…as Rector, Nchey-Achukwu Task Women on Exemplary Life
The New Covenant Anglican Church, Oroabali Deanery, Diocese of Niger Delta North has ended her 2023 Women Convention in the Rivers State capital, Port Harcourt.
The three-day programme tagged “Follow Me” took place recently at the church auditorium with the text taken from Mathew 4: 19 which says “And he saith unto them “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men”.
A press release by the organisers which was obtained by Maritime Bits quoted the Rector Venerable Dr. Ebenezer Eleazu saying that the women’s programme was an annual event where women have the privilege to hear God’s word to make them better persons in the church, family, and the society.
He was said to have stated this in his opening remarks while giving the opening devotion at the programme which attracted women from all walks of life.
He observed that this year’s programme was unique because it showcased two sessions, involving mothers and Women Guild. He observed that the unique combination is what made this year’s programme a convention.
Eleazu commended the women for the uniqueness of the theme just as he noted that the church through the programme was targeting discipleship where women will be part of an evangelism crusade to make disciples for Jesus Christ.
Commenting on the challenges of life as Christians and as Nigerians, he urged women to follow Jesus Christ’s footsteps and join the crusade of evangelism to tackle the social ills in the society.
The wife of the Rector, Mrs. Ruth Ebenezer Eleazu who is also the Vice President, of the Mothers’ Union/Women Guild in her remarks applauded the organisers, especially the paper presenter, Dr. (Mrs.) Barbara Ejemeh Nchey-Achukwu.
According to her, Mrs. Nchey-Achukwu’s paper was thought-provocating and inspiring to Christian women. Her take-home message for participants and other women is to follow Jesus who despite economic challenges knows the way. As we follow Christ, we will overcome.
Mrs. Nchey-Achukwu had earlier in a paper titled: “A Christian Woman of Substance”, described a woman of substance as the one that has power, authority, and influence. She added that a woman of substance is not only assertive but also a positive thinker.
Continuing, she said: “A woman is made in such a way that she radiates grace, beauty, honour, love, and power. In fact, God endowed her with so much potential.”
According to her, a woman passes through three stages: The girl child stage, the pubic/teen/lady stage and the womanhood stage. In the womanhood stage, she strives to strike a balance between fulfilling life expectations and obligations to herself, her family and society. A woman has hidden God’s divine potentials which enable her to manage the home front effectively.
Citing scriptures in the Bible, especially Proverb 31:1 to buttress her points, she enjoined women to emulate the Godly characters of prominent women in the holy book. These include Deborah, Mary the mother of Jesus, Rebecca, the wife of Isaac, Hannah and Esther the deliverer.
She maintained that women that are God-fearing contribute to the benefit of their societies even as she reiterated the need for virtuous women to contribute to the well-being of their households, direct and indirect family members for the sake of God.
“To gain the title of virtues woman/woman of substance, we should strive to have a genuine love for ourselves, our husbands, immediate family members, in-laws, and even to our extended families, relatives, and neighbours”, she added.
On her part, the Chairman of the Convention Organizing Committee, Barrister (Mrs.) Anna Michael West said the programme allows women to refresh, renew and revive their souls with the word of God.
She stated that the word of God can have diverse insightful interpretations so that we are not stagnant as Christians. She added that it enables the participants to navigate the challenges of life as women.
Rev. Canon Kenneth Ahamba, Rev Lansbury Edmond, Mrs. Theresa Onu, Mrs. Ifeoma Lasbrey, among others also presented papers at the occasion just as Mrs. Gloria Uzohuo anchored the workshop aspect of the programme.
