Be spiritually alert, Okpala tells Christians at dedication service

The retired Archbishop of the Province of the Niger Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Godwin Okpala has called on Christians to be spiritually alert. Okpala made the call last Sunday at the dedication of ultra-modern multi-dimensional episcopal worship centre, Calvary Chapel Bishops Court, Onitsha, Anambra State. He was assisted by the Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo and others.

The retired Bishop in his sermon, urged members of the church to appreciate the goodness of God with thanksgiving, saying that the dedication of the Calvary Chapel did not only glorify God, but also added to the aesthetics of the Ozalla Compound.

Okpala, who thanked the host Bishop, Rt. Rev. Owen Nwokolo, for his efforts in transforming the compound, described the importance of dedication as a means of setting something apart spiritually and differently from the ordinary.

“By dedication, the place is now declared a clinic for the healing of both spiritual and physical ailments. God now calls all troubled souls to come for healing and blessings here,” he said.

Explaining further the meaning of “Calvary,” the Archbishop said that ”Calvary” is a place where sin of the world was taken away by Christ at old Jerusalem, adding that it is a place of spiritual, bodily healing and rejuvenation.

He said, “when you come here to pray, come with the faith that Christ died for you. His grace is always waiting for you at His holy sanctuary so that anyone who goes there for prayers must not only be holy but must have faith in Him.”

According to him, “God has accepted the place and it is a place where He will be communing with His people.” He warned that worshippers should approach God with awe, holiness and humility.

The Chairman, Calvary Chapel Building and Dedication Committee, Brother Nebeife Frank Makua disclosed that the chapel had trained 57 graduates in various disciplines through its scholarship scheme and over 95 undergraduates are currently studying in different higher institutions in Nigeria and abroad.

He commended the Bishop on the Niger, Rt Rev. Owen Nwokolo and his wife, Dr. Nonyelum Nwokolo for initiating the scheme while praising their doggedness in sustaining it.

In his vote of thanks, Bishop Nwokolo commended his guests and their wives, among who were, retired Bishop on the Niger, Most Rev. Prof. Okpala and wife; Rt. Rev Sandy Okeke and wife; retired Bishop of Isukwuato Umunneochi Diocese, Bishop Sam Chukwuka and wife and Bishop Uzochukwu Obiora of the Mbammili Diocese.
• Sir Oseloka Offor is the Director of Communication Diocese on the Niger