It was a gathering of prominent people at Saint Peter’s Presbyterian Church Umuahia as they honoured God and appreciated those they called pillar of support to God’s work to mark the south central synod175 anniversary celebration.
During the service, Christians were reminded that the season of celebration is also a season of sacrifice for more blessings to come.
Right Rev Ikechukwu Nduka who made this known while speaking on the topic, “get ready for the next level” spoke on the anniversary theme, “from Glory to Glory drawn from 2nd Corinthians chapter 3 verse 18, adding that celebration comes with achievements on ground.
According to him, the history of Nigeria will not be complete without the Presbyterian Church and for 175 years of existence, the Church has done so much among the first Churches that came in Nigeria, stressing that they have produced people of honesty and integrity.
Rt Rev Nduka
He charged the Presbyterian Church not to be satisfied with what they have but be ready for the next level. Drawing point from Second Chronicles Chapter 4, Psalm 45, 6 and 7, the cleric recall where God directed believers on the path to follow. The priest pointed out that God answered the prayer of Jabez and will change their story even as He did for the blind Bartimaeus, urging the congregation to prepare well for the next blessings.
He emphasized that people should do the right thing and avoid being wicked with their position, love righteousness and not to oppress those under your care, advising the congregation to be like Biblical Joseph. He also disclosed that the Church was operating under Presbyterian Church of Biafra before Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, though, he said not to belong to any agitation group now, but recalled that the Church cannot forget his. His words, “if you call me a Biafran today, you are right”.
On his part, Prelate of Presbyterian Church of Nigeria and moderator of the general assembly, His eminence, Nzie Nsi Eke whose address was read by Moderator South central synod, Very Reverend Chukwuma Okorie appreciated God for some notable achievements and victories won including the introduction of football in Nigeria through Calabar in 1902 by a missionary Reverend James Luke.
He revealed that Presbyterian Church contributed in laiding the foundation for the development of Nigeria as a nation, while the education sector in Nigeria passed through or have link with Presbyterian institutions.
Prelate Eke said in 1858, the Presbyterian of Biafra was formed, while in 1921, the synod of Biafra was formed, as the synod was then the highest court of the church but now the highest court of the church is the general assembly which currently hasten synods across the nation.
Prelates medalist on her as the most valuable player during football competition to mark the event
He added that in 1952, the Presbyterian Church of Biafra became the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, while on June 16th, 1960, the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria was born.
He further prayed for an increase in peace, describing Peace as not necessarily the absence of trouble, but it is calmness in spite of troubles.
The Prelate’s words, “Peace is oneness in spirit even if situations and circumstances of life do not permit us to be one in flesh, tribes, and tongues may defer but we are one in Christ”.
According to him, the Presbyterian Church pioneered the work of Bible translation in Nigeria with the translation of the Holy Bible into Efik language in 1862, thus, making the Efik Bible the first vernacular Bible in Nigeria.
The ceremony featured the presentation of awards to some personalities including the founder of ABT online TV and other online businesses, Mr Ifeanyi Okali, late deputy chief of staff, office of the Governor, Abia State, Chief Ukpai Agwu Ukpai among others.
ABN TV and Wife
