From Obinna Odogwu, Abakaliki
Mbaukwu, a sleepy community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State came alive recently as a special service was held at St. Lawrence Anglican Church for the confirmation and admission into the Women’s Guild and Fathers’ Fellowship for Anglican churches in three communities in the council area.
The parishes are: St. Lawrence, Mbaukwu; St. Mark’s, Umuawulu; St. Jude’s, Isiagu and St. John’s, Mbaukwu.
Those administered with the Oath of Confirmation were 104, Women’s Guild, 87, and Fathers’ Fellowship, 100, totalling 291 candidates.
On that day, the town witnessed unusual human and vehicular traffic as Anglican faithful and friends of the celebrants from all walks of life trooped into the church to rejoice with them.
Delivering his sermon, the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr Alex Ibezim, reminded the Christians of the need to live a Christ-like life at all times, saying that this would help to attract the blessings of God.
The cleric warned that the second coming of Jesus Christ as He promised before He ascended to heaven was near.
He, therefore, chided the Christians to amend their ways in preparation for the expected rapture.
The bishop regretted that internal strife was increasing in many communities in Anambra State, which he blamed on excessive quest for power and material wealth that comes with it.
Oriental News gathered that intra-communal feud was raging in more than 50 communities over who becomes the President-General or traditional ruler.
In some instances, some officials of the Anambra State government, especially those in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs have been accused of instigating the feuds by installing their stooges against the wish of the people.
Ibezim, therefore, charged the Christians, especially the newly confirmed and admitted faithful to be purveyors of peace.
Speaking on the state of the nation, the bishop lamented that the political leaders have not lived up to expectations.
He opined that the country would have been great if the leaders had been faithful to the people who entrusted them with the powers to lead.
Also speaking, the Special Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano on Youth Mobilisation and Empowerment, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, warned the young communicants to be mindful of their lifestyles and the company they keep.
He said going by available records, most youths caught for one crime or the other were mostly lured by the bad friends they kept.
Citing relevant sections of the Bible, he reminded them to always “remember the Lord your God in the days of your youth.”
He disclosed that the Governor Obiano administration was making spirited efforts to ensure that the greater percentage of the youths in state were gainfully employed or empowered to commence their own businesses.
The priest in charge of St. Lawrence, Mbaukwu, Ven. David Ezeobi, tasked those admitted into Fathers’ Fellowship, Women’s Guild and also those administered with the Oath of Confirmation to live exemplary lives worthy of emulation.
He reminded them that carrying the cross of Jesus Christ and preaching His message of salvation to all the nooks and crannies of their society formed part of their responsibilities as Christians.
Speaking on behalf of the celebrants, Mr. Alex C. Ibezim (Ambest) who was admitted to Fathers’ Fellowship pledged to always abide by the teachings of Jesus Christ and to carry His message of salvation wherever they would go to.
The highlight of the special service included paramilitary parade by the Boys and Girls Brigade Nigeria, Mbaukwu Battalion Command; special rendition by the church’s choir and inauguration of centenary planning committee by the bishop, among others.