1st January, 2022
To: All Clergy and Laity of ADOTT
Dearly Beloved,
Happy New Year to you and all your loved ones. Reflecting on this past year, we have reasons to praise the Lord. The Lord has been good to us individually and as a diocese. We have reasons to thank the almighty God for his
goodness. We cannot forget all his benefits and wonderful works. To God be the glory.
Witnessing another year is therefore a privilege the Lord has given us. It is a new opportunity, a new beginning, a fresh start and call to faithfulness. We have the entire year ahead of us. There are several predictions about the year but we can trust the Lord to see us through the year.
As a Diocese, the Lord is assuring us of his ever-abiding presence. The Lord is saying to us “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 NKJV).
This shall be our main theme for the year. In all things we need not fear for God is with us. God has promised to divinely help, strengthen, uphold and uplift us. Yes there may be challenges but God is calling us to absolutely depend on HIM in New Year. We are therefore asking you and everyone associated with this diocese to depend wholly on God in all things. “…. For by strength no man shall prevail (1 Sam 2:9b), only absolute dependence on God can see us through. It is essential for us to trust him in all things. We should not be afraid to launch out into the deep and catch more fishes, we should not be afraid to follow his divine instructions for they are not burdensome. God is with us This New Year, you do not need to fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. (Psalm 91: 5-7).
We, therefore, declare under God that the year 2022 shall be “Our year of Absolute Dependence on God with Divine help, Divine Strengthening and Divine Upliftment”. We encourage you to stand still, focus and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you this year. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” (Exo 14:13- 14).
May God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you; may the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace needed for the journey of your life now and in the age to come have life everlasting. Amen.
Your brother and Bishop,
The Rt. Rev Dr. Olukayode Adebogun
Diocesan Bishop, ADOTT
