I BELIEVE IN CHURCH PLANTING TO OUTLIVE US AS CHRISTIANS…HIS EMINENCE, EKPENYONG AKPANIKA, PhD

By Inemesit Ebu

The Prelate and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Ekpenyong Nyong Akpanika, PhD, recently visited Lagos State to fellowship with the Presbyterians.

L-R: Very Rev. Ikoro Mba Ikoro, Minister-in-Charge, Iju-Ishaga Parish and The Prelate and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Ekpenyong Nyong Akpanika, PhD,

Invited by the Minister-in-Charge and the Kirk Session of the Iju-Ishaga Parish, Lagos State, for the 10th anniversary celebration and to dedicate the Manse and the Church Auditorium, he was accompanied by his dear wife, Elder (Mrs) Akpanika.

His Eminence Akpanika and wife (Centre), flanked by Ministers of Parishes, Congratulations and Outreach

Arriving at the Muritala Mohammed Airport, MMA2, Lagos State earlier, before the date of the event, he was warmly received by the Ministers of God from the Eko Synod, members of the Women’s Guild, Men’s Christian Association, MCA, Christian Girls in Training, CGIT and others.

Speaking in an interview with Great Achievers World magazine, His Eminence, Akpanika clearly stated his stance with God regarding publicity of the Church.

He specifically mentioned to the reporter that he believes in Church planting as a way of expansion and the West had been his serious concern.

The Prelate noted that, “Primarily, I’m here to dedicate the Iju-Ishaga Church which God has helped us to accomplish.”

“Actually, the West is the area of our mission and we are trying to expand the West particularly because it is not a very stronghold of the Presbyterian Church.

“The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria down in the East, the South-South. By the grace of God, we are moving into the West seriously. It is our desire that we will be able to have the Presbyterian presence in almost all the Local Government Areas of Lagos State.”

Expatiating his love for Church Planting further, His Eminence, Ekpenyong Akpanika said apart from the fact that publicity is expensive, he prefers to base his mission on Church Planting which will outlive us. “I, as the Prelate believe that the funds spent on Crusades, especially outdoor crusades can be used in planting Churches which will outlive us”, he added.

The highpoint of his visit was to dedicate the Manse and the Church Auditorium and the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Iju-Ishaga Parish, which he accomplished effectively.

With the Theme, ‘Divine Fulfilment ‘ and the text taken from 2 Cor. 6: 4 – 6, His Eminence Ekpenyong Akpanika preached, elaborately on the importance of, and satisfaction in Church Planting.

It was a great day full of gratitude to God for making the event a success. In his address, the elated Minister-in-Charge of Iju- Ishaga Parish and Clerk of Ikeja Mission Presbytery, Very Rev. Ikoro Mba Ikoro, gave special appreciation to God for His faithfulness. He thanked all who contributed in one way or another, to build the great edifice for Iju-Ishaga Parish, including Mrs. Fidelia M. Nwosu and a host of others.

In his remarks, Rt. Rev.Daniel Odim, the Eko Synod Moderator, was excited to see the wonderful day for a young Church, Iju-Ishaga Parish dedicating such an edifice. He gave God all the glory.

Before going to Iju-Ishaga Parish to perform his assignment that morning the Prelate, being a “Father ” to all, had a fellowship with Ikeja Parish led by the Minister-in-Charge, Very Rev. Kalu Ukpai Kalu.

The history of the Iju-Ishaga Parish is very inspiring. Church Planting in Iju-Ishaga area was a burden borne from the heart of Most Rev. (Prof) Miracle Ajah during his tenure as Moderator of Ikeja Parish.