Cleric tasks christian faithful to uphold old legacies for evangelism

By Correspondent in Umuchu

The Anglican Bishop, Diocese of Aguata ,Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor,has called on the christian faithful to be committed in upholding old legacies that promote the gospel of Christ as a way of quality evangelism.

Ezeofor made the call during the dedication of renovated Catechist Gabriel Ezekwo Memorial Chapel and Umuchu Unity centere on Saturday in Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra state.

He said that catechist Ezekwo was very dedicated in evangelism and assisted to build St. Thomas Church in a bid to grow evangelism in the community as far back as 1929.

“ The building has transformed to a bigger church which led to non use of the old building, because it does not stand the teste of time of building but today, the son has renovated it to a modern building.

“ We celebrate today because the old church is been rededicated and made holy for evangelism use as was intended by the fore runners of the gospel ,” he said

Ezeofor in a homily entitled “The encounter”, said that people should pray to have encounter with God who would transform their way of living to promote evangelism and godly living.

He cited the Book of Genesis, chapter 28 verse 10 to 23 explaine how Jacob encountered with God while running away from his brother Esau.

“ What life style do you live? Is it Godly”, does it promote peace, unity ,growth and development of the country?” he asked.

Chief Samuel Ezekwo, the son of the late catchiest, said that he renovated the building to celebrate the heroes and heroines of missionary evangelism in the community.

Ezekwo said that event comprised of a book launch, published in honor of his father titled “ In His Days”, which would be one of the symbols of unity in Umuchu and all communities where his father served as a catechist.

“ The art of social engineering, perfected and employed by Pa Gabriel Ezekwo and his contemporaries in earl 1900s across communities in South east Nigeria will serve as a sign post to fall back in times of crisis.

“ Pa Ezekwo served in communities like Amaraku,Amaimo, Nawfija, Ezinifite, Uga, Umuomaku amongst others.

“ When I retired in 2016 from active service in industry and US government, I did not plan for any of these but things happened that led me to celebrate him and his contemporaries, what a miracle,” he said

Our Correspondent reports that the book “ In His days” was reviewed by Prof. Kate Omenugha,Anambra State Commissioner for Basic Education,who described the book as a must read.

Omenugha,who described the book as a social crusader, urged the public to buy it, to tap into the rich exposition made in it.

She commended the writers of the book saying,“ The book is very rich in culture, values and history of how the first church in Umuchu started and the challenges early Christians in the area faced amongst other useful information.

Venerable Innocent Azubuike, the Archdeacon of Umuchu Archdeaconry, commended the planner of the event for provding a decent place of worship for the faithful and stepping into the step of his late father to build on evangelism.

Archbishop Maxwell Anikwenwa emeritus, who served in the community as a young priest commended, Ezeofor for toeing the path of his late father in serving God and humanity.

Anikwenwa also commended Bishop Ezeofor for honouring those who worked in the vine yard of God before him.

He encouraged the Anglican faithful to hold fast on evangelism, to keep winning souls for God.

The chairman of the occasion, Justice Peter Umeadi, said that the event was remarkable,and expressed optimism that younger generation would see the need to respect old legacies and try to emulate hard work.

The Bishop of Enugu North, Rt. Rev Sosthenes Eze, unviled the book and described it as a book to be in all shelf.

The online publication reports that the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Godson Ezechukwu, Igwe Godwin Ezeilo of Nanka, Chief Emeka Ononuju, President General of the community among others graced the event.