By Emeka Odogwu
The 3rd Session of the 7th Synod of the Diocese of Ahoada Anglican Communion has ended with the guest preacher, Right Reverend Ndubuisi Chukwuka Obi encouraging Christians to be practical in their Christianity.
Held at St Cyprains Church, Mbiama the Engenni Archdeaconry Headquarters, Ahoada West LGA of Rivers State, the four days programme featured plenary, Holy Communion, Presidential address and launching for the building of a Diocesan Secretariat and Chapel.
In his sermon at the Thanksgiving service climaxing the Synod, the guest preacher, Rt. Rev. Ndubuisi Chukwuka Obi, the Anglican Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, emphasized the importance of practical evangelism in the 21st century.
Rt Rev’d Obi who spoke on the Synod Theme Evangelism an imperative for Church Growth and National Development, took his text from the book of Mathew, chapter 28Â verse 19, encouraged Christians to spread the word of God, following Jesus’ instruction to “go ye to the world, preach and spread the word”.
As a prominent figure in the Church of Nigeria, Bishop Obi stressed the need for soul-winning and propagating the gospel.
The Bishop highlighted the use of money, food and one on one contact for evangelism.
The man of God who paid glowing tributes to the Bishop of Ahoada Diocese, Rt Rev’d Hanson Bernard, congratulated the Bishop on his first Synod after his election, confirmation, consecration and enthronement last year as the second bishop of the Diocese. He also charged Christians to wake up to their divine mandate of soul-winning.
Speaking at the Synod session, Bishop of the Diocese of Ahoada Anglican Diocese and President of Synod, Rt Rev’d Hanson Onyejiuwanaka Bernard explained that evangelism is the life wire of the church
Bishop Bernard in his Presidential Address highlighted mission and evangelism, building of a Diocesan Secretariat and Chapel, Diocesan investment as well as building of a seven thousand capacity Cathedral as his areas of focus.
In a communique issued at the end of the Synod and read by the Chairman of communique drafting committee, Tuduru Ede, SAN, Synod observed with dismay that Rivers State is experiencing political instability, which poses a threat to the welfare and progress of the people, and therefore urged all political actors to honour God and come together in unity , to resolve their differences and usher in lasting peace and development in the State.
Synod also observed with dismay the state of the Nation, where life has become more difficult as the country appears more divided along ethnic and religious lines with rising agitation for succession. Synod therefore, calls on political leaders and people to improve the lives of the masses and build a unified Nigeria.
In an interview, Chairman of the Synod Central Planning Committee, Sir Allen Uche Eze who read the only lesson at the service, described the Synod as a success and thanked those that contributed to the success of the Synod.
In their goodwill messages, the Okilomibe of Engenni kingdom, His Majesty, King MacLean Moore, his counterpart from Upata Kingdom, His Majesty, Nye Udu Felix Otuwarikpo and other prominent figures at the event described the Theme of the Synod as apt and promised to contribute their quota in furtherance of God’s kingdom.
The Diocesan Choir and Royal Male Choir of Portharcourt rendered melodious songs while prayers were offered for the peace of Rivers State and Nigeria.
