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MCN, Chapel of Grace Azuabie celebrates 20th anniversary in Azuabie community

By Etim Ekong
23 September 2018   |   2:54 am
The Azuabie community of Okujiagu in Rivers State was full of life as numerous visitors were there to celebrate with Methodist Church Nigeria, Chapel of Grace, Azuabie, in her 20th Anniversary on Sunday, September 16, 2018.

Etim Ekong

The Azuabie community of Okujiagu in Rivers State was full of life as numerous visitors were there to celebrate with Methodist Church Nigeria, Chapel of Grace, Azuabie, in her 20th Anniversary on Sunday, September 16, 2018. It was a week of joy and testimonies for members of Methodist Church Nigeria, Chapel of Grace, Azuabie, Rumukalagbor Circuit, Diocese of D/Line, Port Harcourt.

The event was declared open on Sunday, September 9, 2018 with a talk on the topic: “Ebenezer” by The Rev. Friday C. Okafor. The Text was taken from the book of 1st Samuel 7:12.“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer saying ‘thus far the Lord has helped us.”

In his talk, he traced the history of Israelites from the book of Genesis 12, where God called Abram for a special assignment and assured him of His presence always, even when he was not sure of where he was going. The Cleric likened the history to the book of Exodus and showed how the people of God in the land of Egypt were going through oppressions. This attracted God’s hand for their rescue and departure to their promised land. “The Lord who called them had been their Helper through the time of Prophet Samuel, and helped them to conquer their enemies the Amalekites. In the same way, God has helped the Church to be victorious, even in the midst of her challenges for these twenty years (1998 to 2018).”

He, therefore, called on Nigerians to have hope in God, especially at this trying time, when the nation is passing through hardship and insecurity. He canvassed for peace and justice in the country. “Our leaders must know that without justice, there can be no peace,” he said. “We should avoid those things that tend to divide us. Religious fundamentalism should stop in order to give room for peace.”

Using the theme of Conference of Methodist Church Nigeria, he stressed the need for Peace and Holiness (Heb. 12:14) in order to have a united nation. “As 2019 election is fast approaching, vote for those who will be the Moses of our time,” he urged. There was a free medical outreach on Saturday during which members of the community and some church members were given free medical treatment, and over 50 free eyeglasses were dispensed.

The main celebration held on Sunday, September 16, which attracted the Bishop of Diocese of D/Line – The Rt. Rev. Dr. Etim Ekong, JP and other dignitaries, including the former Conference Lay President, Sir Jimmy Nathaniel Coker, KJW, and former Lay President of Port Harcourt Diocese, Sir Dele Wycliffe, among others to Azuabie community.

The high point of the service was the appreciation of some deserving individuals with Defender of faith, Ambassador of Methodism, Excellence in Service, Distinguished Service, Christ Beacon of Evangelism and Pillar of Methodism Awards. During this period, numerous people who contributed to the planting, nurturing, building and growth of the Church at different times since its inception were recognised.

Dr. Ikan Noah, the guest preacher of the service, spoke on the topic “What will you hand over?” His text was taken from Exodus 17: 9-16. He encouraged Christians to put their trust in God in the face of any confrontation, challenges and persecution. Christians were called upon to see the preservation of Christian faith via their strong faith in God and constant witnessing of Christ to the world as a call to duty.
Contact:
mcndioceseofdline@yahoo.com
ekongetim@gmail.com 08073138935

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