Nwokolo urge Christians to build on the foundation of Christ, dedicates St. Mark’s Church, Oba

By Uzo Ugwunze, Ojoto

Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo has dedicated the new church building and inaugurated as parish, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Umueze village, Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area urging Christians to ensure that Jesus Christ remains the foundation of their good works.
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The epoch making event witnessed dedication of new church building, inauguration as a parish, Institution/induction of Rev. Joseph Anyaefena as parish priest and special Thanksgiving of Sir and Lady Emeka Motanya (KSC) who was recently admitted are Knight of St. Christopher.

In his homily taken from 1Corinthians 3v10-15, Bishop Nwokolo admonished Christians not to depart from the true foundation which is Christ Jesus saying that every builder’s work must be tested.

“Let every man take heed how he builds upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. Whether gold, silver or stubble, it shall be revealed by fire. Only those their work abide shall recieve rewards”.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman Planning Committee, Barr. Chuba Oranusi KSC. recalled the history of the church started 1971 with a mud house as initiated by Rev. Canon E.E. Ekwenchi.

Oranusi said that the vision for a befitting edifice was born in appreciation to God when he- Chuba Oranusi was re-elected to the Anambra State House of Assembly for the second term.

“During my re-election thanksgiving service, December 2003, I urged my fellow Assemblymen and other invited guests to donate to the proposed church building pledging to match whatever was realized to commence the building.

“From the initial fund raising, all the funds and building materials used for building and beautifying the church were personal donations by our sons and daughters”, said Oranusi.

Coordinator, Christ Ambassadors evangelism outreach, Umueze, Mr. Ralph Chibuzor who was among the first set of children baptized in the church thanked God for keeping him alive to celebrate the cathedral. Chibuzor recalled how Christ Ambassadors the evangelism outreach have brought many souls to the church thereby contributing to helping them attain Parish status.

President, Christian Men’s Fellowship, Diocese on the Niger, Rt. Hon Barr. Sir. Emeka Anyaenetu KSC tasked the men to continue in the work of God, evangelism and keep coming to church services.

“The child is the father of the man.The man is the shelter of the family. Let men continue as shelter to their family. Keep coming to church and engage in evangelism”, said Anyaenetu.

During a special thanksgiving to God, a newly ordained Knight, Sir Emeka and Lady Nkoli Motanya thanked God for making them worthy to serve as soldiers of Christ. He pledged to continue to give his best for the work of God.

Moreover, Sir. Boniface Onyeka, Okom II of Oba, advised Christians to see giving as a privilege to express our love to God praying God to bless all that contributed in the church building.

According to the President Isu Welfare Association, Oba, Sir. Osita Ubadi,” We as Christians should dominate our environment for Christ. Also, Sir. Motanya should remember that knighthood is higher responsibility.

Another Knight from the St Stephens Anglican Church the parent church before St. Mark’s was inaugurated a parish, Sir. Ejike Madunagu charged the parishioners not to relent in the work of evangelism.

“I am here to celebrate and thank God with them because it is not easy for this Church to come to the level of becoming a parish”, said Madunagu.

Pics: Anglican Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo, Chairman Planning Committee, Hon Barr. Chuba Oranusi, Sir. Emeka Motanya and others during the dedication/ inauguration of St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Umueze, Oba.