BY PRISCILLA CHRISTOPHER
A minister of the Church of Christ, Afaha Offot in Uyo, Bro. Idongesit Ekpo on Saturday 22nd of August noted in clear terms that preaching in the Lord’s church is not an everybody’s job. The minister said this while addressing youths at the maiden youth seminar of the Use Offot Church of Christ, 341 Nwaniba road on the topic “Overcoming Denominational Influences”. Noting with dismay what the church today has turned into, he advised the youths to desist from denominational practices which he said has brought controversy in the church, threatened its unity and exposed it to public ridicule and blasphemy; while encouraging them to preach the sound doctrine of Christ as it was delivered by the Apostles and respect authorities in their local congregations.
Delivering the second keynote on “Divine Pattern for Choosing a Life Partner”, the minister of the Church at 170, Ikot Ekpene Road, Uyo, Bro. Effiong B. Oku harped on the importance of following the divine pattern when considering the choice of a husband or wife. He explained the steps to include: Planning towards marriage, praying about the plans, considering certain qualities and attributes of the person; preparing for the event, establishment of the event and staying true to marital vows. He concluded his teaching by asserting that the key to Christian marriage is to always believe that there is no option than to stay married.
In a thematic analysis earlier presented by the host minister, Bro. Aniefiok Edoho, the following were listed among strange acts which have crept into the lives of Christian youths: baptism for marriage, deceit and cohabitation in the guise of marriage, marital affiliation with unbelievers, spiritual adultery, membership with secret cults, withdrawing of membership from congregations which teach and hold on to the truth to those which adulterate the truth, among others.
Prior to this, Bro. Stephen Asuquo had appreciated the youths for coming out en masse for the seminar at a time when the love for the things of God in many people has grown cold. He stressed that the essence of the lecture was not informed by any mere desire to be listed among congregations who have hosted youth seminar but from a passionate desire to secure a steadfast and sure future for the church. He also observed that issues like marriage, unemployment and marital possessions have drawn promising youths of the Lord’s church away to denominations, having waited too long for the necessary empowerment to establish themselves in life. According to him, “instances also abound where some youths through their educational and economic influences, occasionally attempt to impose denominational practices on the church. On being resisted by uncompromising members of the church, they break away to denominations or establish on for themselves”. He stated these as the justifications for the choice of the theme “The Youth and the Future of the Church”; saying that it would provide a platform for the youths to reason together and bring a heart of wisdom upon the menace threatening the church.
Spicing up the program were health talk by Bro. (Dr) Anietie Moses of Church of Christ, Itiam Ikot Ebia; Interactive Session anchored by Bro. Aniebiet Anana of the Church of Christ, Nnung Ukot Itam; Chapel session by Bro. Bassey Esang of the Campus Church of Christ, University of Uyo and a quiz session which saw Sis. Hopelyn Asuquo of the host congregation as the Winner and Sis. Emediong Essien of the Uniuyo Campus church as the second winner.
Bro. Moses Akpan of Paul Bassey Congregation and Bro. Udeme Thomas of Ikot Eboro Ikono, Uyo officiated as Moderator and Master of Ceremonies respectively.
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