The 3 day Zonal Youth gathering for our brethren of Umuaja Zone in Mid-East Area of Nigeria climaxed on Sunday, 1st August 2021 with a festive divine service conducted by Apostle Chima  Ibekwe  in Umu-uhu congregation.    

The Apostle who was treated to a rousing reception expressed deep thankfulness to God for His love, grace and benevolence while appreciating the young people and their parents for their dedication, sacrifice, service of love and team spirit.

The 3day event featured competitive indoor and outdoor activities with the youths displaying various talents and gifts to the admiration of all.

Apostle Ibekwe wished them a blessed and blissful new month and addressed them with a text from John 15: 10 – “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.”

In his homily, the Apostle said our obedience to Jesus grows from our faith and love for Him.

He insisted that God is love and His commandments are an expression of His love, in that, the purpose of the commandments is to help human beings live in accordance with God's will and in harmony with one another.

More so, God’s commandments are to guide us to love from a pure heart, a good conscience and sincere faith, he stated.

Reasons to love

The Apostle reminded all of the Mosaic Law: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, your soul and all your mind … You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”

He also reminded all that the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy spirit given to us.

He further said this indwelling love of God helps us recognize that God's love is shown in His commandments.
 
This leads us to obey Him not out of fear of punishment but out of love to our heavenly Father, knowing that His ordinances and statues are not burdensome.

Concluding, Apostle Ibekwe said our obedience to God is based on our gratitude for salvation that He grants us and pleaded that we should endeavor to act in accordance with the will of God and show gratitude for all His great deeds which includes:
- His love upon us
- His redeeming power
- Our childhood in Him
- Our hope in His return
- Our liberty in Christ
- Our saving grace through fellowship with Him.

Called to served were District Elder Onyewuchi Stephen, District Evangelist Japheth Chigbu and Priest Onweremmadu Igbonta.

It was indeed a blessed fellowship.