Anglican Youth Sunday: “Return To God’s Love “,—Reverend Augustine Otiji Begs Youths

My Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Awka
Anglican Church Worldwide last Sunday celebrated its Youths known as Anglican Youth Fellowship,AYF with youths at the Church of The Holy Spirit Awka being encouraged to return to God’s love.
Priest Assistant, Church of the Holy Spirit Awka, Reverend Augustine C.Otiji who delivered the sermon encouraged youths across denominations to return to God by embracing Jesus Christ, the only Lord and Saviour for their peace of mind.
He spoke on the theme : ‘Going back to our roots’, but rephrased to Going back to our roots with the help of the holy Spirit.
Reverend Otiji warned on the rise in idol worship which according to him is leading so many youths to doom as there is no other God superior to the Almighty God.
He encouraged youths to know their history and shun going astray no matter the attraction and trust in God in all situations.
Reverend Otiji who is the CHS Awka Parish Youth Coordinator appealed to youths to exhibit the fruits of the holy Spirit always by shunning arrogance and pride which goes before a fall.
He also encouraged youths to be Christ-like and try personal denial as Christian youths to stand them out in their relationship with God. He described satan as a destroyer of youthful ambition using fears.
Earlier, the Archdeacon, CHS Awka Archdeaconry and vicar Church of The Holy Spirit Awka, Ven.Dr Onyeka Egwuonwu appealed to youths to shun Satan and his works by being diligent in all they do by obeying God , keeping His commandments,.and trusting God for directions.
Ven.Dr. Egwuonwu warned youths against abandoning God and getting lost in one’s vision and mission in life. He noted that accepting Jesus Christ, the only begotten son of God attracts success and fulfillment.
He thanked God for the structures of engagement from childhood to adulthood in the Anglican Church including the Anglican Children Ministry,ACM, Anglican Youth Fellowship, Boys and Girls Brigade, Girls Guide,
AYF, Young Wives Association, Women’s Guild, Mother’s Union, Christian Men Fellowship, CMF among others , urging families to ensure their children belong appropriately.
He warmed against living fake lives by youths as it leads no where but unnecessary stress, destruction, deceit and agony.
The President, Awka Diocesan Anglican Youth Fellowship, AYF, Bro Chinaza Okoye who visited CHS Awka Parish on solidarity encouraged youths to look before leaping since the world is filled with evil to avoid any entanglement that will derail their focus on life. He insisted that youths must look unto Jesus Christ at all times no matter the situation for He holds the key to their salvation.
In his youth Sunday message, Chima Nwankwo
Parish Youth Leader
Church Of The Holy Spirit Awka reminded CHS youths ‘of the importance of our faith and our roots as Christians’.
He noted that the theme for the 2025 Youth Week, “Going back to our root – Christian perspective,” calls us to reflect on the foundations of our faith and to rediscover the values and principles that have guided us thus far.
His words: ‘In a world that is constantly changing, it can be easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We may find ourselves caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, chasing after things that promise happiness but ultimately leave us feeling empty.
“But as Christians, we know that true fulfillment and purpose can only be found in our relationship with God.
“As we go back to our roots, let us remember the words of Psalm 1:3, which says, “They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.”
“As Christians, we are called to be like trees planted by streams of water, drawing nourishment from God’s word and living out our faith in obedience to His will.
“This Youth Week, let us take time to reflect on our walk with God. Let us ask ourselves: What are the things that distract us from our faith? What are the things that bring us closer to God? Let us seek to renew our minds and refocus on the things that truly matter.
“We give thanks to God for the gift of faith, for the opportunity to serve, and for the community that supports us.
Bro Chima expressed appreciation to Ven. Dr. Onyeka Egwuonwu, the Vicar, for his leadership and guidance, Rev’d Augustin Otiji, the Parish Youth Coordinator, for his tireless efforts in nurturing and empowering our youth and all the Parish clergymen, for their dedication to the youths spiritual growth, as well as the PCC, for their commitment to the church’s mission and vision.
He also expressed gratitude to the Patrons and Patronesses for their support and guidance and all the members of CHS Awka, for their love, support, and encouragement, asking God to bless guide and empower the youths as they strive to go back to their roots and live out their faith with purpose and conviction in Christ Jesus”.

Cross section of Church of The Holy Spirit Anglican Youth Fellowship, AYF, members with the Vicar, Ven Dr Onyeka Egwuonwu (middle) with Awka Diocesan Anglican Youth Fellowship AYF President, Bro. Chinaza Okoye left and Bro Chima Nwankwo,CHS Awka Parish Anglican Youth Fellowship AYF Leader among other executives and members after the Youth Sunday



