| We
are grateful for God’s love and mercy that has blessed us
with salvation .... We have been made radiant by His presence
with us .... All we own has come from His bountiful provision
.... That in spite of our inadequacies, He has continued to be
our shepherd .... He has counted us worthy to reflect God’s
light in a dark world .... If it had not been for His timely interventions,
the enemy would have swept us away .... He alone has enlarged
our coast and made us fruitful .... His answers have been far
wiser than our prayers .... Our future is secure in His hands.
The
18th Anniversary Celebrations and Missions Emphasis Week are our
joyous acknowledgement that, for reasons we don’t understand,
the Lord has elected to turn earthen vessels into instruments
of righteousness for His glory.
These
are voices that can never be silenced. The Most High has given
us the go-ahead, so we invite you to join us and shout for joy.
Monday,
14th June, 2004
The celebrations started proper on Monday, 14th June.
There were ministrations from Obosi and Abakailki branches, and
Ishi-Ozalla outpost. The Bishop also gave the testimony of how
the ministry started with barely six people clapping, and that
they never neglect the days of small beginning. He encouraged
the congregation to better catch the vision of the church. His
message titled "The Practice of True Piety/Religion
Starts with Humility" (Text: Luke 18:9-17) brought
to light that whatever we do for God must be in humility and honesty,
for God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.
Tuesday,
15th June, 2004
The venue was Zodiac Hotels, where we have our Tuesday Outreach.
The Youth and Men Fellowships ministered in songs while the Daniel's
Fellowship presented Interpretation deficiency. There was a word
of exhortation from Bishop Dr. Nwodika of The Throne of Grace.
During his message titled "Raw Materials for God's
Work" (Text: I Samuel 22:1-2), he reminded us that
it was those that were in debt, discntended and distressed that
gathered around David and they later became mighty men of valour
(II Samuel 30:8-10) whom God used to establish the throne of david.
He concluded that whatever our yesterday is is immaterial, but
what is imnportant is waht God wants to use us for today.
Wednesday,
16th June, 2004
The Nature and Cost of Amazing Love Ministries
was the title of the message for the day. The text was Luke 10:25-37.
The Bishop said that love has involvement and the involvement
has love; There is a uniqueness to this ministry and whenever
we got involved in other people's lives, there must be a cost;
Amazing Lovites are risk takers. He encouraged everyone present
to stand up to the challenge of loving.
Thursday,
17th June, 2004
The church went out on evangelism and follow-up
and many souls were won to the Lord.
Friday,
18th June, 2004
This day witnessed the convergence of all the branches and outposts
for the General Church Council. The church in Africa has her own
challenges and no foreigner can solve the problems for us. Texts
were taken from Acts 15:1; I Timothy 2:1-3:16; Titus 1:4-16. Several
issues were discussed - Lavish Burial, Memorials, Second Burial,
Divorce, Polygamy, Land Purchases, Osu Cast and many
others. Present with us that day was Rev. Udo Emmanuel of Life
Transformation Ministries. The Council meeting ended the early
hours of Saturday.
Sunday,
20th June, 2004 - Grand Finale
It was indeed the Grand Finale with a live broadcast on ESBS radio.
The Bishops's message was titled Love That Is Greater
Than Our Sins with the text from Judges 16:4ff. Despite
all that Samson God still loved him, gave him another chance and
he entered the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11). The failure is no the
issue but the readiness to repent and come back to God. He did
not send His son to condemn us but to give us salvation.
“
.... Shout to God with the voice of triumph and songs of joy!”
- Psalm 47:1 |
