Overcoming by peace and holiness

D/Line Circuit Women’s Fellowship of Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of D/Line, Port Harcourt, organised a three-day retreat tagged: “Overcoming by peace and holiness” at the D/line Cathedral from July 20 to 22, 2018.

The programme was planned by Sister Esther Osungwu – Chairperson, Sister Kate Kanu – Secretary and other leaders of the Women Fellowship. The highlights of the programme include opening charge, and Holy Communion led by the Presbyter, The Very Rev. Peter Dim, with other Ministers. In his opening charge he admonished women to be carriers of peace and holiness, urging them to “overcome evil with good – Romans 12:21.” The Very Rev. Peter Dim acting on behalf of the Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Etim U. Ekong, JP declared the retreat open. A teaching on the theme: “Overcoming by peace and holiness” was taken by The Rev. Prof. Ogbonna Okorie. In expounding the theme, he defined Peace as “a place of friendly relationship void of argument,” while holiness is “a state of Living for God or good moral standing.” According to him, when there is no battle, there is no victory. God allowed the people of Israel to go through battle to see if they would crave for idols of the land. It was also for them to understand the prize of victory, Judges 3:1-3.

He highlighted the following steps to aid anyone who wants to overcome:
• Dealing with the issue of our heart – Job 30:26-27
• By having absolute trust and submitting to God’s will – Job 22:21-22
• Accepting instruction from God and having a listening ear – Exodus 23:22
• Worship God alone – Exodus 23:25. He re-echoed the importance of serving the Lord alone stating that this is the only foundation upon which He will bless and protect us from all manner of diseases.

There was also an interactive Session anchored by The Rev. Finebone Jacob. Issues like Commitment in marriage, Respect for one another in marriage, Communication in marriage, forgiveness, Trust, Industry and sex were discussed. All these were geared towards making the women successful in every area of their lives.

Subsequently, a health talk on Rhesus factor was also featured by Dr. Anaele Agu, a consultant Plastic Surgeon at the University of Niger Delta Teaching Hospital, Bayelsa State. He explained that everybody has a blood group and genotype. He advised that every woman should know her blood group, genotype and Rhesus status to avoid complications during childbirth. They should also know that of their children. He advised that tests should be done before marriage.

Other activities held during the retreat were Breakthrough payers, Me and my God, Draw your Sword, and Bible Study on “Striving for peace and holiness in a corrupt society” – Mathew 5:13-16.

The Circuit women fellowship had a business meeting where they discussed affairs of women. The programme ended with a workshop during, which women were taught current styles of tying gele.

On Sunday, the Circuit President, Nneoma Osinachi Dim presented 24 young women to the Diocesan Women Fellowship President, Etieka Ekaette Ekong for induction. She advised them to submit to their husbands, love and cherish them as well as take care of their children. After this they were inducted into the women’s fellowship of the Church.

Finally, there was thanksgiving by the women for a successful retreat and induction. The Presbyter prayed for them and asked the women and the entire congregation to go and be carriers of peace and holiness.
Contact: mcndioceseofdline@yahoo.com
ekongetim@gmail.com
08073138935