‘Peace be still’ Horeb convention, diocese of Uyo ends with jubilation

According to Exodus 3:1, Horeb is the first and only mountain named after God Himself, “The Mountain of God.” It is a place where God revealed His presence to, and called Moses to be the great deliverer of God’s people, Israelites. It is a place of encounter and positive turnaround. The life of Moses was impacted, influenced and empowered to do uncommon transformation in the lives and history of the Israelites.

This convention, HOREB 2018, PEACE BE STILL provided a platform for people to experience the power of God in their lives like never before.It was a phenomenal experience for both Methodists and non-Methodists during the convention. The guest preachers encouraged the people to remain steadfast and committed to their faith in Christ Jesus. The people showed keen interest in listening to the teachings and ministrations. The convention took a new turn, when the people were brought to the knowledge of “The Power of A Vow,” with emphasis on the fact that vows are unbreakable commitments and its supernatural power. Both old and young Nigerians have made and are still making vows daily, especially with reference to the Nigerian Pledge.

“I pledge to Nigeria my country,
To be faithful, loyal and honest,
To serve Nigeria with all my strength
To defend her unity
And uphold her honour and glory
So help me God.”

This is said in schools and at other functions. Yet, we flout or break all with great impunity and without remorse of any kind. Our current leadership al all levels has no regard for this. Otherwise, why the unconscionable looting of our treasury, tribalism, nepotism and insurgency, among others? If we indeed uphold the pledge and the oath of offices we take, then things will be better for this country and its citizens. The un-kept vows have sealed up our heaven. Therefore, we need to repent from doing such, even with the vows couples make during marriage services before the altar of the Lord and with the TRIUNE God as major witness, “Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion and the wife of thy covenant” (Malachi 2:14).

Man can dishonour his vows, but God holds vows highly. According to Ecclesiastes 5:4,5 “When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; so fulfil your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfil it.” According to 2 Samuel 9, in fulfilment of his vow to Jonathan, David sent for Mephibosheth the only remnant of Jonathan’s family, his oath brother and friend. David showed kindness to him and restored to Mephibosheth all that belonged to Saul, “Then King David sent and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel from Lodebar. When Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said unto him, Mephibosheth, fear not; for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father, and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.” (2 Sam. 9:5-8) David on ascendency of the throne made haste to fulfil the vow he made with Jonathan his friend and God blessed his throne and reign.

Nigeria needs men like David who came to the throne with judgment, and justice with the fear of God, and there was peace; “And David reigned over all Israel, and David executed judgment and justice into all his people” (2 Sam. 8:15).

In life, governance, business, etc., a man of excuses is a man of failure according to Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai and it is only God that can decide your future, though you may work hard for it. However, there is the need for one to listen to God’s directives to succeed. Isaac obeyed God, and in obedience to God sowed and dwelt in the land and according to Gen. 26, God prospered him in that land, Gerar.

The Convention featured special musical renditions by various Choir groups, Convention Choir, the Convention theme Anthem composed by Bro. Akanimo Asuquo, the Convention hymn “Master the tempest is raging” led by Bro. Precious, a staff of the Department of Music, University of Port Harcourt. Also, prayers were said for the peace of the state, nation, homes and various areas. It was a life-changing experience and programme that opened the eyes of many to realise their hindrances in life and how to overcome them. The experience reignited our hearts to go further with the love and Gospel of Jesus Christ to save the world from destruction and entanglement of the enemy, hence, a new committee for 2019 HOREB CONVENTION was inaugurated.

The HOREB Convention ended with special thanksgiving Eucharistic Service, and anointing to prepare people for end-of-year encounters. To God be the glory for the great things, success, souls won, curses broken and many more things that happened at the Convention. His Grace The Most Revd. Chimezuo O. N. Nwankpa, Archbishop of Uyo Archdiocese, Methodist Church Nigeria.