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By Young Erhiurhoro, Warri
Ven. Charles Oghenevweta Esegba, an indigene of Unenurhie community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State was among the twenty archdeacons collated by His Lordship, Rt. Revd. Edafe B. Emamezi, the bishop of Western Izon Diocese in a Holy Communion collation service held on November 8, 2020.
The service, which took place at the Cathedral Church of St. Matthew, Patani in Patani Local Government Area of the state, saw the ‘who is who’ in the Anglican Church and the entire Christian community in Delta, Bayelsa and Oyo states in attendance.
In his sermon on the topic, ‘A Call to Responsibility’, the preacher, Ven. Israel Omosioni, called on the newly collated archdeacons to always live up to the responsibility of their divine calling and discharge of their canonical duties.
Taking his message from the Bible book of 2 Chronicles (14: 6-7), the man of God urged the parishioners and other Christians to look on the clergy as their spiritual fathers and endeavour to take care of them in their various capacities.
He said that “as priests in the divine and holy ministry, we are not supposed to lack anything. When we have much, we would be more determined and committed on the gospel and evangelism of the land, especially those of us in this diocese that are majorly surrounded by riverine communities along creeks and rivers.”
The preacher concluded his sermon with the words of the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa which says, “God will make you rich so that you can reach out to others.” He however solicited for fund to embark on building projects in the diocese.
In his charge to the newly collated archdeacons after the chancellor of the diocese, Hon. Justice Joshua E. Ikede, and his legal team administered the oaths and declarations on the archdeacons in the presence of the congregation; the bishop of the diocese, Rt. Revd. Emamezi charged the new archdeacons to always do the work with the fear of God, to live in righteousness and cleanliness of heart and body.
He enjoined to also remain obedient to higher authorities in the church by equally respecting the rights of their members and congregations, and finally, to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ without fear or favour in order to win the lost sheep to the Christian fold.
At the reception put together by Ven. and Mrs. Charles Oghenevweta Esegba for guests, family and church members, the highly elated man of God said, “First, I return all the glory to God for finding me worthy to be promoted in His church. To Him be praise and honour for forever in Jesus name.
“Secondly, I want to sincerely thank my Lord Bishop, His Lordship, Rt. Revd. Edafe B. Omamezi, and our lovely Mama of the diocese, Prof. (Mrs.) Adeline Igho Emamezi for finding me worthy among my equals for this great honour done to me and my beloved family today. It’s a lifetime legacy in my life. In the same way, I also thank the PCC and the entire members of St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Bomadi for their great support and care all this while. Let me also express my deepest gratitude to my home church, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Unenurhie ably led here today by the vicar of the church, Rev. Peter Atumremu. Let me also thank the leadership of Unenurhie community under my hard working president-general, Mr. Peter Maison, and his executive members for their financial support. I also appreciate the prayer and financial support of the members of Victorious City prayer group, Unenurhie community for the success of this landmark achievement in my life. And to my father in the Lord and brother, Ven. Dr and Mrs. Reuben Obegor from Warri Diocese, I thank you sir. Mr. Patrick Burutu, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Okreghe won’t be forgotten. I remain grateful for your love! I also want to thank my in-laws and all those from Uwheru kingdom and those from my maternal community, Igbide in Isoko South LGA of Delta state for finding time to celebrate the moment with us.”
