… Speaks Of Political Unity As Party Candidates In Aniocha North Attend
By Patrick Ochei
The world wide Church Administrator of the Church of Faith Bible Ministry and Chief Operating Officer with the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO), Pastor Ijeoma Herbert Odika has hosted an inter-denominational Christian gathering to pray and thank God for the land of Issele-Uku and the lives in it, adding that the time has come for everyone to put God at the centre stage of their lives in the community and Aniocha North generally.
The Prayer Night which featured Thanksgiving praise and worship on Friday 23rd December, 2022, was power packed as prayers were said by different men of God for various sectors of the economy, including prayers for leaders in authority and those aspiring, and of course prayers against bloodshed in the coming elections.
Odika in his address of welcome, thanked God for being the author and finisher of our faith, revealing that there were years he held parties to host men and women for Christmas, but today, he is hosting God in Thanksgiving.
According to him, “This is the second edition of our annual Prayer and Thanksgiving session to reverence God alone and return all glory to Him, for the benefit to live and make impact.
“Recall that Covid-19 took a toll on the world with ravaging devastation on humans. This time around, it is fuel scarcity and increase in prices of commodities, making cost of living unbearable. However, in all of these challenges, God has remained faithful and helpful to us.
“Remember that for several years, I did throw secular parties to celebrate with my people at the end of the year. Those activities never glorified God, because they were done with the mindset to merry and glorify man. In spite of these human misappropriation, God had mercy on me and returned me to the path of thanking Him first, so He can intervene and superintend in the affairs of men.
“I have returned to my Father and God, to thank Him for us and the land of Issele-Uku. It must be done with prayers, praises and worship. The theme of this programme says ‘Prayer Conquers All’.
“Today is a special day, and I believe that at the end, people will appreciate the need to thank God often. This programme has come to stay, and by His grace, it will grow from strength to strength”, Pastor Odika said.
Speaking further, he affirmed that he extended invitations to candidates of various political parties and other politicians, for prayers to be made for them in the interest of peace, unity and love, before, during and after the 2023 General Elections.
Odika insisted that what matters is that we are brothers and sisters, adding that after elections we would return to live as brothers and sisters.
The sermon was delivered by the Unit Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Issele-Uku Branch, Pastor Chris Elue who dwelt on the message – ‘The Benefit of Prayers’.
He quoted a bible verse from the book of 2Kings 19:10-20, confirming that what it takes to conquer sin and bring down the kingdom of Satan is Prayer.
Pastor Elue insisted that until we make up our minds to make a difference that is anchored on the strength of prayers, we might just be talking and not praying.
He urged every believer to pay the price of praying, adding that as children of God, we should pray with principles and without season.
In a special way, Rev. S.W. Martin was recognised as the Father of Faith in Issele-Uku, with a brief testimony on his life and times by Rev. Okonkwo.
Just in the same vein, Rev. S. Eugene Odika, the founder of the Church of Faith Bible Ministry was recognised for his life of impact and productivity by Rev. Dr. John Akpana, the South-South Regional Pastor of the Church.
It was indeed a night of Prayers and Thanksgiving where everybody sang and danced to the glory of God.
The two candidates contesting the State House of Assembly seat in 2023, Mr. Bazim Sally Biose of APC, and Hon. Engr. Emeka Emmanuel Nwaobi of PDP were present at different times into the programme.
Other personalities who graced the programme included Mr. Rex Unobukwu, Prince Mike Akeh, Hon. Jaunty Okwudi, Evangelist June Odika, Deacon Comrade Patrick Ochei and others too numerous to mention.
