PROTOCOL: Your Grace, the Dean Church of , Nicholas D. and Mama Nkasiobi Okoh, the , Mama Angela Ndukuba, my lord , the lord Chancellor, Registrar of CON & DOA, Your Excellencies, my lords Temporal, House of Clergy and House Laity, Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

PREAMBLE: In the Name of GOD, Amen. We welcome every one of us to this Holy Convocation, the Second Session of the Eleventh Synod of the Diocese of . God has been with us all through the challenges of our times, as a Nation. No doubt Nigeria is a country under siege but as God frustrated the siege of Sennacherib over , God will deliver Nigeria from the siege of the wicked for the sake of the Saints. For thus says the LORD “Once more the remnant of the house of Judah will take root below and bear fruit above. For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.”1 This Nation and the Church of God will survive and thrive better to fulfil the Divinely determined purpose of God. In times like these we need to hold unto God, He is the Lord of Host and will fight our battles. God will defend this city; this Nation, you and your family shall be safe. God is here in this Synod to guide, build, and bless His people. Expect God’s touch and help as He leads us into the future. You are welcome.

1 2Kings 19:30-31 [NIV] SYNOD RESOURCE PERSONS: There are Vessels prepared by God to minister to us, as follows:

THE RT. REV’D DR. TIMOTHY YAHAYA Timothy Yahaya was born to the family of Late Rev’d Yahaya Tabbat in the year of our Lord 1967. He was born at Wusasa Hospital now St. Luke’s Anglican Hospital. His mother is Mrs. Talatu Yahaya. He is a second-generation Christian. He is a native of Manyi agwi of Zangon Kataf Local Government and his mother tongue is Tyap. Timothy Yahaya attended primary school, secondary school and by God’s grace had tertiary education where he obtained Masters of Art in Religion (M.A), Masters of Theology (M.Th.) and a Doctor of Divinity (D.D)

He was Deaconed on the 17th June, 1998, Priested on the 27th June, 1999, preferred Canon June 2001, appointed Canon Residentiary 2002. He was elected Bishop and consecrated Bishop on the 26th November, 2006. Enthroned Bishop of Jalingo 2006, was translated to the Diocese of 2015. Bishop Timothy is married to Esther and the marriage is blessed with 3 lovely children. We have been so richly blessed by God through your ministration at the Synod Opening service on Thursday. May God continue to bless you, your family and the ministry committed to your charge.

THE MOST REV’D EMMANUEL EGBUNU The Most Rev’d Emmanuel Egbunu was born on 4th Sept 1960 to the family of Late Rev Canon Robert &Mrs Christiana Egbunu. He made a commitment to Christ at an FCS conference in Igbaja, Kwara State in 1976. He attended University of Jos where he obtained BA (English) in 1983; MA (Church History) in 1999, and PhD in 2017.He and Abiodun got married in 1988 and are blessed with a son and two daughters, among others they have been privileged to raise.

In response to a perceived call, he served with Challenge Publications for NYSC in 1983/84 and was offered a job as Assistant Editor (Books), a position he held till 1989 when he was invited to the Pastoral ministry of the Church of St Piran’s on the Plateau, Jos. This necessitated his training at Immanuel College of Theology, , obtaining Diploma in Theology in 1991. He was made Deacon that year by Rt. Rev T.E. Idowu- Adesola, and Priested the following year by then Rt Rev B.A. Kwashi who also preferred him statutory Canon in 2005.

Recognizing a teaching gift in the young Priest, Bishop Benjamin Kwashi sent him for training at the Cornhill Training Course in expository Preaching by Proclamation Trust based in London in 1993/94. This was a major development in his handling of Scripture as hermeneutics and exegesis were the core emphasis of the course. During that time, he also served in the Parish of St Margaret’s the Queen, Streatham Hill in the Diocese of Southwark under the overseas Clergy license.

Emmanuel has served as Canon in residence at St Luke’s Cathedral, Jos, Deputy Dean of Christian Institute, Jos; Academic Dean of the International School of Evangelism (ISE) and Cathedral Archdeacon at St Peter’s Cathedral in Minna. He was consecrated Suffragan Bishop on 9th February, 2003. Translated in 2004 as the Diocesan Bishop of Diocese of Lokoja, and also served as pioneer Archbishop of the of Lokoja from 2009-2019.

Archbishop Emmanuel Egbunu, a seasoned Teacher of God’s Word, he will Preach at the concluding Thanksgiving Service on Sunday. May God continue to bless you, your family and ministry in the Church of God.

THE MOST. REV’D DR. BLESSING CHINYERE ENYINDAH The Most Rev’d Dr. Blessing Chinyere Enyindah was born on November 16, 1962 in Omerelu in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State to the family of Mr. James Enyindah Chukwu and Abigail Orlu Enyindah Chukwu. A sole survivor of a premature triplet birth.

He studied at Darlington College of Technology, Durham, England in 1983 -1986. And Seattle Pacific University, Washington, USA for his Masters and Doctoral studies in Journalism (1993-1998). Archbishop-elect Eyindah, is an experienced journalist, who had worked in various Media Houses and Broadcasting corporation. He started ministry in the Scripture Union Nigeria as Travelling Secretary and rose up to Regional Coordinator in 1997.

He had his Theological training at Trinity Theological College, Umuahia, 2000-2002 (Dip.Th.). He was ordained Deacon in 1996 and Priested in 1997 by late Rt. Rev. Samuel Elenwo in the Diocese of Niger Delta North. In 2002, he was preferred Canon of St. Pauls Cathedral, Diobu and collated Archdeacon the same year. Archbishop-elect Eyindah, was elected and enthroned, Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre in 2007 and has successfully led his Diocese from 34 Churches in 3 Archdeaconries to 84 Churches in 13 Archdeaconries. He was elected Archbishop of the Province of Niger Delta on Friday 23rd April, 2021 at the Episcopal Synod in Lagos.

He is a seasoned Teacher and Expositor of the Word of God. He is our Synod Expositor. We have been richly blessed by your teaching this morning.

MAJOR GENERAL JOHN A H EWANSIHA (Rtd) Major General John Agha Harry Ewansiha (retired) is our Synod Seminar Speaker. He was born 26th October, 1960 at Benin City, Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State.

John started his educational life at Army Children School, Ribadu Cantonment Kaduna and Army Children School, Ikeji Cantonment Lagos and passed out in June 1973. He then proceeded to the Nigerian Military School Zaria, Kaduna State from September 1973 to June 1978 for Secondary School education.

On 3rd January, 1979, he joined Nigerian Army through the Nigerian Defense Academy Officer Cadet Training Programme as a member of 25th Regular Combatant Course and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in December 1981, into the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps. John attended several courses, at home and overseas during his military career.

He obtained Higher National Diploma (HND) in Public Administration from Kaduna State Polytechnic Zaria, and a Master of Science (MSc) in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan. He has attended and presented papers in several seminars and workshops home and abroad.

John is a recipient of various honours and awards, some of which are; Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS), Commanding Officers Medal, Pass Staff College (PSC), and a Fellow of the War College (FWC).

He loves watching nature, reading, listening to music and news, jugging amongst others. He is blessed with 3 lovely children; 2 girls and a boy. We thank God for using you to open our eyes and challenge our faith in God in such a precarious time in our nation. May the Lord continue to bless you and your family.

VENERABLE OBIOMA ONWUZURUMBA Venerable Obioma Onwuzurumba was born 6th December 1949 in Eastern Nigeria. He had his undergraduate studies at the University of Lagos in Western Nigeria and lived for 28years in before he was transfer to Abuja from the Diocese of Kano. He had is Theological Studies St Francis of Assisi Theological College, Zaria from July 1996 to July 2000. He retired from active Church ministry from the Diocese of Abuja in June 2015. He is happily married to his lovely wife –Martha, and their marriage is blessed with two girls and two boys. He served as Archdeacon of Maitama Archdeaconry and Personal Assistant to the Most Rev’d Peter J. Akinola , the former of the and Bishop of Abuja Diocese. He equally served as Chaplain at the State House, Abuja from 2007 to 2015 Overseeing to the Spiritual wellbeing of the President and his family, Conducting Church services in the Chapel within the Villa and Handling Religious matters addressed to the Presidency. Venerable Obi and Sister Martha, are well known to us, indeed they are part of us. They have both been a blessing to many couples and homes through their Christian Marriage Ministry. They will both be leading our Seminar on “Bearing One Another’s Burdens in a Times Like this: Family Cohesion”. We are grateful to God for your life and ministry in the Church of God. May God continue to bless you and your family.

OUR HOSTING CHURCH: The history of the Cathedral started with the call by the Lord Bishop of Abuja later the Primate of All Nigeria, The Most Rev. P. J. Akinola for all Anglicans in different parts of Abuja city to plant Churches in their neighborhoods instead of coming to the then Cathedral of All Saints, Wuse Zone 5. The Anglican Brethren in Life Camp gathered themselves and started fellowshipping in the residence of Hon. Justice V. A. U. Onejeme at House 1, FCDA Life Camp, every Wednesday at 6.00p.m. The fellowship latter shifted to the residence of Ven. P. O. Okunromade at House 8, Kadanya Street, Life Camp, who then was a lay member of the Church, under the leadership of late Rev. E. Mador, supervised by Ven. Tanimu Samari- Aduda, the retired Bishop of Gwagwalada Diocese.

The members identified the present location and the foundation of the Church building was laid under the supervision of Ven. B. Avong, funded by the Diocesan headquarters. The Church which was later named St. Luke’s Anglican Church.

On December 5, 1993 the first service was held in the Church with 46 persons in attendance, including Children; under the Pastoral care of Rev. Canon Nnamdi Okpuno, who is now a Venerable. During his tenure the vulnerable part of the land was fenced to protect it from encroachment. The process and payment for the Certificate of Occupancy of the land were made through the active roles of Mr. (now Ven.) P. O. Okunromade, Arch Chris Ikeliani and Miss Ebele Nwanna now Mrs. Molokwu.

The then St. Luke’s Anglican Church members were knitted together in love and whatever affected one person affected the other. Those who relocated from the All Saint’s Anglican Church Wuse Zone 5, (the old Cathedral) also formed the foundation members of the Cathedral Church.

The need for a new Cathedral came about when the former Bishop of Abuja diocese and the Primate Church of Nigeria [], Most Revd. P.J. Akinola decided to put in place some structures in order to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Abuja Diocese and among which was a new and befitting Cathedral for the Diocese. The location of the then St. Luke’s Church was chosen to be the new Cathedral. Ven. Prof. A. Akindoyeni took over the leadership of the Church on 30th July, 1996. It was under him that St. Luke’s Church was chosen as the site for the new Cathedral. This was borne out of the fact that, the Church had the land available for the type of edifice that was envisaged.

In January 1999, the ground breaking ceremony of the new Cathedral was performed and within eleven months, the building was completed. The dedication of the Cathedral for worship was done by the Most Revd. Joseph Adetiloye, the then Primate of All Nigeria, on November 26th, 1999. This was to mark the tenth anniversary of Diocese of Abuja. The event was held on Advent Sunday, thus the name, Cathedral Church of the Advent.

The Cathedral Church has been operational for about thirteen years and ever since the Church has played host to several Provincial and Diocesan events like the General Synod of Church of Nigeria; Diocese of Abuja Synods; Consecration of Bishops; Ordination of Priests and Deacons, Diocesan Power Night, Annual Way of the Cross, and Annual Carnival for Christ Thanksgiving. Other notable events hosted at the Cathedral Church of the Advent include the investiture programs of the Most Revd. Peter Jasper Akinola as Primate of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) on the 25th March, 2000 (now retired) and the Most Revd. Nicholas D. Okoh as the Primate of Church of Nigeria on 25th March, 2010; and the Presentation of the Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba as the present Primate of the Church of Nigeria on the 25th March 2020.

Through the efforts of the Cathedral, several new Churches have been planted in the rural areas of the Federal Capital Territory. This includes the Ultra-Modern Church of the Resurrection, Kafe District, the Lady Dorcas Orphanage, Gwarinpa. In terms of infrastructural development of the Cathedral, some physical developments have also taken place in the premises. Some of the developments are the clergy and Lay Quarters, the Teen’s Chapel, and a Multi-purpose Hall comprising state of the Arts conveniences, Clergy Offices, Advent Apartment, Life Camp. A new Church workers’ quarters, Paipe; the Completion of AIA classroom block, A new borehole was donated by a member while the Church constructed a 40,000 Litre overhead tank. etc. Also located within the Cathedral premises is a beautiful garden that has in no small way boosted the aesthetic look of the premises.

We are indeed very grateful to the Sub-Dean, Ven. Ben Idume who has ably led the Cathedral Assisting Priests, Ven. Olayemi Fatusi, Rev. Ezike and Emmanuel Ikuejuwajo. We thank the Standing Committee of the Cathedral and all the Church Groups for your labour of love for the Church of God. You have always been good hosts to the events of the Diocese. We have enjoyed your hospitality and generous services. May God Almighty bless you, your families and prosper the work and ministry of the Church.

DIOCESAN MINISTERIAL FOCUS: We come among you as those called to serve. As the Scripture says “For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake...but we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us”2 Our passion is that “Every Anglican, be a Committed Christian, and every Christian a Witness to Christ Jesus”. Mission and Evangelism shall be the foremost task of the Diocese in obedience to the Great Commission of the Lord Jesus Christ, encouraging the faithful, deepening the faith of members, proclaiming Christ faithfully in reaching out to our neighbourhood, resulting in Church planting. Intentional Discipleship, Nurturing the faith of all members through the Word, Prayer, Fellowship, Worship and Witnessing. Family Focused Ministry will be intentional as a way of building the Household of faith, the Church and the Society.

Education and human development and empowerment shall be pursued as part of the Mission task of the Church and a means of equipping citizens for relevance and contribution

2 2Corinth 4:5,7. to the overall good of all in the community. The Diocese of Abuja has a special calling to engage the citizens, Government and community leaders in discerning the purpose of God in governance. We believe in the power of the Word of God to change lives, transform communities and give meaning to life. This we shall seek to do through our strategic engagement in the socio-political work of the Church.

Building institutions and infrastructure for the Mission and ministry of the Gospel wherever God has given us to serve. Building lives through the ministry organs of the Church, helping people to find God’s purpose and live their lives fulfilling it.

Investment is vital in the overall growth of the Church. Strategic Investment shall be pursued as means of sustaining and funding the work of the ministry of the Gospel. Every Investment will be managed with prudence for the benefit of the Church.

Sustaining and improving the welfare of the Clergy, Pastors and members as means of encouraging them to engage and give their best in the service of God and humanity.

NATIONAL ISSUES: The Insecurity in Nigeria: The continuing Insecurity in our Nation is very troubling. Nigeria is at the brink of becoming a failed State like Somalia, unless our President, Governors and Leaders have the political will to tackle this menace and bring this problem to an end. The attack in our communities, the high rate of Kidnapping and the killings, rape and vandalization of our School children and youth in Tertiary Institutions are unacceptable. The speed at which Banditry and Boko Haram forces are occupying more States is frightening. The audacity to attack Governors of Benue, Borno and Imo States and killing of Government Officials, our Military personnel, Police and other Law enforcement officers and they get away with these heinous crimes shows that nobody is safe. We condemn these criminality and acts of insubordination to the Nation. We call on the Presidency, the National Assembly, the Military and law enforcement agencies to take urgent steps to restore confidence and hope to the citizens.

We commend President Mohammad Buhari for appointing the New Service Chiefs. We will continue to pray for God’s guidance and focus in tackling the security problems in Nigeria. We pray for Major General Lucky Irabor and other Security Chiefs will deploy the forthrightness he demonstrated when he commanded the Theatre of War in Borno State and clear this security mess. The Presidency must give these Service Chiefs the free hand and necessary support to do their work effectively.

We commend the firm stand of the Governors of the South West Geopolitical Zones for clear leadership in very good balancing of good political engagement with the Federal Government which ensures the unity of the Country and at the same time maintain regional security and not cowed by the Killer Herdsmen propaganda. Governor Nyemson Wike of Rivers; Governor Ortom of Benue and Governor Ishaku of Taraba States should be commended for standing firm for the security of their citizens and giving leadership in challenging situations. We call on the State Governors to take every necessary step to secure their States and stop buying into sectional political interests that maximize tragic situations for selfish advantage.

The Unity of Nigeria is not negotiable and must be defended for the benefit of all citizens and for the stability of our Region and African Continent. The over-centralised Police Force and Policing has proved not to be working for local and regional security. It is time for State Police Force in all the States of the Federation so as to be able to check the criminal activities bedevilling our Nation.

When people are able to discuss their problems and consult with one another it is possible that solution and better understanding will be gained. We advocate for an urgent Sovereign National Dialogue of the Ethnic Nationalities, Groups and Regions to tackle our present situation and also forge the way forward in building a strong, safe and a nation that will stand out in the comity of nations in the 21st century. Nigeria will surely overcome these setbacks and challenges and our enemies shall not rule over us.

The Second wave of COVID-19 Pandemic: We are grateful to God Almighty for being counted among the living in spite of the ravaging COVID-19 Pandemic. We are in the second wave of this Pandemic and it is already in our communities. Some medical information has it that just as there is an Indian variant of the COVID-19 ravaging India now, there is also a Nigeria variant of the Virus. This calls for caution on our part as individuals and as Church leaders. COVID is real and kills.

Some people are campaigning that people should not take the COVID -19 Vaccine. As leaders we must not spread unfounded fears among our people. There is no founded fact to the story that COVID-19 Vaccine will transmit the anti-Christ’s 666 number to people. COVID is a virus that is killing our people and like the Polio Vaccines, the Yellow Fever Vaccines, and other virus caused diseases we must fight it to save our people. Even now the treatment being administered to those in COVID- 19 Treatment Centres is only known to the Doctors and Nurses attending to those patients. So long as it is medically certified to be safe for people, the older and most vulnerable people must be encouraged to take the Vaccine to save lives. In this battle, God will deliver us and our families and keep us safe. As He said in Malachi 3:6 “I am the LORD and I change not, therefore you sons of Jacob you are not consumed”. God will keep and protect us all. We must keep the COVID Protocols and stay safe. God bless you.

The Drug War: We commend President Buhari for the appoint of General Buba Marwa as the new Director for the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency [NDLEA]. We observe that there are more success stories in the fight against Drugs than in the fight against Insecurity. We congratulate General Marwa and affirm that Leadership matters in every endeavour. All the evils of South American countries have been transplanted to Nigeria such as kidnapping, Hard Drugs, Gang fights and terror and the reign of the Mafia. All these are linked and fuelled by greed and desire to amass wealth and exercise selfish power control and influence in politics and economy by individuals rather than the good of the citizens.

The speed and desperation at which some Nigerians are getting involved in Hard Drug is alarming. Nigeria is fast becoming a strong hob for Hard Drugs. The danger is that we are moving from a transit nation to a consuming nation. The rate at which school children, our young people in Tertiary Institutions, the ordinary jobless people in the streets in our cities are being hooked to hard drugs is alarming. We support every effort aimed at clearing our cities of the open Drug peddling spots. The Drug war is a worthy one because it is about the Mental health of the citizens, the rise in criminal activities including insecurity and kidnapping and sexual violence are all connected to Drug abuse.

To this end the Church of Nigeria through her Faith Based Organization will launch a National War against Drugs and Addictions during the next Standing Committee meeting in Lagos in September. We shall work with Government Agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations working with School Children and Youth to fight against the use of hard drugs among our citizens. Our generation shall rise to praise God and not be slaves to Drugs and violence. Our sons shall grow up in their youth, and our daughters shall be like pillars in Palaces and God will deliver us from strange children.

Gun/Firearm Control and Banditry: There is an urgent need for the enforcement of the Gun Control laws. The killer Herdsmen must be disarmed and Banditry be outlawed. The kidnappers are emboldened by drugs and weapons to carry on their nefarious activities. We call on the Government at all levels to put in place the necessary machinery to control firearms, guns and weapons. If the gun control cannot be enforced then, let the National Assembly, make legislation and expand on the bearing of firearm for hunting to include self- defence. Let citizens be allowed to bear firearms for self- defence.

The Nigerian Economy and the Debt Burden: We commend the efforts of the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria in stabilizing our Economy. The Post-COVID era will be challenging. We must express our concern at the speed Nigeria is borrowing from International organizations and countries. The debt burden is becoming such that our future generation and succeeding Governments will blame all their woes on the servicing of the Debts we are incurring now. The diversification of our economy especially the Agricultural Sector and Solid Minerals are viable sectors that must be explored. If we borrow to create Industrial hobs and new Industrial cities that will help our Economy and create employment for our citizens.

Corruption Complex: The hydra-headed monster called CORRUPTION is the worst enemy to Nigeria. Let the truth be said that the Buhari administration just like the past administrations have not tamed this monster. In some ways this administration has made more efforts in tackling Corruption but their pitfall is in the politicization of fight against Corruption. Selective Justice is no Justice, it is at its best a gross Injustice. One sees that the state of Insecurity in itself is a very lucrative business and industry for some people.

The lack of transparency in the execution of some good programmes and policies leave so much to be desired. When the Armed Forces complain that they are underfunded and do not have the weapons to execute the war against Insurgency and Banditry, it raises the issue of what happened to the One Billion Dollar Loan for the equipping of the Military to fight insurgency. Nigerians will like to know what is happening to both the Budgetary and extra Budgetary provisions. We commend all the developmental achievements in infrastructural developments. While we are battling with insecurity we consider that it is not wisdom to borrow to build railway to Niger or any other neighbouring country when we should cut down on the influx of aliens and unable to manage our internal borders. The influx of Bandits from Libya and Mali and Killer herdsmen from other West African regions make it an imperative for tighter border control in Nigeria. These are some of the elements fuelling violence and insurgency in Nigeria.

The Independence of the Judiciary will enrich and strengthen our fledgling Democracy. The Judiciary is the third arm of Governance. An independent and corruption free Judiciary will serve the interest of every citizen. A Judiciary that is existing at the patronage of the Executive cannot function effectively and can be crippled as we see in Rivers State under Governor Amaechi. Let the Judiciary be financially independent but the purge of corruption in the Judiciary just as it is necessary in other arms of Government must continue. The Democratic Process and 2023 Election: Nigerians must be commended for these years of democratic experimentation which has proved to be far better than the best Military rule. Nigeria has joined the league of Democratic nations of the world and has defended Democratic Government in the West African Region and indeed in Africa. Nigerian Politicians must not scuttle the Democratic process. Much of our Party Politics is determined by personal needs and quest for power and therefore control of resources. The Federal System as operated presently is still a by-product and residue of the Military dictatorship. We still lack the courage to be truly democratic and free in our choices. The older Political and so better resourced still control the corridor of power. This is the reason why “god-fatherism” thrives. This is why internal Democracy is lacking in the Political parties.

After these years of Democratic practice, let our Political Parties allow Internal Democracy in the Political Parties especially in the choice of candidates. Let “god-fatherism” die and just as in our Sports where merit and skill is still considered, let same be applied to choice of Candidates. Money politics is the bane of Democratic politics in Nigeria.

Just as God showed Apostle Peter saying “What God has cleansed you must not call unclean”3. I make bold to declare that God institutes authority and leadership. And Politics is a means by which leadership and the distribution of resources for the good of the citizen is determined. If the Scripture enjoins Christians to pray for and submit to those in authority, it means that God has also sanctified Politics as God’s means of ordering the Human Society. So long as we are human and live in human society we must be involved in the Political and democratic processes of the Community and Nation. As we prepare for the general elections of 2023, every Christian has the God-given responsibility of participating in this democratic Political process. Be involved in the local politics in any political party of your choice.

Be diligent and determined to be involved if you feel called to serve in the Political arena. Be bold and courageous but know

3 Acts 10:15. that it may not come easy. God is looking for Christians with the fear of God who will be involved in Politics and change the tide of events in Nigeria. Some Politicians will be more desperate and will deploy some untoward means to achieve their Political ambition, but let us determine that we are committed to seeing that there is justice, fairness and equity in Power and distribution of our resources. We call on our Youth to determine not to be used as tugs for violence. Be the one to stand to be voted for. Our freedom, liberty and justice is far more important than money and material rewards.

Youth Employment and Future Engagement: It is a fact that greater percentage of our population are youth. This demography can be a great strength to Nigeria if the young people are mobilized, given skills and can be trained and sent to occupy places in the world. India has utilized their young people to engage the Media, Technology, and Sciences in Britain, Europe and USA. Nigeria can do more and constructively engage our West African Region, Africa and the world. Youth Unemployment is a ticking time bomb, with the prevailing poverty and frustration, the coming 2023 General Elections, the ravaging Drug culture, Crime and Insurgency strategic engagement of the Youth is an imperative. One of the Nigeria Media outfit presented a survey which made it clear that “More Nigerians are getting Frustrated”. They project that different Geopolitical Zones have a percentage of desperation as follows South West 40%; South East 64%; South-South 65%; North East 70%; North Central 55% and North West 56%4. This paints the picture of potential flash points for agitation in the country. The major problem is that some politicians and leaders have mastered the art of exploiting

4 Channels News; 2 May 2021. every problem in the Nation as means of exploiting and looting the system.

There is need for international investigation into all the Funds being spent for empowering the youth, the so called job creation and loans. The misuse of the palliatives is a case in hand. While weapons are acquired to fight insurgency, economic measures must be deployed to engage our Youth.

THE SYNOD THEME: “PLANTED BY THE WATERS: THE BEAUTY OF WALKING WITH GOD” [PSALM 1:2-3].

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by the streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”

INTRODUCTION: The Book of Psalms contains 150 spiritual songs and poems which the Jews used in their Synagogue worship and the Ancient Church used the same and all through the ages Believers in Christ have used the Psalms for meditations and worship. Some of the Psalms are Messianic Prophetic songs. The Psalms and the Book of Prophet Isaiah were the mostly quoted in the New Testament. The authorship of the Psalms are attributed to King David, who himself in about 1018 BC, said “These are the last words of David: ‘the Oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, Israel’s Singer of Songs [Psalmist]”.5 A closer look at the Book of Psalms also shows that there were some other authors, such as Moses, sons of Korah, Asaph, King Solomon and others.

Psalm 1 demonstrates the blessedness in walking with God and being rooted in God’s Word. God is a great source that will always sustain those who trust in Him. This is contrasted with the life of the ungodly and wicked who blaspheme God, mock His Word and dishonour God. LIVING UNDER GOD:

5 2 Samuel 23:1 In the Bible, Life and living is not just ability to breathe and perform physical activities, but especially for human beings, there is a distinctive element that man is a tripartite being of Body, Soul and Spirit. He is created in the image of God and derives his real life and fulfilment of purpose from God Almighty. Therefore, life and true living transcends biological and physical existence. True living and existence is a combination of the physical, emotional and spiritual life, activities and functions that blend the physical with a healthy mind, thought and world view that are subject to the spiritual nurture, guidance and leading of God, His Word and the Holy Spirit in such a way that one’s relationship with God conditions and controls his thoughts, emotions, attitudes and actions. Life is worthless without true reverence to God and consciousness of God’s presence at all times, whether in private or public life. This is the understanding that King David espoused when he said: O LORD, you have examined my heart and known everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I am far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! I can never escape from Your Spirit! I can never get away from Your presence6.

Every living thing is characterized by the ability of mobility, feeding, growing, and reproducing its kind, respiration and

6 Psalm 139:1-7[NLT]. death. Psalm 1 starts with the characteristics of the man blessed by God and distinguished by how he lives and what he does. His life and activities should not be in conformity with the enemies of God or in rebellion against God and His Word. The action words of “Walk”, “Stand”, and “Sit” are used to sum up a person’s conduct or way of life. To walk is to pace, moving along or making one’s way on the foot, a step at a time. This is a normal activity of human or animals. The inability to walk is a condition of being a cripple or paralyzed.

Likewise to “Stand” ordinarily will mean to support oneself on the feet in an erect position, to rise to one’s feet, or to remain motionless or be placed in an upright or vertical orientation7. Whenever the Scripture speaks of “Stand” it has to do with arising or awakening to what God demands of His people to do in obedience to His Word and Instructions. To “Stand” means to remain steadfast in faith and obedience in spite of the storms and challenges that may confront us. The admonition to stand issues from the understanding that God has a purpose and better thing He has kept for all who will dare to stand for Him. As Paul admonishes saying “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the LORD.8”

Another action that characterizes life is to “Sit”. To “Sit” is to be in a position in which the body and legs are supported by some object. It means to remain in a state of repose; to rest, to abide, to rest in any position or condition9. Jesus makes it

7 Wiktionary [cc BY-SA 3.0 lincense]. 8 1 Corinthians 15:58.[NKJV]. 9 Wiktionary. clear that the way to fruitfulness in living is by abiding in Him, His Word and obedience to His commands as a way to express our love for Him as His own Disciples [John 15:1-17].

WALKING WITH GOD: In considering God’s call and demand that God’s people live in relationship with Him and serve Him, we shall look closely at the act of Walking with God. Walking can be understood as representing the whole range of human activity and not just the physical activity. In relationship with God walking is used to describe the fellowship and obedience and following God’s instructions and guidance. Before the fall of man, it was evident that God and man had a very close relationship such that God came down and walked in the Garden and shared fellowship with man. When man fell into sin, that close fellowship and relationship was broken that when they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, Adam and Eve hid themselves from God’s presence.10

Walking therefore more frequently stands for the whole manner of a person’s life and conduct and to the attitude which God takes up towards him/her. God demands from every servant of God, a close walk with Him. Every person whoever that pleased God had walked closely with God. To walk with God is to obey God in total surrender and submission to His Word, His Will and Instructions. God commands blessing and punishment based on the extent of our walk with God. He says “Then, if you walk contrary to Me, and are not willing to obey Me, I will bring on you seven times more plagues, according to

10 Genesis 3:8. your sins”.11 Faithful men of old who pleased God walked with God. The context of walk with God has always been one in which there are rebellious living and outright disobedience to God Almighty. Enoch was a man who lived in the generation leading up to the time of Noah. He so pleased God for three hundred years. And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him”12.

In the midst of wickedness and corruption and violence of the days of Noah, the Scripture testifies that Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. Noah was a just/ righteous man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God13. The Sovereign God will not get into covenant relationship with man until He finds a person who is willing to walk and live in obedience to Him. Since the fall of man the tendency to rebellion is very evident because the heart of man continuously evil and deceitful. God demands that we walk before Him with all our hearts.

God demands our heart commitment. As God spoke to Abraham, “the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly”.14

Also in the New Testament, to walk with Jesus or in His steps has to do with a wholesome observance of His teachings and conforming into His Image and Character. When Jesus called the Apostles, He called them to follow Him. Every believer in Christ has a decisive moment to respond in faith to the Gospel

11 Leviticus 26:21. 12 Genesis 5:21-24. 13 Genesis 6:6-9. 14 Genesis 17:1-2. of Salvation in the grace of God. It is always a call to walk with God.

THE ESSENTIALS IN LIVING AND WALKING WITH GOD: The Scriptures use the metaphors of Tree, and building or structure to describe the Believers and Church. It is associated to nurture, growth, maturity and fruitfulness or productivity. The Prophets used the metaphor of trees to explain the teachings of living in faith and the renewing power of the Holy Spirit as in Jeremiah 17:1-10; Ezekiel 47:1-12. Jesus used many agricultural metaphors to speak about the Kingdom of God, such as the parable of the seed and soils commonly called the Sower in Matthew 13:1-23; the parable of the Mustard Seed, Matthew 13:31-35; His great teaching as the Vine in John 15:1-16 and many others.

The Church is referred to as God’s own Farm or Orchard as in 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, the Ministers serve as God’s servants at different stages of the growth, some will plough the ground, others will plant, others will water and nurture the plants, while others will harvest the fruits into the eternal barn [John 4:35-38]. Every servant of God will be rewarded by God according to his/her labour. This privilege to serve God and humanity also carries great responsibility and accountability. The sense of accountability should make every servant of God to serve diligently because commendation or condemnation awaits every one of us.

There are essential factors to be considered in living and serving God namely:

Be a Tree planted by the Source of Water: One of the conditions necessary for any seed, plant or tree to survive and thrive is water. The metaphor of being planted by the waters underlines the necessity of constant supply from an ever present source. People are like tender plants in the garden or farm. Life is fragile and needs to be cared for. The ever present source that can sustain life is God. He delights in creating, sustaining, redeeming and treasures His people. His love and care for everything He created is outstanding. He cherishes the life of people, such that the sanctity of life, the sacredness of blood stands out. God said to Noah “Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs. But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. Surely for your lifeblood I will demand a reckoning; from the hand of every beast I will require it, and from the hand of man. From the hand of every man’s brother I will require the life of man. Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man…15.

The consequence of sin was such that God demanded the sacrifice of ram, goat and sheep to cover sins and it was evident that their blood cannot wipe away and cleanse sin. In the fullness of time God sent His Son Jesus Christ to be a sacrifice for our sins and offered Himself once and for all time as offering to blot out our transgression. His lifeblood as the Lamb of God was offered for the sins of Humanity. Jesus is an exchange for all who believe in Him. This is the demonstration of the love of God for the man He made in His image, though fallen to sin, yet redeemed and restored in Christ Jesus.

15 Genesis 9:3-6. Paul expressed this grace of God in this work of salvation especially for the Gentiles such that the Jews were broken off so that the Gentles might be grafted. He warned that “Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either.”16 The only way a believer will continue to enjoy the goodness of God is by abiding in the grace that brought us salvation and deliverance. It is by drawing from the mercy of God continually, because unbelief cuts us off from God’s rich supply, the water that gives us life. Lively faith in Jesus Christ keeps us connected to the riches of God in Christ Jesus. Faith also assures us of victory over the world and the manipulations of the Evil one. “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?17”

Delight in the Law of the LORD: Faith is nurtured by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. The Word of God is the Law of the LORD. It is spoken by God, and was written by the Inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It is the spiritual food for the spirit and soul of man. The Word of God is alive and carries the power of God to make human spirit to be alive, restored and revived. The Word of God cleanses and is used by the Holy Spirit to sanctify the lives of everyone who believes and obeys the Word. The expectations and commands of God are communicated to His servants through the Word of God. When anyone takes delight and desire for God, to know, love and walk and follow God, the Word and commandments of God is

16 Roman 11:19-23. 17 1John 5:4-5. longed for. The person who delights in God will pursue and hunger after God, His ways, His Will and His pleasure. “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the Living God. When shall I come and appear before God?18

Meditate on the WORD of God: “Meletao” shares the same root with “Melete” which primarily means “Care for, or Cherish”. It has to do with a practice that comes from an appreciation or cherishing what one has received. Meditation is the act of calling to mind some supposition, pondering upon it and correlating it to one’s own life.19 The disposition of a person’s life and heart, conditions his subject of meditation. The wicked man meditates on violence while the person whose heart is set on the LORD contemplates on God, the truth and power of His Word and how to please God.

As such for every servant of God, Meditation on God and His Word is an act of Worship. It is a practice of being in the presence of God. It is a dwelling in the secret place of the Most High and an act of abiding under the shadow of the Almighty. Meditating on the Word of God is a source of strength to believer in Christ and a means of nourishing for the soul by applying the truth of God’s Word to our individual life experiences. This must be done in the context of Prayer and Worship to God. It is necessary that we cultivate the habit of Reading, Memorizing and Meditating on the Word of God as a pattern of life.

18 Psalm 42:1-2. 19 Holman Illustrated bible Dictionary, 2004, page 1096. Having our personal Quiet Time every morning and night is a very important way to walk with God. “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your Word. With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wonder from Your commandment! Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.20”

We encourage everyone to engage with the Word of God just as we pray on the Bible Sunday, the Second Sunday in Advent thus: “Blessed Lord, Who caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: write in our hearts the lessons of Your Law; prepare our minds to receive the Gospel, help us to hear them, to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them that, through patience, and the comfort of Your Holy Word, we may embrace and for ever hold fast the hope of everlasting life, which You have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen21.”

Obedience to God’s Instruction: When a person cultivates the habit of drawing near to God and drawing nutrients from God’s Word and presence, obedience to God’s Instructions and allowing God’s Truth to shape our thoughts, mind-set or perception and character are the means to benefitting from the riches of God. Obedience to God is the litmus test of our love for the Lord Jesus Christ. Apostle James describes the Word of God as the “Perfect Law of Liberty” and true blessing comes from looking continually on the Word and not be a forgetful hearer but one who applies himself to doing the Instructions of God. Obedience to God does not come easy because it requires that we deal with issues that fight against the will of God. “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of

20 Psalm 119:9-11. 21 BCPN: 2007, page 59. wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.22”Obedience is the proof of love for Christ and belonging to Him. The one whom you obey that one is your master. Obedience is the first step in Discipleship and commitment to Christ Jesus.

Leading of the Holy Spirit: Whenever the Scripture talks of being planted by the waters or Rain or dew from Heaven it has to do with the Promise and gift of the Holy Spirit. The life of faith with God cannot be lived by human efforts or strength. It is possible with the help of God by the Holy Spirit. He helps our inability and gives us grace and Divine enablement in our weaknesses.

In serving God, none of us is sufficient to articulate and carry through what God requires of us. Paul was right when he said “And we have such trust through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life23.” As we speak of the Word and Life, there is the tendency for us to be legalistic in mare mental knowledge of the Word of God. The letter only can create lethargy which kills heartfelt response to God. It takes the power of the Holy Spirit who inspired the Word to teach us and lead us into the Truth of God’s Word. He breathes life into the Word. Jesus said, the Word I speak to you is Life and Spirit. Whenever we read God’s Word, we must approach it with the readiness to hear God

22 James 1:21-25. 23 2 Corinthians 3:4-6. speak to us and by the Holy Spirit transform it to life impacting Word.

The primary function of the Holy Spirit is to teach and lead us into all the Truth of God. That leading brings freedom and liberation from the shackles of sin and of the flesh. He brings refreshment and life from the presence of God to us. Ezekiel 47 demonstrates what the Water that flows from the Altar of God’s presence can do in our lives. God leads us in increasing measure and in a way that transforms the life of the people He leads. The Water that flows from the Altar is the life that the Holy Spirit gives and it is such that wherever the Water flows, there is life, many trees grow by the River banks, it flows into the sea and when it reaches the sea, its waters are healed. And it shall be that every living that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live. There will be a great multitude of fish, because these waters go there, for they will be healed, and everything will live wherever the river goes24. The impact of the Holy Spirit is to heal the people, the land and water. Wholesome life comes from God and by His power healing and health is given spiritually, physically, socially and economically. Total restoration comes from God.

Mission and Evangelism: Another impact of the move of God is in Mission and Evangelism because there will be multitude of fishes and fishermen. God will raise a Harvest Force to gather men into God’s Eternal barns. From this Missions and Harvest God shall raise Trees of Righteousness of men and women who shall stand for God to build the Church and Society. These shall be the trees planted by the waters that will bear fruits for food and whose leaves shall not wither. Their

24 Ezekiel 47:8-9 leaves will be for Medicine and healing of the people because their water flow from the Sanctuary. The potency of the Water was from its source which is God Himself and His Sanctuary. Your source determines your quality and effect.

The Righteousness of God: Righteousness is one of the attributes of the living God. It is also His character and wherever God sees it He identifies with the person. Righteousness means essentially the same as His faithfulness or truthfulness, that which is consistent with His own nature and promises25. God demonstrated His attribute in dealing with sin in that in His righteousness He punished sin by putting the penalty on Jesus Christ His own Son Whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God has passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus26.

In showing forgiveness and mercy God forgives whoever that will repent, believe and receive the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross. We are justified and made acceptable to God by faith. Peter noted that “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him”27 . What makes a person acceptable to God is not our human goodness or works but that faith that makes one submit and surrender to Jesus Christ in reverence and become an instrument of God in obedience, therefore the person who trusts Christ becomes the

25 Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of old and New testaments; 1996, page 535. 26 Romans 3:25-26. 27 Acts 10:34-35. righteousness of God. As such everything that God requires of us are met in Christ and so we are made righteous in Christ. Righteousness brings us in favour with God. It exalts the one believes and opens the door of God’s presence and peace with God. It brings Eternal blessings upon God’s people. God shows up and fights for the one He shows mercy. This is the reason we need to be reconciled to God through faith in Christ Jesus and remain in His grace.

THE BEAUTY OF WALKING WITH GOD Be Fruitful: It is important that we know that Fruitfulness is the end of a gradual process. Before the fruit appears there must be the death of the grain of corn or the seed that was sown. Jesus said “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.28” Death of the grain gives way for a new form of life that will grow, mature and be fitted to bear fruit.

In most cases we want to be fruitful without first the readiness to die to sin, self, the flesh and worldliness. Jesus makes it clear that love for life and friendship with the world puts us in enmity with God. Many people have seen following Jesus or serving in Church or Ministry as a means of making money or climbing the Societal ladder and become popular and famous. Such people are corrupt and teach falsehood and are destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such persons withdraw yourself. For the love money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from

28 John 12:24 the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows29.

We live in a generation that is materialistic and measure everything by what people possess, acquire or attain. It is the perilous time when the love of self, pride and vainglory and holding to the form of religion but deny the power of God are common. Jesus demand sacrifice in following Him as the way to being fruitful. “He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life30. It is necessary to understand the fruit or the achievement that is earth bound passes with time. We must desire fruits that will remain and have eternal relevance and reckon with God. The fruit that Jesus desires is that which will make us spend eternity with Jesus Christ when He shall return in His Glorious Majesty. Jesus says If anyone serves Me, let Him follow Me; where I am there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honour.

Liturgical and Sacramental consideration: The Tree has healing property and potency for individual and the people groups to whom the Great Commission and the Gospel must be preached. The fruit of the Tree will be food to the people. Sacramentally, Jesus Christ is the Healer of the people and the Bread of Life that came from Heaven. Whoever that eats of Him shall not hunger again but will have life. In the institution of the , Jesus broke the Bread as His own Body given for us and blessed the Cup and gave as the Blood of the New Covenant which must be done in remembrance of His death and resurrection until He comes in glory. It is in the context of

29 1 Timothy 6:5,10. 30 John 12: 25. worship that we celebrate our redemption in Christ Jesus and give praise and glory to God for Who He is to us.

In this fellowship with God and fellow believers we receive spiritual strength to go into the world and serve God and be God’s instrument to healing and feeding the dying world.

Total Restoration in Christ Jesus: When we consider the Tree planted by the waters, it shows what God has done in Christ in restoring humanity to Himself. In Genesis 2 & 3; we see God creating man and putting Adam in the Garden to take care of it. He also said “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die31”. The disobedience of Adam to this command brought death to humanity and sin reigned. It brought curse to humanity and whole created order. it was because of sin and disobedience that Adam and Eve and indeed the fallen humanity lost their original place in the very presence of God and were driven out of the Garden and God’s presence. Adam was denied access to the Tree of Life as God said “lest he put out his hand and take also of the Tree of Life, and eat, and live forever32.”

What humanity lost in the disobedience of Adam, God restored in the obedience even unto death on the Cross in Jesus Christ. The Devil stole our peace, joy, Divine provision, life and protection because of sin. We have lost many things to the devil as we see corruption, violence and wickedness abound. In our world we see loss and destruction in individual lives, families

31 Genesis 2:15-17. 32 Genesis 3:22. and nations. The visitation of affliction was as in the days of the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem and the experience of Exile into Babylon. In our days, the Babylonian seduction and false doctrines are attacking the Church. The Nations and peoples of the world cry out for healing and restoration. Just as God remembered the Captivity of Babylon and restored Israel and brought back His glory to Jerusalem as prophesied by Ezekiel 37 and 47, God shall remember and restore the Church and all who put their trust in God. The dry bones of our lives, businesses, families and devastations of our times shall be brought to life. As we turn to God in repentance, “Then the LORD will be zealous for His land, and pity His people, behold, I will send you grain and new wine and oil, and you will be satisfied by them; I will no longer make you a reproach among the nations.33” God will show us mercy and remove our reproach and restore our fortune. God said to Israel and so to Nigeria and God’s people, “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust and the chewing locust, my great army which I sent among you.34” God will give us Total recovery on every side.

Faith and Hope in Action: The Tree planted by the waters is a symbol of lives of people who put their trust in the Living God such that in the midst of the challenges of life God would stand for them. It is a sign of Hope for all God’s people. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a Tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leafs will be green, and will not be anxious in the year

33 Joel 2:18-19. 34 Joel 2:25 of drought, nor will cease from yielding35”. There is every certainty that we are living “in the year of drought” and challenging times.

The Tree planted by the water speaks of people, but people who against all odds put their faith and hope in Christ Jesus. People who like Abraham trust in God who created all things out of nothing, ‘’Ex Nihilo’’ and called them by name as if they were and they came to be. God is looking for people like Abraham who will not be weak in faith and will not consider the severity of the situations and attacks and who against hope will hope in God. When we are planted by the water we shall not be anxious or worry or be afraid but trust God and speak in faith into the prevailing situation. Our God raises the dead and with Him all things are possible.

The Eschatological Dimension: The incidence of the Fall of man and expulsion from the Garden of Eden and God’s presence has been reversed by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and salvation we have in Him. More so our present experience of God’s grace points us to the ultimate day of great joy in God’s Heavenly Kingdom. Revelation 21:22-27 and 22:1-7 deals with the Eternal City of God, the Heavenly Jerusalem. Jesus has gone to prepare for all the Saints the Heavenly Mansion, the Father’s house. We are awaiting the glorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ to Rapture the Saints and take them Home36.

Believers in Christ are people with Eternal destination, a City and a Home. The Eternal City has no Temple, light and its

35 Jeremiah 17: 7-8. 36 1 Thess 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:50-53 gates shall not be shut and there shall be no night there. God the Father and the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ shall be the light and glory of the Eternal City. The Redeemed of the Nations and Kingdoms and their kings shall bring into the Eternal City glory and honour. It shall be a Holy City. “But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life37”.

This Eternal City has a pure River of Life that like the spring from the Sanctuary in Ezekiel 47, the water flows from the Throne of God and of the Lamb. This water flows to water the Street causing Trees to grow on both sides of the River, “the Tree of Life, which bore Twelve fruits, each Tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the Tree were for the healing of the nations38”. When the Saints shall be gathered unto Christ and dwell with Him, the Tree of Life and its fruit will be available to the Saints. That which we lost in Adam is being restored and recovered in Jesus Christ, the fruit of Eternal Life is accessible. All whose Names are in the Lamb’s Book of Life shall live eternally with God. Whoever has this Hope in him purifies himself and must flee from sin and wickedness. THE DISTRACTIONS FROM WALKING WITH GOD: The Enemies of God: It is evident from the teachings and Ministry of Jesus Christ that enemies of God, His Word and people are realities that we must take seriously. When Jesus taught the Disciples to pray “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil one…”39 The Evil one, the Devil, that old serpent and Deceiver is the chief enemy of

37 Revelation 21:27. 38 Revelation 22:1-2. 39 Matthew 6:13. God and everyone who decides to obey and walk with God. Life with under God is always a spiritual walk that affects every aspect of our lives. It is a spiritual warfare and a contention with Principalities, powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places40.

The spiritual wickedness operates through their human agents in such a way that impacts our physical situations. The ultimate goal of the Enemy both spiritual and human is to steal, kill and destroy41. We have total victory in Jesus Christ who disarmed the enemy and He was made manifest to destroy all that the Devil has done. We stand in the victory that Jesus has given us on the Cross and by the power of His resurrection.

The Prosperity of the Wicked: We live in a rebellious generation which delights in impunity, disobedience and insolence. It is a generation in which might is right, the winner takes it all. The wicked seem not to have problems and get away with evil and succeed in their evil plots against the righteous. “The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my desire shall be satisfied on them. I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them42.” How can we account for the increasing wickedness we see in Government, Church and families. It is because of the seeming prosperity of the wicked. But God shall not delay in executing swift judgement against wickedness, violence and bloodshed. We must heed to the admonition of God thus; “Do not fret because of the evil doers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. They

40 Ephesians 6:12. 41 John 10:10. 42 Exodus 15:9. shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good, dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD… commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall give you the desires of your heart and bring it to pass…43” Brethren do not be carried away by the success of the wicked or their wealth; they shall perish with their prosperity and be cut off.

The Scornful and Blasphemers: To scorn is the feeling and expression of dislike that turns to contempt and derision. Scoffers are those who show contempt for others. In our day “Hate Speech’’ is a common anti-social intentional act against a person or group with the purpose of instigating an anti-social action against the person or people targeted. Scornful expressions may be in laughter, words or deliberate false information or teaching intended to ridicule what others may hold dear. When King Hezekiah brought Judah back to God, he sent messengers to invite them to the Passover, knowing that repentance would make God to be gracious and merciful and not turn His face away from the people. Yet some people laughed and mocked them44.

Prophet Habakkuk contended with God that the Babylonians would be scoffers after they had conquered the nations45. One of the elements of our Post-Modern culture will be blasphemy and scornful discountenance of the truth of the Word of God and the hope and promises that God gives. This will come both from other religions like Islam and secular materialism. Paul

43 Psalm 37:1-5. 44 2 Chronicles 30:8-10. 45 Habakkuk 1:10. warned of false Teachers and Prophets whose teachings will be like that of Hymenaeus and Philetus that will increase ungodliness. Apostle Peter wrote to stir up our pure minds by reminding “knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation…”46 We must know that God will surely do what He has said. God’s timing is different from human timing. The LORD is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance47. To mock God and His Word is an act of wickedness instigated by the enemy of God. Therefore, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD…48

The Flesh and the deceitfulness of Sin: The contention of the human fallen nature and the worldliness against God’s purpose is so evident. Even in the most spiritual things carnality can still be deeply entrenched. One of the effects of lack of spiritual nurturing, growth and maturity is carnality, because in it Holy and godly things are conducted with fleshly motives and goals. Whenever we substitute God’s purpose with human selfish agenda, there are divisions, quarrels and tribal sentiments. “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babies in Christ…for you are still carnal.

46 2Peter 3:1-9. 47 2Peter 3:9. 48 Psalm 1:1-2.

For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?49” The Scripture warns us against falling into the pitfalls old Israel in the Wilderness. When Israel came out of Egypt they hardened their hearts against the Word of God and did not mix the Word with faith because of the deceitfulness of sin. Many of the children of Israel fell in the wilderness because of disobedience. As the Scripture enjoins us, “for we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.”50

Suffering, Affliction and Persecution can impede our walk with God. When people suffer physical, economic or social pains, attacks and their rights are denied them they may fall back from following Christ. The attacks on Christian communities have made some people to go back to the traditional religious practices. Bareness, poverty and strife have made many people to walk in the counsel of the ungodly and stand in the path of sinners. It takes the help of God and His enabling grace to stand suffering, affliction, and persecution especially when such come because of our faith in Christ Jesus. Jesus makes it clear that persecution, rejection and attacks even death may come. Some may afflict believers as a way of proving their piety. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulations; but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.51” The response of believer in Christ to suffering, attacks and persecution should be like the Disciples in Acts 4. At such

49 1 Corinthians 3:1-3. 50 Hebrews 3:14. 51 John 16:33. times let us intentionally submit to God and not be discouraged or murmur. It is as we submit to God humbly that we can receive grace to resist the Devil and cause him to flee. Our heart disposition matters a lot. A heart of praise toward God will always prevail. Faith can sing through days of sorrow and tribulation in hope.

The Hymn writer, Mary Peter wrote “Through the love of God our Saviour, all will be well… We expect a bright tomorrow, all will be well. Faith can sing through days of sorrow; all will be well. On our Father’s love relying Jesus every need supplying, then in living or in dying, all will be well.52” In the face of persecutions the Church should rise up in Prayer and desire the more that God be glorified, the Gospel be the more proclaimed with boldness and that the hand of the LORD be manifested in confirming God’s Word with the proof of His power in the Name of Jesus Christ. We need to engage the authority and people in advocacy and stand against the unjust systems in the society. Christians must engage in socio- political actions that will transform the society. We believe that the Word of God has power to change the individual and transform the society and community.

THE BLESSINGS OF WALKING WITH GOD: There are great blessings in walking with God. Obedience is very vital to walking with God. We cannot walk with God unless we learn to listen to God. Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God with a meek and obedient heart. Therefore, faith and obedience are necessary in walking and pleasing God.

52 Church of Nigeria Hymnal; 877.

The benefits that can come in walking with God include: • Avoiding sin and pursuing Godliness. • A pure lifestyle of Truth, Honesty and Integrity showing in Christ-like character. • Understanding God’s purpose in our lives on earth. • Divine wisdom and guidance for daily life. • Encouragement, hope and comfort. • Motivation for Praise and Prayer. • Foundation for faith and freedom. • Fruitfulness and Divinely Ordained Prosperity.

THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE THEME: The Theme of the Synod has a lot for our personal, family, Church and National life.

A Call to return to the Source of our Life: The way events and life issues are in our generation in which a rebellious attitude seems to be prevalent, our Synod Theme is a call for us as individuals and as a people should return to the LORD our God who is our Source of Life. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. As the Scripture enjoins us, “Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, you who seek the LORD; look to the Rock from which you were hewn and to the hole of the pit from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who bore you; for I called him alone and blessed him and increased him53”. Like King David we all need to see God as our ultimate source of life, wealth, wisdom, salvation and help. If the LORD, the Most High will be all in all

53 Isaiah 51:1-2. for us His protection, blessing and provision will always be available to us.

Personal Quiet-Time with God, Prayer and the Word of God: This call for renewal of faith in the Living God must go with a return to the Word of God. Our personal time with God in prayer and the study of the Word of God is a time of renewal of strength and guidance for each day. There is need to rebuild our family Alter and fellowship with believers to encourage and build up the Church in Christ.

Pursuit of Godly Lifestyle: When we earnestly desire the guidance and help of God in our lives the impact is seen in godly lifestyle. It will not be easy but the diligence and perseverance in walking with God definitely impacts other lives and the society. It takes a little light to lighten and chase away darkness and a little salt seasons the food. The pursuit of Godly Lifestyle is possible with God and that can cause a generational transformation. Christians must be the light of the world and the salt of the earth and the time is now.

Godly Standards in Public life and Service: The Work Ethics of the average Nigerian leaves so much to be desired. Work, Labour and Service are God given responsibilities. These have a way of adding meaning and fulfilment to human life. The ethic of honest labour needs to be rediscovered and the demand for sacrifice for the good of every citizen needs to be inculcated into our people. The selfishness and greed that fuelled our present way of life must be challenged and be overthrown if there will be a good future for our children. Injustice and unfair and corrupt practices must be challenged. We need a godly revolution for better future of the Church and nation.

Necessity of Nurturing, Mentoring and Growth in all aspects of life: Planting by the waters paints the picture of Nurturing, Mentoring and Discipleship. This must be understood holistically as touching every aspect of human life. We need to engage deliberately and intentionally in Discipleship and Nurturing of the faith of the Christians. The young people need purposeful guidance and skills to meet the challenges of life. The Church and Government need to educate and train the people in building the Society through formal and non-formal education.

Mission and Need for Revival: The Theme of the Synod calls us to engage in Mission of the Gospel and pursue the task of the Great Commission. As we see the encircling gloom of our time, it is evident that the time to declare the glory and power of God is now in order to rescue the perishing from the gods of this age. More than ever before the Church news to reach out to the harvest of the souls of men. The Mission force and task requires God’s people who will give themselves to Prayer and thirst for the fresh move of God in our days. Like Habakkuk and Hosea, we need people who will cry out to God to revive His work and send the rain of His righteousness upon the peoples.

National Rebirth: The events of our times and insecurity are pointing to the fact that we need a national rebirth. The people are agitated and are demanding for a change and fairness. The tree that draws from the water source is renewed and able to bear fruit in due season. The land that receives the rain and water and fails to produce food is at the danger of being cursed. There must be a National Rebirth, but the leadership of the people must choose the type and way to birth this change either a violent, painful and bloody which forces are already unfolding or the godly, righteous and ordered change. Whichever way we choose there is a cost to pay and sacrifice that is demanded. It will not be long.

ABUJA DIOCESAN MATTERS: DIOCESAN CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW: The General Synod of September 2020 held in Abuja passed the reviewed Constitution of the Church of Nigeria [Anglican Communion]. There are some new provisions in the New Constitution such as Alternative Dispute Resolution of the Church; the Welfare provision of the Church and other salient issues. During the Standing Committee held in in February 2021, every Diocese in the Church of Nigeria was directed to review their Constitution and Statutes and bring them in line with the New Constitution of the Church of Nigeria.

Following this directive the Diocese of Abuja Constitution Review Committee was constituted and inaugurated as follows: • Barr. Kehinde Ajoni = Chairman • Ven. Ernest Onuoha = member • Ven. Ben Idume = member • Mrs. Roseline Akanya = member • Ms Amal Pepple = member • Rev. Canon Bola Ogunyannwo = Secretary.

We request all Parishes to make their contributions to this Committee in their discharge of this task. The Committee will speak to the Synod as to what is required of us. It is expected that the Committee will finish their work by the end of July. There will be a One Day Synod to consider their work and then we shall submit to the Committee of Reference in August 2021, so as to receive our feedback from the Standing Committee of the Church of Nigeria when we meet in September 2021.

DIOCESAN MISSIONS AND MINISTRY: We give glory to God for preserving our lives through the scourge of the Pandemic. Our normal Church services and activities are almost back to normal. We are still struggling and have not fully recovered from the impact of the Pandemic.

Abuja Missionary Society: In order to encourage the involvement of the laity in the Mission and Ministry of the Church, the Abuja Missionary Society is being activated. We encourage every Church to establish and encourage our members to engage in Mission, Visitation, Discipleship and the work of Ministry through this organization of the Diocese. AMS has been involved in the Mission work of the Diocese. We appreciate the Clergy for their role in mobilizing our members.

The Carnival for Christ 2020: The Annual Carnival for Christ programme was held from Monday 23 to Sunday 29 November, 2020 to mark the Diocesan Anniversary. It was a week packed with several rewarding activities. We observed the protocols of COVID-19 and also cut down some of the things done. It was very successful and God was glorified as our resource persons ministered so powerfully and many souls were won to the Lord. We are very grateful to the Organizing Committee under the leadership of Ven. S. Okoriko for working so tireless to achieve so much in a very challenging time.

The Youth Empowerment Workshop held in St. Matthew’s Church, Maitama has continued to yield results. Lady Ifeoma Anagbogu is the Chairperson of the Diocesan Youth Empowerment team, while Rev. Jerry Peter Zericho has done well in co-ordinating the Implementation of Youth Empowerment Programme. More than 700 members of the Diocese have filled the required forms. We have established link with the Central Bank of Nigeria and out of the Loan Request Forms submitted 10 have accepted. The Consultation with the Bank of Industry is ongoing and we hope that before long our members will be able to access Loans and other empowerment kits. In this Synod we are going to give out 16 Grinding Machines and 20 Hair Dryers which Lady Ifeoma Anagbogu Committee received in order to empower some of our indigent members and Rural Churches. As we engage in empowering the people we direct the Clergy to give priority to our young people and women whenever there are opportunities that will benefit the people.

The Way of the Cross: This is our Diocesan Lenten Programme that was held 1st to 7th March 2021, at AGGS Field and hosted by the Basilica of Grace Parish. It was a real time in God’s presence with the Theme: “The Power of His Resurrection”54. God used His servants to minister powerfully to us. We had high attendance and 350 souls gave their lives to Jesus. The Follow-up Discipleship has been going on. We hope to continue the use of AGGS Football field for the programme.

Diocesan Area Fellowship Centres: The Diocesan Area Fellowship which intends to spread across the Diocese for all

54 Phil. 3:10 our Anglican members started on Thursday 22nd April 2021. We thank the Clergy for mobilizing our members, and thank all those who gave their homes as Fellowship Centres and those who volunteered to lead Area Groups. We appreciate the Co-ordinating Team under Ven. Festus Nwafili for the good work they are doing. It is expected that all Anglican members meet on Thursday by 6 pm for just one hour for Prayer, Meditation on the Word of God, sharing of Testimonies. It is meant that we support each other and families, such that when any member is in need or facing challenge we can help one another no matter the congregation one attends. There are testimonies of new things that God is doing. This will serve the Church in Teaching, Discipleship and outreach that will grow the Church membership.

Diocesan Mission Work: The Diocese is a Diocese on Mission with the Gospel as stated in our Diocesan Vision and Mission. We have held several Mission Mobilization programmes. St. Augustine said “As Fire exists by burning so does the Church exist by Mission…” Any church that stops reaching out with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the death process will set in. During the Carnival for Christ the Diocese reached out to Yanga Village in Gude Mission Zone. The Diocesan Mission Outreach Week was observed Monday 3rd to Saturday 8th May, 2021. Glory be to God for souls won to Christ, we planted churches and had first service on Sunday 9th May, 2021.

Diocesan Health Missions: The BethRapha Medical Centre, Wuye Project: The development of the permanent site for the BethRapha Medical Centre at Wuye has commenced. The foundation of the hospital was laid on Saturday 24th April 2021. We thank the Diocesan Works & Project Committee for their efforts. As we conclude the foundation stage, we shall push the work to the decking. Our intention is to finish the project as soon as possible for the hospital to start functioning by 2023. The proceeds of this Synod will be dedicated to this Hospital project. When completed the Medical Centre will provide medical care from primary to tertiary level. More so the Centre will have a School of Nursing and Midwifery and facilities to train other Medical Professionals. We request that every family and friends of the Diocese of Abuja to support and partner with us till this Vision is fully realized.

Diocesan Clergy Ministry and Welfare: We have good welfare package for our Clergy and Pastors in the Diocese. The Pension scheme, Diocesan Workers Cooperative and programmes put in place to improve on the Welfare. There is room for improvement. There is a dare need for Housing and Accommodation for Diocesan Workers. We will give attention to building more Houses to accommodate our workers.

Clergy Wives Diocesan Allowance: The Diocesan Clergy Wives are now receiving their Monthly Allowances as approved by the Diocesan Board and passed by the last Synod Session. We express our gratitude to the Synod and the Church leadership.

Health Insurance Scheme: The Diocese has registered our Clergy and their family in a Health Insurance Scheme which the FCT Administration and the religious Organizations within the FCT crafted. This Scheme is funded by the Parishes. We encourage all our Clergy and Parishes to key into this scheme. We appreciate the Parishes for assisting the Clergy and familie

Prayer, Retreat for Clergy and Wives: We had our Clergy and Wives Prayers and Annual Retreat to rejuvenate and focus on our lives and Ministry. The Retreat was held in the Chapel of Resurrection, Wuye form Monday 25th to Thursday 28 January 2021. Bishop Paul Udogu and Bishop Olaoye ministered to us. Our Monthly Dignitaries Meeting of the Archdeacons and Supervisory Priests has been very helps in tackling Pastoral issues in the Parishes. It has always been a time of meditation on God’s Word, prayer and discussion of issues of Ministry.

Pastoral Visits to Archdeaconries and Parishes: In the period under review we visited Parishes and Archdeaconries in both statutory and non-statutory visitations. In non-statutory Visits we do not give prior notice to the Pastors, because such visit is meant to encourage and fellowship with our Brethren. We did the statutory Pastoral visits to Archdeaconries in October to December 2020 during which Confirmation, Admission and Enrolment of members into the Mothers Union, Women’s Guild and Girls Guild were done.

The statistics as shown below:

S/N Archdeaconry Date Confirm. MU WG GG 1. Cathedral 25/10/2020 73 13 12 - 2. Wuse 01/11/2020 103 29 28 25 3. Asokoro 15/11/2020 89 14 9 - 4. Maitama 08/11/2020 25 7 6 - 5. Gudu 13/12/2020 155 10 12 - 6. Durumi 02/12/2020 31 2 5 9 7. Mpape 09/12/2020 97 9 13 55 8. Gwarinpa 06/12/2020 61 22 25 - 9. Kabusa Deanary 04/12/2020 43 3 16 12

TOTAL 677 109 126 101 The Total of 677 people were confirmed. Those admitted into the Mothers Union 109; WG 126; and GG 101. God will strengthen them daily by the power of the Holy Spirit that they may continually grow in the knowledge and grace of God and serve God in His Church. The Dedication of the Church and Parsonage of Anglican Church of the Resurrection, Kpaduma 1, was done on Saturday, 6th February 2021. DIOCESAN WOMEN MINISTRY: The Women Ministry of the Diocese of Abuja has done very well. They had their Rededication Service, Day of Prayer, Wave of Prayer and Evangelists and Clergy Wives Retreat. All these events were very impactful. The spiritual focus is very enriching. We appreciate all our Lay Women Leaders and especially their support in the work of the Ministry. The Clergy Wives must take up the challenge of giving leadership to the Women at every level from Parish to the Diocesan level. God depends on the Clergy Wives to give spiritual nurture and guidance to the Women in the Church.

The group for Widows in the Diocese called “The Bride of Christ” should function as part of the General Women in the Diocese. I do not recognize them as an independent or autonomous organization. This group should not submit any independent report to the Diocese but must submit to the Diocesan Women Ministry in all its operations. We order for an election of New Officers which will be supervised by the Diocesan Women Ministry. This will be done by June 30th 2021, failure to meet this demand means that it ceases to be recognized in the Diocese of Abuja.

We appreciate the Diocesan President and all the Vice presidents for your Team work with all our Women in all our Parishes. Thank you for your labour of love for the Church of God especially in the Diocesan programmes. May God continually bless you and your families.

Training and Human Development: There is need for us to continually develop our Pastors so as to equip and empower them to effectively carry out their Ministry. Capacity building is a necessity to the growth of the Church. We encourage the Clergy to improve themselves through diversification of their fields of Study such as Media, ICT, Education, Health/Medical Sciences, Agriculture, Development/ Entrepreneurial Studies, Counselling Studies, Biblical and Doctrinal Studies, so as to meet the challenges of serving God and Humanity in our generation.

Diocesan Training Centre, Wuse: The DTC is yet to take off and operate as expected. The DTC relocates from All Saints School Wuse Zone 3 to the Old Episcopal House, Wuse Zone 5. All our Evangelists, Leaders of our Diocesan Missions, Discipleship Teachers, Lay Readers and others who want to attend Bible School to improve their understanding of the Word of God and be able to identify their areas of calling and ministry in the Body of Christ. DTC occupies an important place in the Ministerial Focus of the Diocese. We have restructured the Programmes and are working to affiliate our programmes to St. Francis of Assisi Theological College Wusasa, Zaria. We hope that our Management Team will work hard to make DTC to achieve the set goals.

Diocesan Evangelists Orientation, Training and Ministry: We thank Ven. Chima Okorie and Ven. Segun Akinola for their efforts in orienting and training of the Diocesan Evangelists. The central payment of the Diocesan Evangelists has been sustained. We thank the Archdeaconries for their commitment to contributing to the central Evangelists Fund. With the implementation of the Central payment the Diocesan Evangelists can now be moved to serve in any part of the Diocese. The Refresher Course for the Diocesan Evangelists holds every second Thursday of the month. They study: Use of English; Spiritual Formation/Devotional Theology; Power Principles; Mission and Missionary challenges and others. Their participation is good and we continue to expand on this programme.

PAF Training for Youth and Evangelists: We are working on a regular programme of training our young people and Evangelists in Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship. The Diocese of Abuja is sponsoring Sixteen [16] young people for their Training and skill acquisition at the Foundation Training Institute . This programme cost N6, 412, 700. 00k. They are doing very well. Their training will last for Nine Months and are being trained in different areas such as Building, Tiling, Electrical, Metal and Wood Fabrication, ICT and Tailoring. We need partners that will assist us in establishing these ones when they graduate and return back to Abuja.

DIOCESAN EDUCATIOIN MISSIONS: Diocesan Education Management Board: This Board under Sir MacJohn Nwaobiala has performed well within the year under review in repositioning our Educational Sector. They have engaged the management of the Diocesan schools, the FCT Educational Inspection Teams that visited our Schools, interfaced with the PTA and will be more involved in the administration of our Schools. We hereby dissolve the post of Diocesan Education Secretary and Assistant Education Secretary. We thank Ven. Serinus Okoriko and Ven. Chibuogu.

The Diocesan Scholarship for Indigent Scholars from our Parishes and Rural Mission areas which the Diocesan Board approved is yet to take off. The existing Scholarships for deceased Clergy Children is running as it has been. In 2020 we were able to give the Diocesan Assistance to Clergy Children School Fees. We request that all our churches to faithfully observe the 2021 on Sunday 1st August 2021 and be remitted latest on Monday 9th August 2021.

Diocesan Schools: Anglican Girls Grammar School, Gudu: The Flagship School of the Diocese of Abuja is doing well. The impact of the COVID-19 is evident. We are working to reposition the School for greater and better performance. We appreciate the Management of the School and do hope that there will be more improvement in the School. We have carried out Staff audit and comprehensive review of the School and will soon get on to the implementation of the reports and findings in order to improve on the School’s performance. We must thank the new PTA Executives for partnering with us in improving the welfare of the School through the provision of some amenities in the school. God will bless and reward you. DEMB is working to have a link with Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo for the establishment of the HSC Programme in AGGS. The Building Designs is done and the approval for the Two Storey Class/Lecture Rooms will commence in 2022. We are sinking another Borehole in AGGS in order to improve on the Water supply in the School and the Church.

All Saints Schools, Wuse Zone 3: We commend the efforts of the New Principal and Head Teacher of our All Saints Nursery/Primary and Secondary Schools. They are working together to reposition that school and their work is evident. We have equipped and refurbished the Computer laboratory, the Library, and Classrooms and more will be done. The School enrolment has increased so well. We are not getting the needed support from the PTA and the issues surrounding the School Bus is still pending and must be fully addressed. A situation in which the Proprietor and PTA will be struggling over who and how the School Bus will be managed will not continue.

Anglican International Academy: The AIA is gradually growing as student population is increasing. We have suffered several setbacks on our School buildings due to windstorms of the early rains of this year. The rainstorms blew down or school fence and removed the roofs of the Administrative Block and the Boys and Girls Hostels. We appreciate our Big Churches for stepping in to rebuild at a very high cost, the Diocesan Project Committee has done well. We commend the Cathedral Church of Advent and others for the progress so far made in the building of the Staff Quarters. We need the Staff Quarter to be completed so as to get our Teachers to move into the school and add more life to the Institution.

Parish Schools: The Parish Schools in the Diocese is doing very well especially Our Saviour’s School Durumi and Church of Transfiguration Nursery/Primary School and others. We request that the DEMB should survey and plan ahead for future establishment of more Mission Schools in Kabusa, Gude and other strategic Mission Zones. DEMB should serve to maintain high standard in all our Schools.

Establishment of a New School in Katampe/Mpape Mission Zone: We propose to establish a New Mission Secondary Technical School in Mpape/Galuwyi Mission Zone in the next three years.

Vocational and Skill Acquisition in Diocesan Schools: Apart from the present subjects offered in our Secondary schools, we intend to deliberately and intentionally build every child passing through our Diocesan Schools Godly Discipline and Spiritual nurture, Excellent Academic performance but also prepared for living in the present situation in Nigeria. To this end we shall encourage more attention being given to Vocational and Skill Acquisition for all our children.

Diocesan Financial Sustenance: In the period under review, we are gradually recovering from the Financial impact of the Pandemic. We thank all our Pastors and especially the big Churches for your response in interventions which helped us to deal with several demands. Times as this demands Financial prudence from everybody especially in handling church funds. The Missions and Projects of the Diocese has precedence over the local Parish matters. Therefore, it is the obligation of every church to respond to the needs of the Diocese especially the payment of Assessments, the EPC, and other special collections and interventions. The delay in remittance needs to be checked. The 2021 St. Matthias Collection performance is in the Appendix.

DIOCESAN PROPERTY AND SINKING FUND: The Diocesan Property and Assessors Committee led by Ven. Andrus Ukaejiofor has been mandated to go round our Churches and make their assessment of the Church buildings for the necessary actions. We request that all churches should comply and update their remittance to the sinking fund. This Fund has served as buffer in Diocesan interventions in cases of Flood and Windstorms affecting our Churches and Schools. We urge every Church to do the needful.

CATHEDRAL STALLS: In accordance with the Constitution and Statutes of the Diocese of Abuja, we Instituted and during the Christmas Ordination on 29 December 2020 installed the 8 Archdeacons in their Stalls establish the six Canonical Stalls as follows:

The Stall of Bishop Ajayi Crowther is assigned to Cathedral Archdeaconry: Ven. Ben Idume; The Stall of Archbishop Abiodun Adetiloy is assigned to Wuse Archdeaconry: Ven. Ernest Onuoha; The Stall of Bishop Titus Ogbonyomi is assigned to Asokoro Archdeaconry: Ven. Festus Nwafili; The Stall of Bishop Bertram Ayam Stall is assigned to Gudu Archdeaconry: Ven. Oludare Otoki; The Stall of Archbishop is assigned to Maitama Archdeaconry: Ven. Ephraim Akanya; The Stall of Archbishop is assigned to Gwarimpa Archdeaconry: Ven. Andrus Ukaejiofor; The Stall of Archbishop Leslie Gordon Vinning is assigned to Durumi Archdeaconry: Ven. Nnamdi Okpuno; and The Stall of Archbishop Timothy Olufosoye is assigned to Mpape Archdeaconry: Ven. Chima Okorie. DIOCESAN INVESTMENTS: Guest Houses: We appreciate the efforts of the Management team for the Diocesan Guest Houses. There is a gradual recovery from the COVID-19 stifled income and operations of the Guest houses. The Abuja Diocesan Guest Houses Rehabilitation Task Force under the Chairmanship of Mr. Emeka Okeke has submitted their report. Work is on to reposition the Guest houses and Schools to make them financially supportive to the Diocese.

Diocesan Printing Press: The Diocesan Investment Committee’s Report presented to the Diocesan Board on the establishment of a Diocesan Printing Press was approved. We thank the Registrar for the CAC registration of the CHANCEL PRESS AND PUBLISHERS LTD. We have procured the Equipment and machineries needed to start. The Printing press will be established at Crowther Plaza in Gudu District, Abuja. It will be Commissioned to start operation on Thursday 15th July, 2021 by 4pm. We direct that all Parish and Diocesan Printing work in all our Churches will be done in our Chancel Press. We encourage all our members to patronise it.

Diocesan Project Supervising Team has been put in place to help us carry out further tasks. They are as follows: 1. Ven. Peter Okunromade = Chairman 2. Ven. Andrus Ukaejiofor = member 3. Ven. Samuel Emeana = member 4. Sir Allwell Ogunedo = member 5. Mr. Emeka Okeke = member 6. Mrs. Patricia Bagudu = member 7. Rev. Canon Nelson Akinwande = Secretary. They have carried out Staff Audit of the Guest Houses and AGGS and made very useful recommendations. We are now set to start physical and administrative restructuring of our Diocesan Investments.

Training and Ordinations of Pastors: The following Postulants are in Training for Ministry: Hassan Dauda; Sule Barnabas; Dogo Mishark; Musa Sunday; and Abraham S. Luka will graduate in June 2021 from different Theological Colleges; while Femi Peter will finish in 2022. The following Postulants were ordained into the Diaconate: 1. Rev. Olugbenga Fatoye 2. Rev. Chima Demian Eziamara 3. Rev. Danladi Shekwogwaza.

The following were Ordained into the Priesthood: 1. Rev. Jerry Peter Zerichio 2. Rev. Ebele Nwankwo

ARCHBISHOP NICHOLAS D. OKOH: GREAT THANKS TO GOD: We stand in awe and praise to God Almighty for the great things He has done in the life of Archbishop Nicholas D. Okoh. Shortly after his retirement, Baba Okoh took ill and was severely tried but God stood by him, delivered and healed him. He is in this Synod to share in fellowship with the Church of God. Baba, you will testify to the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. We rejoice with you and give thanks to the Almighty God. We appreciate the Archbishops and Bishops for your prayers and support. Thank all Clergy and members of the Diocese of Abuja for your prayers and support. We shall celebrate God’s mercy in a Special Thanksgiving with him on June 20th, 2021. Be part of this Thanksgiving service.

THANKSGIVING FOR PRESENTATION AS PRIMATE: The Most Rev. and family are greatly indebted to all our Archbishops, Bishops and the Clergy and members of Abuja Diocese, Orlu Diocese, and Gombe Diocese for all your prayer and support during the Presentation Thanksgiving held in St. Peter’s Church, Ogberuru Orlu on 10th January, 2021. We thank the Planning Committee under the Chairmanship of Barr. Paul Obi for the excellent work you did; we are grateful to “the Friends of the Primate Group” for your enormous generous contributions and sacrifice. We are particularly thankful to Chief Sir A. C. Okafor [Chikason]; Chief Sir Emma, Bishop Okonkwo and Engr. Sir Emeka Okwuosa. These three friends contributed and purchased a brand New Toyota Land- Cruiser SUV 2020 Model as a personal Car for Primate Henry C. Ndukuba. God will remember and richly bless every one of you and your families.

ABUJA PROVINCIAL MATTERS: Provincial Meetings: The Abuja Provincial Meetings were hosted by Gwagwalada and Lafia Dioceses in February and September respectively. We are indeed very grateful for their magnanimity and hospitality in hosting us. During the Provincial meeting at St. James Cathedral Church, Lafia with the Theme “THE LORD MIGHTY IN BATTLE” [Psalm 24:8], the following were our focal points for the Province:

PROVINCIAL MISSION AND MINISTRY STRATEGY: In our last Provincial Meeting in Gwagwalada we resolved that Bishops Dogo, Robinson were mandated to work out the Modalities for Mission Consultation and organize a Provincial Clergy Conference. The Provincial Clergy Bi-annual Conference will be in 2022 with the Theme “THE BUSH WAS BURNING WITH FIRE BUT WAS NOT CONSUMED: WALKING WITH GOD AND MINISTRY IN CHALLENGING SITUATION” [EXOD 3:2; 2 TIM 2:1-7]. Please pray for the Clergy Conference, the human, material and financial resources.

YOUTH AND CHILDREN MINISTRY AND TRAINING: We shall engage vigorously in recruitment and Training of Teachers and leaders of Children and Youth Ministry in the Province. Bishop Moses Tabwaye will present to us a work-plan for implementation. The purchase and/or development of suitable Bible Study Materials must be pursued so as to reach our young people and also recruit and Disciple them to sustain the Children and Youth Ministry in Abuja Province.

TRANSLATION OF TEACHING AND WORSHIP MATERIALS: The provision of Devotional and Worship Materials are very important for a sustained Ministry especially in our Province since most our churches are in the Rural Areas and some places are not accessible during the rainy season. It will be best to get these Materials to them before the Farming season starts. Bishop Jacob Kwashi is co-ordinating the Materials Team. It will be helpful if the issue of Materials in our Local Regional Languages be discussed so to know the practice that will be most helpful and effective. The aim is to Proclaim the Gospel in the most effective way and enable the Anglican Church to become deeply rooted in our local communities. Our aim must be to “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in the faith, as you have been taught, abound in it with thanksgiving.” 55 Discipleship and equipping our members for the work of Ministry will be our target.

We need to understudy what the dominant Church of our areas is doing differently. The Anglican Church must not remain a Stranger Church, this Church must engage in Incarnational Ministry in our Province.

RELIEF AND TRAUMA TRAINING FOR SPECIAL CLERGY: We resolved that due to the security challenges and devastation faced by our people, Bishops Vander for Benue Area, Zamani for Kaduna South Area Tabwaye for Abuja Area will co-ordinate our Relief efforts. They will inform this meeting of the strategy set out to meet our challenges. Abuja Diocese and the CON Relief Committee may have few materials to give to some of our afflicted Brethren.

In addition to the Relief Measures, we want to request this Team to plan for a Training Programme on Trauma Counselling for the Clergy we shall select from each Diocese of the Province. We shall train them to be Trainers and major Counsellors for our traumatised and IDPs. This capacity building is needed for our Province.

55 Colossians 2:6-7.

Our Next Council Meeting will be hosted by Diocese of Makurdi on Tuesday 7th to Wednesday 8th September, 2021.

NORTHERN PASTORATE SUNDAY: The Northern Provinces Bishops met in Jos on 8th and 9th October 2020. One of our decisions and resolutions was that considering the enormous challenges confronting our Ministry in the Northern part of the country and the poor funding for Mission, Training of Pastors and Welfare of the Pastors, we resolved that Sunday 30th May, 2021 be observed as special Prayers and Collection for the Missions, Training and Welfare of Pastors in the North. All collections gathered and sent to the Northern Pastorate Fund. Support from our sister Provinces in the Church of Nigeria will highly appreciated.

CHURCH OF NIGERIA MATTERS: We give thanks to God for the safety in our journeys and successful Standing Committee Meeting of the Church of Nigeria. The Diocese On the Niger hosted us in the All Saints Cathedral Church, Onitsha and it was a landmark hosting. We are indeed very grateful. Some far reaching decisions that will impact the Mission and Ministries of this Church were taken.

Church of Nigeria Missions Board: Following the several consultations and committee work and the production of the Strategic Missions Document, the Church of Nigeria Missions Board and the CNMS Management Committee were constituted and inaugurated on 4th March 2021 at St. Matthias House, National Secretariat, Gudu. The Most Rev’d. Henry Ndukuba is the Chairman, The Most Rev. Tunde Adeleye is the Deputy Chairman and we have other Twenty three members.

CNMS Management Committee and Bishop Ajayi Crowther Mission Centre and Institute: The CNMS Management Committee which will see to the daily running of the Missions activities and work of the Church was constituted as follows: 1. Ven. Sunday Adepoju as the Executive Secretary 2. Rev’d. Canon Solomon Nnamani as the Research and Planning Officer 3. Rev. Emmanuel Ubandoma as the Communication and Mobilization officer 4. Bro. Chima Omeke as the Recruitment and Training Officer 5. Sis. Ngozi Nwosu as the Mission Field Coordinator 6. Rev’d. Kehinde O. Fakayode as the Finance Officer 7. Miss Ibukun E. Awoyemi as the Admin and Secretary to the Management Team and Registrar for the Mission Institute 8. Rt. Rev’d. Olugbenga Oduntan 9. Rt. Rev’d. Abiodun Ogunyemi as the Consultants to the Mission Institute.

The CNMS Board also put in place CNMS Welfare and Conditions of Service Committee under the Chairmanship of Archbishop Tunde Adeleye: 1. Archbishop Tunde Adeleye 2. Rt Rev'd Olumuyiwa Àjàyí 3. Rt Rev'd Sunday Adewole- 4. Rt. Rev'd Owen Nwokolo 5. Barr. Kayode Ogundere 6. Dame Dr. Okechukwu Owhondah 7. Ven Oliver Ofoegbu- 8. Arch.Dotun Kumapayi 9. Mrs Mary Offong 10. Ven Sunday Adepoju 11. Ven Olayemi Fatusi

They met in Abuja to produce the required conditions of Service and Welfare for all Missionary workers. The document will be a guide in our Missions operations. The ground is set for the central operations and functioning of CNMS as our National Missions Agency. The National Executive Secretary, Ven. Adepoju and his Team will move into the Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther Missions Centre and Institute, Osoogun. They have the primary task of mapping out the Missions work and follow-up on the new Converts and those who responded to the call for Missions. Their basic task will be Missions training and empowerment. They will mobilize the Church unto Missions.

National Relief and Security Issues: The aggravation of the Security situation in the country has caused much hardship to our members in many parts of the country. The spate of Kidnappings and Banditry has taken so much of our resources in payment of ransom. Many of our members in Kaduna, Benue and Plateau States live in IDP camps struggling for survival. Those who want to return back to their villages do not have the money and building Materials to rebuild their homes. The Church of Nigeria Relief Committee under the Chairman Dr. Peter Nmadu are working hard to support these needy members with the little we have. We need support and donations to assist our needy members.

The Anglican University of Technology, Kwaita: The Implementation Committee for the establishment of the Anglican University at Kwaita, FCT Abuja have set out to work. This Committee is chaired by Prof. Jerry Gana and membership are drawn from eminent members of the Anglican Church across the Country. They have set their tasks and engaging the NUC for the necessary processes to enable the establishment of the University. Some people have suggested that we need to open a broad based University for viability. The committee are open to receive good suggestions from our people. Such suggestions should be sent to the Chairman. We commend their efforts and assure them of our prayers and support. Part of the development of the University will be the building of a large Conference Centre where we can hold the DIVCCON and other Church Annual Conferences. We want to encourage Dioceses and Provinces to build Student Hostels as Investment and contribution to the development of the University.

The Joshua Generation International Youth Conference: God manifested His glory and power during the Joshua Generation International Youth Mission Conference which was held in the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State. We had about Twenty-Two Thousand Youth in attendance. More than four Thousand gave their lives to Christ and over Two Thousand Five Hundred young people responded to Mission commitment. God used the resource persons to minister to the needs of the people. We are believing God for deeper and richer impact of the Conference upon the life and Ministry of the Church of Nigeria. We are grateful to the Rt. Rev. Aloysius Agbo and the Team that planned and executed the programme. We remain thankful to the Vice Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Charles Igwe for being an instrument used by God to bless us. He and the University Community were wonderful hosts. We thank all our Archbishops and Bishops for mobilizing the Youth and supporting the Conference in every way. God will reward you and bless your Dioceses. All glory and thanksgiving and praise belong to God Almighty for His help and mercy. Much work is being done in the Follow-up and Mentoring of these young people. We are trusting God that Joshua Generation will help rebuild our Youth Ministries and the Church of the future. We shall need Professional and Spiritual Mentors for these young people and empowerment programmes to help them take their rightful places in the schemes of things. They shall eat of the good of this Nation.

Standing Committee Meetings: The next Standing Committee Meeting initially fixed for 13th to 17th September will now be Monday 20th to Friday 24th September. This is necessitated by the fixing of the GAFCON Primates meeting 13th to 16th September in Dubai or USA, which will be the first physical meeting since the Pandemic.

NEW BISHOPS CONSECRATED 1. The Rt Rev’d Peter R. Oludipe - Bishop of Ijebu 2. The Rt Rev’d Adegoke O. Agara - Bishop of Idoani 3. The Rt Rev’d Enoch Atuboyedia - Bishop of Okrika 4. The Rt Rev’d Gabriel Elabor - Bishop of Esan 5. The Rt Rev’d Obiora B. Uzochukwu - Bishop of Mbamili 6. The Rt Rev’d Oluwagbemiro A. Fabuluje - Bishop of Oke Osun

RETIREMENT 1. The Rt Rev’d Ezekiel Dahunsi - Bishop of Idoani, Saturday July 11, 2020 2. The Most Rev’d Friday Imaekhai - Bishop of Esan 3. The Most Rev’d Caleb Maduoma - Bishop of Ideato 4. The Rt Rev’d Abere Tubokosemie - Bishop of Okrika, Tuesday 18, 2020 5. The Rt. Rev. Benjamin E. Emamezi - Bishop of Western Izon, Sunday January 3, 2021 6. The Most Rev’d Tunde Adeleye - Bishop of Calabar, Monday July 12, 2021 7. The Rt Rev’d Amos Fagbamiye - ADOTT

DEATH 1. The Rt Rev’d Foluso Taiwo - Bishop of Oke Osun 2. The Rt Rev’d Augustine Omole - Bishop of Sokoto 3. The Rt Rev’d J. Edewor - Bishop of Oleh 4. The Most Rev’d Caleb Maduoma - Bishop of Ideato

NEW BISHOPS-ELECT 1. The Venerable Prof. Nneoyi Onen Egbe of Christ Church Deanery Calabar as the Bishop-Elect for Diocese of Calabar. 2. The Venerable Victor Ebipade Okporu, an Archdeacon of Adankolo Archdeaconry of Lokoja Diocese as Bishop-Elect for Diocese of Western Izon.

NEW ARCHBISHOP/ARCHBISHOP ELECT 1. The Most Rev’d David Onuoha – Archbishop of Owerri 2. The Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, the Rt Rev’d Dr Blessing C. Enyindah, as Archbishop-Elect of the Ecclesiastical Province of Niger Delta. DIOCESAN APPOINTMENTS: Diocesan Supervision and Monitoring Committee as stated above under the Chairmanship of Ven. Peter Okunromade.

Internal Audit Team for Institutions: Ven. Stephen Ejezie and Ven. Ben. Eghinaho are hereby appointed as our Internal Auditors for our Institutions and Guest Houses.

Education Liaison Officer: We hereby appoint Rev, Canon Nelson Akinwande as the Bishop’s Education Laison Officer to see to the implementation of the approved educational programmes and policy directives given to the DEMB, and to interface with between the School Management and the Board. He will report directly to the Primate.

Diocesan Missions Team: The following are hereby appointed to plan, mobilize and lead our Diocesan Missions enterprise: § Ven. Oliver Ofoegbu = Chairman/Consultant. § Ven. Samuel Emeana = Deputy Chairman. § Rev. Canon Silas; = Member. § Ven. Emmanuel Dozie = Member. § Mr. Frank = Member. § Rev. Canon. Gabriel = Member § Ven. Yemi Fatusi = Member § Rev. Canon Ishaya Baba = Secretary.

3RD SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH SYNOD, will be on Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th May, 2022. It will be hosted by All Saints Anglican Church, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

OUR GRATITUDE: All thanks and praise go to God Almighty who has so done wondrously and graciously done for us what is beyond our comprehension, to God immortal belongs all glory forever. We are indebted to all the Archbishops, Bishops and their wives for your prayers and support. We appreciate the Dignitaries and their wives, the Diocesan Officials and the Diocesan Board for your ever present support and working together. The Clergy and Evangelists, their wives, and Laity of the Diocese of Abuja have been so supportive and encouraging. Your generosity was greatly extended to us and our family. We are indeed very grateful for the great support, gifts, and coming with us for the Thanksgiving service held in St. Peter’s Church Ogberuru, Orlu on 10th January, 2021. May God remember everyone and bless you abundantly.

Let us thank and appreciate all our members who have given generously for the rebuilding work done in the Cathedral Church of Advent, the re-Roofing of St. Matthew’s Church, Maitama, the building of the Vicarage of St. James Church, we commend the members of All Saints Church Wuse, the First Pro-cathedral and Cradle-Church of the Diocese of Abuja for the magnificent edifice that you are building for God. The Lord God will remember all of your labour and reward you. We acknowledge the contributions of all the Archdeaconries in your interventions in the building of the AIA School even the ongoing projects now. We thank Chief Afolabi and his family for investing in building the Multi-purpose Hall for our Anglican International Academy. God will remember you and bless you abundantly.

OUR JOYS: We rejoice with our Clergy and members who have been blessed with new babies, such as Rev. Canon and Mrs. Jacob Ibiatom, Canon and Mrs Oyeniyi and Rev and Mrs Jerry Peter and other members. The newly ordained Priests and Deacons. We rejoice with those who married newly and those whose sons and daughters married such as Dr. Peter Nmadu, Rear Admiral Dakosta ; Ven Majekodunmi, High Chief S. N. Ukachukwu; Col Dr. Akin Moses and other members. All whose sons and daughters graduated such as Ven Obi Onwuzurumba and other members. We rejoice with all those given new promotions and appointments in Government and others in their places of work. We rejoice in the release of those kidnapped in the different parts of this country.

SORROWS: We stand with all who have lost their relations especially during this challenging time. We express our condolences to some of our members that are bereaved such as the family of Dr. T. Ajakpo, Galadiman Lokoja who slept in the Lord; Rear Admiral Adebari who lost his dear mother, Dr. Olalekan Latise, Mr. Ayo Ipinmoye who lost their fathers, Mama Ajoni [Diocesan Registrar] lost her Twin-Sister. The Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba lost his mother and pray for God’s comfort as the burial is done on 28th May 2021 at Ogberuru, Orlu. We stand with all those who are bereaved. May the God of all comfort console you and your families and grant eternal rest to those called to eternal glory.

THE EPILOGUE: There is a marked distinction between living in obedience, following after Jesus Christ and living contrary to God and His Word. Our Baptismal Covenant commits us to walking with God and living in the New Life of Faith and Obedience to God, being helped by the Holy Spirit. “Therefore we were buried with Him through Baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should WALK in newness of life.56” The demand

56 Romans 6:4. of the New life in Christ is such that the old sinful lifestyle should not subsist or have dominion over us57. “This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer Walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God...”58.

To walk with God is to live in the light of His Word, live in righteousness and always seeking to do His will and to please God in all things. The demand to translate faith into action is in the walk with God. Just as Apostle Paul said “I, therefore, the Prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to WALK worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love...”59 Walk with God is a very painstaking exercise. Its focus is on God but it also touches our relationship with every person around us.

When we are planted, rooted and built up in Jesus Christ, His Word and favour, we shall be as tree planted by the Waters. God will give us real life nurtured by the Holy Spirit, he will purify, cleanse and refresh our lives continually. When we continually draw from God, the power of His Word will transform our lives, make us fruitful in all we do. God will secure, guide and bless our lives. Whatever such a person does will prosper. There is beauty in walking with God for God will be our fulfilment.

57 Romans 6:10-12. 58 Ephesians 4:17-18. 59 Ephesians 4:1-2. Thank you for coming and for listening. May God richly bless you and all yours in Christ Jesus.

Your Brother and Friend:

++HENRY, ABUJA.

CONH 834:

When we walk with the Lord, In the light of His Word, What a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and Obey, for there is no other way, To be happy in Jesus, than to Trust and Obey.

APPENDIX DIOCESE OF ABUJA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION) ST. MATTHIAS DAY COLLECTION – 2021 S/N DATE REFERENCE DESCRIPTION AMOUNT 1 22/2/2021 RB7420 CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION, DUBOYI 205,355 2 22/2/2021 RB7421 HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, MPAPE 94,160 3 22/2/2021 RB7422 ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, KATAMPE EXTENSION 13,500 4 22/2/2021 RB7424 CHURCH OF EPIPHANY, GARKI 73,725 5 23/2/2021 RB7425 ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH, MAITAMA 1,009,200 6 23/2/2021 RB7426 ST. LUKE'S CHURCH, KADO 36,470 7 23/2/2021 RB7428 ALL SAINTS CHURCH, ZONE 5 1,247,760 8 23/2/2021 RB7429 CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION, KAFE 66,660 9 24/2/2021 RB7432 CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION, GADUWA 111,445 10 24/2/2021 RB7434 ST. MATTHIAS CHURCH, ZONE 3 44,160 11 24/2/2021 RB7435 NTA CHAPEL OF THE RESURRECTION, GARKI 37,800 12 25/2/2021 RB7437 ST. JAMES CHURCH, KOBI 600 13 25/2/2021 RB7438 ST. SILAS CHURCH, KOBI 10,100 14 25/2/2021 RB7439 CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE ADVENT, GWARIMPA 1,408,830 15 25/2/2021 RB7442 ST. BARNABAS CHURCH, APO 42,650 16 25/2/2021 RB7445 ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, APO 236,300 17 26/2/2021 RB7352 ST. JAMES CHURCH, ASOKORO 1,304,205 18 26/2/2021 RB7353 CHAPEL OF THE RESURRECTION, WUYE 31,350 19 5/3/2021 RB7357 ST. BARNABAS CHURCH, KATAMPE I 58,620 20 9/3/2021 RB7358 ST. MATTHIAS CHURCH, DURUMI II 42,480 21 10/3/2021 RB7360 ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, KABUSA 98,650 22 11/3/2021 RB7361 CHURCH OF THE PENTECOST, MABUSHI 161,535 23 4/3/2021 RB7371 ST. JUDE'S CHURCH, ZONE 3 45,340 24 4/3/2021 RB7374 ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH, GISHIRI 30,205 25 31/3/2021 RB7390 ALL SAINTS CHURCH, KPADUMA 27,000 26 9/4/2021 RB7395 OUR SAVIOUR'S CHURCH, DURUMI 265,105 27 14/4/2021 RBXXX BASILICA OF GRACE, GUDU 1,276,770 28 14/4/2021 RB7302 ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH, GWARIMPA 647,560 TOTAL 8,627,535