Akwa Ibom Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has charged ministers of the gospel to regard their positions as a call to selfless service and to reflect solemnly on their roles in the vineyard of God.
Emmanuel gave the charge at this year’s Synodical Convention of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria, which featured the consecration of four new Bishops and ordination of over 40 pastors.
The Bishops are Rev. Samuel Essien, Rev. Thomas Gbarato, Rev. Daniel Eshiet and Rev. Godwin Udosen.
At the event which took place at the Luther Cathedral, Lutheran Church of Nigeria Headquarters, Obot Idim Ibesikpo, the National President and Archbishop of the Church, Most Rev. Christian Ekong also installed Rt. Rev. Raphael Odey Aju as Vice President.
The Governor represented by the Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, congratulated Most Rev. Christian Ekong on his re-election and other officers on their elevation.
He tasked them to lead by example with the knowledge that one day, they would give account of their stewardship to God.
The Number 1 citizen drew inspiration from the 12 Apostles who were sent into the world by Christ to proclaim the Gospel to all people and lead them to salvation.
Emmanuel reminded ministers of God of the need to proclaim the Word at every opportunity as well as continue to study and be close to their congregations.
The President and Archbishop of the Church, Most Rev. Ekong who preached on the theme “Called by Christ to Bear Fruits for Him” urged Christians to be good ambassadors of Christ by their lifestyle and conduct.
The clergyman advised the new Bishops to use their positions to expand the gospel of Christ and the development of the church as accountable stewards and followers of God.
Other activities during the four-day spiritual event included the installation of members of the Board of Directors including the Head of civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien and former Director of Marketing in AKBC, Deaconess Eme Atakpo, as well as certification of trained deaconesses of the church.
The Convention also featured counseling, a special thanksgiving and paper presentations, one of which was ‘Taking ownership of the Lutheran church projects’ excellently delivered by Elder Dr. Uwem Ite.
High point was a fund-raising for the Lutheran University project, chaired by former Vice Chairman of ExxonMobil, Mr. Udom Inoyo, who described the Lutheran Church of Nigeria as a key stakeholder in the development of education sector.
Mr. Inoyo, an Advisor of Inoyo Toro Foundation, also said he was impressed with the foundation of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria which has rekindled the faith of many and won souls for Christ.
Among personalities who graced the convention were the Prelate Emeritus of Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Mbang, representative of the Deputy Governor, Elder Emmanuel Jacob, Honourable Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, among others.
National President and Archbishop of the Church, Most Rev. Christian Ekong
