It was a blessed and blissful fellowship on Sunday, 16th March 2025, as Apostle Armstrong Inyang of South Central Area of Nigeria officiated in a festive Divine service at Osuk Ediene congregation in Ikot Inyang Ikot Udofia District. 

Apostle Inyang and his companions arrived there to a very exciting and joyful reception by the Children's Choir and ministers.  The faithful numbering 177 were exhorted with a text word from 1 Peter 3: 9 ”Not returning evil for evil but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing"

Continuing, he said the text word is a follow-up of our Chief Apostle's message in Lagos, Nigeria during the festive Divine service for the departed where he reminded all that "we are called to be a blessing" (Genesis 50: 20) referring to Joseph, who was sold into slavery not repaying his brothers with evil. "We are called to be a blessing, contribute to the salvation, well-being, happiness and joy of our neighbour, Apostle Inyang reiterated. 

Intercession and compassion
The firm resolution to act differently is the first prerequisite for bringing about enduring change not to repay evil for evil, reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, be a blessing; for we are called for this purpose. The Lord has called us in order to bless us; He desires to grant us eternal life. To this end, He bestows many blessings, which will make it possible for us to prepare for His return and be a bridge for our neighbors, he emphasized. Compassion is a strong feeling that prompts us to share in the sufferings of others and help them irrespective whether they are disposed to us or not. We help them and be receptive to their plights, which Joseph was a clear example. Let us be a blessing to those who suffer injustice, oppression, hatred, and violence by intervening in their lives and showing them the love of God. Let us remember that God blesses us, intervenes in our lives to lead us into eternal fellowship with Him, and gives us what strengthens our relationship with Him, he pleaded. 

The evil that separates us from God
Apostle Armstrong Inyang also reminded the congregation that our Chief Apostle spoke against sin and its consequences, which separate us from God:  as this does not only affect who commit evil but also those who suffer the consequences of the bad conduct. He cautioned on focusing more on materialism, self-centeredness, and covetousness.

He further pleaded that we help each other overcome what separate them from God. He expressed deep concern   where many are tempted to pay evil for evil and some are asking God to punish their enemies, insisting that God wants all men to be save and come to the knowledge of truth. The Apostle concluded: Let us help our neighbour discover happiness, In Christ, we will find joy, peace, love, reconciliation and forgiveness. We are call to bless despite the short comings of the church, ministers and members, we bear witness of Christ's salvific activity and determined to fight evil with good. The Lord is gracious to us and there is rejoicing in Heaven over repentant sinners.

District Rector Etimbuk Ekpo and his deputy Eno Basil served along. Fifteen (15) souls received the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Apostle Armstrong Inyang on his way back stopover at Nung Udoe Itak and Udok Atai congregations, all in Ikot Inyang Ikot Udofia District. to inspect renovation of the church buildings by members.