Lead Apostle Nwogu's one-week pastoral and apostolic care visit took him to South Central, South West and South East Areas of Nigeria from 28th February through 6th March 2022.
His first port of call on 1st February, was Four Towns congregation in South Central Area cared for by Apostle Effiong Ekpenyong where 29 District ministers had gathered for a meeting.
Change of priesthood, change of the law.
Addressing the District Leaders and Delegates, the Lead Apostle exhorted them with a word from Hebrews 7 :11-12 ”Therefore if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood, ... what further need was there … For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law."
He said the bridal congregation has a task to fulfill in God's plan of salvation. He pleaded that all should attest to the significance of Jesus Christ for salvation in both word and deed; and not allow ourselves to be deterred by anyone or anything in the process.
Lead Apostle insisted that in Jesus is everlasting priesthood, Him being the High priest of our confession.
He reminded all that the priesthood no longer operates on mosaic law, concluding that no more priesthood by inheritance but by oat through the merit of Jesus Christ.
At the end of the meeting he announced that Apostle Ekpenyong will go into retirement on 27th July 2022. He thanked the Apostle for his selfless sacrifices and service of love while appreciating his dear wife and family for standing by the apostle.
Apostle Ekpenyong expressed deep thankfulness to God for His unfailing grace and love while seeking support from all ministers to whoever will succeed him.
Before the divine service in the afternoon, the Lead Apostle in company of the host Apostle paid a condolence visit to the family of late Apostle Okuyak Uwah on the glorious passage of late Sister Grace Okuyak Uwah a fortnight ago.
By 2pm the Lead Apostle and his entourage arrives Afaha Ube Congregation to a joyous reception.
A text word was taken from Luke 12: 49 – 50 ”I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!"
In his homily, the Lead Apostle said God has chosen us to be a blessing for others and as such we should endeavour to follow the Lord, suffer with Him and die with Him.
He emphasized on the significance of the Lent season. Continuing he said the fire is the eternal word of God and also symbolizes the power of the Holy Spirit in word and sacraments. He charged all to be an example in following and fellowship with the triune God. Resist evil and sin, be proficient in the proclamation of the gospel, he concluded.
Apostle Effiong Ekpenyong and District Elder Armstrong Inyang served along. One soul was sealed with 70 in attendance.