Ndukuba inaugurates relief committee with admonition to be selfless, fear God

The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Revd. Henry C. Ndukuba has implored Christians to always be ready to render themselves and their resources for the welfare of others. He said ministering to the needs of God’s people, especially the indigents and those in trouble had been the responsibility of the church’s ministry.

The Primate, who was speaking at the inauguration of an 18-man National Committee for Relief for the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), noted that Jesus not only ministered to the people’s spiritual needs but also cared for their health and material needs, including feeding them at different occasions.

The Archbishop stated that the earliest Church, consequent upon the coming of the Holy Spirit, had their hearts opened, such that they so gave freely that it was recorded that there was not anyone among them that lacked.

While tracing the church’s history, Ndukuba highlighted that caring ministry has been an essential part of the Great Commission and that, in challenging times, the church was able to survive and outlive her persecutors because of its cooperation and willingness to work together and bear one another’s a burden.

By the vision statement of the Church of Nigeria, the Primate believes it shall not only be spiritually dynamic but also be a caring church. He, therefore, charged the new committee members coordinating the Church’s work of charity to help the church respond to people’s needs.

The Committee is to coordinate and mobilise the national church, not only to pray but also to do the work of the charity and show love to one another. They are to work with the dioceses and help the church reach the vulnerable.

While exhorting the committee to do its best to avoid God’s judgment, the Primate quoted Matthew 25:34-45, where the Lord separated the sheep from the goats, based on good works.

He described the inauguration as necessary, as it puts the Church in the right pedestal of holistic Christianity.

He said: “Let it be a way to open the door, so that commitment to the Lord will be sincere and our commitment to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ will be so total, not only among the clergy and the bishops but also among the laity.”

The Relief Committee, which was inaugurated on April 20, 2020, was constituted from all provinces of the Church of Nigeria, with Dr. Peter S. Nmadu, as the Chairman.

Other members are: Ven. Ifeanyi Umeh (Niger Province); Ven. Kehinde Akinmade (Kwara); Bar. Gbadebo Soetan (Lagos); Mrs. Patricia Bagudu (Abuja); Bar. Betty Umegbulem; Ven Dr. Samuel Osungbeju (Ibadan); Ven. Ramdi R. Wonole (Kaduna); Dr. Obinna Nwachukwu (Abuja); Rev. Bar. Collins S. Egwuagu (Aba); Ven. Joseph Bamidele (Lokoja); Ven. Lucky Owhonda (Niger Delta); Ven. Dr. Chinonyerem Stanley O. Ukachukwu (Owerri); Ven. Isaiah Ogue (Bendel); Ven. J. C. Agbo (Enugu); Ven. Mark Mukan (Jos); Bar. Dr Kayode Ajulo (Ondo) and Dr. Okey Okeke.