Saint John The Evangelist Anglican Church, Akowonjo rolls out its drums as it celebrates the 21st anniversary of the church even as it wraps up the 2022 harvest season with the marking of it’s adult harvest today.
During a Media chat at the Church’s office, the presiding Vicar of the church, Reverend Abiodun Okunnuga said to mark the epoch event, that the church organized many events last week which culminated to the final twin celebrations.
“There was a four days power packed crusade within the church premises from Wednesday last week to yesterday, the 12th. The crusade with theme ‘Our God is More than Enough’ started by 6pm and ended about 8pm. Different anointed men of God like the popular Evangelist, Chuks Abraham, and fast rising gospel artist, Tope Sas were in attendance”, explained the visibly excited Reverend Okunnuga.
“On the 12th, which was designated as Couples Day, an interactive workshop was held where experts in marital issues dissected various marital challenges. Couples spoke openly while some anonymously sent their questions to the Chairman of the event” said the Vicar.
On what the 21st Patronal anniversary means to the Vicar, he recalled with gratitude to God the vision and labours of the founding fathers and past Vicars, particularly the visionary leadership of the pioneering bishop of the Diocese, The Late Rt. Revd. Dr. P. A. Adebiyi whose commitment to church expansion and evangelism saw to the birth and nurturing of the church. He further praised God for the sustenance and growth of the church under the energetic and passionate leadership of the incumbent Bishop, The Rt. Revd. Dr. & Dr. Mrs. Olusola Odedeji. He called on members to be more committed to the Christian faith and life while making soul-winning a lifestyle – be an evangelist.
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Talking about how the church was able to survive during the months of COVID-19, he noted that the pandemic disrupted economies, social life, international relations, academic programmes while not sparing the church and religious communities. However, the church employed the media space for online services, supported members with palliatives.
On whether the church has returned to normal since after the pandemic, he explained that the church has gradually adapted to the ‘New Normal’ and is embracing the new realities of the present times.
Responding to questions on the challenges facing the church, like the issue of gay marriage, Reverend Okunnuga explained that same-sex marriage is not at all a Christian marriage because it negates the biblical meaning and purpose of marriage. Though in some parts of the world where strong advocacy to legalise gay marriage is being agitated, the church now operates under two umbrellas – the conservative group and the liberals. The Church of Nigeria is unwavering on her position that same-sex marriage is unnatural, unbiblical, unreasonable, unethical, ungodly and unAfrican.