The four-day annual Synod of the Diocese on the Niger (Anglican Communion), Anambra State, wound up today, Sunday, June 12, 2022, at All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha, with a demand on Nigerians, especially, Christians to develop their hearts of love for God, fellow men and for the Gospel.
They were among other things enjoined to always cultivate joyful dispositions irrespective of the present dicey situations in the country.
In a 25-minute homily during the church service that brought the Synod to an end, a guest preacher, the Bishop of the Lagos West Diocese, Rt Rev Dr. James Odedeji, had the sermon he tagged, “Go – make disciples of all nations”, outlined what he called nuggets for effective evangelism.
According to him, love, the heart of prayer, faith in God, joyful heart, divine wisdom, and respect were among the criteria for the qualitative evangelical assignment.
Although the bishop conceded that some people might, sometimes, not be appreciative of the love extended to them, he advised that Christians should not be discouraged, but rather be persistent in good works.
He insisted that believers’ attitude towards evangelism should be warm, compelling, and inviting enough to challenge one to always be willing to volunteer to launch out for effective soul-winning.
Underscoring the courage of Prophet Isaiah who he quoted to have volunteered; “Here I am, send me”, Bishop Odedeji appealed to Christians to emulate such spirit in order for them to be able to actualize the divine mandate of “Go, Yee”.
The bishop counseled the Christian faithful to always allow the name of God to constantly remain on their lips by consistent and persistent preaching of the Gospel.
The Synod Sunday service featured the blessing of the Onitsha community by the host Bishop, the Rt Rev. Dr. Owen Chiedozie Nwokolo, fundraising through the ceremonious cutting of the Synod Cake, and speeches by various dignitaries from the state and beyond.
In a brief vote of thanks, Bishop Nwokolo appreciated God for making the Synod a success and expressed joy and gratitude for what he described as the generosity and goodwill of all that attended the event.
#Synod2022
Credit: Alex Uzoigwe, Ndubuisi Emedosi and Michael Nwankwo
