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Bishop’s yearly retreat at the centre

By Ernest Onuoha
07 January 2018   |   4:24 am
The Bishop’s yearly retreat under God shall hold from January 8 to 12, 2018 at the Centre. We thank God, the Primate, Most Rev. Nicholas D. Okoh...

Ernest Onuoha

“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray,” (Mark 1:35).
The Bishop’s yearly retreat under God shall hold from January 8 to 12, 2018 at the Centre. We thank God, the Primate, Most Rev. Nicholas D. Okoh and all his brother Bishops will be there for this worthwhile spiritual exercise.

Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ thought it wise once in a while to withdraw to a solitary place to seek the face of the Father. He was aware that what was thrust upon His shoulders was the responsibility of saving humanity for the first Adam failed and He could not afford to fail too. He appreciated the importance of seeking God in a solitary place for humanity to be reconciled and saved. Through prayers, doors of ministry were continually opened to Him.

Therefore, in keeping to the Lord’s tradition, the Church fathers of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) had always sought the face of God at the beginning of each year in order to discharge duties thrust upon their shoulders. The work of a Bishop looks glamorous from outside, but those of them inside know too well that it is not totally a tea party. They are under shepherds and are expected to lead the people of God to pasture to His glory. More so, with the situation in the world, crises, economic downturn and tension, especially in our nation where people are living below poverty line, the Bishops need to have the right words and prayers to calm frayed nerves. Remember, last Christmas was nearly marred by high cost of fuel (petrol) and we recorded senseless killings in Omoku, Rivers State of people returning from cross over service. Nevertheless, God, through His encounter with the Bishops of our Church, will likely bring succour to heal the wounds of those affected in one way or the other, as they meet at this retreat.

According to a release from the Primates office, the theme of this year’s retreat is: “The Episcopate and the Future of the Church of Nigeria.” It will also feature Bible studies, talks, prayer sessions and personal reflections.

Indeed, the Ibru Centre is a serene environment and continues to offer the needed spiritual atmosphere for those who come there to commune with God. I encourage different religious groups and governmental institutions to make out time to visit the Centre and tap from its abundant spiritual blessings. You will never regret you did.

Therefore, we at the Centre sincerely wish the Primate, the Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) safe arrival and fruitful deliberations. It is hoped that their presence and prayers at the Centre will contribute to the healing of our nation and by extension the world. You are sincerely welcome!

Rector, Ibru International Ecumenical Centre,
Agbarha-Otor, Delta State.
www.ibrucentre.org

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