AKWA IBOM FIRST LADY URGES CHRISTIAN WOMEN TO STRENGTHEN THEIR FAITH IN THE GOSPEL
***Bags WOWICAN award for her contributions to the faith.
……..As the Women Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), converge in Akwa Ibom State for her Silver Jubilee Annual Convention with the theme: “Fear Not For I Am with Thee”, the wife of the State Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel has called on Christian women in the country to be bold and courageous with gospel of Jesus Christ in these last days.
She said Christians in the country must rise to defend the faith with their actions, rather than engage in bickering that is dividing the Church.
Speaking at the Lutheran Church of Nigeria, Obot Idim, venue for the national convention; the First Lady who was honoured by the group for her immense contributions to the body of Christ, added that the challenges bedevilling the country is a call for Christians to rise and intercede for the peaceful co-existence of the nation.
“As Christian women, you are gathered here not just for the yearly ritual, but you are here in this state to make a positive change in our country. I know most of us are facing persecution for our faith, I want to say that you must not relent. The body of Christ must not be cowed in these last days. This gospel must be preached till the ends of the earth.” Mrs. Emmanuel remarked.
On the family front, First Lady Martha used the occasion to encourage women not to abdicate their roles in the family as caregivers, saying the family unit remains the bedrock of the society. Hear her : “As women we must not relegate our duties as caregivers in the family. Many anomalies confronting us today is a pointer to the failure on the part of parents, women especially.”
While encouraging the women to train their wards in the fear of the lord for their future to be secured, Mrs. Emmanuel advised that women must learn to help each in times of need.
Earlier, the National Chairperson of the Association, Deaconess (Mrs) Victoria Bola Ihesiulor in welcome address, appreciated Governor Udom Emmanuel and wife Martha for providing a safe haven for the women to hold their silver Jubilee in the state and stated that the annual summit affords the women opportunity to prayerfully intercede for the nation.
While applauding the federal government for its ongoing fight against insurgency, she demanded that more be done to release miss Leah Sharibu and others who are held captive by their abductors.
Also, the guest speaker at the event and the Bishop of AME Zion Church, Prof. Uduak Effiong in his exhortation on the theme of the convention, charged Christian leaders in the country not to be fearful even in the face of adversaries, stating that they must learn to speak up when things are not working.
He said the women wing of the Christian Association must henceforth act as the custodian of the faith by working to unify the body of Christ and not engage in frivolities which doesn’t glorify the name of the Lord.
Special recognitions were given to deserving persons who have contributed to the body and the success of the convention in the state. The annual retreat which started Thursday 24th October will run through Sunday October 27th.
(C) Koko Udonquak
24th October, 2019
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