TCNews

By Our Reporter

The Anglican Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev’d Geoffrey Ibeabuchi has revealed that “It doesnt matter mentality”, is one of the viruses attacking the Christian faith in the present society.

In his message at St. Stephen’s cathedral, Umuahia Abia State during the year 2021 DIOCESAN LAY READERS SUNDAY, which had the theme: “You are our Epistle, drawn from the Bible book of 2 Corinthians chapter  3 verse 2 to 3, Bishop Ibeabuchi decried the dearth of Christ-like features in the lives of servants of God, pointing out that such attributes appeared to have been lost in today’s Christianity and churchmanship.

He reminded the Lay Readers that their lives as servants of God should be exemplary that even without reading through the pages of the scriptures, Christ will be seen in action in their lives.

“This is one of the features that appear to have been lost in today’s Christianity and churchmanship. The it doesnt matter mentality is one of the viruses attacking our faith today which must be dealt with without further delay”, Bishop Ibeabuchi pointed out clearly. 

Bishop Ibeabuchi who enjoined the Lay Readers to solely rely on God’s divine blessings and not to put their trust in man, reminded them that waiting and complaining about man’s reward was to make a mess of their divine call.

Bishop Ibeabuchi who also requested the Lay Readers to remain focused and committed as they labour in Gods Church/Vineyard, said, “God knows how best to reward your efforts in the face of our current challenges as a nation and Church. Waiting and complaining about man’s reward is to make a mess of your divine call. Our God does not owe any man and He will not begin from you. You are already blessed for accepting to surrender your lives for the Masters use”.

He described the Lay Readers as men and women who are dedicated to serving God voluntarily with their lives and resources.

He however pointed out that the Lay Readers are challenged and encouraged to be different in all aspects of life and passionately appealed to the entire church within the Diocese of Umuahia (Anglican Communion) to devote time in prayers/intercession for the respected Lay Readers always. 

While encouraging the congregation to give generously in cash and kind for the actualization of the Diocesan Lay Readers Multi-Million Naira project at the Boys Technical College, Uzuakoli in Bende L.G.A, of the state, Bishop Ibeabuchi also requested the various Church Committees and Church Workers to ensure that the Lay Readers were appreciated for their services from year to year.

He commend the leadership of the Diocesan Lay Readers Council led by Mr. Emmanuel Adindu and their Chaplain, Ven. Azubuike Koma for the spiritual revival and innovations in the Council and encouraged the Council to embark on Church Planting and Revivals from the year 2022.

In his remarks earlier, Mr. Emmanuel Adindu, the leader of the Diocesan Lay Readers Council appreciated God for making the year 2021 event a reality and reiterated the Council’s resolve to continuously and continually work in God’s vineyard.