This year’s anniversary was unprecedented, coming upon the Assembly with a hand of near judgment. The day before the celebration, the word of God came forcefully through the Bishop that the Assembly had backslidden and turned away from her first love. Reading from Revelation 2:1-7, the Bishop cautioned his members to take the report of God seriously and walk in obedience and repentance to avoid the judgment of God. It is not enough to be busy with activities in service to God; without maintaining a proper focus on the Lord, unless He is given the central place in the hearts of His people, the Assembly has no right standing before God. The Assembly was urged to:
a) remember from where they had fallen
b) repent in sincerity and
c) return to their earlier works that had brought them approval before God

The week of celebration was, therefore, unofficially declared as a solemn assembly of personal reflection and repentance. Each service began with a time of meditation and prayer as this message was repeated. When the Lord of the church gives an unfavourable report, it is not to be taken lightly. Testimonies were given by long-standing members of the Assembly who had experienced the spiritual vibrancy and commitment of the earlier years. Members from the Enugu headquarters as well as from the branches spoke.

One particular testimony was outstanding: that of a member who had walked contrary to the church on account of an offense; ungodly counsel had fueled the rebellion but the mercy of God prevailed. Realizing that the perceived offense was actually an action taken to protect the member from eventual spiritual destruction, this person returned to confess openly before the Assembly and seek for forgiveness. Restoration was complete and the amazing love of God extended in unimaginable ways. This member is now happily married with a family and serving full-time with Amazing Love Ministries. This testimony beautifully and poignantly portrays the change God brings to all who return to Him in sincerity. It brought home the truth that the God of judgment is also a merciful Father to those who obey.

The theme for the Anniversary was Turning Your Mistakes Into Divine Opportunities (Philippians 3:12-15, Joshua 9:1-10:15). The warrior-leader Joshua made a terrible error of discernment that covenanted the nation Israel to people they had no business being involved with. But God later intervened in a way that undoubtedly showed He had forgiven Joshua’s mistake. In the same way, our mistakes do not have to stand as memorials of failure because God still wants to turn our lives around for our good and for His glory.