new
faces of priests in various churches
in our Diocese. The changes are
usual but the jobs and assignment
are the same. In effect, one may say
that it is just the driver of the car that
changed; the car is still a Mercedeze
Ben car. Church work is the same
though methods and styles differ.
The new faces in the parishes are
welcome to their new places of old
assignment. What basically makes
the difference is either the approach
or the parochial attitude of the
members who may wish to continue
the old pattern. Such people are not
To be able to stand the initial
problems of new engagements, one
must apply the Christian virtues and
personal attributes learned and
acquitted so as to stand the human
environment in the new place.
Human in nature is unpredictable
and very unreliable. Some hate
others at first sight, psychology
explain better; some also love at first
sight; others take time to draw near
after blabbing in gossips or may be
careful.The position of the new
occupant of the altar of God is to
watch, do little and guide
utterances, including comments on
the standards met and people's
attitude to programmes and other
O. N. P. OBIANDU
church engagements.
It is not right to compare people, it is
also not right to supervise people
unnecessarily. Man in nature hates
supervision and a law abiding
subordinate naturally would device
resistant strategies, if unusually
supervised.
No husband eats palatable dish from
the day the mother or any close
relation visits the house and in
staying back supervised the wife's
cooking method. Each time the
woman would want to look she
would make reference to what is
being cooked and how her
supervisors would
condemn her method,
thereby making the man eat
her food in very
uncomfortable condition.
Similarly, in Parish or
District, if the churchman
or the Priest is
unnecessarily supervised,
he takes offence and an
intended selfless service
and peaceful atmosphere
would be truncated.
People should build lasting
relationships and must not
be built fragilely on eye
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service. The church is the body of
Christ and all servants or masters in
it ought to obey certain basic
principles of life and nature
supported by the Holy Bible in
various places.
In some places, the new man of God
on arrival meets disharmony
among the flock or factions, owing
to different ideologies or
approaches. One of the basic things
to do is to stay neutral and
accommodating. Going closer to
any group may worsen the
situation.
Besides, all matters must be
generally discussed to avoid
displaced aggression or what
psychologists will call Avoidance
Approach conflict. To be in charge
is not to drive but to cautiously lead
especially by examples. Gossips
and double talks should be avoided;
cordiality and general will should
be encouraged. The spirit of
determinism to be avoided to allow
free Willison reign.
For a better period of time, things
should be allowed as you met them
to be able to effect changes with
conviction. To be respectable
demands that you too should be
respectful and endearing. The
youths and children should be
curdled and allowed considerable
participatory roles. The mother of
the Parish or District must exhibit
exemplary character and candour,
aware that the followers or
believers have very elderly person
who must be accepted as they are
and regarded as such. To drive the
woman is to overlook certain other
parameters in behaviour patterns.
Certain emotional drives and
tendencies must be suppressed to
allow for unanimity of purpose.
Humans especially women, hate
supervision and to work well
among your people in the church,
you must join hands not dishing out
instructions as in the classroom or
parade ground.
This is not to lecture people in what
they had known to do, being not
new in the system, but it is a piece
of advice which many would find
very useful. The Bible has
prescribed a Christian culture to
which some are very new owing to
their individual dispositions. Man
is by nature cunning, thoughtless,
irrational, greedy, selfish, etc but
what we come out with as
individuals mean a lot in our
association with others.
When some of these emotional
drives can be suppressed, not only
in the leader but also in the
followers, then there is harmony
and cordiality. My piece is for all of
us as people in the house of God.
Having imbibed these traits can
also help us in the school as leaders,
in the community too or anywhere
even in the family.
The Mercedeze Benz, which is the
church, is the same, what has
changed is the driver or the man of
God. Let us learn to work as one in
the service of God. One of the
things we should do to strengthen
our stand is to coin a strong strategy
for communication management as
w e l l
a s
c o n fl i c t
management/resolution.
Since our members are human
beings, there is every tendency that
there could be misunderstandings,
misrepresentation of facts and
distortion of same, character vary.
What Mr. A. can hear and endure,
Mr. B may hear and become
aggressive, or cunningly passive.
We do not narrate to another what
we do not know how he would react
to. Stories are told by people, and
by the time they are re-narrated the
second or third time, the original
facts must change, so we become
very careful in exchange of views
or what we say and to whom it is
said. Some would hear and return
boldly to confirm the gossip about
them; others will hear, remain calm
but developing strong hatred
within.
which is not intended to investigate
into issues further but to resolve
already bad situations. As we
condemn and disengage our
members from things traditionally,
we must build up structures that
would guide character within us.
Those who take solace in frequent
litigation for acquisition of wealth
must be targeted and counselled out
of it. Those who raise dust in
familial relationships among us
must also be schooled and
discouraged from doing so.
Wives who treat their spouses
perguratively should equally be
sanctioned and counselled
otherwise, men who also look away
from their familial responsibilities
must be made to understand their
cultural mandate which is Biblical
too. Children's relationships with
parents must equally be guarded for
cordiality and responsibility. None
of the members must be thrown out
except he or she who is resistant to
change.
Taking time to enumerate all these
means that the church is the people
and the people have other humans
in their environment. We must
therefore see our Christian life as
within the church and within the
social or human environment
(community).
It is vain glory to be counted as one
of the notables among the
congregation yet an antisocial
being who would not pay house
rent, months unending, or electric
bills or even follow in
environmental cleaning. As
Christians, we have neighbours in
the homes, in the farm, at the
market stalls, choir, in the men or
women groups. Where we cannot
manage our multifarious
relationships as Christians, then we
can also not manage our
relationship with God.
Let us therefore know where we
stand and continue the race, God
being our guide. *****
As for mending fences, man must
enter into meaningful dialogue
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Spiritual Benefit
Articles
OF SINCERE MENTORSHIP
Text: Proverbs 27:17, Ecclesiastes
4:9-10
Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens
iron, so a man sharpens the
countenance of his friend.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 “Two are better
than one, because they have a good
reward for their labor. For if they
fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he
falls, For he has no one to help him
up.”
INTRODUCTION:
Every genuine Christian needs a
spiritual mentor. Each benefits and
are seen to be stronger together. In
general, a mentor is a person who
guides, instructs, or helps another in
the process of gaining knowledge,
understanding, or skills.
A spiritual teacher/mentor's role is
unique; the goal is not only to
transmit knowledge but to also bring
about recognition in the student of
the student's own pre-existing
nature. This is a much more subtle
thing than simply teaching someone
a skill or understanding.
HIDDEN TRUTH ABOUT
MENTORSHIP
Someone to believe in you:
Everyone desires affirmation. A
mentor is someone who believes in
you even when understanding all the
clutter and imperfections in your life.
Someone who will listen carefully to
your passions, dreams, goals, hangups, and immature ideas and provide
caring objective input you can trust
which takes into account their sense
of how God is working in your life.
(Barnabas and John Mark, Acts
15:36-39; 2 Tim 4:11).
Promotes spiritual growth:
Spiritual mentors are by definition to
help others develop a solid pa ern of
spiritual discipline in their lives
which helps deepen their personal
rela onship with God, helps them to
grow in the image of Christ, and
prepare them to become most
usable for the kingdom. This ac vity
includes formal and informal Bible
study, directed reading, training in
the Chris an disciplines (quiet me,
bible reading, prayer, etc.), helping
to determine spiritual gi s and
ministry direc on. The spiritual life
pa erns established earlier in this
rela onship are designed to benefit
those mentored a life me. (Paul Phil
3:13).
Provides a role model:
A mentor has a tall order to fill by
presenting themselves as a role
model that is not only in talk but in
walk. Spiritually this means that
they “lead with their life” as
commanded by Scripture where it is
evident they are led by the Holy
Spirit and present a godly role model
of Christ-like behavior to those they
mentor. Seeing a godly life lived out
is an invaluable benefit. (Paul 1 Cor.
11:1)
Provides accountability:
Today's cultural environment
provides many land mines and
diversions. It is not difficult for the
enemy to attempt to derail someone
who earnestly desires to deepen their
relationship with God.
Consequently having a mentor
accountability partner is an
invaluable benefit for asking tough
questions, heading off danger, and
derailing diversions. (Samuel and
Saul, 1 Sam. 9-15)
Is an Encourager:
The “me” generation of today does
not widely promote the notion of
encouragement to others. While the
Bible is clear that we should look out
for the needs of others we often fail
in our follow through. Mentees
benefit from proactive
encouragement from their mentors,
who understand the power and value
of this critical motivator. (Barnabas
BY
andUDOCHI
Paul ActsELECHI
4:36-37; 9:26-30;
11:22-30)
Available in times of crisis:
The Bible is clear that we will
experience trials in our lives. We
don't know when, their nature,
duration or depth but they will come.
Mentors provide a tremendous
benefit to those mentored as they
experience trials in their lives.
Mentors help mentees understand
God's ways and purposes in difficult
times; provide counsel and help to
navigate through times of crisis; and
provide comfort and stability from a
trusted relationship. (Paul and Silas
Acts 16).
Conclusion
God's great commission for our lives
is to make disciples. Becoming a
mentor is a response to this
command and the benefit to others
cannot be measured in human terms,
only from an eternity perspective.
The true opportunity to give back
and invest in the kingdom is the
investing in the lives of others. Yes,
changed lives draw others to
themselves as they see the Spirit of
God at work and will establish the
groundwork for the mentee to
potentially become a mentor to
others as God leads. (Matt 28:19)
*****
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RECAPTURING THE VISION OF
A SOCIETY WITH INTEGRITY
Ven. Promise Dirinna Igwe JP Archdeacon, Igwuruta Archdeaconry
Swear under no Authority, let your
yes be your yes and your no your no.
Oaths or vows were common, but
Jesus told His followers not to swear,
their word alone should be enough
Matt. 5: 33. He emphasized the
importance of telling the truth. There
is agreement among believers that
the basic point of instruction here is
to ensure the integrity of one's
speech without having to rely on
oaths “Let your Yes be true and you
No be true”.
This instruction is one of James'
dearest references to the Sermon on
the Mount (Matt. 5: 33 – 37). Giving
further confirmation of His
deliberate remembrance of Jesus'
teaching, whatever the reasons, God
expects His children to be clear cut
with their words. We are not to wade
the subtle grey areas of ambiguity
with the words; rather we are to be
people who speak plainly, clearly
and truthfully so that we will not
be condemned by our words.
These words recapture, vision,
society and integrity are defined
below
The American Heritage Dictionary
refers:
Recapture:
a) The act of taking or recovering
b) The condition of being retaken
or recovered.
Vision:
The act or power of anticipating that
will or may come to be.
SOCIETY: A body of individual
living as members of a community
INTEGRITY: Is the quality of
being honest and raising strong
moral principles; moral uprightness.
From the above definitions, one can
assert that we will be gathering for
these five days to deliberate on the
possibility of having a body of
individuals living as members of a
community with strong moral
principles, or simply put, to raise
men and women of integrity (A must
be quality of a Christian). We will
have the overview of the word
integrity and proffer solution on how
to enhance it on our day to day
dealings with people.
INTEGRITY: Is a quality every
man worth his salt aspires to have. It
encompasses many of the best and
most admirable traits in a believer;
Honesty, Uprightness, Fairness,
JAMES 5: 12 “Above all, my
brothers do not swear not
by heaven or by earth or
by anything else. Let
you 'yes' be yes, and your
'no' you are no or you will be
condemned”
Loyalty and the Courage to keep
one's word and one's promise,
regardless of the consequences. The
word Integrity derives from the
Latin form “Wholeness” and it
denotes a person who has
successfully integrated all good
virtues – who not only talks the talk,
but walks the walk. The foundation
of integrity is having a firm moral
code of right and wrong. It can also
be enormously helpful even crucial
to understand the psychological and
environmental factors that can tempt
us to stray from the right ways. The
challe
n g e
n o w
for us
a s a
churc
h is how we can strengthen not only
our integrity but the integrity of the
society. To prefer solution or
answers to this challenging question,
we will consider the following:
EMBRACE YOUR PURPOSE:
Clarity of purpose leads to clarity of
conduct. If you are not clear about
your non – negotiable values, you
will be unclear when faced with
ethical uncertainty.
TEST YOUR EXCUSES: “It is
not my fault” “I am not the only
person involved in that act”. “I do
not have time” “Everybody else is
doing it”. It is human nature to
make excuses, but some of our
excuses deprive us of the
opportunity to learn from our
mistakes. Five minutes of brutal
honesty can save five months of
regret.
HARNESS YOUR MOODS: It is
easy especially under pressure to let
our moods master us. The more
pressure we are under, the more
likely we are to violate our own
sense of what is right. First be aware
of your moods, especially under
pressure, and then harness them.
INSIST ON DOING THE
RIGHT THING: Everyone has an
integrity gap, the distance between
what we say, what we believe and
how we actually behave. The key is
to continually be growing in
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integrity so that the gap lessons and our beliefs
and our behaviours come close to alignment.
We must be intentional about closing the
integrity gap.
CULTIVATE TRUST: Act in a trust worthy
way and trust others to do the same. Selfdiscovering leads to self-recovery. Try to
understand what are your DOs and DON'Ts,
under God as a Christian. Discover toady your
position in the Lord and ask for grace to
maintain a required standard for that position.
Permit me to remind you that you were created
in the image of God and after His likeness (Gen.
1: 26 – 27).
S E L F D I F F E R E N T I AT E : - S e l f
Differentiate is clarity about who you are as
distinct from those to whom you are connected.
Failure to Self – Differentiate promotes group
think (Compromise, the careless willingness to
let the group do your thinking for you.) Do not
ignore the group, but be aware enough to know
when the group ends and you begin.
CONCLUSION
Are you known as a person of your words?
Once you commit one dishonest act, your moral
standard loosens, your self-perception as an
honest person gets a little heavier, and your
ability to rationalize goes up. When you draw
the line between ethical and unethical, honest
and dishonest, never take that dishonest step no
matter how small and inconsequential a
dishonest choice may seem at the time, it may
send down a part that tarnishes your moral
compass, leads you to commit more serious
misdeeds and cause you to compromise your
fundamental principles.
While thanking God for the reality of this
meeting, we welcome His Lordship, The RT.
Rev. Blessing C. Enyindah Ph.D JP and his wife
the Nneoma of our Diocese Mrs. Precious N.
Enyindah JP. And all delegates to Igwuruta
Archdeaconry. It is our prayer that the vision of
recapturing a society with integrity will begin
with us, and as we go back to our various
stations, we will share this God given vision
with others in Jesus name. Amen. “Let your Yes
be Yes and your Nay your Nay”. *****
JESUS!
OUR PERFECT
ROLE-MODEL
TO FOLLOW
Rev'd Emma C. Tasie (JP)
As Christians and church workers of our day, if we want to be
better, happier servants and children of God, 1 Peter 2:21 is
quite explicit, in that Christ suffered for us, leaving for us a
model to follow.
Christ lived an extraordinary life; he had much to offer us as
His stewards, Shepherds, and as his flock. One of the basic
principles in Christ's lifestyle was that, though blemishless and
blameless, as the Son of God, he realized the human
personality in others; be they his disciples, non-Jews,
Pharisees, the women, the sick or the sinners (by the Jewish
standards) He was balanced, approachable, empathetic and
compassionate, impartial and respectful in His
companionship.
The church is one foundation and Jesus is the Lord. As
members of the body of Christ in the church, we have to
carefully analyze our lives to see how best we can balance our
material and spiritual pursuits.
Christ though had nowhere to lay His head (Matt. 8:20) his
lifestyle was not such in Isolation. He attended banquets as in
Luke. 5:29. His first recorded miracle – changing water to wine
at a wedding feast – showed Christ was not antisocial (John.
2:1-11). To Him, amidst all these, was what He valued most –
“my food is to do the will of Him that sent me and to finish His
work” (John. 4:34).
Besides, Christ was approachable, which made him to be
accessible to all and Sundry including non-Jews as Jaruis; the
widow at Nane. He did not fuse at all sorts of questions or
perplexing problems. One such occasion was when a sick
woman in a crowd faithfully touched his garment, in the hope
that she will be healed. He did not chide or scold her for her
seemingly presumptuous act; but He kindly said “Daughter,
your faith has made you well” – Mk. 5:25-34)
Children too were comfortable in his company (Mark. 10:1316). To His disciples, he was open, friendly and
accommodating in their conversations. This drew them very
15
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close to him (Mk. 6:30-32).
Zacheaus got the shocker of his
life as Jesus embraced, rather than
isolate him. In his home as he
dinned amidst grudges, Christ said
– “Today, salvation has come to
this house, since he also is a son of
Abraham, for the son of man is
come to seek that which is lost”
(Luke. 19:1-10). Christ was also
empathetic and compassionate.
One of His greatest witnesses was
His ability to put Himself in place
of others; sharing their feelings
and responding with helpful
actions.
In John 11:34-44 Christ saw Mary
in tears over her brother –
Lazarus's death, he groaned in
spirit and became worried; He also
gave way to tears. People around
easily saw the great love that he
c o u l d n o t h i d e a w a y. H i s
compassion in bringing back
Lazarus to life was pointal. Again
his compassion on the window of
Nane in bringing back her only
child to life was another example.
Christ was impartial and
respectful. He had some special
love for John and his siblings in his
discipleship; but he did not favor
them more than the others in
anything (Jn. 13:23). When James
and John asked for a privileged
place in God's kingdom, Jesus
answered - “ this seating down at
my right or left is not mine to give”
(Mk. 10:35-40).
Jesus was respectful to everybody.
He did not share in the general
prejudices of the people of His
days. In the Jewish culture,
women were relegated and treated
as inferiors, but Jesus gave them
prominence in all His dealings in
His ministry and treated them as
people of worth. He first declared
himself the Messiah in his
ministry in the home of a woman
who was not a Jew but a
Samaritan, whom the Jews
generally treated with disdain (Jn.
4:7-26) His resurrection, he
granted women the privilege of
being the first to witness it. Matt.
28:9-10.
Generally, these are but a few of
the examples Christ set for us to
follow as the leader and Lord of
the church. The problem today,
according to Late Apostle
Numbere is that the church has
been engulfed in materialism,
greed and pride have joined too,
hence thousands of ministries
coming up daily. No men of God
would want to serve others and for
that God must call every Tom,
Dick, and Harry. Serving in the
ministry is a calling just as Christ
was from the beginning prepared
by the father for the duty of
redemption.
Man does not apportion God's
blessings especially when Christ
himself confirmed that such flow
from the father's mercy seat. We
must beware because God's
standards are not man's.
Man's standards are based on laws,
statutes and orders to follow; but
God's flow from the spirituality of
Christ's sacrifice which man
enjoys by righteousness and faith
and by His grace. (Rom 3:15-25).
Naturally, these models set by
Christ are in themselves
motivational factors and in truth,
His humility openness, frankness,
and compassionate attributes
propelled His disciples faithfully,
to the end. *****
16
Articles
Politics:
A menace to Security in Nigeria!
Rev. Okechukwu N. Chezu JP
T
rescue operation by security agencies,
some politicians were busy blaming
the State government for that dastard
act, alleging that the government was
aware of the activities going on in that
evil forest.
he popular aphorism of Hubert
H. Humphrey that “to err is
human, but to blame some else
is politics,” seem to be playing itself in
the gathering momentum of our
current security situation. From the
escalating insurgency and terrorist
activities in the North East
geopolitical zone, down to the entire
northern part of the country, hardly
had any terrorist attack happened
without any group apportioning
blame to another without proffering
solutions on how to end this evil reoccurrence that occurred with
impunity.
The highlight of this politics in
security was the deadly bomb attack at
Nyanya, Abuja where the People's
Democratic Party (PDP) openly
accused the All Progressive Congress
(APC) of being responsible for the
country.
Apart from insurgency and terrorism,
our country is faced with challenges
posed by kidnappers in the Southern
part of the country. Where some
criminals kidnapped innocent citizens
Surprisingly, these culprits of evil act
are not spirits. They are not from the
moon, they live with us. But, what will
make one to engage in this dangerous,
evil, dastard, barbaric and satanic act?
One school of thought posited that the
problem posed by “Almajiris” in the
Northern part of the country
contributes immensely to the
increasing activities of terrorism in
the north. This school maintained that
the most wanted leader of Boko
Haram was an almajiri school
dropout, who was brain washed into
this evil act. Had this wanted leader of
BH attended a good school, he would
not have taken this dangerous
part.
Similarly, some of the criminals
that are into kidnapping activities
often confessed to the police,
whenever they were caught, that
they were graduates and only
engaged into this illicit way of
making money due to
unemployment. Though this may
partly be the reason, it does not
stand sufficient an excuse to
kidnap an innocent person.
bomb attack.
But wait a minute! How did we get to
this situation? What actually went
wrong? Previously, it was usually in
the news that we heard this kind of
stories of suicide bombers, or car
bomb attacks in some countries like
Iraq, Sudan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia,
Afghanistan etc. It is no longer news
that terrorists live among us in this
and held them hostage until huge
amount of money is paid as ransom.
Added to this are the activities of ritual
killers who lure their victims and get
them killed. A recent incident in one of
the South West States is fresh in our
memory where scores of fresh human
parts and dead bodies were recovered
and some of the victims rescued alive.
There again, there was politics of
blame game, after the successful
Now, let us remove politics and
focus on how to tackle the
problem of insecurity that
pervades the minds of Nigerians,
which has made everyone to live
in palpable fear. Security of lives
and property are the cardinal
function of any government. If our
elected leaders can truly uphold the
constitution they often profess to
uphold, the general insecurity will be
reduced if not eradicated. To this end,
both the government and citizens have
a lot to do.
Firstly, government should ensure
that it provide basic needs of the
citizens, especially quality education.
The Almajiri system seem to be doing
17
very little to remedy the situation of lingering
almajeri who still roam the northern streets;
begging and eating leftovers. These are the
most vulnerable children to be enlisted by
terrorist. A workable structure must and should
be provided to accommodate these children
into Islamic schools which currently are in
short supply. In the course of establishing
Islamic Schools, the private sector as well as
philanthropists with all their wealth should see
it as their religious duty to support the course of
investing and providing this form of education
for the northern children; since western
education seems to attract frowns to some.
Also, there is need to periodically review the
curriculum and teaching in these schools, if not
a significant effort would have been made to
gather the puppies to be trained by wolves.
Considering the poverty level in the region, the
government should consider such educational
setting to be run on scholarship, funded by
pulled funds from SURE-P, TETFUND and
private contributions for the moment.
Articles
“THE DESTRUCTIVE
NATURE OF THE FLESH”
BY UDOCHI ELECHI
Destructive: this means
tending to destroy; causing
destruction or much damage;
tending to overthrow, disprove,
or discredit.
Nature: this means the
inherent character or basic
constitution of a person or
thing: essence, disposition,
temperament.
When the first man broke
fellowship with God, the
judgment of God rested on all
mankind: “Wherefore, as by
one man sin entered into the
world, and death by sin; and so
death passed upon all men, for
that all have sinned” (Rom.
5:12). Today all the world
walks in the image and likeness
of Satan, because they all have
this cursed nature. Everyone
loves their selfish nature until
the sight of the glorious gospel
of Jesus Christ is seen and
Also, government should provide conducive
environment for the private sector to invest so
as to attract more investors who will employ
our youths thereby reducing unemployment. A
diversified economy is most vital at this point
in time, without the lip services of the past;
agriculture needs to be revamped as well as the
manufacturing plants across the country.
Efforts need to be synergized to improve the
road and transport conditions especially those
leading to agricultural communities to
encourage agricultural prices, supply and
practice.
Citizens on their part should assist government
by obeying the laws and providing information
to our security agencies always as well as
reporting any suspicious movement or
activities to the appropriate quarters.
Security agencies on their part should review
their strategies in tackling insecurity. Their
recruitment process should be reviewed so as
to allow people that have zeal to serve this
country in the security circle to be recruited.
This will include recruiting all the “civilian
JTF” into the army and police.
And this will make the fight against insurgency
more effective. There is also need for our
security agencies to review their training
pattern. Based on the situation on ground, our
security agencies did not contemplate how to
counter suicide bombers during their training
days.
Finally, our political leaders should separate
politics from security issues and join hands
together to fight this general insecurity in our
country. When this is done, the problem posted
by general insecurity will be a thing of the past
because there is strength in unity*****
repentance proceeds. The
flesh nature and the nature of
Satan are the same hence, they
are in total agreement. When
our heart loved this flesh
nature, our motives were the
same as Satan's, such as:
selfishness, ungodliness, and
self-love etc.
The deeds or fruit of the flesh
represent the character and
nature of Satan. Because this
nature is rooted deeply in the
hearts of all mankind, their
only motive will be to satisfy
the desires of their flesh and
live for themselves. This is
why the Spirit of God leads us
to put to death the deeds of the
rebellious flesh. (Rom. 8:13,
14; Gal. 5:16,24).
The moment a person accepts
Jesus Christ as his Lord and
S a v i o r, a n d t h e n m o v e s
forward to receive the Holy
Spirit, that person is instantly
and literally translated from
the kingdom of darkness into
the kingdom of God's light by
God's Holy Spirit of truth. The
18
News
1ST SESSION OF 3RD SYNOD:
RUNDELE COMMUNITY HAD A GOOD
FEEL OF GOD'S PRESENCE by Ostia Tasie Echeonwu
T
he people of Rundele
at the early hours of
Thursday 24th April,
2014 turned out in their
numbers to welcome Bishop
Enyindah, members of the
Anglican Communion from
Ikwerre land and beyond to
the community for the first
session of the third synod of
the Diocese of Ikwerre held at
StJohn's Anglican Church,
Ndele in Emohua Local
Government Area of Rivers
state. The Synod had as its
theme: Prayer and the
Ministry of the Word Acts
6:4 (a call for spiritual revival
in the church).
A densely populated
community of Rundele is
made up of Mgbuolua, AgbaNdele, Egamini and Omofo
with strong presence of the
Anglican Churches. Tradition
had it that, Christianity had its
advent in the community as
far back as 1906 through a
woman evangelist, Erinwo
Wojiawhu from Uvuawhu.
Accordingly, the first convert
was one Joshua Wachukwu
Wahiaezi, from Njoku family
in Mgbuolua who founded the United
Native African Church which later
metamorphosed into the St John's Church,
Ndele.
Prior to the arrival of delegates and
commencement of the synod on Thursday
the 24th April, a 200 capacity children hall
donated to the church by a Knight of the
Diocese, Sir Hon. Lucky Ugochukwu
Worluh was commissioned by the wife of
the Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi and
dedicated by the Bishop of the Diocese on
Monday, the 21st of April, 2014.
This was later followed by the arrival and
registration of delegates on Thursday with
visitations to some places of historical
importance by the Bishop and his
entourage that included some traditional
rulers and prominent indigenes of Ndele.
Eze G. W. Iroanwusi, the paramount ruler
of Agba Ndele who happens to be the 3rd
graduate of Ndele and the first graduate of
Agba (the 5th and last/ boundary village of
Ndele) was among the chiefs visited. In his
speech, Eze Iroanwusi, a onetime
Permanent Secretary and Sole
Administrator of Port Harcourt City
Council said he became born again on the
20th October, 1991 promised to engage the
Bishop for a better burial rite for the people
of Ndele. Others visited include HRH A.
O. B. Elikor, the Eze Oha 1 and paramount
ruler of Egamini Rundele, Eze S. U.
Wachukwu of Egamini, Eze Edison
Omeodu, the paramount ruler of Omofo
Ndele, Eze S. N. Alete Omoni of Mgbuelia
community, Sir Engr. Vincent Worluh, Sir
Gideon Omodu.
These hosts pointed out that change has
come with the belief that land of Rundele
will change for better, the spirit of God to
do operation Holy Ghost mass arrest.
Youths rally across all Ndele communities
was also part of the major activities of day
19
News
VISIT OF PRIMATE, CHURCH OF NIGERIA
ANGLICAN COMMUNION by SIR SAM EKE
-Archbishop Okoh charges BB to be sound in parade and spiritual acts
-Commends kattey and Enyindah for great ministry in Niger Delta Province
-Proclaims St. Peter's Cathedral, Isiokpo-“Embassy of Jesus”
them to maintain BB in the top
form, physically and spiritually.
He said BB leaders must be sound
in parade and spiritual acts; he
opined that the purpose of Boys'
Brigade was to produce better
Nigerians for a stronger country
thus if BB leaders mould good
moral lives, Nigeria will be glad
for it.
I
t was a blessed day of keeping covenant of God
with Ikwerre people. It was a day to dedicate
the reconstructed, enlarged and refurnished
church building of St Peter's Cathedral, the
Anglican See of Ikwerre. It was a day, previously
scheduled but eventually rescheduled for Sunday,
December 7, 2014. The beginning of the day was
like the sighting of an expected landmark at the end
of a long journey. The joy of Anglican faithful, nay,
Ikwerre people, Rivers State of Nigeria was
palpable. Their defying the scorching of the
December morning sun enabled hawkers make
brisk business in handkerchiefs and cold
beverages.
From brigade parade to clerical
procession. Expectedly, it was
lengthy as quite a few bishops were
on hand to support Primate Okoh
and the Archbishop of Niger Delta
Province, His Grace, the Most
Reverend Ignatius Crossby
Ogboru Kattey JP perform the
dedication of the new St. Peter's Cathedral, Isiokpo.
After the ritual of dedication came the message from the See,
Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). Primate Okoh
glowingly commended the Archbishop of Niger Delta Province
and Bishop of Niger Delta North, His Grace Most Reverend
Ignatius C.O. Kattey JP and the Diocesan of Ikwerre, Right
Reverend Blessing Chinyere Enyindah Ph.D. JP for giving a
good account of the Ministry of Jesus Christ in the Province and
Diocese of Ikwerre. He thanked other bishops and clergymen
who took the trouble of receiving him to shelve their own
Episcopal and pastoral engagements.
The faithful, adorned in various colours of
ceremonial uniforms, lined the trunk road over two
kilometers, singing, clapping and dancing to band
music to receive the Archbishop, Metropolitan and
Primate of All Nigeria, His Grace The Most
Reverend Nicholas D. Okoh, MA, Fss, Mss, LLD.
The carnival graciously glided into the premises of
St. Peter's Cathedral, Isiokpo and the Boys'
Brigade gave a ceremonial parade and the
Metropolitan inspected the Guard of Honour.
In appreciating the parade, His Grace, Archbishop
Nicholas Okoh taciturnly betrayed his military
background in describing the Boys' Brigade of
Ikwerre Diocese as a powerful company enjoining
20
Dedication of the New Cathedral
Building by the Primate
7th December, 2014
21
1st Session of the 3rd Synod 2014
at Ndele Archdeaconry
22
2015 REDEDICATION SERVICE, LICENSING
OF LAY-READERS, COMMISSIONING OF EVANGELIST
2014
Priestly
Ordination
23
Emohua Archdeaconry
hosted Bishop Eyindah’s
52nd Birthday
Celebration
Diocesan Harvest
2014 at St. Paul’s
Church, Aluu
2014
Cathedral
Annual Lecture
24
Rt. Rev. Dr. Blessing C. Enyindah, Bishop of Ikwerre Diocese measures the length of the auditorium as he dedicates
St. Paul’s Church, Elele‐Alimini District New building.
Bishop Eyindah
performing
Episcopal
functions at
St. Paul’s Church
Igwuruta Ali
25
Rt. Rev. Dr. Blessing Chinyere Enyindah, bishop
of Ikwerre Diocese declaring open, the 4h
Biennial Mothers' Union Conference of the
Diocese holding at St. John's Anglican church
Ndele District 29/10/14 to 02/11/14. GOD
BLESS IKWERRE DIOCESE!
A 30KVA sound proof generator was today dedicated by Rt. Rev. Dr.
Blessing Chinyere Enyindah, bishop of Ikwerre Diocese which was donated to St. James' Church,
Elele District by her women organiza on. GOD BLESS IKWERRE DIOCESE!
In the spirit of Christmas, the office of the bishop of Ikwerre Diocese today presented some bags of rice to the pastors and church
workers in Ibaa community of Uvuawhu Archdeaconry. This became necessary following the displacement of the church workers
and their members for some me now as a result of the crisis that rocked the community. We praise God as pastors and members
are returning. We need your prayers and more support to workers and members of the churches there.
26
News
Drawing from 1 Cor 3:16 “know ye not
that ye are the temple of God, and that
the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” the
Primate pontificated that a service of
dedication involved claiming an
environment for the Lord and setting it
apart for God's use adding that the
behavioural traits of the inhabitants
and occupants of such a dedicated
place must rise to a great moral height
that could expel evil forces hitherto
domiciled therein. His Grace, Most
Reverend Okoh accordingly declared
St. Peter's Cathedral, Isiokpo
“Embassy of Jesus” and proclaimed all
the human and material elements in
Ikwerre Diocese “separated from the
mundane unto the service of God.”
Furthermore, the Primate analyzed
dedication into structural construction,
spiritual soul-winning evangelism and
ensuring holiness of the house, people
and materials of God emphasizing that
adults must desist from sending
children to church and returning home
to sleep as the building dedicated to
God must be filled with His
worshippers in praise and adoration.
Besides, he told the mammoth
congregation that people go to the
house of God in singles or groups when
happy, to praise God; when confused,
to meditate and seek God's direction,
during persecution, moral or medical
sickness, to seek deliverance from
God; during personal or corporate
failure or quarrels to receive divine
solution arguing that such worship
sessions require personal commitment
rather than hiring other persons to fast
and pray.
Most Revd. Okoh warned that seeking
solution elsewhere produced reproach
and urged clergy to support the Bishop
in doing the work of God.
WHO'S WHO AT DEDICATION
SERVICE?
Before benediction, Bishop Blessing
Enyindah played host to the mammoth
congregation at the dedication of the
reconstructed Cathedral of St. Peter's,
Isiokpo.
An obviously happy Bishop excitedly
welcomed the Most Reverend
Nicholas D. Okoh, Archbishop,
Metropolitan and Primate of All
Nigeria to St Peter's Cathedral,
Isiokpo, Ikwerreland, Rivers State
whose executive Governor, Sir
Chibuike Amaechi CON, he profusely
thanked for providing the Primate with
the comfortable ambience
characteristic of Rivers people. To the
immediate past Dean, Church of
Nigeria Anglican Common, incumbent
Archbishop of Niger Delta Province
and Prelate, Diocese of Niger Delta
North, His Grace, the Most Reverend
Ignatius C.O. Kattey JP, Bishop
Enyindah expressed gratitude for
shelving his Episcopal engagement of
ordination to support the Primate
dedicate the new building of St Peter's
Cathedral, Isiokpo.
The presence of Deputy Governor, His
Excellency, Engr. Tele Ikuru in the
dedication service was an assurance
that the Church and the State are
together in the crucial business of
ensuring the welfare of the people. His
Lordship accordingly appreciated the
Deputy Governor who represented
Governor Chibuike Amaechi.
Responding, Engr Tele Ikuru, before
announcing the Governor's donation of
ten million Naira (N10,000,000.00)
enjoined the Church to endeavour to
win souls whose personalities would
fill the building to the glory of God
positing that only those whom God
anoints become what they desire in
life.
Bishop Enyindah further
acknowledged the presence of other
bishops including Rt Revds Innocent
Ordu of Evo Diocese, Chidi
Oparaojiaku of Ohaji-Egbema, James
Oruwari of Ogbia, Okechukwu
Precious Nwala of Etche amongst
others.
Paramount rulers, captains of industry
were equally saluted and they include:
HRM King Blessing Wagor and
prominent members of Isiokpo
Traditional Council, Sir Chief Alex
Orakwe JP, Dame Aleruchi CookeyGam who on behalf of Governor
Amaechi took the Old Testament
reading from 1Kings 8:22-30, Sir Prof
Godwin Tasie, Sir Chief & Lady
Polycarp Ndumotein JP, Sir Dr.
Nnanna Onyekwere and Ikwerre
Council of Knights, Diocesan legal
officers led by the Chancelor, Sir
Hon Justice E.N.T. Ebete, HRM
Eze Dr Ogundu-Wali, Nyenweali
Omagwa / Ozuaha/ Omademe /Ipo
Communities, Dame Julie
Owhonda, Mama Chinyere
Elenwo, Widow of Late Bishop
Samuel O. Elenwo JP, Sir Chief &
Lady Mike Elechi JP, Chairman,
Cathedral Building Completion
and Dedication Committee,
Matrons of Faith, Men's Ministry,
the Diocesan Clergy led by the
Archdeacon in the Cathedral, Ven
Prof Wellington Wotogbe-Weneka
FAR JP, the Police, Federal Road
Safety Commission, Boys'
Brigade, Girls' Guild and so forth.
*****
27
News
one. The Bishop thereafter declared
the synod open after a communion
service.
Day two of the synod being Friday the
25th April, 2014 began with morning
meditation which was taken by the
guest bishop, the Rt. Rev'd Sosthenes
Ikechukwu Eze, the Bishop of Enugu
North Diocese. This exercise he
carried out every morning of the synod
days (Friday – Sunday) dwelled on the
theme of the synod; Prayer and the
Ministry of the Word Acts 6:4 (a call
for spiritual revival in the church).
Bible study, Synod Motion was
moved by Sir Sam Obusike and
seconded by Sir John Okah,
presentation of reports from the
Cathedral various Archdeaconries,
Ministries, Units and departments
were some of activities of the day. This
also extended to Saturday, day 3 of the
synod.
The synod got to its climax on
Saturday, April 26, 2014, with a long
presidential address delivered by the
Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev
Blessing Chinyere Enyindah Ph.D
Rt. Rev. Enyindah in his address
examined the activities of the Diocese
within the last seven years. He stated
that, “this session of our synod is quite
special in the sense that it marks the
beginning of the third synod of the
Diocese of Ikwerre. “It is coming
within the period of the celebration of
our 7th anniversary. Therefore, “we
consider it a
proper and
appropriate
time to express
our profound
gratitude to
God Almighty
w h o h a s
graciously
guided and
helped us thus
far.
He stressed
that the
Diocese would
continue to
push for the
eradication of
idol worship in
the whole of
Ikwerre land, achieving the desire
would depend on members' readiness
to embark on regular prayers and
fasting for the evangelization of
Ikwerre land. He also highlighted the
continuous and tremendous
improvement the Diocese has made in
the area of evangelism. Bishop
Enyindah said that time had come for
the Diocese to go down on its knee and
ask God for revival in the Ikwerre
nation and beyond.
the on-going face-off between the
Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon.
Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the
Supervising Minister for Education,
Chief Nyesom Wike, is giving Ikwerre
a bad name. “For some time now, we
have been presented to the world in a
bad light. People now see the Ikwerre
as trouble makers. “They see us as a
people who cannot amicably resolve
their matters. This is manifested in the
troubles in parts of Ikwerre land.
Having enumerated the enormous
challenges facing the church today, the
Bishop, who is also the president of the
synod, straight lined the greater need
for revival now than ever in the history
of the church and mankind.” He
charged them to pray against the
political turbulence in Ikwerre land as
He said that Chibuike Amaechi as
Governor of Rivers State has not done
badly compared to what others have
done, noting that all the Ikwerres need
to do is to back him up and give him the
support and encouragement to succeed
in his tenure.
President
Goodluck
Jonathan
was also
commende
d by the
Bishop for
h
i
s
boldness in
signing the
same sex
prohibition
bill into
l a w ,
stressing
that the
situation
shows that
no matter
how corrupt
Nigeria is,
28
Press Release
there is still room for good morals.
He said that the Federal
Government's stance on the issue has
strengthened the fight of the Church
of Nigeria, Anglican Communion,
against the support of homosexuality
by churches in the western world.
On the 2015 election, Rt. Rev
Enyindah, urged politicians to be
peaceful while the Independent
National Electoral Commission
(INEC) should ensure a level playing
ground for all political parties for the
election.
The synod outlined lot of important
issues that may be pre conditions for
holy matrimony and blessing of
marriage in the Diocese. As
important as it may be, the Diocese
also extended the synod by one;
meaning that the Diocesan synod will
henceforth hold for five days from
Wednesday – Sunday instead of four
as it used to be.
A cross-section of other dignitaries
responded and launched the Bishop's
Presidential address among who was
Dame Judith Amaechi, the wife of the
R i v e r s S t a t e G o v e r n o r. S h e
expressed optimism that the synod
would usher in an air of spirituality in
the state and called on the church to
rise up for the truth. Mrs. Amaechi
said that the sooner the churches do
that, the better for the society. “It is
time we get down on our knees and
ask God what is wrong because the
truth is being twisted,” she said.
The Highlight of the event was a
thanksgiving service which rounded
it off on Sunday 27th April, 2014, the
launching of diocesan projects, etc.
The representative of the Rivers State
Governor, the State Arntony General
and Commissioner of Justice, his
entourage, national assembly
members, commissioners, other top
government functionaries,
traditional rulers, Brother Bishops
and their wives and a host of other
dignitaries were in attendance.
IKWERRE DIOCESE AT THE
CENTRE STAGE OF SENIOR
CLERGY MANAGEMENT
ADVANCED COURSE
by Rev Okechukwu Chezu
T
he Senior Clergy Management Advanced Course of Church of
Nigeria Anglican Communion was held on January 19 – 28, 2015
at Ibru International Centre, Abgara-Otor, Delta State for training
in Advanced Church Management. The training which featured
workshop, fellowship, bible study and prayers had in attendance the
Bishop of Ikwerre Diocese, Rt. Rev'd Blessing Chinyere Enyindah and
other priests of the Diocese: Rev. Can. Christian Ogbuigba, Rev
Okechukwu N. Chezu. Rev. Franklyn Opurum and Rev Emmanuel
Green.
The Bishop in company of his wife,
the Diocesan Officials, Guest
Bishops, and Some Special Guest
jointly cut the Cake marking 7th
Anniversary of his consecration,
enthronement and Inauguration of
the Diocese. The Chairman,
Diocesan Synod Planning
Committee Sir Barr. Uche Ewhule
and the Chairman of the Local
Organizing Committee for the synod,
Hon Lucky Worluh commended the
people for their massive support for
ensuring the success of the synod,
assured that the present generation of
Rundele people would continue to do
those things that will bring God's
blessings to the community. In their
view, the synod was significant as it
changed the impression that nothing
good can come out of Rundele. Hon
Worluh said that the success of the
synod had also erased the mantra that
Ndele Kwehuoma, which allegedly
developed following a curse said to
be placed on the community by
Whiteman. *****
Jaji and National Institute for Policy and Strategic
Studies, Kuru and graduates of these colleges have
“mni”, “psc” added to the titles. It is suggested that
graduates of the advanced clergy management course
be allowed to add “acmc' (Advanced Clergy
Management Course) after their names.
The participants also acknowledged with sincere
gratitude the noble initiatives of The Archbishop
Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, The Most
Rev'd Dr. Nicolas Okoh, with all the Archbishops and
Bishops for establishing the programme. They
remained grateful to the Rt. Rev'd Dr Blessing
Enyindah and other resource persons for their
sacrifice that has rekindled the glorious light of their
calling.
Certificates of participation were awarded.*****
Enyindah who is the secretary of the Church of Nigeria Advanced
Course Team served as a resource person at the training.
Addressing the trainees, Bishop Enyindah reiterated the need for
good human communication and public relations as veritable
tools for church administration in the 21st century. He further
advocated that rudiments be taught to the priests in all dioceses in
the communion using available modern information technology
as they proclaim the gospel.
The participants recognized the need for cooperative leadership at
every level of administration, the importance of planning and
budgeting in church of Nigeria. In their observation, the
participants classified the Advanced Management Training
programme as being tailored after Administrative Staff Course,
29
Articles
Apostle Paul describes this process as the "mystery"
revealed, which is "Christ in you" the hope of glory.
one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye
would”.
The Spiritual Man and the "Flesh"
Gal 6:8 “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the
flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit
shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting”.
1Jo 2:16
“For all that is in the world, the lust of
the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is
not of the Father, but is of the world”.
Rom 7:25
“I thank God through Jesus Christ
our Lord. So then with the mind I serve the law of God;
but with the flesh the law of sin”.
What is meant by the flesh? In this context, the flesh is
the fallen, natural, carnal state in which we are born, or
our sinful nature that seeks to satisfy its own lusts and
expresses itself in our thoughts and actions in a way
that opposes the spiritual nature and life of God. When
we walk according to our fleshly lusts we are walking
according to the law of sin from which we have been
liberated in Christ as saints.
The inclination to sin is present in our flesh and we
continue more or less to struggle in some of these
areas. The flesh spoken of here is not about
experiencing the good things that God has given to us
for our enjoyment. When we walk according to God's
truth we bear the fruit of God's Spirit (love, peace, joy,
longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness,
and temperance; against such there is no law, Gal.
5:23.
If we sow according to the flesh we will reap dead
works, but the fruit of the Spirit gives life to the soul.
Abiding in the realm of the flesh renders us powerless
against our spiritual enemies, the devil and his
kingdom. At this juncture, we are on his territory and
not God's.
Overcoming Our Own Fleshly Nature
Gal 5:17 “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and
the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the
The life of God that is given to every believer is made
manifest in our hearts and lives when we walk in the
Spirit. But if we live according to the lusts of the flesh
we continue to reap corruption.
Gal 5:19-21 “Now the works of the flesh are manifest,
which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness,
lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance,
emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies. envying,
murders, drunkenness, reveling, . . ."
The battleground between the flesh and the Spirit is
between the life of the Spirit and the fruit of the flesh
which is spiritual death, therefore our spiritual warfare
also takes place in the realm of the flesh to be overcome
by the power of God's Holy Spirit on a daily basis. This
is also a battle between love and hate; truth and lies.
To be more than a conqueror in Christ over the powers
of darkness, those who have accepted Christ as their
Savior, must first understand that they are saved by
grace and not by works. When we receive God's Holy
Spirit we are given
spiritual life, a new
nature. We can never
redeem ourselves or
make ourselves good
enough to be saved. This
is a life giving gift from
God and God alone, and
is freely given to those
who ask Christ to save
them. Salvation is a
onetime act. *****
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IKWERRE DIOCESE:
YOUTHS
AGAINST
VIOLENCE
Jus ce C. Emesiobi, Ikwerre Diocesan AYF Secretary
I
n recent times, youth restiveness
and its associate vices such as
cultism and terrorism have
occupied a prominent place in our
national dailies, magazines and also
the electronic and social media.
Almost daily, we read report of cases
of youth restiveness and other
insurgent attacks being a despicable
act perpetuated by a significant
proportion of youths in our country.
Youth restiveness is a combination of
any action, conduct or act that
constitute nuisance and is engaged in
by youths of any community. Increase
in the occurrence of violence and
lawlessness involving things such as
hostage taking, criminality, maiming,
insurgent attacks and the abduction of
the Chibok Girls by the Boko Haram
Islamic extremists including the
disturbance of public peace among
others, have had significant
consequences to
hamper our
corporate
existence as well
as the socioeconomic,
political and
c u l t u r a l
development of
Nigeria. It has
done worst to
hamper the
realization of our
individual
potentials in our
communities.
Also important
to note, youth
restiveness has
led to a situation
of killing and shedding of innocent
blood which scare away potential
developers to hold any developmental
programmes.
Recently, Diocese of Ikwerre,
Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF)
celebrated her 7th Anniversary Bible
Study Conference which held on the
24th -27th July, 2014 at St. Paul's
(Ang) Church Okporowo Ogbakiri
District, Ikwerre South Archdeaconry.
Diocese of Ikwerre Anglican Youth
Fellowship is at the fore-front in the
campaign against violence, cultism
and terrorism in order to secure a
lasting peace in our communities in
particular and Nigeria at large.
The 7th Anniversary Bible Study
Conference was held with the theme
“The Alpha and Omega” Rev. 1:8. It
was unique and full of innovative
activities such as the Talent Hunts,
Cultural Display, Evangelism Bus
Launch and Trophies Presentation.
The other unique features include
Prayers, Bible Studies, Sound
Teachings, Evangelism, Talks,
Expositions and Quiz Competitions.
At its climax, the youths staged an
intense campaign rally tagged “Youths
against Violence”.
And that, knowing the time, that now it
is high time to awake out of sleep; for
now is our salvation nearer than when
we believed Rom. 13:11. The youths of
our church can no longer fold hands
and watch the cankerworm of youth
restiveness continue to bedevil our
development. Therefore, we must rise
up and resist vehemently using all
available instruments at our disposal
which are prayer and the ministry of
the word of God Acts 6:4, to preach the
message of repentance and campaign
against the menace of cultism Matthew
3:1-2 in order to end violence and
secure lasting peace in our society.
Potentially, youths are the greatest
investments for a sustainable
development. They can influence
positive changes and foster peace in
the society if they can realize their
Gods given potentials. Consequently,
youths are by this warned not to be
involved in the earthly violence
knowing that “we wrestle not against
flesh nor blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against
the rulers of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high
places” Eph. 6:12. In view of the 2015
general elections, youth are also
warned to avoid being used the greedy
and bloody politicians as perpetrators
of evil but rather, they should be good
ambassadors of peace. They must
work to avoid distraction at all cost,
resist violence, shun cultism and
embrace Jesus Christ who is our peace.
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REHOBOAM'S
LEADERSHIP:
IS IT A CURSE OR BLESSING
T
v
he world today is faced with
leadership crisis. One
contemplates what really the
causes of these problems are. Some
would say that it is spiritual ma er by
that they mean since Adam the first
man on earth disappointed his
creator , that God punished him for
such act of disobedience as a result
all human beings become beneficiary
of this, hence man began to have
leadership problem. This view is from
the religious angle and we will dwell
more on this issue as we progress in
this discourse. On radical point of
view, the proponents of this view
blame the leadership crisis lurking
round the en re society, reason
being that those who are at helm of
affairs failed to care and provide for
the members of the society for which
they vowed to care hence we see and
hear people yawing and clamoring
for servant leader .Indeed, this is
exactly the situa on of the Israelites
of the old testament of the Bible
before the emergence of Rehoboam
as the king of that na on. In the light
of the above, our concern in this
wri ng will be on the leadership style
of Rehoboam, how it affected the
people and compare it to what is
happening today in our
contemporary society.
LEADERSHIP IN THE TIME OF
REHOBOAM'S FATHER
Before the emergence of king
Rehoboam, his father was the king of
the na on and served the people in a
manner that they felt his
administra on was autocra c. The
people were not comfortable with his
dictatorship way of administra on.
So it became obvious that his
capitalist tendencies were not for the
BY REV. FRIDAY WOSU
development of his na on and his
subjects but for his self‐benefit. The
people needed change and according
to the Holy Bible, the leaders of Israel
summoned Rehoboam and
Jeroboam, the en re Israel spoke
with Rehoboam. Your father was a
hard master, they said. Lighten the
harsh labour demands and heavy
taxes that your father imposed on us
(see 1kings 12:3‐4). What the above
verses of the Scripture tend to convey
i s t h a t h u m a n b e i n g s d i s l i ke
autocra c type of government and
frown at ideas or policies that are
undemocra cally invented. This is
what is called in the modern fallacy as
“without due process”. Rehoboam's
father's regime did not adopt due
process in his administra on and it
was unpalatable to his subjects
hence the quest for libera on or
freedom. In our socie es today, we
see a replay of this type of leadership
.This is the reason why people are
seeking for somebody that will lessen
their individual, family or societal
problems yet none seem to work out
as expected as it was in case of
Rehoboam's father.
THE EMERGENCE OF
REHOBOAM'S AUTOCRATIC
LEADERSHIP
It is important to state here that
Rehoboam did not make himself a
leader or king, rather the leaders of
Israel decided to make him a king( see
1kings12:3‐4). This was premised on
the fact that his father failed to be a
democra c leader and as a result the
people needed who will lessen their
burden which his father Solomon laid
on them. Being a young man, full with
charisma, the people expected that
he could transform their country.
Now the ques on: Rehoboam a
charisma c leader? What made the
elders and other people to decide
make Rehoboam king a er the
demise of his father? King Rehoboam
is not a charisma c leader. The term
charisma c leader Ekong E. Ekong
(2003:105) explains it thus: a
personal character or quality that
enables an individual to influence his
fellowmen. Ihunda (2004:214)
viewed it as a leader who possesses
certain traits such as intelligence,
aggressiveness or other personal
characteris cs that mark them out
from non‐leaders. From the above
explana ons of who a charisma c
leader is, it will be deduced that King
Rehoboam lacked these traits.
Viewing from his responses to the
elders who met him to reduce the
imposi on of taxa on and slavery
which the administra on of his father
brought the people into, they chose
him to become the next king. With his
autocra c prowess, he introduced
what I called “solomocracy”, that is,
government of imposing more
burdens on the people and not for
himself and family but for the
detriment of the people.
The Scripture says that “then
Rehoboam discussed the ma er with
the older men who had counseled his
father Solomon. What is your advice?
He asked. How should I answer these
people? The older counselors
replied, if you are willing to be a
servant (king) to these people today
and give them a favorable answer,
they will always be your loyal
subjects. But Rehoboam rejected the
advice of older men and instead
asked the opinion of the young men
who had grown up with him and were
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now his advisers ... this is what you
should tell those complainers who
want a lighter burden, my li le finger
is thicker than my father's waist, yes
my father laid heavy burdens on you,
but I'm going to make them even
heavier, my father beat you with
whips, but I will beat you with
scorpions” (1kings 12:6‐11). From
Rehoboam's response, he sounded
autocra c than being the servant
leader they envisaged. He did not
carefully evaluate what he was told if
he had, he would have realized that
the advice offered by the elders was
wiser than that of his peers. In other
words, the message he conveyed to
the people is that he is in‐charge. This
is one of the characteris cs of an
autocra c leader. Today, we can see
this trait more in a democra c
government and other religious
organiza ons than in an autocra c
government. Like in the case of some
religious bodies, there is this concept
“ wait for your turn”, “I am in‐charge”,
while, under a democra c se ng,
you hear this concept “order from
above”. All these words contain or
have autocra c inclina ons without
their users realizing. Furthermore,
K i n g Re h o b o a m ' s a c o n s a n d
inac ons portend autocracy. Ngozi
Iheanacho (2013:72) explained an
autocra c leader as somebody who
shows people that he or she is in‐
charge. The power and authority they
have from their posi on...are
important to them because they use
it freely, not expec ng it to be
ques oned. Followers usually have
li le or no freedom to disagree or to
disobey. According to him, their styles
sound arrogant and dehumanizing.
These are the features found in
Rehoboam's leadership.
HIS LEADERSHIP, A CURSE OR
BLESSING
A cri cal look at what have been said
so far on this subject, we need no
diviner to tell us whether his regime
was a blessing or curse. But as a
scholar, one will a empt to explain
both for the avoidance of doubt. Let
me begin by asser ng that his
leadership is a curse not only to the
dynasty of Daivd alone but to his own
genera on. During his reign there
was revolt of the northern tribes
which made the people to say “Down
with the dynasty of David, we have no
interest in the sons of Jesse. Back to
your homes, O Israel. Look out for
your own house, O David” (1kings12:
16b). Jeroboam and Rehoboam did
what was good for them not what was
good for their people. Also, it is a
curse because Jerusalem, a place of
worship and the capital city of the
people was abandoned by Jeroboam
and his followers; they established a
new worship centre which did not
happen during the reign of his
forebears. Furthermore, during his
regime, the people were their back
from serving God. Remember that a
good leader put the best interest of
his subjects above his own. This is the
prevalence in our society today. Some
of our young leaders do not care the
consequence their selfish ambi on
will cause to the people but want to
get rich “overnight”. There is no place
in this globe corrup on does not
loom large. Absolutely no place you
can't see or find it. It is important to
assert that autocra c rule is capable
of disintegra ng a na on, family,
village and community.
On the other hand, the breaking away
of the northern tribes during the
reign of Rehoboam is seen as a good
thing in the right sense of it in that the
d i s i n t e g ra o n b r o u g h t a b o u t
libera on on one hand and freedom
to the en re people of the kingdom
on the other hand. Although the
kingdom of Israel was united under
David and Solomon, the tensions
between North and south were never
resolved. The jealousy and animosity
behind this civil war didn't begin with
Rehoboam and Jeroboam but had its
roots in the days of the judges, when
the people were more interested in
tribal loyalty than in na onal unity.
However, Rehoboam ruled the
southern kingdom and Jeroboam
governed the northern part of the
kingdom. For the first me in history
there emerged quasi ‐ egalitarian
society, a situa on where people or
dynas es and kingdoms are rated
equal.
Again, the benefit derived premised
on the fact that there existed freedom
of worship unlike before when they
were worshipping God in the city of
Jerusalem (1kings12:15‐19). So what
the people are enjoying today which
is contained in some cons tu on of
na ons emanated from the tale in the
Holy Bible. There are also some other
merits like economic and poli cal
freedom. In the case of economic
freedom the northern kingdom
controlled their resources without
any molesta on from the southern
kingdom. The autocra c governance
seen before the separa on of the
northern kingdom from the southern
kingdom was reduced in the new
southern kingdom with Rehoboam as
the king, while Jeroboam's kingdom
had a different system of government
devoid of autocracy.
CONCLUSION
The dynasty of Daivd would have
been in intact if Rehoboam had taken
to the advice of the older men than
the young men. The threat of heavier
burdens caused a rebellion and
divided the na on. It is important to
state that good leaders put the best
interests of the followers above their
own, while the autocra c ones seek
for selfish interests. Indeed,
Rehoboam never placed his priority
right and it boomeranged on him.
This work has discussed the merits
and demerits of his leadership
REFERENCES
1 . E ko n g E . E ko n g ( 2 0 0 3 ) , A n
Introduc on To Rural Sociology,
published by Dove Educa onal,Uyo,
Nigeria.
2. Iheanacho Ngozi (2013),
Perspec ves In Human Interac on &
Success Frame, published by Stepson
prin ng House in Port Harcourt,
Nigeria.
3. Ihunda C.C. (2004), Elements Of
Management, published by Spring
field, Imo State Nigeria.
4, Mathew Henry, Bible Commentary
*****
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BEYOND THE FOUR WALLS
OF THE
TRINITY
COLLEGE
Venerable Israel Okechuku Ikonwa Jp
Archdeacon in the Cathedral
T
rinity Theological
College, Umuahia,
my renowned
Almameter is one of the
famous theological colleges
east of the Niger where
Anglican Priests are trained.
Training of the ministers of
God has its origin from the
Bible (2Tim 2:15). However,
this training may not be “the
be all and end all” as far as
pastoral practice is
concerned. Theological training is mainly academic with little or no emphasis
laid on the practical although, Church attachment (a form of I.T) has been
introduced in recent times in the curricula of the college. This is complemented
by the daily Chapel administration, and ministry which includes sermon analysis
in some cases. All these are not enough to prepare the would-be ordinand for
pastoral ministry in the field in the years ahead. They only point to the fact that
there are certain things that will enhance one's pastoral ministry to be learnt or
acquired beyond the four walls of the theological college.
ON THE JOB TRAINING OR EXPERIENCE
On the job training is one of the things that enhances one's growth in pastoral
ministry. It is acquired outside the four walls of the theological college.
At times, job advertisements in secular employment specify age and a given
number of years of experience as one of the criteria for employment selection.
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This is because the more
experienced an employee is in a
particular task or assignment, the
more efficient he is on the job.
This assertion is what underlines
the requirements in some
professions that new entrants must
pass through a period of tutelage
under experienced practitioners in
that area before being licensed to
serve in that profession.
In the legal profession, new
lawyers employed as magistrates
are made to undergo a period of
court attachments, learning under
old magistrates sitting side by side
with them as they handle cases over
the said period. New judges are not
left out of this arrangement before
they are sworn in as High Court
Judges.
In the medical profession, new
doctors are only licensed to
practice medicine after they have
passed through a period of hospital
attachment referred to as house job
(or house man ship). It is believed
in these professions that this period
of attachment to courts or hospital
is for the new employees of these
professions to acquire practical
experience that will make them
efficient and effective in their
practice. This is done believing that
the university training they got was
more academic than practical as
may be required in their field of
practice.
The pastoral ministry like the
professions mentioned above,
requires this on-the job training
even more. This truth is revealed
even in the Bible. Elisha trained out
of school under Elijah (1King
19:16-21, 2Kings 2:1-25, 4:1-end,
6:23). Gehazi trained in the same
way under Elisha, although he
could not complete his own
training out of shear greed (2King
5:20-27). Joshua was trained by
Moses, and that qualified him to
take over from Moses in leading the
Israelites to the Promised Land
(Num 22:18-23). Timothy was
trained by Paul who always
referred to him as “my son”
(1Tim1:2, 2Tim1:2).
Peter, James, John and other
disciples of Jesus were given onthe job training by Master Jesus
(Matt 4:19). The selection of
Mathias as a replacement for Judas
after the death of Jesus was based
on the credential of on the job
training under Jesus (Acts 1:1526).
Experience acquired by a trainee
not only equips him for the job in
the years ahead but also qualifies
him to be a trainer of trainees (2Tim
2:3). This is the reason behind the
position of a curate in the Anglican
Ecclesiastical organogram. A
curate is to serve under a senior
pastor to acquire more experience
that will enhance his ministry in
future. The worst thing that can
happen to a young pastor is to be
posted from college to head a
church. The church suffers under
his ministry. This is because, the
pastor may know little or nothing
about church book keeping, and so
neglects the importance of church
records
To such a pastor being a curate is
seen as a punishment. He throws
canonical obedience to the dust. By
his inexperience, he may lack in
pastoral ethics and so he steps on
the toes of some church authorities.
He plays with church money, girls,
women and property. He sees
himself as a demigod, in his church
to the utter neglect of his
Archdeaconry and Diocesan
obligations.
He is blind to the spiritual
requirement of his call, but rather is
always interested in the enjoyment
of the paraphernalia of the pastoral
office. The result is that the church
suffers under his inefficiency.
HUMILITY:
Humility is one of the factors that
enhance the growth of a pastor in
the ministry. This is a life trait
either in-born or acquired out of the
theological college. It is an
established truism that where
humility can take a pastor to his
theological school certificate
cannot reach there. It pays to be
humble, working under the Bishop
and other senior pastors in the
ministry. Some ministers who play
careless with this requirement in
their ministry live to testify to their
ugly experience in certain cases.
Some pastors will always say “I
was not called by man but by God”.
Some will say, I did not answer the
call of God because of preferment.
Do not mind them if you want to
grow in the ministry. God uses man
to call the pastors into the ministry
especially in our own Ecclesiastical
set up. God uses the Bishops to
confirm His call on the Pastors in
their Diocese. God in the same way
uses the Bishops to assess, appraise
and elevate the Pastors through
preferment. Humility and
competence are the major criteria
used for such preferment. Nobody
will want to elevate a disloyal
minister to a position he will even
have more opportunity to
persecute, gang up against,
disobey, or run down his boss.
It really pays to abide by the
requirements of Canonical
obedience even at the height of
obvious provocation, challenges
and circumstances. You may not be
there to defend yourself when your
matter will be discussed and
decided by even those seniors in the
ministry whom you dishonor. It is
good to obey and respect your
seniors in the ministry and when it
is your turn to head a
church/Archdeaconry your juniors
will also make things easy for you.
Anything short of this will bounce
back to the disobedient pastor in
retribution.
There are no two ways about this.
Everything under the heavens
works with time as decided by God
(Eccl. 3:1-2). We should learn to
wait for our own turn in clerical
leadership. Don't allow the
viability of your spiritual gift to
make us deride your seniors who
may not be so much endowed
spiritually or otherwise. Try to see
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beyond the goats, fowls, yams,
rice, money, etc that are made
available for sharing among the
ministers to distract your
attention from the main focus of
your ministry. Be diligent in your
service to God, and the church;
always abounding in His work for
your labour will never be in vain
(1Cor. 15:58). Do not run down
your colleagues in order to
ascend. Wait patiently for your
turn without strive, acrimony,
stubbornness, hatred and
blackmail. Your promotion will
then come unexpectedly at the set
time of God. It is certified that
those who claim to be the right
candidate for preferment never
get it as expected (1Sam 16:612,1 kings 1:5, 38,46). God's
ways are different from man's
judgment. Allow God to
announce you in the ministry and
be not deceived any longer by
your own assessment. Do your
own part and allow God to decide
the rest.
Once more we emphasize here
that humility is an asset to a
growing pastor. Saul lost his
kingship throne out of
disobedience to God through
Samuel (1Samuel 15:22).
Humility in service to Elijah
earned Elisha the double
anointing of Prophet Elijah
(2Kings 2:9, 19-24; 4:1-44).
However, Gehazi and Miriam
were rewarded with leprosy
because of their greed,
disobedience and jealousy of the
position of their masters, Elisha
and Moses respectively (2Kings
5:20-24, Num 12:1-16).
It is our prayer that as you go
through this presentation, every
disloyal pastor will change for the
better. It is also our wish, that
pastors should tap into the “out of
college training requirement as
highlighted here and this will not
only make for effective ministry
of the pastor but create a
harmonious working relationship
between him and other pastor and
this make for a better church even
up to the end time. *****
“THE STEWARD
WITH A DIFFERENCE”
Mrs. Chisom Clara Udo‐Elechi
Every great leader cannot achieve optimum results without good
stewardship. For any leader to be successful there must be the presence of
stewards who will be willing to go all out in achieving results and delivering
desired plans of the Leader.
When Leaders Lack Support
Leaders often feel pressure because they do not have enough help. This
problem is not new, Moses complained to the Lord: “I am not able to bear all
these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me” (Num. 11:14).
Paul was a great leader, but he did not always have the help he needed and
while writing to Timothy, he said, “For I have no one like-minded, who will
sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are
of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:20 - 21).
Many leaders have compelling assignments from God, but they struggle
because potential helpers (stewards with difference) are consumed with
seeking their own interest and will not help carry out the leader's vision and
aspiration.
Was There Actually No One Else Like Timothy?
Paul needed a representative — someone to reflect his heart, his desires and
divine mandate. A hireling would not meet the need. This person must
genuinely care for and serve the best interests of others. Paul had only one
person available and capable of doing this — TIMOTHY.
Paul described Timothy as “like-minded”, a word meaning equal soul.
Special trait of Timothy:
1. He knew and shared Paul's heart, values, priorities, purpose,
convictions, and attitudes.
2. Timothy was not self-promoting or self-willed.
3. He had no personal agenda; this is what made him so valuable to
Paul.
4. He wanted to serve God by helping Paul.
The Bible records the characteristics of many godly people whose examples
can be emulated by today's Leaders. Paul said, “Join with others in following
my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the
pattern we gave you” (Philippians 3:17). In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul also
said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” Below are
some examples to emulate of the follower with a difference:
1. Attention to details (Joseph).
2. Courageous assistant (Joshua).
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3. Supporting the leader
(Aaron and Hur).
4. Respectful (David).
5. A c o v e n a n t m a n
(Jonathan).
6. Resourceful Devotion
(Amasai).
7. D e t e r m i n e d f o l l o w e r
(Elisha).
8. Willing to decrease so
another may increase (John
the Baptist).
9. Son of Encouragement
(Barnabas).
10. A p a r t n e r a n d f e l l o w
worker (Titus).
11. Like-minded (Timothy).
12. Profitable Worker (Mark).
13. Faithful Steward (Luke).
14. Showing initiative and
refreshing others
(Onesiphorus).
15. Committed (Priscilla and
Aquila).
God is rising up a great company of
Timothy's today to surround and
help leaders in Kingdom work. We
all recognize that God calls some
people to supportive roles just as He
calls others to top-level leadership
roles. Not all of us will be involved
in top-level leadership roles.
Traits of Great Supportive
Stewards
What are the characteristics of
profitable Stewards? While godly
character, competence, intelligence,
longevity, and many other qualities
are important, essential traits that
are found in Stewards with a
difference that thrive and are
effective in their work. Below are
few traits of great supportive
stewards:
1.
Stewards with difference
are loyal
One of your jobs as a steward is
to represent your leader in a
favorable light, especially when
others make unfair criticisms.
As you carry out your
assignment as a steward, be sure
to promote your leader and
encourage people to follow his
leadership. Connect people to
your leader and the church, not
merely to yourself. Don't play
self.
2.
3.





Stewards that make a
difference have excellent
attitudes
The importance of one's attitude
cannot be overestimated; this
major factor determines the
quality of a Steward's
contribution to the church.
Having the right attitude not
only makes a steward a blessing
to the leader, but it also helps
motivate the rest of the team.
Good attitudes are contagious;
they inspire and encourage
others. Bad attitudes are also
transmittable; they can create a
negative and hostile work
environment in which others
feel they must walk on
eggshells all the time.
Stewards with a
difference are faithful
Some ministers fail the
faithfulness test because they
do not value the task that have
been handed over to them. They
think, “when God gives me an
important assignment, then I'll
be diligent and faithful”. Jesus,
however, made it clear that
being faithful in small things is
essential (Luke 16:10–12). A
faithful person:
Careful to fulfill a promise. He
is reliable; you can believe him.
Dedicated in carrying out his
duties and responsibilities.
Diligent in his work.
Dependable in completing his
assignments. You can count on
his work being done.
Thorough. He is not just a good
starter, but also a good finisher.



4.
He does not drop the ball
halfway through the project.
Pays attention to details. He
does not let things fall through
the cracks.
Punctual. He shows up on time
and meets deadlines.
Consistent and constant. He is
not up one day and down the
next.
Stewards with a
difference have a servant's
heart
Ministry is not about titles,
positions, recognition, and
prestige. It is about serving
others with the love of God. The
highest commendation Paul
gave Timothy may have been
when he wrote, “You know his
proven character, that as a son
with his father he served with
me in the gospel” (Philippians
2:22).
Occasionally, people in ministry
lose their eagerness to serve and
become particular about what kind
of work they are willing to do.
They develop the attitude that they
are too good to do certain tasks. At
times, people may have the
privilege to specialize by serving in
a particular area, but they must be
willing to serve wherever they are
needed to get the overall job of
ministry done.
Conclusion:
If you are a Steward, I trust you are
striving to be profitable to your
leader. Work to develop the traits
described above. As these virtues
are established in your life, they
will make you a healthy, effective,
and valuable member of God's
dream team. When good
followership partners with good
leadership, it pleases God,
maximizes our corporate potential,
and raises us to higher levels.
*****
37
Articles
THE FAITHFUL WOMAN OF
THE HOME BRINGS UP GOD
FEARING CHILDREN
Mrs. Gold Emma Tasie
Dds think all problems in the home
could be solved by tough rules, strict
enforcement, and heavy punishment.
But what a difference it would make if
the dads blended their formula with
more love, understanding, trust and free
communication.
Moms know this but more often than
not, are helpless in the situation.
However, God fearing faithful women
do not put up a counter force but would
ease the pain by reminding the children
that it would be better with a dad too
strict than one who didn't care going
after his drinking habit and perching on
other women outside the home.
Some
h a v e
argued
l i k e
these
faithful
moms,
others
h a v e
argued
t h a t
neither
of the
b o t h
sets can
make an
effectiv
e father
in faith. The strict father they say, may
earn the children's obedience and
respect (many times in eye service); and
a lenient one may gain their affection
and love and thereby very free with
them to a fault, but over the long haul,
neither wins the heart for God and
neither contributes toward wellgroomed children.
Worse, though than fathers who remain
at either extreme - are those who
oscillate or dangle between the two –
strict today, soft tomorrow, or those
who discriminate love among the
children. They are unfair. Little wonder
children rebel because they are not able
to know their stand. In today's practice
which keeps them too long out of
homes, most such children in dilemma
tend to cling more to the peer group
pressure and rebel against the home
structure.
To worsen the problem some mothers
only love and cherish their own
children they pet, they give even more
than is asked, so as to draw them closer
than they could be to the dad.
Such a woman starts earlier
indoctrination by drumming into the
young ears that their dad's hatred for her
tends to be transferred to them in his
strict and disciplined model. Such
homes can't stand firm. In a very
complex dilemma of what life is all
about in such a family, the children
resist their father, albeit trying to
protect their mother from their father.
More often than noted such children
who rebel against their father in favour
mother end up in cults as armed
robbers. They try early to look for ways
to favour their hated moms and in that
bid, join groups that make quick
money. But as Christian mothers,
there is the need to spend time on
the scriptures and on prayers,
seeking wisdom to maintain order
and balance in our homes.
There are three verses that stand
out in my mind for Dads – Prov.
13:24 – “He who spares the rod
hates his son, but he who loves is
careful to discipline him”. Eph
6:4, “Fathers do not exasperate
your children; instead bring them
up in training and instruction of
the Lord”. 1Tim 3:4 – “He must
manage his own family well and
see that his children obey him with
proper respect”.
These are just not instructional
passages; they rather challenge us
to a standard and require us to seek
solutions to situations we face in
our homes. They present a
combination of discipline,
patience, wisdom, tolerance and
home management Listening
parents provoke thoughts in their
children. As a God-fearing
mother, praying with our children
always would be better approach
as they get to hear prayer points
covering dads in their endeavours
outside the home.
Some mothers who make greater
provisions for the home also tend
to be very autocratic and defiant of
the man's position in the home.
That you are well - off and can pay
the children's fees and for their
wares does not rob the man of his
38
Articles
prime place in the home.
The best approach is to also
allow the man know of plans
even though not the cash
provider, such will
strengthen his hope.
I must appreciate mother
who are God-fearing and
who even in control of the
bulk of cash needed, also
allow the man to control the
home, spend the money and
maintain fatherly values
before the people and the
children.
We must be aware that the
structure of the home affects
the children, even the parents
too. A man who feels
frustrated in the home due to
lack of good job and
displaced familial authority,
reacts in different ways.
Some find solace in drinking
and smoking and going out in
company of other friends
who also influence their
character. All these are
detrimental and complicate
the family problems as
children grow in it with
distorted ideas about life in
the home.
Really, it is very tasky being
able to influence the children
out of their peer group
models at school. This is
mainly due to the fact that
pre-nursery institutions and
nursery too, have virtually
taken over the idea of
nurturing children at home.
They stay far longer hours
with others at school. More
often than not, they return
home late, having spent over
a-third of the day at school.
They learn to abuse; to curse
father and mother; and to call
down the thunder to fire at
school; they learn the 'waka'
and 'shege' expressions,
which at that age, the home
can't teach them. Our duties
as mothers in the Lord are
herculean. Even at home, we
leave our children in the care
of maids who do not, in any
way, have the familial traits
to transfer to children. Only
the spirit of God in prayers
can help us out.
Law, order and fear of
punishment may change
behavior, but not the heart,
but the Holy Spirit will.
Indeed, we can teach them
biblical values; impose
standards of behavior; set
good examples but the
choice to actually follow
Jesus as Saviour and Lord
must be made by them. We
can't do it for them, we can't
also coerce them into it;
neither can we condemn or
reject them if they don't
receive Christ. That will be
too harsh.
It is only the Holy Spirit that
would draw children to Jesus
and that their hearts would be
in Christ to follow Him. This
is equally a gradual process
not by force.
Our duty is to lay a solid
foundation through our own
approach and prayerfulness;
then on such solid foundation
is the rock on which the
children would stand strong
to receive Jesus.
To do all these in a Godly
family is to prepare a place
for ourselves; for, “the child
is the father of the man”, and
in our old age, the kids in fear
of God would in turn, nurture
us as is our cultural mandate.
May God grant us His grace
in doing all these for we are
duty bound to rise up
mothers and bring up
children in homes. *****
GOD FOR
SALE
Rev. Kenneth Didia.
Buying and selling in
the name of God is as
old as man. This is
because Sacrifices
and Offerings are
essential in worship.
Every Religion is
therefore involved in
o n e f o r m o f
commerce or the
other as adherents
buy and sell the items for worship. This was a
lucrative trade in the Old Testament. There were
certainly abuses and the Prophets were quick to
condemn such abuses.
In the New Testament, we see Jesus condemning
such abuses. In our time however, God has become
the commodity and in Christianity, the name of
Jesus has become a lucrative business. Like the
Biblical times, we have our Prophets and writers
condemning the unacceptable business in God's
Holy name. This article is a voice in that regard.
The truth of the matter is that “Christianity has lost
the Light” and we are in the era when all souls are in
pain and full of regrets. And all this spiritual pain is
as a result of the contemporary Christians placing
God for Sale at the moment. Christianity lost the
Light, the moment the so called born again left the
knowledge of the truth and complete gospel and
took into their hearts false teaching of those
Pastors, Prophets, among other, who compromised
the truth. This gave birth to many Pseudo gospel
Churches. Therefore God said “My spirit shall not
strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh”. Gen
6:3.
Indeed we have come to the point of asking if the
son of man will still find men and women that are
faithful on earth when he comes, now that
everybody is in haste and as a matter of fact, want to
help God instead of waiting for God. Everything
God created has a specific purpose and it solves a
problem. God created human being to solve human
problems, but before anyone can solve human
problem, you must know the particular assignment
God created you for. But because contemporary
Christianity has fallen to a status of a mere religion,
because we are in a depraved society and a
39
Articles
community with high rate of moral
decadence. Little attention is paid to
uprightness, the divine is disregarded
and morality is mortgaged for
modernity. Standard is no longer the
question, the work of flesh are
predominant, false vision, adultery,
false prophecies, telling lies in the
name of God because of money, have
become the order of the day. Now
there is an increase in materialism
and worldliness.
Cross, have we now had a crossless
Christianity and a crossless Christ.
This is surely absurd. Unfortunately,
most Christians would prefer a
paradise without pains, a crown
without a cross, pleasure without
work and a discounted fee to heaven.
As a result, most Christians are
indoctrinated into believing that they
can buy heaven by “Bribing God”
through the Ministers of God, who as
it were exploit them by making God's
blessings the portion for the highest
bidder. It is believed that the effective
manipulation of the spiritual forces
whether by magic or charlatanism
will determine the success of the
Pastor, the evangelist, the prophet or
general overseer. This situation has
become acute that Onuh (1999:67)
has this to say:
Now we have more Pastor's,
Prophets, Evangelist, among others.
Who pretend to make things happen
in the name of God while they are
using fake powers and making God a
marketable commodity. It is now
popular that some Prophets put their
hands into their members' bag to
collect money, some will asked for a
Strikingly, the rate at which some
trip of Sand or cash of N100, 000
guilty well-to-do empty their,
before they will pray for the person.
material treasures at the waiting feet
The question is, God and those
of the many 419 prosperity preachers
material things, like Goat, Trip of
s e e m t o i m p l y t h a t t h e t h i rd
Sand and money, which answers
millennium Jesus of prosperity is a
prayer? God created man for His
sedative to the economic propriety of
good pleasure and for man to make
otherwise astute money bags.
Him glad (Rev. 4:11). But some
religious leaders have decided to sale
We c a n
G o d .
isolate
Accordin
The truth of the matter is that
three
g to John
( 3 )
Iheanyich
“Christianity has lost the Light”
money
u k w u
and we are in the era when all
-marki
Obilor in
n
g
his book souls are in pain and full of regrets.
strateg
“Many
And all this spiritual pain is as a
i e s
Religions
result of the contemporary
used
One God”
by the
s a i d ,
Christians placing God for
comm
“Attempts
Sale at the moment.
ercial
have been
Pastor'
made to
s
o r
examine the
“Men and Women of God”
various ways in which religious
leaders and ministers have deviated
from their religious vocation by
1) New Testament dictum – (2Cor.
“Selling” God or “marketing” God,
9:7)
or by laying too much emphasis on
2) Operation Totality
economic gains and making God a
3) F a m i l y a n d C o m m u n i t y
commodity. This unwholesome
deliverance.
situation has become the greatest
obstacle to faith confession in our
Beloved! There is need for us to
contemporary society”.
“Return to the Gospel of the water
and the spirit. Don't forget how you
Christianity has become a lucrative
started.
business and no longer the way of the
40
Poem
THE BRUTE BEAST
Fearless was I born and fearless will I live till
end of the earth.
Some creatures think I am insane and ignorant
They know not that beasts like me cherish
honesty not sycophancy.
My craftiness no one will understand
My joviality creatures like ants see as
cowardice.
Indeed, it is not so.
I unleash venom on creatures
Who fail to embrace the chastity of nature.
Many priests and philosophers faint in the
altar of my justice
Because they fail to realise that I am not
human.
But beast, not just beast but a brutish type.
This is why they frown and regret
Each time I knock at their door post for
justice.
Indeed, no beast can do what I do
Both in secret and in the open.
Only the holy wise God can understand
Who I am and what I do to infidels.
Friday A. Wosu. April, 2015
SALUTE ON MOTHERING DAY
Who is your mother?
Don't give me her name
As that may bother me
As I try to interpret or attach it
To what/who I already know.
Do you love your mother as you ought?
Though gifts can lift her thoughts of you
Gifts are mere material manifestations
Possible repayment for her own gestures
So how much do you love your mother?
Mother's love is real and passionate;
Mother's natural love remains unadulterated;
Mother's love never wanes nor wavers;
Reciprocate mother's love today and ever;
Do this heartily with gifts and worthy
renditions.
Happy Mothering Sunday, beloved mama!
Sam Eke 15‐03‐2015
THEN I LEAPED
I saw an alien around me.
An alien without any weapon of warfare.
I leaped for the stranger came with so many
Mouth-watering and unfathomable gifts of sorrow.
I leaped because the yoke of servitude, barrenness and
Unfaithfulness which the umbilical cord of worrisome woman
Cause mankind to be in bondage has been severed by the
Off-spring of the same wayward woman.
I leaped because the voice of this stranger filtered into my ear.
I leaped because I saw a castle quite different from the former.
I leaped because I saw gold jostling like joy inside me
Making one wonder if the leopard can change its colour.
Friday A. Wosu. April, 2015
NO VULTURES HERE
S/Nigerians see vultures hover
Numberless in lower skies over
Land or slabs where meat drops
Making flies fly away without drops.
Only their combined flights booze
As Afonja/Alimi warrior camps booze.
In the third week in Afonja/Alimi dynasty
All three bodies grew weak in intensity:
For Zaria agents – from daily 2-hr drive
For Igbaja hosts – from logistics, drive…
For IJMB lads – from continual study stress
To make great grades for making higher press.
The third week brought sudden weak guests:
Slumpees in high room temperature tests
Adult controlled fever patients of stress
To Al-Hikmah clinic and city patent chemists.
In the enlarged dynasty of Afonja/Alimi
The current head city of heterogeneous Kwara.
All three weeks in 10-km Igbaja campus
Raised by premier Jagumolu 'Ladimeji
Very few birds flew in the sky
No vulture, no vulture even around abattoirs.
Sam Eke 04-02-2015
41
News
Abuja Diocese
Celebra ons 25th Anniversary –
T
he Bishop of Church of
Nigeria (Anglican
Communion) Diocese of
Abuja, Most Reverend Nicholas
Okoh called for a united and
detribalized Nigeria, in order for
the country to grow and develop
to its desired height in the face of
the challenges confronting it.
Okoh who made this call at the
official flag-off of the 25th
Anniversary Celebration of the
church said that the challenges
affecting the nation, which is as
well affecting the church is the
issue of tribalism and the
absence of unity.
According to the clergyman, the
issue of unity in Nigeria is what
the church has taken upon itself
to teach the people during the
anniversary celebration, adding
that it wants to unite Nigerians
and make the issue of tribalism
less attractive.
“You will agree with me that we
are in a country where we are not
really united. If we are truly
united, Nigeria would have made
much progress. So, we want to
emphasize it, we want to teach it
and we want to make everybody
accept it and give it as a gift to the
nation and anybody who has
gone through the teaching would
have no difficulties in relating
with anybody from any part of
N i g e r i a .
“The church in Nigeria should
look at issues like this,
particularly in relation to nation
building. Also, they should look
at what the role of the individual
members of the church is, in
Rev Friday A. Wosu
finding solution to the challenges
we have as a country and as a
church,” he said.
We are looking at how the
challenges affect the church and
how the challenges in the church
affect the country, for us to find
lasting solution to it”, he said.
“We are looking at that in the
next 25 years, we expect that we
make better contribution to the
building of the nation, better
contribution to the lives of our
people, not only to increase the
numbers of christians, but to
deepen their faith, so that there
will be no gap, between what
they say and what they do. In
other words, there will be moral
integrity of whoever calls
himself a christian,” he said.
42
Youths & Sports
PLEASE, LOCATE HIDDEN SPORTS TALENTS IN ASSI
– Bishop Enyindah Calls
T
he ikwerre Diocesan, the Rt.
Rev Blessing C. Enyidah has
called on the government
and other sports loving Nigerians to
quickly make good use of the
available sport talents deposited
among the students of Anglican
Secondary, School, Isiokpo (ASSI).
His lordship made the call at the
ASSI 5th annual sports competition
held on Saturday 14th March, 2015.
He also highlighted the school
brilliant
outing in all
p u b l i c
examinatio
ns. As the
Father of
the day at
t
h
e
ceremony,
Enyindah
congratulat
e d t h e
teachers, students and parents in
their efforts in making the occasion
successfully and placing the school
first among equals.
The last finally became the first. The
Blue House for many years of sport
competitions in the school always
had taken the 3rd position or the
last. This time, the reverse became
the case as the Blue House emerged
the overall first for field and track
events. The Yellow House was
positioned 2nd with white House
3rd while, the almighty Green
House came last to 4th position.
Green House that 1st in 2011, 2012
and 2014 could not maintain her
leading role in 2015, was throne far
to the last position.
Sir Franklyn Ajinwor, The Special
Guest of Honour solicited to
members of the diocese and parents
to support the school authority in
providing world class best of
learning environment, equipment
a n d f a c i l i t i e s . H o w e v e r, h e
congratulated the school for the
success for far recorded. The
principal in his welcome address
announced that the admission into
the junior and senior secondary is
going. Called on parents to avail this
golden opportunity to their children
and other love ones.
43
Health
ISSUES
Here is a short list of the impressive
health benefits that a cucumber carries:
Keeps you hydrated. If you are too
busy to drink enough water,
munch on the cool cucumber,
which is 96 percent water. It will
cheerfully compensate!
Fights heat, both inside and out.
Eat cucumber, and your body
gets relief from heartburn.
Apply cucumber on your skin,
and you get relief from sunburn.
Flushes out toxins. All that water
in cucumber acts as a virtual
broom, sweeping waste
products out of your system.
With regular use, cucumber is
known to dissolve kidney
stones.
Lavishes you with vitamins. A B
and C, which boost immunity,
give you energy, and keep you
radiant. Give it more power by
juicing cucumber with carrot
and spinach.
Supplies skin-friendly minerals:
magnesium, potassium, silicon.
That’s why cucumber-based
treatments abound in spas.
Aids in weight loss. Enjoy
cucumbers in your salads and
soups. My favorite snack?
Crunchy cucumber sticks with
creamy low-fat yogurt dip.
Revives the eyes. Placing chilled
slices of cucumber on the eyes
is a clichéd beauty visual, but it
really helps reduce under-eye
bags and puffiness.
Cuts cancer. Cut down your risk of
several cancers by including
cucumber in your diet. Several
studies show its cancer-fighting
potential.
Stabilizes blood pressure. Patients
of blood pressure, both high and
low, often find that eating
cucumber brings relief.
Refreshes the mouth. Cucumber
juice refreshes and heals
diseased gums, leaving your
mouth smelling good.
workout, and the fiber in it is
great for digestion.
Smooths hair and nails. Silica, the
wonder mineral in cucumber
makes your hair and nails
stronger and shinier.
Soothes muscle and joint pain. All
those vitamins and minerals in
cucumber make it a powerful
enemy of muscle and joint pain.
Keeps kidneys in shape.
Cucumber lowers uric acid
levels in your system, keeping
the kidneys happy.
Good for diabetics. Patients of
diabetes can enjoy cucumber
while also reaping its health
benefits: cucumber contains a
hormone needed by the cells of
the pancreas for producing
insulin.
Reduces cholesterol. A compound
called sterols in cucumber helps
reduce bad cholesterol.
Helps digestion. Chewing
cucumber gives the jaws a good
44