…As Agric Commissioner, Dr. Kpakol, Assemblyman, Dumle Maol, Business Mogul, Lesi Maol, B. Dere Community Leader, D.K. Badom Among Awardees
It was a rewarding moment of social and spiritual bliss for thousands of worshippers who gathered for the Thanksgiving/Inauguration Service at St. Andrew’s Christ Army Church of Nigeria (CACN), B. Dere in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State on Sunday.
It was particularly a moment of joy and celebration for the pioneer Prelate and President of CACN Synod, His Eminence, Most Rev. A.S. Vurasi, whose leadership strides have taken the Church to an enviable height, not only in the state but outside its shores, where remarkable milestones have been achieved.
And, for St. Andrew’s CACN, B. Dere, the event would remain memorable in its 82-year old history as the Church was formally elevated to the full status of a Parish. Ironically, B. Dere Community is the home stead of Prelate Vurasi while St. Andrews CACN is his native Church.
But the highpoint of the ceremony was special awards bestowed on some eminent sons of Khana and Gokana Local Government Areas for outstanding contributions not only to the Ogoni ethnic nationality and Nigeria as a nation but to the entire humanity.
Top on the list were the Executive Chairmen of Khana and Gokana Local Government Areas, Hon. Dr. Thomas Bariere and Chief Hon. Confidence Nyima Deko respectively. For Bariere, his award plaque reads “In Recognition Of Your Leadership That Begins with Genuine Life Changing Experience and Transformation in Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State” while that of Deko reads: “In Recognition Of Your Extraordinary Leadership Prowess In The Restoration Of Peace And Link In Christian Circles In Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State”.
Other prominent personalities honoured by the Prelate were the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture in the state, Dr. Fred Barivule Kpakol who was honoured for his ‘Show of God’s work for humanity’; and Hon. (Barr) Dumle Maol, member representing Gokana Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly for his ‘Young and Exemplary leadership prowess’.
Also in the honorees’ list are the CEO/MD, Glolee Global Resources Limited, Hon. Lesi Maol, in recognition of ‘his show of God’s works for humanity and practice of building the places of worship for God’ as well as renowned community leader in B. Dere, Sir. Hon. D.K. Badom, former member, Rivers State House of Assembly and immediate past South-South Chairman, Police Public Relations Committee, for his ‘Services to humanity and genuine love for Christ Army Church of Nigeria’.
In his welcome address, Prelate Vurasi said the thanksgiving stemmed from his deep-seated gratitude to God for His love, mercies and faithfulness.
“I am so indebted to Him, and found it worthwhile to invite you to appreciate Him with me in no small measures but to come to His sanctuary with testimonies in my heart, that I am glad and that I want to return the thanks to Him”, he said.
The Prelate who chronicled his ministerial journey from when he was licensed as an Agent and posted to Nwebiara Community in 1955, to his current elevation as Pioneer Prelate and President of CACN on Sunday, April 4, 2021, averred that he was never hasty to reach any position.
“I have never struggled for power with anyone all these years, neither have I been over ambitious to outsmart anyone to ascend to any height. I put God to test and my blessings continued as I grew older in the Ministry. Today, I find myself where I am because I purposed to believe and follow Him”, he said and charged the Christendom not to waver in their trust in God because, according to him, the power of God transcends life’s challenges.
While inaugurating the St. Andrew’s CACN as a new Parish, the Prelate decried the dilapidated situation of the 82-year-old church and solicited financial support to build a new structure.
He said the Church is in dire need of a Hundred Million Naira (N100,000,000) for the new Church building project which among others include a 30KVA sound proof generator, air conditioners, GMP doors and windows as well as other general purpose works.
In his keynote sermon at the service, the Retired Archbishop/Bishop, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Diocese of Port Harcourt, His Grace, Most Rev. (Dr.) Sunday I.O. Agwu called for peace among Christians.
He maintained that a society devoid of peace is doomed for crisis, adding that universally, peace has been accepted as panacea for economic growth and development.
Dignitaries from all walks of life including Bishop of Bori Diocese, Christ Army Church of Nigeria, Rt. Rev. Macjob Nkparo, and his counterpart from Ogoni South Diocese, Rt. Rev. M.B. Needom were in attendance.
Others were Bishop, Diocese of Ogoni Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Solomon S. Gberegbara, Bishop of Gokana Diocese of Methodist Church, Nigeria, Bishop of Bori Diocese of Methodist Church, Rt. Rev. Lebee Nnam, and a host of other anointed men of God.
Also in attendance were Pastor Jerry Needam JP, Publisher of National Network newspaper and Synod Media Communicator, Christ Army Church Nigeria, and wife, Catechist (Mrs.) Promise Jerry-Needam.
In attendance were also the Synod Legal Adviser of the Christ Army Church Nigeria, Barrister Sunday Dum James, leaders and members of B. Dere community, amongst others.
Highlights of the well attended ceremony were inauguration of St. Andrew’s Christ Army Church of Nigeria, B. Dere as a Parish and fund raising for the completion of the church.
