By Michael Nnebife
The Archbishop, Province of Niger, and Bishop, Diocese of Awka in Anglican Communion, Most Revd Alexander Ibezim, has charged Anglican children to take a shining example of the Infant Jesus, for them to be responsible and useful for themselves, their parents, and make heaven at last.
Archbishop Ibezim gave the charge in his message to the Anglican children in the occasion of 2024 Anglican Children’s Ministry, ACM’s, Sunday and Children’s Day on 26th and 27th May, respectively.
The Most Revd Ibezim, whose message was presented to the children at Our Saviour’s Church, Awka, by the Vicar in charge of the church, Revd Canon Azubuike Mgbikeh, admonished the children to draw closer to church as a good children of God.
The Archbishop enjoined them to steer clear of evil people, cultists, drug abusers, among others.
He argued, The Infant Jesus stayed behind in the Temple after the Feast of Passover.
‘This is a clear indication that He is not of the world, but a real son of God as a good son always stays in his father’s house.
‘At the age of 12, Jesus was able to be asking and answering questions in the midst of old Jewish teachers.
‘A child of God should know that he is not of the world though he lives in the world.
‘My dear little flock of God, your role is to transform the world positively, not the world transforming you negatively.
‘The Infant Jesus, our perfect example, transformed and is still transforming the world positively. You should emulate Him’, the Most Revd Ibezim urged the children, and continued.
‘As an ACM child, where are you found? Is it among evil people, cultists, drug abusers, fornicators, robbers or looters?
‘Th Infant Jesus obeyed His earthly parents, do you obey your parents? Remember the fifth commandment, Exodus 20 verse 21.
‘Change your bad life and live to seek Jesus; you will find Him.
‘My dear little flock in Christ, we are enjoining you to be of good behaviour in your family, your church, your school, and your community,’ Ibezim advised the children.
He congratulated them, assuring them of his continual intercessory prayers for them.
Ibezim also expressed appreciation to parents and teachers of the children, for their care to them, reminding them of their role in assisting the children to have a strong foundation in the Lord.
Adding, the Priest in Charge of Our Saviour’s Church, Revd Canon Mgbikeh reminded parents of the need to raise children through involving them in the things of God, so, as they will grow up into a responsible adult one can be proud of.
The Revd Canon Mgbikeh was confident that if a child grows up being a member of ACM, and groomed through Anglican Youth Fellowship, Girls’ Guild, Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade as an adulescent, he can never be manipulated by the devil to take part in any of the crimes and criminalities currently pervading the world.
The ACM’s Sunday Celebration at Our Saviour’s Church, was a jubilation galore like no other, among the children of the church, and their parents, particularly the mothers, as every activity there came to a complete standstill while the joy-overwhelmed children engaged in Bible citations, dance of different styles, among others, for the pleasure and admiration of the congregation.
Prayers for Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State; Nigeria’s President Ahmed Tinubu; religious as well as community leaders, and special thanksgiving by the children were among the highlights of the celebration.
