Bishop Okoroafor charges Christian couples to maintain effective communication in marriage

…inducts, admits, confirms 76 members
By Ezinne Ude
Anglican Bishop of Egbu Diocese, Rt Rev Geoffrey Enyinnaya Okoroafor has charged Christian couples to adopt effective communication in their various marriages, in order to maintain a stable home.
He gave the charge while giving his contribution on the Topic, ‘Effective Communication in Marriage,’ during the bible study section, as part of the service of induction, admission and confirmation, at All Souls Anglican Church, Umuduru/Umugweze Parish Nekede, Owerri West.
Drawing inspiration from the book of Esther chapter 4, Bishop Okoroafor emphasized the need for christians to embrace the virtue of humility, stressing that the king honored the request of Esther because she presented her case with absolute humility.
He also reminded the congregation that prayer and fasting played an important role in Esther’s victory, being aware of the consequences of meeting the king  without invitation. He encouraged members to remain steadfast in prayer and to rely on God’s guidance in every circumstance.
The Cleric pointed out that there was a cordial relationship between Esther and the king, and therefore, charged couples to emulate them.
To the newly confirmed members, he  encouraged them to remain faithful to Christ, live godly lives, and serve the Church with love and commitment. He reminded them that confirmation is the beginning of a deeper relationship with God and a call to Christian service.
The Bishop frowned at the height of corruption and exam malpractices inherit in the  Education system of Nigeria, urging the students not be discouraged but continue to study hard for their brighter future.
The Egbu Diocesan Cleric who inducted 12 Members into Girls Guild, 10 women into Women’s Guild, as well as admitted four women into Mothers Union, also prayed for 50 confirmation candidates and laid hands on each of them, to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, amidst the watchful eyes of family members, friends and church members who gathered to witness the important occasion
In a sermon, the Bishop’s Chaplain, Rev Onyekachi  Ugorji, charged christians to worship God in truth and in spirit.
He asserted that majority of christians serve God the way they want not the way God wants, and made it clear that the worship of God must be spiritual not material.
“So long as you are a Christian, you are forbidden to worship idol. If you want to serve God, you must surrender all. Beside God, there is no other god. They have ear, but don’t hear. They have mouth, but cannot speak, bible says, if you are worshipping them, you are like them”.
The Vicar of All Souls Anglican Church Umuduru/Umugweze Nekede parish, Rev Emmanuel Oparandu, described the service as a dream come true, having gone  through the tedious process of preparing the candidates and all that goes with the service of confirmation and admission. He expressed gratitude to God for making it success.
One of the newly admitted Members, Mrs Ezinne Nwokeocha (Nee Ude) expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to become a member of the Mothers’ Union. She promised to serve faithfully, support the Church’s mission and contribute to the spiritual growth of families within the parish.
The congregation congratulated the newly inducted, admitted and confirmed members, offering prayers for God’s guidance, wisdom and strength as they begin their journey in the church service .
The service concluded with issuance of certificates and group photographs to commemorate the occasion.