By 'Gbenga Bankole (Enugu State)
It was a dream come true for members of Christ Apostolic Church, Odusona Region yesterday Saturday September 30, 2023 as the President of CAC Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samuel O. Oladele dedicated the Personage constructed to accommodate their Regional Superintendent, named "Restored Glory Mansion."
The parsonage, built in three months and located at the premises of the Regional Headquarters in Idaw River Layout, Enugu State, is a storey duplex structured in serene environment.
Overwhelmed with joy and enthusiasm for the great achievement, ministers and members of the region could not be more excited as they trooped out in their numbers to welcome the President and his entourage to the dedication service.
Ministering on the topic "God's Workmen" taking his text from Exodus chapter 31, the CAC President, Pastor Samuel O. Oladele exposited that the word "workmen" is applied to both male and female and it's for anyone who has decided to work for the Lord, explaining that as long as we do something for God in His church, we are all workmen.
He noted that there is no place for idleness in the church and that is why we will continue to work until we lay our sword at the feet of Church.
According to him, "We are called to work. We don't work for our salvation or to be saved, but we are saved to work. The way books of the Bible are arranged is not chronologically. The book of Job should be in between Genesis, but there is a reason for that. The man that fell in Genesis was redeemed in Exodus, he worshiped in Leviticus. Numbers was about serving. A man that was lost in Genesis was serving in Numbers. We have to serve. Christianity is about serving, that is why a whole book was dedicated to serving. Christ is not only the King, but also Servant. Mark concentrated on Christ as a servant. Some people know how to shout at others but when it comes to service you don't see them."
"The book of Acts is about work. I don't believe in the talk of the Apostles, but acts of the Apostles. You don't just talk, act it out. You must have the willingness and preparedness to work. God is not impressed by your capacity, capability, but your availability," he said.
Making referencing to the newly dedicated building, Pastor Oladele said looking at the building, one will know truly God has called some people to work for Him.
Speaking on Bezalel, the Clergyman explained that Bezalel means "the shadow of God", noting that the secret of success in the ministry is to be in the shadow of God.
According to him, many people like Ishmael live in the presence of people, not in the shadow of God.
He added that; "if we are to succeed tremendously in the ministry, we have to be in shadow of God. Stay in the shadow of God and see what the Lord will do. We shouldn't be in hurry. We must be in shadow of the Almighty God and His quivers. We may not enjoy the shadow, but we need to be there if God will truly use us. I want to appeal to young ministers to be patient. We should know how to be patient for the Lord."
While commending the effort of the Regional Superintendent of Odusona Region who has just spent two years as the Superintendent of the region, Pastor Oladele said the completion of the building is what the Lord can do through a man He has put in the shadow of His hand.
He appreciated God for what he has done in the region through Pastor Igwe, whom he said to the glory of God, was his student 43 years ago at the Bible College.
In his appreciation, the Regional Superintendent of CAC Odusona Region, Pastor Igwe, returned all the glory to God for the successful completion of the project.
He appreciated the President and his entourage for the working visit and support, while demanding for more support from ministers and members of the region for the success ahead.
Earlier in the programme, the Secretary of CAC Idaw River (regional headquarters), Deacon Christian Ugwoke in his speech said another history is being made in Christ Apostolic Church, Idaw River, as something that has not happened over 30years ago has just happened within 2years of Pastor Igwe's assumption of office.
He described Pastor Igwe as a silent achiever, a vivacious Christian with a burning desire to achieve goals.
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