Supporting God’s work at the Anglican Secretariat in Gudu, Abuja

“Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality”, (2 Corinth. 8:1-2).

Today’s Advent Sunday has been set aside by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), as a day for raising another round of fund in support of God’s work at the Anglican Secretariat situated in Gudu, Abuja. We would joyfully recall that about this time last year, the first round of donations were made. And ever since, the work has been in steady progress to God’s glory. We sincerely commend Dioceses within the Communion, as they played a major role in this steady progress.

However, it was with joy that the Primate of All Nigeria, Most Rev. D. Okoh announced at the just concluded Sixth Divine Common Wealth Conference held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja that the official opening and dedication of the befitting Anglican Secretariat shall be in June, 2017. Impliedly, a work of this magnitude shall require from all Anglican faithful and well-wishers, commitment, devotion, sacrifice, willingness and donation in order to achieve such target within the time frame. We trust that with God and the commitment of the membership, such will be realised to His glory.

It is expected that members will participate by giving handsomely and generously. Yes, giving to God is a way of service and a demonstration of love to Him. Therefore, whether we give big or small, what is important is that people give sacrificially to God in support of His work. They do this because they are aware that He made us and require that we render service by giving in His work under the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). St. Paul says to all, as we respond, “God loves a cheerful giver,” 2 Corinth. 9, 7).

Notice that during his third missionary journey, Paul had collected money for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. The Churches in Macedonia – Philip, Thessalonica and Barea – had given money, even though they were poor and they had given more than Paul expected. This was sacrificial giving – they were poor themselves, but they wanted to help. The point of giving is not so much the amount we give, but why and how we give. God does not want gifts given grudgingly. Instead, He wants us to give as these Churches did— out of dedication to Christ, love for fellow believers, the joy of helping those in need, as well as, the fact that it was simply the good and right thing to do. How well does your giving measure up to the standards set by the Macedonian Churches?
Therefore, it behooves us as God’s people to give following in the footsteps of the Macedonian Christians. To their credit, they gave themselves to the work of God first and then responded by giving sacrificially and willingly to His work. It is our candid prayer that God, through donations that will be raised through different Churches and Dioceses today within the Communion, will go a long way in achieving these set objectives within a record time. May the Holy Spirit of God move us to support God’s work accordingly.

Ven. Ernest Onuoha
Rector, Ibru International Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State.
www.ibrucentre.org