By Emeka Odogwu
The Anglican Christian Men’s Fellowship, ACMF, Church of the Holy Spirit, Awka, has elected new leaders to pioneer the affairs of the Fellowship with Mazi Sam Ike elected as Chairman.
Others elected alongside Mazi Sam Ike were Barr Raphael Chukwuzubelu as Vice-Chairman; Lay/R. Kingsley Ogunta, Secretary; Engr. Oluebube Ezenwankwo as Assistant Secretary; and Mr. Izuchukwu Ude as Financial Secretary.
Others were, Sir Dr. Chinedu Ilokanuno as Treasurer; Mr. Emeka Ezeanata as Social Secretary; and Mr. Iyke Ogbuebu as Provost/PRO.
The election was witnessed by the Vicar and Archdeacon, CHS, Awka Archdeaconry, Dr Onyeka Egwuonwu with other two retord workers in the vineyard, Ven Stephen Ejezie (Rtd) and Ven. Chuks. Onugha, (Rtd).
Ven. Dr Egwuonwu tasked Christian men to be exemplary in all they do, as pillars of the Church while Ven Chuks Onugha commended the Vicar for active participation in what the Christian men and other organizations in the church do, noting it was a rare efforts by ministers of God, having served and retired; even as Ven Stephen Ejezie described the Christian Men’s Fellowship of the Church of the Holy Spirit, Awka, as exceptional.
In his acceptance speech, Mazi Sam Ike assured his readiness to take the Christian Men’s Fellowship of the Church to the next level even as he appreciated the efforts of his predecessor, Dr. Ray Offor for his dedication and commitment to excel.
Earlier in the church service sermon to mark the first fruit harvest of the church, Ven.Dr. Onyeka Egwuonwu speaking on the theme:’ The Rights Of the less privileged ‘, noted that giving God the first and the best is a biblical principle that has several reasons and benefits including setting positive examples, trusting God’s provision, receiving blessings, cultivating a generous heart and prioritizing God.
Ven. Dr Egwuonwu reminded Christians that what God says and how they feel about what God says aren’t the same, hence, God gave man dominion over all His creations.
He encouraged Christians to be diligent and thankful to God in all they do in order to prosper more, adding that true children of God should not be despising little things.
He pointed out that pride has messed up the good life God intended for humanity, even as he urged Christians to remove pride and enjoy God’s grace and mercy in the world.
Ven. Dr Egwuonwu further encouraged Christians to shun jealousy, acquire a skill or certificate for God’s intervention as well as trust God’s ability to see them through all situations once they are optimistic.
He advocated for the need for sacrifices for the family, even for the less privileged and the need for one to be disciplined in handling the affairs of God, Church, family while supporting less privileged in society.