Ordained Ministry Not Bed Of Roses, Bishop Cautions New Priests

Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of  Egbu, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey  Okorafor has cautioned that the ordained Ministry was not a bed of roses and urged newly ordained Priests to be diligent in prayers for God’s auction to function optimally. He challenged the new ministers to conduct themselves and their families in accordance with the precepts of Christ.

Bishop Okorafor who gave the charge while conducting the advent Priestly ordination at the Cathedral Church of All Saints, Egbu in Owerri North LGA,Imo State  also urged them to ensure being ministers capable of delivering undiluted the gospel message. Bishop Okorafor further enjoined them to seek such things that may make them stronger and more able Minister of Jesus Christ in this ministry of making disciples for Christ. He urged the newly ordained Priests, namely Revs Samuel Diala, Chimobi Ugorji,Chidiebere Chukwuma,David Anusiem, Clifford Eleazu and Moore Emereonye to also be diligent in the reading and study of the Holy Scriptures.

In the sermon preached at the service earlier the retreatant, Ven Nathan Amaechi noted that the times were rebellious so much that it has become necessary to seek who would go to salvage the situation. Ven Amaechi who is the Archdeacon of Awaka Archdeacon further observed that the quest to find people to change the status was still relevant today with the level of corruption and the pursuit of mundane things. He regretted that in the midst of many, including those in the ordained ministry, God, he said, was still looking for one to send yet could not find one. He said there was the need for bold, couragous and inspiring people to speak out against the atrocities being perpetuated against the masses in the name of governance in the land.

To the newly ordained he said God was capable of using them to turn around not only the Diocese of Egbu but the entire nation. He explained that God was sending them out as sheep in the midst of wolves, and enjoined them to always stand for the truth no matter whose ox was gore, while also being focused, and not allowing any distraction in their ministry. Ven Amaechi assured them that once they faced spiritual things, every other thing would be added to them and their ministry would turn out successful.

Present at the service were the pioneer Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev Prof Emmanuel Iheagwam and the wife, Mrs. Ada Iheagwam, the Chancellor of the Diocese Hon Justice B.A. Njemanze, his wife Dr. Mrs. Joy Njamsnze, the Registrar, Barr. Ifeanyi Eke, and other legal secretaries including Chief Magistrate Maureen Onyewuotu, the clergy both serving and retired and the Knights and their Ladies.