A joyful and memorable Divine Service was held on Sunday, 27 September 2026, at the Area Central Church Aba to mark the birthday of Apostle Chima Ibekwe. District Elders joined the Apostle and the congregation in giving thanks to God and celebrating this special occasion.

The Divine Service was based on the Bible text from John 13: 35: “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Welcoming the congregation, Apostle Chima Ibekwe expressed his joy at the gathering and emphasized the privilege of serving God and belonging to His Kingdom. He encouraged the faithful to remain grateful for God’s grace and committed to their calling.

“The badge of discipleship”
In his sermon titled “The Badge of Discipleship,” the Apostle emphasized that love is the badge that identifies a true disciple of Jesus Christ. He explained that love is part of the nature of God and serves as evidence of genuine discipleship. Members were therefore encouraged to demonstrate sincere love toward one another and to let this love guide their daily Christian lives.

Referring to 1 John 4:12, the Apostle encouraged the congregation to walk in love with a pure heart and to strive for perfect love among one another. He further reminded the congregation that the Christian calling is centred on loving God and our neighbours. Love, he emphasized, is not merely a suggestion but a commandment of the Lord. The service was also a time of thanksgiving, fellowship, and renewed commitment to Christian discipleship. District Elders Ngozi Benjamin, Ikechukwu Sunday, and Samuel Uba served alongside during the Divine Service.

The celebration concluded in an atmosphere of joy and gratitude, with the congregation encouraged to continue wearing the “badge of discipleship” — love.