By Emma Sunday
The Assistant Superintendent (ADS) of Ikwerre West District, of Assemblies of God (AG) Church in Rivers State, Rev. Ugochukwu Umezurike, on Sunday, April 14, 2024 broke down in tears as he appreciated God for the lives of Pastors from Rundele Community serving at different areas under the church.
The Ikwerre West District ADS, was speaking during a special thanksgiving service organised by the Senior Pastor of Assemblies of God, Mgbuosumini, Rumueme 2 Section in Ikwerre South District, Port Harcourt, Rev. Dr. Young Nwonodi, to celebrate his Doctorate Degree Graduation and ordination as a ‘Reverend Minister’ in Assemblies of God, Nigeria, at AG Church 1, Rundele Sectional Headquarters in Rundele Community, Emohua L.G.A.
Umezurike, who is the highest ranking minister from Rundele extraction in Assemblies of God, Nigeria said, he is overwhelmed seeing Rundele sons and daughters, with so much zeal and dedication, worshipping God under the church (AG), especially, the pastors. It was at this moment, he broke down in tears.
He used the medium to encourage all Christians in Rundele to hold on to their faith in God, seek Him the more, keep waxing strong in His services never compromise their faith nor be discouraged by anyone.
He said, “As I walked in here, seeing the joy in the house, and seeing Rev. Dr. Young Nwonodi, I couldn’t control my tears.
“I thank God for Rev. Dr. Young Nwonodi, I thank God for Rev. Dr. Donatus Nweneka, Rev. Stephen Ajuru, Pst. Beatrice, Pastor Ugochukwu Okparaorlu, Emmanuel Orlu, Pastor Nnamdi Umezurike and other pastors in AG from Rundele for accepting to serve God. I also thank God for all Christians in Rundele, especially Assemblies of God members who have suffered so much persecutions because of their faith and decision to worship Him.
“God is lifting Rundele. Rundele must be liberated from idolatry. Time will come when God will start arresting other leaders in land, even the sons of native doctors for Himself”.
The Cleric congratulated Rev. Nwonodi for his achievements in the ministry and commended him for coming back to appreciate God for his life. He used the medium to charge Nigerians, especially Christians to inculcate the habit of thanksgiving and always recognise God as the source of their life, health and successes, and give Him deserving thanks.
Speaking, the celebrant, Rev. Dr. Young Nwonodi, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to God for his faithfulness in his life and family.
Rev. Nwonodi who is also the Men’s Coordinator of the Ikwerre South District of Assemblies of God in the state, specially thanked God for his academic achievements and his successes in the ministry as a minister of the gospel.
He said, “My life was zigzag because I thought it was by my power to rise to the top, that was why I traveled oversees. I arrived first at Holland and later moved to Canada. There in Canada, my inner man persuaded me to come back to Nigeria and take my wife along with me back to Canada.
“But when I came back to Nigeria to take my wife along with me to Canada, I was greeted with so many financial needs and challenges here at home, and after solving some of these challenges, I was duped of my entire savings and I couldn’t return to Canada. I tried using human connections and my power to do it but nothing worked out. I was mocked, and my father was worried. Some asked me to travel to Lagos to stay away from the shame. I never knew God was after services.
“One Mr. Stephen Ajuru came to preach to me to repent, but I told him that there was no God, that idol was better of because we see the shrine and its fearful. Anyone who disobeys the rules dies, and on the other hand, there is nothing fearful in the house of God, if you disobeys Him, he forgives you, but I was entirely wrong about my thinking then.
“Years after, realized the real truth after I encountered God in my room where Christ came to me in His own way and told me that if I follow Him, He will turn my life around.
“When I told my wife my encounter with Christ, she encouraged and stood by me, so I repented and after some years, I went to Bible School. Today, God has kept to His promises and has been faithful to me and my family. He has indeed turned my life around as He promised.
“Negative histories that have stood long in my family and limitations have been broken by God’s grace. My father was openly mocked for not being able to complete his Education but today am not just celebrating my PhD, am fulfilled in the Lord as an ordained minister with Assemblies of God, Nigeria. Yokes have been broken in my entire family because we have seen the light of God.
“And today, my family and I, we are returning all thanks to God for changing our story and for all He has done for me and the family. May His name be praised.”
Our Correspondent reports that wife of the celebrant, Mrs. Nkechinyere Young Nwonodi and the entire members of Assemblies of God in Rundele led by Rev. Dr. Godwin Woke, including friends and well-wishers that graced the occasion, rejoiced overwhelmingly during the special thanksgiving service which coincided with the sectional fellowship meeting/communion service.
