Ten years ago, God whom has called the Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba into His vineyard as a labourer proved Himself to be the God who is mighty. Baba Ndukuba had a very serious health challenge that could have been fatal, but God proved Himself to be the healer. Reflecting on his situation thereafter, he wrote a poem “Life is but a dream”. Out of that poem, this hymn and two others came out.
Life is but like a dream,
Like a flash it is gone,
Through its way, we’re passing
Towards the land unsung;
Sometime, someday, lie down
To wake again no more,
We shall be laid to rest,
In the endless future.
Then they shall be revealed,
The works that we have done,
Our courage and our faith
To our Lord, they are known.
But now, and there, beyond,
The reality is God,
Who makes and own the heav’ns
And the entire world,
Lord, help me now to live,
Each moment real and true,
To be real to my being,
And true, my Lord to You,
That whether remembered,
Or I am forgotten
Make me a redeemed soul,
Set free, and forgiven.
Dear Lord, when comes my time
Bear me safe to that place,
The home of peace and joy,
And everlasting grace.
Wherein there’s no darkness
But everlasting light
The Sun of Righteousness
My Love, my Life, my Christ.
[ Henry C Ndukuba ]
Henry Ndukuba, by the grace of God, is a great teacher and maker of priests, many of whom are now bishops. His records at St. Francis of Assis College of Theology, Wusasa remained standing tall. As the pioneering Bishop of the Diocese of Gombe, he proved himself to be a builder and a man of vision. He laid a very solid foundation on which his subsequent successors will build up on. He prioritized evangelism, agriculture, health, and education. He established churches, Primary and Secondary schools, College of Nursing and Midwifery, St. Luke’s Hospital and agricultural establishments. He also built a Guest House for the Diocese. His personnel management ability is superb as motivator, encourager and father- figure to all.
God has used Henry Ndukuba greatly in this Church, by appointing him to head the Prayer and Spirituality Committee of the Church. Under Ndukuba’s watch, the foundation was laid for the Church of Nigeria hymnody. The Board of Editors he headed compiled, edited and produced the Church of Nigeria Hymnal. The Board also revised the Book of Common Prayer. In other words Ndukuba has greatly influenced the Liturgy of the Church of Nigeria, the Church he is now the head. His achievements since his assumption the primacy of the Church are there to see.
I counted myself very lucky to have relationship with this man of God. He has influenced my ministry immensely as a leader and as friend. I worked very intimately with him for 12 years (2007 – 2019) as his secretary on the Board of the Church of Nigeria Hymnal. During the period I had the opportunity of visiting Gombe at four different times. He is a very straight-forward, down-right kindheart, frank and easy to talk to.
I will also wish to salute Mama Nigeriy, mummy Angela for her support. She is indeed a God chosen partner for Henry. It is my prayer that God will grant both of them long life together, full of His blessings.
Rev’d Can. Bola Omodun. Ilori.
