The oil rich communities of Gokana local Government Area of Rivers State in South South Area of Nigeria experienced great joy and abundant blessings as Lead Apostle Geoffrey Nwogu paid a 3day apostolic visit to the area from Friday, 16th through Sunday 18th July 2021.
Gokana LGA measuring 126sqkm is home to over 228,828 inhabitants of the Ogoni people.
This visit took the Lead Apostle to three districts of Bodo City, Biara and Bera.
"Diligence”
His first port of call on arrival was Bodo congregation where he was warmly received.
He addressed the brethren with a word from Hebrews 2: 1 ” Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away "
The Lead Apostle urged all to be steadfast and diligent in the apostles' doctrine, which is the true gospel of salvation. He insisted that due diligence to these messages of eternal salvation will grant us strength and grace to endure temptations.
He concluded that our stability in faith, love, hope and patience can only be guaranteed if we don't drift away and therefore pleaded that we must be resolute in our belief and bounded on the apostolate.
“A chosen generation”
The next day 17th, the Lead Apostle accompanied by Bishop Samuel Banuna arrived Luuyor congregation in Biara District to a rousing reception.
Lead Apostle Nwogu overwhelmed with joy, welcome all to the divine service and exhorted them with a word from 1 Peter 2: 9 ” But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation........ "
Here, the Lead Apostle reminded all of their childhood in God, saying we are a peculiar people called and elected for the purpose of proclaiming the praises of God who had called us out of darkness to his marvelous light.
He charged all not to betray the confidence bestowed on us by our Maker and Master, knowing that we are heirs and priests of His Kingdom.
“Enquire from the Lord”
Same day in the afternoon, the entourage arrived Nugbe Yeghe congregation where the worshippers were anxiously waiting.
The Lead Apostle beaming with smiles appreciated them for their patience while addressing them with a text word from 1 Kings 22: 5 "And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel 'please inquire for the word of the Lord today”
Lead Apostle Nwogu said seeking the will of God is the hallmark of Christian faith as according to him, by this we will understand Him better.
He cited cases of Daniel, Job and David from the scriptures, who were blessed because they always turned to God for directions.
He further said, our believe and trust in God is strengthen when we seek Him at all times and pleaded that we should endeavour to put behind our own will.
"Steadfastness”
On Sunday 18th July, the Lead Apostle join other brethren in the morning to watch the live transmission service of our District Apostle, Michael Ehrich from Heidenheim, Germany where the District Apostle exhorted on Steadfastness as recorded in Acts 2: 42
The Lead Apostle rounded off his visit later in the day with a festive divine service at Nwe-ol in Bera District.
He addressed the congregants with a word from John 20 :20 - 21 " When He had said this, He showed them his hands and His side......... So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you...."
As his parting words, Lead Apostle Nwogu spoke extensively on the importance of peace and encouraged all to be peace ambassadors. He further said our primary responsibility is to proclaim the gospel of peace to our neighbors irrespective of tribe, race, religion or language.
Concluding he urged all to live our life for one another, work for the salvation of others and peaceful co-existence.
Bishop Samuel Banuna and District Elders Felix Kpegasin and Monday Asan assisted at the service.
During the visit 190 souls were sealed with retirement of one Priest and ordination of four priests.