The activities of Day three of the ongoing episcopal retreat holding at the Faith Plaza, Bariga, Lagos commencedwith a Morning Devotion led by the Province of Lokoja.
Anchored on the theme “Suffering as a Cleansed Vessel of Christ,” the devotional study was presented by the Bishop of Kebbi Diocese, the Most Rev’d Edmund Akanya.
The session opened with a compelling illustration of Ade, a newly recruited security office confronted by a violent robbery on his first deployment, Ade was tempted to flee but stood his ground, remembering that his badge symbolised not just honour, but sacrifice. This narrative set the tone for the study of 2 Timothy 2:8–13, inviting participants to reflect on how suffering often serves as a mark of genuine belonging in Christ.
The study emphasised Paul’s exhortation to remember Jesus Christ’s resurrection and lineage as the foundation of hope. It contrasted Paul’s imprisonment with the unhindered power of the Word of God, highlighting that while servants may be bound, the Gospel remains free. A deeply moving testimony was shared regarding a priest killed during missionary work. Remarkably, his widow later expressed a desire to return to the same community to continue the mission, having forgiven those responsible—a powerful witness to faith and the redemptive purpose of suffering.
Later in the day, in a session titled “Sent by God: Fulfilling Your Mission,” Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, The Rt. Rev. Aloysius Agbo charged the bishops to prioritise discipleship, warning that the Gospel must be deliberately translated to the next generation of ministers.
Bishop Agbo recommended that a compulsory period of “Spiritual Formation” be institutionalised in theological colleges for all ordination candidates. He further made a passionate plea to the Primate to ensure that the discipline of priests is strictly upheld for the future preservation of the Church.
The retreat also received a report from the planning committee for the upcoming GAFCON G26 conference holding in Abuja from March 3-6. The committee requested the assistance of all present to mobilise human and financial resources and to act as ambassadors for the conference. The Primate appreciated the committee for a job well done and invited the Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Bishop Oni, to pray for the committee and the success of the conference.
