…Offer Recipe For Growth Of Christian Ministry
Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno has charged Christians to be more concerned about the spiritual growth of the church as against physical expansion of worship places.
He said the beauty and size of a worship hall become immaterial, if the character and qualities of worshippers do not align with the values and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Governor Eno spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Research and Documentation, Dr Essien Ndueso when his Special Assistant on New Media, Rev’d Richard Peters and Wife, were formally received as the Parish Priest of Saint John’s African Church, Ikot Akpan Abia-Ibesikpo Asutan on Sunday.
The reception which took place at the Parish auditorium was attended by prominent figures from across Akwa Ibom State including the immediate past chief executive of the State Mr Udom Emmanuel, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh, the Chief Executive Officer of Hensek Integrated Services, Engr. Uwem Okoko, personal aides to the Governor, and other notable personalities.
Pastor Eno lauded Reverend Peters for his steadfastness, commitment to both his ecclesiastical duties and his broader responsibilities within the community and the state at large.
He stated that his vision for the state as encapsulated in the A.R.I.S.E Agenda blueprint is people-centric and targets rural development,agriculture and the welfare of the people among other things.
He noted that Reverend Peters is an embodiment of a gallant soldier who fights with enormous energy to promote a cause he believes, and in the discharge of his responsibilities.
Governor Umo Eno while admonishing Christians, emphasized the importance of character and integrity in the journey to build a stronger church community.
“It’s time to grow the church with more faithful members, and this can be achieved when we exhibit good character, especially in any place we find ourselves.
“It is our attributes outside that will propel others to aim at emulating us and even coming to our churches, and if we are humble and kind within the church it should be extended to the macro society”, he said.
Also speaking, immediate past Governor Udom Emmanuel, represented by a Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor, Dr. Nathaniel Adiakpan, acknowledged the strong bond forged between the church and the state government during his administration.
He commended Rev’d Peters unrelenting commitment to his duties, which had significantly contributed to the growth and development of the state.
“Thank you for your service to the good people of Akwa Ibom State. You have never failed in your assigned responsibilities. Your contributions during my administration established a strong bond between us towards the growth and development of the state”, he said.
Engr. Uwem Okoko and Commissioner Charles Udoh who also eulogized Rev Peters, urged him to keep serving his flock diligently, as God is always ready to reward his faithful stewards.
In his response, Reverend Richard Peters expressed deep gratitude to all those who had come to honor him and his family. He reflected on his four-year tenure at Saint John’s Parish, recounting the support he had received from the congregation and the broader community. Reverend Peters acknowledged that this support had enabled him to serve effectively, both within the church and in his secular duties.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to all who have come to celebrate with me and my family on this auspicious occasion. My time as Parish Priest here has been a rewarding journey, and I owe much of what we have achieved to the unwavering support of this wonderful congregation”, he stated.
His Grace, Most Rev’d I. I Benson, Archbishop of the African Church, Benue Province preached from Psalm 23, “Model for Good Shepherding” highlighted the roles and responsibilities of a shepherd and their flock.
Archbishop Benson emphasized that a shepherd is a leader who has the responsibility to show direction, guidance, and support to his flock.
He stressed that a good shepherd must provide for the needs of their flock, protect them from harm, and lead them to safe pastures.
On the other hand, the Archbishop reminded the congregation that the flock also has a crucial role to play. He encouraged them to pray for their shepherd and obey their guidance, just as Jesus demonstrated in his ministry. He emphasized that this mutual relationship between the shepherd and the flock is essential for the well-being and growth of the church.
