Alile ordains ministers at conference

Saint Joseph’s Chosen Church of God, SJCCG, Delta State recently held its 58th biennial conference, which coincided with the church’s 70th anniversary and consecration of new ministers.

The event, which held at the church’s Conference Centre, Sapele-Warri Expressway, with the theme: “A new cycle of growth,” featured a variety of presentations, including lectures on various topics geared towards a healthy church growth.

Seven apostles were upgraded and decorated with red cape garments, while six pastors were also uplifted to the rank of apostles, including two females recognised for their sterling dedication to the service of God and humanity.

The number of female apostles has risen to three, as wife of the Spiritual Leader; Apostle Hayford Alile became the church’s first female apostle in 2015.

The seven apostles upgraded included the church’s General Secretary, Apostle Levi Ogbonna, wife of the Spiritual Leader, Apostle Pat Alile, James Ogbu, S.N. Emofonmwan, Emmanuel Nmalagu, Gideon Irerhievwie, and Abraham Amadi.

The new apostles included James Abache, Friday Inekhomon, Daniel Iwuoha, Godson Emulo, Mrs. Charity Ogbonna and Mrs. Clara Aibangbee.

Thirty-seven pastors were also decorated with staff and 24 new pastors and several other ministers ordained.

Highpoint of the dual celebration was the consecration/ordination of ministers presided over by the Spiritual Leader, and was sealed by the church’s legal adviser and retired judge, Mrs. Caroline Alile, who administered the oath of office on the newly ordained.

The Rector of the church’s Bible College admonished the newly ordained to be steadfast at all times because when God calls a man, He positions him for specific assignment and only the dedicated can excel.

“I want us all to return to the old time church. We have allowed worldly things to influence our conducts in the church and when the unexpected happens we begin to blame others,” he said.

Asked to evaluate the event, the Spiritual Leader, Apostle Harford Alile, who used the occasion to also honour hundreds of eminent Nigerians who have, in one way or the other contributed to the church’s growth in the last 70 years, said he was honoured by the assembly of distinguished Nigerians, political leaders, royal fathers, anointed servants of God and professionals that graced the epoch-making celebration

On the state of the nation, he lamented the premium Nigerians place on life as a people, “as well as what drives our passion and desires. I would like to use this platform to call for a re-examination of our priorities and value system. At this critical stage of our nationhood, our pre-occupation should be centred on propagating principles and practices that make for peace, and strengthens the very fabric of our nationhood.”