By Okey IROEGBU
ProtocolsWhat has a beginning would always have an ending. We have gathered here to celebrate a happy ending which did not come without dents of hard work, perseverance and diligence. The roles the Spiritual Leader, Apostle SN Ogbu, who at a point came to the podium to lecture us, Director of Education, Apostle J A Jacobson, the Rector, Staff Pastor Elohor E Eniwore and
the other lecturers played to the realization of this cannot be overemphasized. I therefore use this opportunity to thank all of them. In the beginning it looked like the journey might have started very late for some of us but the consolation came from the bible book of Matthew 20:1-16 where labourers were hired in the morning, some in the afternoon and later others were hired in the evening. At the end, they were all paid equal wages. It therefore came as a revelation to me and many others here that it is “the fulfilment of all righteousness.” In the face of John's reluctance to baptize Jesus (Matt. 3:14), Jesus said, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” If Jesus and John will together do all that God has determined to be right for them why can’t we do the same by answering the call. Answering the call is a duty that must be fulfilled or we could find ourselves like the case of Jonah. Answering the call is the only way to assist in the great harvest (Matthew 9:37, Luke 10:2). It is already instructive to would be men and women of God that “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.” The Gateway Bible College and Seminary with the endorsement of St. Joseph’s Chosen Church of God is asking us today to go as workers to do this marvelous harvest. It is a task that must be done as God in His infinite mercies has decreed this with terms and conditions. One of such terms and conditions is that our Lord Jesus is assuring us to “Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. When you enter a house, first say, “Peace be to this house.” If a man of
peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. (Luke 10:3-7) There are much ignorance in our society today and in law it cannot be an excuse. Many are wallowing in sin simply because nobody has ever talked to them as regards to their ways of life and living. It was on this note also that the words of God in Romans 10:14-15 says “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Today marks the beginning of our duties to go to every available corner that is lacking in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. On behalf of the graduating student of this great commission, the Gateway Bible College and Seminary, I will assure you that this set has been fortified with the Dunamis and spiritual awareness required by every soldier of Christ. The Online class is today a unification of members despite the distance between Nigeria with France and Italy where most of our students are. It created a lot of companionship which kept reminding us of the fact on Psalm 133:1 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” All these did not come without challenges. There were challenges in the area of Network problems as regards Nigerian network providers. Many man hours were lost in the process of getting these fixed. Another area was on the number of courses we were exposed to, compared to the certificate awarded. Honestly most of us worked as if we were pursuing a PhD certificate which to my estimation is worth it. Thank God, the college is today affiliated with Bible Impart University, USA. We will therefore be willing to read further as God provides.My experience during the May 2023 Refresher Course shows that, there is the need to establish regional outreach/satellite centers attached to bigger stations/Churches like Osapa London in Lagos and 28 Ekwuruke Street in Umuahia to carry out such responsibilities for these distance students. Finally on this, there is a great need to upgrade the institute structurally. I therefore beckon on the Spiritual leader to take up the challenge of motivating for the finishing of the permanent site for the college.I would at this point as I round up want to delve into the “mutable and immutable” rules and regulations of the church. A popular proverb says “what is there in a name,” that a Rose flower with any other name apart from Rose will still blossom.” This is true but in the case of the name “St. Joseph’s Chosen Church of God,” this has continued to be a subject of an explanation at every mention of it to a stranger. There are always responses like “is it a Catholic Church or Anglican.” There may not be a need for a change, but a notch also known as (aka) could be introduced like the Gateway Ministries. Others are using it, for an example, not many can remember the real name of “Winners” which is “Living
Faith Church.”If this idea is acceptable, the future generation would enjoy it as it will be a gateway to miracles and salvation. I finally would use this opportunity to beckon on our set to exhibit all the absolute approaches to the expansion of the great harvest which cannot take place without the powers to heal, teach and prophesy.God bless us, in Jesus name, Amen.
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