The Nation Newspaper

Category: worship

  • Sultan, Sule to speak at MUSWEN AGM

    Sultan, Sule to speak at MUSWEN AGM

    Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, will deliver the keynote address at the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN).

    The meeting holds on November 16th at the Bola Babalakin Hall, Gbongan, Osun State.  A statement by Chairman of the Organising Committee, Alhaji Murisiku Siyanbade, said Sultan of Sokoto/President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, will be the Special Guest of Honour,  Siyanbade said the theme of the conference is “Nigeria’s Economy: Any hope for the masses?”

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    He said: “All arrangement for the smooth organisation of this year’s General Assembly, which is hosted by the Osun State Chapter of MUSWEN, has been put in place.  MUSWEN is the umbrella body for all Muslims in the Southwest. “The AGM brings together leaders of Muslim associations, communities and other dignitaries.

    Delegates from across the Southwest region will gather on the day to discuss matters affecting the Muslim Ummah of the region.”

  • NASFAT celebrates widows, aged

    NASFAT celebrates widows, aged

    By Sherifdeen Amusa

    The Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), has celebrated   widows and elders  at an event tagged, “NASFAT’s Annual  Women Week” at  Secretariat  Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The event, themed, “Rooted in Faith, Rising with Vision: Muslim Women Transforming the World” sees widows and elders enjoying free glaucoma tests, health talk and food items. 

    Chairperson of the event and a Director in the Lagos State Office of Education and Quality Assurance, Nurat Jolaoso, said the event was significant as it provides an avenue for NASFAT to provide health  and spiritual talks, bond and share gifts  with widows and elders. National Women Affairs Secretary, NASFAT, Ganiyat Babalola, said Islam teaches us to take care of widows and elders, thus, NASFAT, as a society also takes care of social aspect aside the religious aspects of people’s lives.

    She added that the event provides avenue for widows and elders to discuss and rejoice with their peers, which does have effects on their mental health.

    Also speaking at the event, former Chairman of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Dr. Abdulhakeem Abdullateef, said women need to understand their roles in the development of the nation. He said that various vices in the society were caused by people’s inability to understand their life goals.

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    “Most of the things that led to distractions in the society, that led to corruption, mischief, vices, kidnapping, terrorism, all sorts of crimes, is because people do not understand their goals in life, “ he said.

    He said that the only purpose Allah created us for is to worship him, adding that worshipping him means obeying his commandments.

    He said that obeying Allah’s commandments will reduce various societal vices. He added that trials and worship are interconnected. Allah tries us to see whether we will still obey him. “The only objective for which Allah has created us is for us to obey his commandments. So when people say he created us to worship him, the real definition of worship is obeying his commandments, you know, and because of that, he tests us. The test may be by giving you, by refusing to give you, or by withdrawing what he has given you,“ he said.

    He added: “Now, if we all obey Allah, there will be zero level in crime. If we obey Allah, maladministration and corruption will disappear. When people in position of authority now use the power they have to do mischief in society, it means they do not recognise it as a trial. So when people who are poor in the society begin to misbehave on account of poverty, it means they do not recognise poverty as a trial”.

  • 10 oldest Nigerian preachers active in ministry

    10 oldest Nigerian preachers active in ministry

    Nigeria’s Christian landscape shines brightly because of its veteran pastors, whose unwavering commitment to ministry embodies the biblical truth that “no one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the Kingdom.”

    These spiritual giants, who see ministry as a lifelong calling with no retirement, have dedicated decades to spreading the gospel, leading churches, and transforming lives.

    Even in their advanced years, many in their 70s, 80s, and 90s, they remain active, preaching with fervor, overseeing global ministries, and inspiring generations.

    The passing of Uma Ukpai on October 6, 2025, serves as a reminder of this enduring service until the end.

    Below are the ten oldest living Nigerian pastors who continue to labor tirelessly in God’s vineyard as of October 2025, listed in order of age based on verified records on Google. 

    1. Apostle O. N. Godwin, at 96, stands as Nigeria’s oldest active pastor. Born on May 11, 1929, in Isiogbo Nara, Enugu State, he founded Christ Ascension Church Nigeria, one of the country’s earliest indigenous Pentecostal movements. Saved as a child and baptised in 1951, Godwin has spent over seven decades in ministry, still leading services and evangelism efforts in Enugu with remarkable vigor.

    2. Pastor Elijah Oludele Abina, 90, has been a pillar of The Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT) since taking over as General Overseer in 1988. Born on June 16, 1935, he left secular work in 1962 to dedicate himself to ministry, marking over 63 years of service. A founding father of Nigeria’s Pentecostal movement, Abina continues to guide GOFAMINT’s global outreach and remains influential in interdenominational bodies like the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.

    3. At 84, Pastor William Folorunsho Kumuyi, born June 6, 1941, leads Deeper Life Bible Church, which he founded in 1973 as a small Bible study group in Lagos. Now a global holiness movement, his ministry spans over 52 years. Kumuyi, a former mathematics lecturer, remains active in 2025, conducting crusades, Bible studies, and youth conferences worldwide.

    4. Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, 83, born March 2, 1942, has served as General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) since 1981. A former university lecturer, he was ordained in 1977 and has led RCCG for 44 years, growing it into a global network of over 190 countries. In 2025, Adeboye continues to preach at RCCG’s Holy Ghost Congress and various events, supported by his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye.

    5. Archbishop Margaret Benson-Idahosa, 82, born July 29, 1943, is a trailblazer as Africa’s first female Pentecostal Archbishop. Leading the Church of God Mission International (CGMI) since her husband’s passing, she has been in ministry for over 42 years. As Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, she remains active in 2025, leading crusades and mentoring believers globally.

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    6. Bishop Mike Okonkwo, 80, born September 6, 1945, founded The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) in 1981 after his ordination in 1971. With over 54 years in ministry, he continues to lead weekly services, mentor leaders, and inspire through his teachings in 2025, alongside his wife, Dr. Peace Okonkwo.

    7. Evangelist Isaac Omolehin, 74, born February 24, 1951, leads Word Assembly Ministries in Ilorin, Kwara State. For over five decades, his ministry has focused on soul-winning and discipleship. In 2025, Omolehin remained a passionate evangelist, preaching and teaching across Nigeria and beyond.

    8. Pastor Lazarus Muoka, 73, reportedly born in 1952, founded The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement in December 2002 after divine encounters. His years in ministry have made his church a cornerstone of Nigeria’s evangelical revival scene. Muoka continues to lead vibrant services and crusades in 2025, drawing thousands with his fiery preaching.

    9. Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, also 73, born March 17, 1952, established Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) in the UK in September 1992. With roots in Nigeria’s 1970s Christian movement, his over 50 years of service include preaching and global outreach in 2025, alongside his wife, Pastor Yemisi Ashimolowo.

    10. Bishop David Oyedepo, 71, born September 27, 1954, rounds out the list as the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel). Since his divine call in 1981, he has led the ministry for 44 years, overseeing the massive Faith Tabernacle in Ota and global branches. In 2025, Oyedepo remains active, hosting the annual Shiloh gatherings and guiding educational institutions, supported by his wife, Pastor Faith Abiola Oyedepo.

    These pastors, through their enduring service, exemplify a relentless commitment to their divine calling, proving that true ministry knows no retirement.

    Their lives continue to inspire millions, carrying the fire of revival across Nigeria and the world. 

  • Family reaffirms Orimolade as sole founder of C&S church

    Family reaffirms Orimolade as sole founder of C&S church

    •Clarifies parent’s royal lineage

    The family of St. Moses Orimolade-Tunolase in Ikare-Akoko, Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State, has reaffirmed that the renowned prophet singlehandedly founded the Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) Church worldwide, dismissing claims that he co-founded it with anyone.

    Addressing journalists yesterday in Akure, Elder George Tunolase, who spoke on behalf of the family, said the late Orimolade-Tunolase established and registered the C&S Church in 1925 as its sole founder.

    “There is misinformation that the Cherubim and Seraphim organisation worldwide was jointly founded by St. Moses Orimolade-Tunolase and another person. That information is incorrect. The founder and sole founder remains St. Moses Orimolade-Tunolase,” Elder Tunolase stated.

    He recalled that ownership disputes over the church had once been subjected to legal proceedings, which were resolved in favour of the late prophet.

    “There is a Supreme Court judgment on the matter of who owns the church. The apex court held that the founder of the Cherubim and Seraphim organisation worldwide is St. Moses Orimolade-Tunolase. We still have a copy of the judgment with us,” he added.

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    Tunolase also explained that the late prophet hailed from a royal lineage, being a descendant of the Owa-Ale royal family of Ikare-Akoko through his father. 

    He clarified that contrary to public belief, it was Orimolade’s father-not his mother – who was from the Owa-Ale royal family.

    “It’s not correct that the mother of late St. Moses Orimolade-Tunolase was from the Owa-Ale royal family of Ikare. His father was a prince of Owa-Ale of Ikare, which means the Tunolase family is part of the Owa-Ale royal lineage. 

    “The mother of St. Moses was from the Eleho family in Shakume Quarters, Ikare-Akoko,” he said.

    He, however, noted that the unity of the C&S Church worldwide remains unshaken, adding that members and branches across the globe recently marked the church’s centenary in one accord.

  • Church installs new district chairman

    Church installs new district chairman

    By Sisianu Melewakou

    The Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Ewutuntun District, has officially installed Special Apostle Prophet Gabriel Aiyenugba as its new District Chairman, following the demise of the former leader.

    Speaking at the installation ceremony, the new chairman described the role as both an honor and a great responsibility.

    “I feel challenged because this is not just a position, it is a kingdom burden. My vision is to strengthen unity, deepen our identity as a church, and move the C&S forward in holiness, prayer, and evangelism,” he said.

    He emphasized the need to overcome divisions within the church and called on members, especially the youth, to embrace their identity with pride.

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    “C&S has a great heritage, and we must unite to show the world that we are a strong Christian family. If we stand together, no other church can match our strength,” he added.

    Senior District Secretary, Barista Olabode Akinsanya, noted that the installation signified continuity and divine order.

    “This is not just ceremonial but a reaffirmation of God’s grace in raising leaders for His work. 

    Prophet Aiyenugba’s humility, dedication, and years of service make him the right vessel for this assignment,” he said.

    Chairman of the Installation Committee, Special Apostle Pastor, Micheal Obamo, described the installation as both a “sacred continuity and a prophetic renewal.”

  • Oyedepo urges youths to embrace discipline, integrity, godliness

    Oyedepo urges youths to embrace discipline, integrity, godliness

    •1646 students graduate from Covenant University

    The Chancellor of Covenant University, Dr. David O. Oyedepo, has charged Nigerian youths to take responsibility for their destinies through discipline, godly living, integrity, and capacity building.

    He gave the charge yesterday at the 20th Convocation Ceremony of the 2025 Graduating Class, tagged ‘The 20th Release of Eagles,’ held at the university chapel in Ota, Ogun State.

    A total of 1,646 students graduated, including 1,413 undergraduates and 233 postgraduates across various disciplines. Of these, 357 bagged First Class honours, 841 Second Class Upper, 410 Second Class Lower, and 38 Third Class. At the postgraduate level, the university awarded 45 PhDs, 148 MSc, 18 MEng, 3 MA, and 19 MBA degrees.

    Miss Duru Chidera Emmanuella from the Department of Computer Engineering emerged as the Best Graduating Student with a 4.97 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), while Sanmi Rilwan Oluwademilade, a graduate of Industrial Mathematics, also distinguished himself with a 4.99 CGPA in an earlier academic session.

    The event attracted prominent dignitaries, including university chancellors, diplomats, government representatives, traditional rulers, and parents of the graduating students.

    In his convocation address titled ‘Golden Rules for a Life of Meaning and Relevance,’ Dr. Oyedepo emphasized the power of personal choices and godly discipline in shaping a successful destiny.

    He said “Not making a choice is a choice. If you fail, it’s your fault, and if you succeed, it’s your fault. You may first appear mad before you emerge as a celebrity like Paul in Acts 26:24. You may be branded a fanatic like Joseph, or seem unreasonable like Isaac, but in the end, sacrifice and integrity always produce stars.”

    Oyedepo listed six key life principles for graduates,  a choice to go the extra mile, pursue God as a lifestyle, build faith, uphold integrity, develop capacity, and embrace discipline.

    “There is no star without a scar, and the scar of every star is sacrifice, integrity defines value; nothing devalues a man like lack of character. Capacity must be cultivated, it cannot be imparted,” he declared.

    He explained that Covenant University’s success rests on helping students build solid spiritual and moral foundations through its signature programmes. The Total Man Concept (TMC), Entrepreneurial Development Studies (EDS), Towards a Total Graduate (TTG), and Diploma in Leadership Development (DLD).

    “The life span of every building depends on its foundation,” he said. “At Covenant, we are helping students build lives anchored on character, positive attitude, and discipline. Only positive thinkers become great builders.”

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    Reaffirming the institution’s vision, Oyedepo said the university is committed to raising a new generation of African leaders through education rooted in godliness, knowledge, and integrity.

    In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Timothy Anake, described education as “the passport to the future,” quoting Malcolm X.

    “Our mission has never been to merely confer degrees,” he said. “It is to produce graduates who are intellectually capable, spiritually grounded, ethically sound, and socially relevant.”

    In her goodwill message, the Chairperson of the Student Council, Miss Chidera Emmanuella Duru, representing the graduating class, thanked parents, staff, and colleagues for their support and resilience through challenging academic years.

    “We have endured online semesters, post-pandemic restructuring, Wi-Fi droughts, and countless late nights,” she said. “But through it all, we learned perseverance, faith, and excellence. We are not just graduates — we are solutions.”

  • Adeboye urges Nigerians to elevate God for progress, as Sanwo-olu reiterates commitment to serve

    Adeboye urges Nigerians to elevate God for progress, as Sanwo-olu reiterates commitment to serve

    The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has urged Nigerians who desire to be elevated beyond limits to recognise the sovereignty of God as the ‘King of Kings,’ whose power cannot be fathomed.

    He gave the admonition yesterday, during the monthly thanksgiving service with the theme: ‘King of kings,’ which was attended by the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his wife, Ibijoke and members of his cabinet at the RCCG headquarters, The Throne of Grace, Ebute-Metta, Lagos.

    At the service, he prayed for government executives, legislators, politicians, electoral institutions, elder statesmen and the people of Nigeria, among others.

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    Adeboye, who gave thanks for Nigeria on the celebration of its 65th anniversary of Independence, described Nigerians as  ‘wonderful’ for weathering the storm, but counselled that honouring God as an exceptional King will usher the nation into a new dispensation of every Nigerian’s dream.

     “When God elevates a person, no obstacle or opposition can stand in the way of that elevation.

     “If human beings are the ones lifting you up, sooner or later their hands will grow heavy, and they will bring you down. But when God is the one promoting you, there is no limit to your promotion because His hands are everlasting,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu at the service appreciated the privilege of himself and his wife, including members of his cabinet being at the service, which he said he didn’t take for granted.

    “I want to assure you that this government is a committed one that would do a lot more than what it has done in the past. It is our desire to see positive changes in the lives of our people, and I want to assure you that as long as I have breath, I will continue to serve and serve well,” he said.

  • Thousands benefit from MFM Bayelsa free medical outreach, surgeries, free glasses

    Thousands benefit from MFM Bayelsa free medical outreach, surgeries, free glasses

    Thousands of residents received free medical care, including fibroid, hernia and eye surgeries at the Mountain Of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Bayelsa Mega Axis, with the headquarter at Okaka, Yenagoa during an outreach. 

    The free medical outreach backed up with healing prayers was aimed at giving hope to the medically challenged. 

    The health programme  included general consultations and laboratory tests, surgical interventions in gynecological cases, obstetrics and ophthalmic, among others.

    There was also general health education and counselling especially for communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS. Those with serious ailments that cannot be treated at the field offices were referred to tertiary health institutions for more comprehensive care.

    At the week-long medical mission, the sick and infirm from several communities in Bayelsa state and  beyond, came out in search of healing.

    The church MFM  Okaka, and designated Health facilities  for the medical outreach  and surgeries  was swarming with activities as the sick and their caring relatives thronged the place for medical attention from the visiting medical team.

    The crowd of the old and the young was attended to by medical team put together by the church’s  medical professionals. 

    According to the Mega Regional Overseer (MRO), MFM Bayelsa Mega Regional Headquarter, Pastor  Emmanuel Akinola, the free medical services fully  sponsored  by  the church ensured that individuals/residents accessed quality healthcare. 

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    He emphasised that those  unable to afford medical care received the necessary attention, diagnosis, and treatment as well as surgeries and free recommended glasses.

    He added the gestures were part of the Explosive Evangelism Initiative (EEI) of the church to capture more souls for Christ there by depopulating the kingdom of darkness. 

    Akinola, said  gesture was in line with the vision of the General Overseer, MFM Worldwide, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, which was to touch lives beyond denomination and religious biases as well as to capture souls for Christ, added that the medical outreach along with other humanitarian programmes are part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the church. 

    He thanked Olukoya and wife for their utmost passion to ensure  that  souls are  won for Christ,  souls are delivered from the jaws of darkness,  lives are transformed  positively,  while  needs of the people are  also met  physically.

    The MRO  said Olukoya has given a marching order to the churches across the world to ensure that lives are touched physically through different corporate social responsibility programmes apart from the Biblical teachings and Deliverance prayers the church believes in.

    Akinola informed the MFM  Bayelsa Mega Axis has been involved in several CSR such as food evangelism,  foodmart,  scholarship to indigents but brilliant and different skills acquisition. 

    He said the church has empowered and  engaged  youths in taking them off the streets while teenagers have been empowered capturing them for Christ. 

    The medical outreach, according  to Akinola, targeted the vulnerable members of the community, the state at large  particularly women,  children, men and youths  as well as the aged who cannot afford the cost of medical attention.

    Beneficiaries, thanked God as well as the church for bringing health care services closer to the people at no cost it .

    Some stated that if not for  the free medical outreach carried out in they would not bother testing for malaria or typhoid but would rather self diagnose and treat malaria and typhoid themselves.

  • Cleric disburses ₦15m to young entrepreneurs in memory of late wife

    Cleric disburses ₦15m to young entrepreneurs in memory of late wife

    Apostle Lawrence Achudume of Victory Life Bible Church International has counselled youths to embrace entrepreneurship in the light of current economic realities in the country.

    Speaking at the close of the church’s annual youth outreach initiative tagged  ‘Youth On Fire program’ where he doled out N15 million to aspiring entrepreneurs , the cleric noted that white-collar jobs are no longer a feasible option, adding that traditional employment routes aren’t yielding the  needed results  for young people.

    The beneficiaries  of the ₦15 million empowerment funds include  young entrepreneurs across multiple sectors, including catering, logistics, tailoring, fashion designing and shoe-making.

    “The beneficiaries were segmented into three distinct categories,” Achudume told journalists at the Sunday’s ceremony. “The first group received fully sponsored training in cutting-edge areas like graphic design.

    “The second category was provided financial support along with brand-new equipment such as sewing machines while the  third group received financial grants ranging from ₦300,000 to ₦3 million to bolster their entrepreneurial endeavours.”

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    Achudume explained further  that the empowerment initiative  in memory of his wife, Revd. Fola Achudume (RFA), was to foster self-reliance among young people which was well championed by.

     “Youths must seize the initiative to build their own future,” he said. “We can’t rely on white-collar jobs that are increasingly scarce – we must foster prosperity through entrepreneurship.”

    He reiterated RFA’s  commitment  to youth empowerment, adding it’s a surefooted approach to rejig the economy.  

    “Entrepreneurship is a powerful pathway out of poverty,” he emphasized. ” This empowerment initiative is all  about arming our youths with the tools they need to stand on their own and create opportunities – not just for themselves but for others as well.”

    Echoing Achudume’s sentiments, the Founder and CEO of Pomegranate Nigeria Limited, Mr Wole Elusakin, who collaborated with Professor Eniola Fabusoro and Dr Toyin Banjo on beneficiary selection, posited that “Youths represent tomorrow’s trajectory – they need an ecosystem that enables them to excel,” he remarked. “This is an investment in Nigeria’s future.”

  • Bishop urges women to be “combatant” in faith, life

    Bishop urges women to be “combatant” in faith, life

    Women of faith have been charged to rise with courage, vigilance, and spiritual strength as “Combatant Women” in today’s world. 

    This bold declaration was made by the guest speaker Bishop Dr. Blossom Innocent, a prominent Pentecostal cleric, during a three-day empowerment programme organized by the World Harvest Women Fellowship International.

    Themed “The Combatant Woman,” the conference brought together Christian women from across the country for a time of worship, reflection, and renewed purpose. 

    Bishop Blossom’s message resonated deeply, delivering a call to arms for women to take their rightful place in life and in faith.

    Citing Genesis 3:15 “thou shalt bruise the heel of the serpent, Bishop Blossom explained that the “combatant woman” is not a symbol of weakness, but of divine strength, wisdom, and purpose.

    “She is not a minus. She is the answer,”

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    The bishop dismissed outdated perceptions that confine women to domestic roles, insisting that Christian women must now embrace their identity as warriors, spiritually alert and emotionally grounded.

    “Every woman must awaken and take her position. You must be wise enough to bruise the serpent’s heel with boldness and strategy.”

    Addressing the gathering, Bishop Blossom urged women to resist complacency and spiritual ignorance, which she described as tools of the enemy. She emphasized that life is a battlefield and women must be equipped both spiritually and mentally to prevail.

    “There is an enemy,” she warned. “One day the serpent will raise its head whether in your marriage, your career, your health, or your children. But when it does, you must not run. You must rise.”

    She encouraged women to embrace “spiritual intelligence” knowing when to speak, when to remain silent, and how to apply wisdom in all things. 

    The combatant woman, she added, is one who fights her battles in the place of prayer, standing firm in the face of adversity.

    Quoting Proverbs 18:10, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe”, she underscored the need for unwavering trust in God and spiritual discipline.

    Bishop Blossom also called for what she described as a “level of spiritual madness”, a holy aggression that pushes women out of their comfort zones into bold action.

    “You cannot remain silent. You cannot afford to be passive. A combatant woman doesn’t give up; she prays, she pushes, and she prevails.”

    According to her, the true measure of a combatant woman lies in spiritual maturity: growth in faith, wisdom, character, and courage. 

    She concluded by listing the essential traits of such a woman; discernment, discipline, resilience, and the boldness to confront life’s challenges head-on.

    “The time has come,” she declared, “for women to stand as warriors in prayer, in purpose, and in power.”

    The highlight of the Sunday service was the presentation of playlets and choir ministration, among others, with Bishop Dr. Kate Kawas of World Harvest Ministries and Proprietress of Lekced International School urging women to see the moment as a sober reflection to serve God.