From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Amidst crowd, last Sunday was nostalgic in the christian Life of the people of Umueze/Abazu Ogwa autonomous community in Mbaitoli Council Area of Imo State, as Bishop Chukwuma Opara of Owerri Anglican Archdiocese and his wife with litany of senior Anglican Priests were in apostolic mission in the ancient community, even as they laid the foundation of a church building complex, which he named ST. Silas Anglican Church, Umuduruojije Umueze Ogwa.
The multi million Naira project is solely funded by Sir & Lady Dan. Chibuzo Iwuorie ( Ogbuagu, DanGod) which he said is just one of their ways of appreciating God, for His immense blessings and grace upon their life.
Iwuorie who is popularly known as Ogbuagu na Umueze/Abazu Ogwa, was emotional with goose pimples when he said “I don’t know how else to thank my God for all His goodness in my life and that of my family”.
Ogbuagu reemphasized that, it pays to worship God in truth and spirit and that the architectural master piece church building will be completed on or before December, 2023.
He further pointed out that, all the days of his life, he is always hungry to worship and appreciate God and to help humanity, saying that”beyond serving God, that the best services he cherished most is that being rendered to humanity”.
Bishop Opara who in his sermon expressed gratitude to God, Sir Iwuorie’s family, members of the community and his congregation for their love of God, described the occasion as “spiritually historic”.
According to the spirit filled ordained man of God ” Acts of Apostles 16 vs 16, it’s the story of Paul and Silas in jail, we are here today to lay the foundation of the church of God and for the benefits of mankind.
“As the servant of Most High God, immediately after our prayers, the project and the financier will witnessed exceptional grace and progress so as to enable people see reasons why they should continue to give honour and praises to Almighty God. I decree, that this place, from everlasting to everlasting, will be a sanctuary of worship, testimonies, miracles and wonders, all to the glory and honour, of God the Father,God the son and God the Holy Spirit, Amen !”.
Bishop Opara further declared that” by the grace of God, I Chukwuma Chukwunaekezi Opara, PhD, JP, by God’s divine permission and authority, and as the Lord Bishop of the Anglican Church of Owerri, do hereby name this church, Saint Silas Anglican Church, Umuduruojije Umueze Ogwa, in the name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, Amen !”.
He reiterated that the church will be a spiritual reference point and that whoever beckons unto God in the church, no matter the need(s), that Almighty God shall answer the prayer(s).
The Cleric also prayed for the sanctification and protection of all those involved in the building projects while canvassing for peace and forgiveness amongst the populace.
Bishop Opara Further cautioned them to be mindful of enemies of progress and trouble makers in the community, informing that, at the appointed time, the wraths of God will visit all those who are sowing seeds of discord in the community.
The highlights of the occasion were commissioning of the duplex and well furnished Vicarage of the Vicar, visitation of the community abandoned Health Center built by European Union and the Bishop showed willingness of the church in collaborating with Imo State Government in its rehabilitation and proper usage.
The Bishop also administered sacrament of confirmation to over 50 communicates of ST. Paul’s Anglican Church, Oboro Umueze being the mother parish of ST. Silas Anglican Church,Umuduruojije Umueze Ogwa.
Prominent among the Bishop’s entourage are the Bishop wife, Dr. Mrs. Chidiebere Opara (Mama Owerri), Ven. Chike Anurigwo (Archdeacon of Umueze/Abazu Archdeaconry), Rev. Canon Joseph Igbo, Rev. Canon Jonah Nwaebo and Rev. G. O. C Ekekwe among others.
