From TCNEWS
As Umuahia Diocese Anglican communion celebrates it’s 30th anniversary, Christians have been reminded that worldly awards and recognitions without being at peace with God is incomplete.
In a sermon at St. Stephen’s cathedral, during the 30th anniversary celebration of the Anglican communion, the ecclesiastical province of Aba, Diocese of Umuahia, Ven. Augustine Okwuonu reminded the congregation that the labour of man on earth would be rewarded and it is the will and desires of God that all will be with him at the end of the life’s journey on earth.
Okwuonu whose sermon centered on “Being with the Lord: Is both a matter of today and future”, with text drawn from the Bible book of 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 verses 9 to 13, encouraged Christian faithful to look beyond the physical award to the reward of Jesus Christ on the last day, which is “Being with Him”.
According to him, being with Jesus entails being at peace with Him (being born again); abiding in Him and living for Him.
Moreover, he pointed out that the Church recognises and appreciates those who work hard for the propagation of the gospel.
In a brief remark, the chairman of the occasion and Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Chief Obi Aguocha, who outlined his activities which include: giving out scholarships to 200 students; training 2000 constituents in different entrepreneurial skills, who will be equipped with startup packs after the training among other achievements recorded, appreciated the Church for the opportunity to represent the constituency.
Reviewing the book titled, “The Lamb is still Burning (History of Diocese of Umuahia at 30 years)” the book reviewer, Ven. Gerald Nwabuisi, disclosed that the Umuahia Diocese was inaugurated on January 9, 1994 and it has survived the challenges of 30 years of Missionary, financially and administratively.
According to him, the diocese which has given birth to three other diocese, carries a compelling history that showcases enormous sacrifices, steadfastness of faith, dedicated stewardship and selfless services.
He expressed delight that the Diocese has raised soldiers of Christ both militants and the triumphant and expressed the hope for a greater and more impactful Anglican Diocese of Umuahia in the near future.
The event which attracted the business class, the religious and pius groups, the political and traditional institutions, featured the launching of the diocesan history book, recognitions/awards and giving of prizes.
A total of 36 persons were honoured including Sir Jeremiah Nwabugwu, one of the surviving founding fathers of the Diocese.