The former Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Benue chapter, Rev. Dr. Akpen Leva and resident pastor of NKST (Universal Reformed Christian Church, Makurdi has commended the the resident pastor of NKST, Ugba, Rev. Aaron Sekegh Gbagu for his commitment to building an ultra-modern Church and pastoral residence.
Reverend Gbagu also received a meritorious service award and financial support from Reverend Dr Akpen Leva in collaboration with some elders of NKST, Iortyer in support of the projects.
Rev. Leva who is also the Synod Executive Committee member 1, while honouring his Ugba counterpart at the NKST, Ugba Church auditorium, equally sued for a lasting mutual relationship between the two Churches that would continue to benefit both.
“From today onwards, we have established a deep affinity with you. What this means is, Iortyer and Ugba will continue to have a cordial working relationship. We will continue to coexist peacefully together as members of one family. So, members of this Church should have in their minds that Iortyer is their second home and vice versa.
“I’m particularly glad as you could copy the design of both our Church and pastoral residence to come and build it even bigger and better than we did. This accomplishment obviously confirms what our people said, ‘resemblance oftentimes looks more remarkable than original’.
“I have been plying this route and this project really caught my attention. That is why we are here today to support and encourage you. Let us continue to work together to achieving both the spiritual and physical needs of the Church”, he stressed.
The former CAN Chairman, who was also the guest preacher, in his sermon further emphasized on unity and hard work. Taking his Bible reading from the book of Proverbs 6:6-8 with the theme “Unity among Christians is key to achieving both spiritual and material development,” the cleric admonished the congregation to learn from the unity of ants in the Bible passage. “The little creatures who have no overseer yet work diligently together to actualize their aims and objectives.
“The Bible is reminding us today that there is power in unity. We have different talents and capabilities that, once we unite and bring them together, we will be able to achieve marvellous things and experience growth in all aspects of our lives to the glory of the Lord”.
Responding, the resident pastor of NKST Ugba, Rev. Aaron Sekegh Gbagu who also the Chairman of the Ugba-classis thanked God and everyone present at the event, saying “I’m humbled by the honour done me and no words can match my gratitude. I don’t know where to begin from but I’m saying in all sincerity that this is one of my happiest moments in life.
“The gesture is first of its kind and just like Jesus told Peter in Matthew. 16:13-17, that, his revelation of Him Jesus being Christ, the son of the living God is not by flesh and blood but understanding given to him by His Father who is in heaven. Rev. Dr. Akpen Leva’s wisdom and insight to give me this recognition and support today was inspired by the holy spirit.
“For you to have the heart to amplify the antecedents of your junior colleague in the magnitude you have done, I can only pray earnestly that may all your all desires be granted Sir. I hereby dedicate all the honour I have received here today to the elders and the entire members of Ugba consistory”
In their separate remarks, Chairman, Logo Local Government, Hon. Clement Kav; HRH. Mue Ter Ichongo, Chief Terngu Iorhuna; Tyoor Mbayam, HRH. Chief Orlu Mbakor; Director, Ugba market committee, Sir Oryina Akume; former Chairman, Logo Local Government, Hon. Terseer Agber mong many others, all commended the kindness and benevolence of the former Benue CAN Chairman, confessing to have witnessed such for the first time even as they gave their individual support for the project.
Highlights of the occasion were the colourful decorations of Rev. Aaron Gbagu and wife, Atese Winifred Doosekeghen Gbagu in traditional clothing as a mark of honour.
It was indeed, a day that would be remembered for a long time.
