The President of Mothers Union and Women’s Guild of the Church of Nigeria and Diocese of Abuja (Anglican Communion), Mrs Angela Eberechukwu Ndukuba has challenged women to remain steadfast in the face of trials they may be facing.
Mrs Ndukuba spoke while delivering her Presidential Address to the Abuja Diocesan Women’s Conference, themed “Be Ye Steadfast and Immovable in Challenging Times” (I Cor. 15:58), held between Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th October, 2021 at All Saints’ Anglican Church, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.
She said the hope of believers in Christ is the confident affirmation that God is faithful and that He would do what He says. The President said, “God allowed challenges/trials to come our way to: Build our faith and trust in Him; Equip us to comfort others; Bring out the best in us and Discipline and prove that we belong to God.”
Mrs Ndukuba admonished the women to stand firm, be steadfast and immovable In the course of any challenge, Having faith in Christ; Constant study of God’s Word; Abounding in the work of God; Consistent prayer and Absolute dependence. She concluded by saying: “As believers, we must remain steadfast and immovable in Christ in order to: Be partakers of all the rich blessings God designed for us in affliction and enjoy abundant consolation in Christ.”
The Primate of all Nigeria and Bishop of Diocese of Abuja, The Most Revd. Henry C. Ndukuba, in his charge during the Opening Service for the Conference, enjoined all Christians, especially Christian Women not to allow any trial or challenge move or shake them and cause them to derail from following Christ. He noted that the security challenge and the killings here and there in the country could make people question the protection of God. But he encouraged them to remain immovable and steadfast in all these.
The women went through series of programs, including Bible Study where they were made to understand that Christians, including Christian Women have been called unto steadfastness. Steadfastness is commitment to the Lord. Following Jesus would come at a cost that would demand their total commitment even under pressure. They need a life of Christ that cannot perish, the life that keep believers pressing on is a life that perseveres, a life of purpose and above all, the power of Christ.
The women were taught how to balance Christianity with culture and seek to transform their culture with Christian principles.
Issues on the prevention and management of domestic violence were also tackled during the conference. Domestic violence is a prevalent and devastating reality that the body of Christ in general and Christian counselors, in particular, must address. The Conference featured an interactive session that gave the women the opportunity to ask questions on issues bothering their minds.
The Conference ended with thanksgiving by the women which was done Archdeaconry by Archdeaconry.
By Oluwaseun Owoeye