The joy of our brethren in South Central Area of Nigeria knew no bounds, as Lead Apostle Geoffrey Nwogu paid a two day apostolic and pastoral care visit to them from Thursday 2nd through Friday 3rd March 2023.
First on his itinerary was a meeting with 38 District Leaders and District Leaders Delegates on Thursday 2nd, at Four Towns congregation.
Do not neglect the gifts in you
Lead Apostle Geoffrey Nwogu who was joyfully received on arrival, admonished the District Leaders with a word from “1Timothy 4: 14 - 16 "Do not neglect the gift that is in you...” He reminded them of the day of their ordination, where Authority, Sanctification and blessings were bestowed on them through the mandate they received. He pleaded that they should exercise their responsibility with all sense of humility and faithfulness. Do not neglect these gifts by being judgmental rather nurture them through intensive prayers, dedication and in-depth study of the scriptures, he said.
Chosen for a purpose
By 2pm the lead Apostle accompanied by the host, Apostle Armstrong Inyang and Bishop Ime Udombang arrived Atai Obio congregation in Four Towns District to a rousing reception. Lead Apostle Nwogu exhorted the congregation numbering 241 with a text from 1 Chronicles 28:10 ”Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for His sanctuary: be strong and do it" The Lead Apostle reminded all that God had called and elected us for a purpose: to serve and reign with him, he therefore pleaded that we should work out our salvation with fear and trembling…
Wrestle for your blessing
On Friday 3rd, the Lead Apostle and his entourage arrived Nkwa Ibiono in Ikot Inyang Ikot Udofia District in the morning. The congregation numbering 140 were seated before 9am. In his homily, he drew a text word from Genesis 32: 26 "And he said, 'Let me go, for the day breaks, ' But he said, 'I will not let you go, unless you blessed me'” The Lead Apostle recalled the encounter that Jacob had with the angel of God. He insisted that every blessing comes with a price urging all to wrestle against evil and sin. He cautioned all not to despair rather fight for their blessings. More so we must endeavor to be channel of blessings for others, he concluded.
Obedience guarantees blessing
The last leg of his visit took him to Afaha Ube congregation in Afaha Ube District by 1pm same day. He addressed the brethren with a word from Deuteronomy 28: 2 "And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord, your God.” The Lead Apostle said the whole duty of man is to fear God and keep his commandments insisting that obedience brings tremendous blessings. He dispels the misconception that was the hallmark of the old testament that earthly prosperity amounts to blessings. Lead Apostle Nwogu emphatically said spiritual blessings will lead us to eternal fellowship with God.
He enumerated some of these spiritual blessings to includes;
- ... Implicit trust in God.
- ... Believe in Jesus Christ.
- ... Love for God and our enemies.
- ... Patience and Perseverance.
- ... Following Christ through the apostolate
- ... Ability to fight evil and sin; and earnestly waiting for the imminent return of Jesus Christ.
Lead Apostle Nwogu urged all to take heed to all these, meditate on them and give themselves entirely to them. Apostle Armstrong Inyang and Bishop Ime Udombang also served along.