By Boluwatife Oparinde
The Directorate of Youth Affairs, Christ Apostolic Church Nigeria and Overseas under the leadership of the outgoing Director, Pastor Samson O. Gbuyiro, on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, held a transition and appreciation meeting for leaders of the youth fellowship.
Held at All Saints Chapel Ibadan, CAC General Secretariat, Ibadan, the meeting was organised to appreciate the youth coordinators of regions and committee members who served under the outgoing administration; as well as to introduce the newly appointed Director to the youth leaders.
It was well attended by the Chairman, Youth Advisory Committee, Pastor Michael K. Ehinmode; Pastor I. D. O. Akinpelu; regional coordinators and secretaries; chairmen of various committees within the fellowship; and campus fellowship Presidents.
In his homily, the CAC Director of Youth Affairs, Pastor Gbuyiro, charged the leaders not to be too busy to serve, or too blessed to serve, adding that to be blessed is to be a blessing.
Under the sermon title "Leadership: A Call to Serve" from the text, Judges 2:7, he appreciated the youth leaders for "accepting us despite our shortcomings; your willingness to serve; your humility to serve; your tireless commitment to service; releasing yourself to be spent for service."
After his sermon delivery, Pastor Gbuyiro introduced the newly appointed Youth Director, Pastor Dr. Peter Olanrewaju to the youth leaders, upon which prayers were made for him.
In his speech, Pastor Olanrewaju gave God the glory, stating that the platform "serves as an opportunity for me to express my profound gratitude for the overwhelming love and support encapsulated in your congratulatory messages upon the announcement of my appointment as the fifth Director of Youth Affairs of Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas."
Appreciating the church leadership for the sacred opportunity to serve the Lord and contribute to the vision of the church, he admitted that the appointment is not merely a title "but a solemn trust to serve and steward the lives and destinies of the youth, nurturing them in the way of the Lord and equipping them for God's purpose."
He therefore, called for the support and prayers of the leaders "that the Holy Spirit will grant wisdom, strength, resources, and divine guidance to lead the Youth Fellowship to greater heights of spiritual vibrancy, relevance, and impact."
Acknowledging the solid foundation laid for the Youth Fellowship by the past officers and directors, specifically his predecessor, he assured his administration will continue to appreciate and build upon the already laid solid foundation.
He further presented the five cardinal agenda of his administration under the acronym CHESS, which are: Consolidating CACYOF Structures, Systems and Monitoring Progress; Holistic Discipleship and Impact-Driven Programmes; Empowerment through Human Capacity Development; Strengthening Campus Fellowships and Enhancing Infrastructures; and Strategic Evangelism and Church Planting for Church Growth.
According to him, "We seek the unwavering support of our fathers in the Lord, the regional youth coordinators, the youth leaders at all levels, the Apostolic Youths, Campus Fellowships, and the strong bonds of our diasporan Christ Apostolic Youths and the lovers of Christ Apostolic Church."
"I look forward to your prayers, godly counsels, partnerships, and support as we embark on this noble journey together. Let us trust God for a remarkable transformation in the lives of our youth and the church at large," he concluded.
Representing the regional youth coordinators, the regional youth coordinator of CAC Akiling region, Pastor Adegboyega Asha said the appointment of Pastor Olanrewaju is the will of God, promising full support.
Besides the remarks given by the coordinators about the outgoing administration, the Chairman of the Youth Advisory Committee, Pastor M. K. Ehinmode and the regional coordinators were given awards of appreciation.
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