By 'Gbenga Bankole
Christ Apostolic Church, Borikiri Districts' Coordinating Council, Borikiri, Port Harcourt on Sunday October 29, 2023 held Sendforth/Appreciation service for her former DCC Superintendent, Pastor & Evang. Mrs. S. I. Ogbomode.
The service, held at the DCC headquarters, CAC Chapel of Power, was a celebration of a living legend and hero of the gospel of Christ, who retired July last year as a Regional Superintendent of Hanson Region (Edo and Delta States).
Pastor Ogbomode who spent 22 years as Superintendent of Borikiri DCC (1999 to 2021), was transferred by the church authority from Borikiri to Imo DCC and Edo State as Regional Superintendent of Hanson Region.
It was a day of celebrating a living legend for Pastor Ogbomode as Ministers, members family and friends gathered together to give him a memorable and befitting sendforth service having served wholeheartedly while in Borikiri which is responsible for the present gigantic worship centre of the church, all to the glory of God.
DCC Superintendent of CAC Borikiri DCC, Pastor I.O. Oke while delivering the welcome address told Pastor Ogbomode that; " while you were here, you passed through thick and thin. You came, you saw and you conquered and you have left your feet in the sands of time never to-be-forgotten. During your unforgettable time the church grew from one Assembly to District, from District to Zone, from Zone to DCC out of which another Zone have been carved out as Oyigbo Zone."
"What we are doing today is just a token of appreciation of the goodness of God in your life. We thank God that you handed over the baton of leadership of both the spiritual, physical and economic growth of the church to your successor. May the good Lord give you long life and good heath to enjoy the fruits of your labour in Jesus' name. Pray for us that the unfinished task of the gospel work may continue unhindered."
In his message titled "More than Conquerors" taking his text from Romans chapter 8 verse 37, the Celebrant, Pastor Ogbomode said Christians should know we are more than conquerors and should keep on winning.
He implored every Christian believer to face their fear, set affection on things above, know that all things work together for good to them that love God and keep serving God in truth and in spirit.
The Cleric further implored the congregation to serve God "foolishly," explaining that anything God asks them to do they should do it wholeheartedly and any order He gives they should obey it.
Pastor Ogbomode noted that when he was transferred from Borikiri DCC, some people said he shouldn't go, but he decided to obey God and the church authority despite the fact that it was some months to his retirement, giving glory to God who gave him the grace to become Regional Superintendent of Hanson Region which he never expected.
He appreciated the retired Regional Superintendent of Medaiyese Region,
Pastor Godwin Osuigbo whom he succeeded at Borikiri DCC, adding that the present worship centre of the church was built out of nothing and thank God for where it is today.
He also said; "I want to appreciate ministers who worked with me during my 22 years in this DCC. I also want to thank the Board of Elders. They are the spiritual men who supported the men of God. We started the building with less than 100 thousand naira and they corporated with me. We were able to achieve because of spirit of corporation. It's not mine, but God."
The service featured song ministrations by the church choir, Good Women Choirs, presentation of gifts/awards to the celebrant, prayer for the celebrant etc.
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