The strides recorded by the Lutheran Church of Nigeria in the development of the country’s educational sector came into focus as the church launched its fourth phase of a N50 million Lutheran University project.
The church through the establishment of Lutheran High School, Obot Idim and primary schools in the state has produced many movers and shakers of the society in different fields of endeavour.
Speaking at the four-day National convention held at the Church headquarters in Obot Idim, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Onofiok Luke, a member representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency, commended the church for consistently raising quality and moral foundation for the sound education of the youths and children in the society.
Rt. Hon. Luke who was the chairman on the occasion lauded President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for refocusing on the education sector and encouraged all stake holders to support him.
Recounting his days as a student of Lutheran High School, the federal lawmaker encouraged youths to have faith in God, serve Him in humility and work hard to achieve success in life.
Officiating at the service which drew Lutheran faithful from across the country, Most Rev. Dr. Christian Ekong, an Archbishop in the church, explained the theme of the event Called by Christ to bear fruits drawn from Romans 7:4-7.
Ekong who is also the President of the church called on Christians to reflect on the choices they made in the past as well as in the present and the implications in the future.
He noted that though a believer’s resume before God is ordinarily flawed, the covering of His grace alters the judgment and offers the Christian a chance for eternal life.
The clergyman, therefore, charged Christians to eschew rebellion, wickedness, envy, unforgiveness and other vices but embrace the love and forgiveness of Christ in the New Year in order to enjoy the benefits of Christ’s baptism.
The member representing Ibesikpo Asutan in the state House of Assembly, Elder Aniekan Uko, and other dignitaries, extolled the resilience and dedication of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria to the cause of development.
Addressing newsmen at the convention ground, Elder Effiong Essien, the state Head of Civil Service, who was also the event’s Planning Committee chairman, adjudged it to be successful.
Essien who attracted government functionaries, the political class and captain of industries to the event, acknowledged the impact of the Lutheran Church through quality education to society.
The Spiritual gathering featured a thorough exploration of the scriptures, lectures, choral renditions, testimonies, charity corner by Friends of the Needy Organisation (FONO) and a special thanksgiving.
