Bringing God’s Presence To Rundele Community

Can anything good
come out of Rundele? This was the question on the minds  of the people last weekend as they turned out in their numbers to welcome members of the Anglican Communion from Ikwerre land and beyond to the community.
The occasion was the third synod of the Diocese of Ikwerre Anglican Communion which held at the St John’s Anglican Church, Ndele.
It would be noted that Rundele, which is made up of Mgbuola, Agba-Ndele and Omofo is one of the densely populated communities in Emohua Local Government Area with strong presence of the Anglican Church.
Tradition  had it that, Christianity had its advent in the community as far back as 1906 through a woman evangelist, Erinwo Wojiawhu from Uvuawhu.
Accordingly, the first convert was one Joshua Wachukwu Wahiaezi, from Njoku family in Mgbuola who founded the United Native African Church which later metamorphosed into the St John’s Church, Ndele.
Activities for the synod actually commenced on Monday, the 21st of April, 2014, with the dedication of a 200 capacity children cathedral by the wife of the Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi donated to the church by a knight of the Diocese, Sir, Hon. Lucky Ugochukwu Worlu.
This was later followed by the arrival and registration of delegates on Thursday and Friday respectively as well as visitation to some places of historical importance.
Activities however, climaxed on Saturday, April 26, 2014, with a long presidential address delivered by the Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev Dr Blessing Enyindah.
The address provided the opportunity for Rt Rev. Enyindah to examine  the activities of the Diocese within the last seven years.
According to him, “this session of our synod is quite special in the sense that it marks the beginning of the third synod of the Diocese of Ikwerre.
“It is coming within the period of the celebration of our 7th anniversary. We count it, therefore, a proper and appropriate time to express our profound gratitude to God Almighty who has graciously guided and helped us thus far,” he said.
He said that the Diocese has continued to witness tremendous improvement as far as evangelism is concerned, stressing that the Diocese will continue to push for the eradication of idol worship in the whole of Ikwerre land.
The Bishop, who is also the president  of the synod however, said that achieving the desire would depend on members’ readiness to embark on regular prayers and fastings for the evangelization of Ikwerre land.
Bishop Enyindah, who attributed the backwardness of the Diocese to lack of prayers, said that time has come for the Diocese to go down on its knee and ask God for revival in the Ikwerre nation and beyond.
“There are enormous challenges facing the church today. Therefore, there is a greater need for revival now than ever in the history of the church and mankind.”
He charged them to pray against the political turbulence in Ikwerre land as the on-going face-off between the Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the Supervising Minister for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, is giving Ikwerre a bad name.
“For sometime now, we have been presented to the world in a bad light. People now see the Ikwerre as trouble makers.
“They see us as a people who cannot amicably resolve their matters. This is manifested in the troubles in parts of Ikwerre land.
“In recent time, Rivers State has found herself in political imbroglio due to disagreement between the Governor of Rivers State, Rt Hon Rotimi Amaechi and the Supervising Minister for Education, Barrister Nyesom Wike, all being full-blooded Ikwerre sons.
“The situation which I believe is purely political is also affecting some of us. Sometimes, we are seen by some people as trouble makers as soon as they noticed that we are from Ikwerre,” he said.
He said that Chibuike Amaechi as Governor of Rivers State has not done badly compared to what others have done, noting that all the Ikwerres need to do is to back him up and give him the support and encouragement to succeed in his tenure.
The Bishop also commenced President Goodluck Jonathan, for his boldness in signing the same sex prohibition bill into law, stressing that the situation shows that no matter how corrupt Nigeria is, there is still room for good morals.
He said that the Federal Government’s stance on the issue has strengthened the fight of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, against the support of homosexuality by churches in the western world.
On the 2015 election, Rt Rev Enyindah, urged  politicians to be peaceful while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), should ensure a level playing ground for all political parties for the election.
The wife of the Rivers State Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi, who was at the occasion called on the church to rise up for the truth.
Mrs Amaechi said that the sooner the church do that, the better for the society.
“It is time we get down on our knees and ask God what is wrong because the truth is being twisted,” she said. She expressed optimism that the synod would ushered in an air of spirituality in the state.
In his view, the chairman of the local organising committee for the synod, Hon Lucky Worluh, said that the synod was significant as it changed the impression that noting good can come out of Rundele.
Hon Worluh said that the success of the synod had also erased the mantra that Ndele Kwehuoma, which allegedly developed following a curse said to be placed on the community by whitemen.
Hon Worluh, who commended the people for their massive support for ensuring the success of the synod assured that the present generation of Rundele people would continue to do those things that will bring God’s blessings to the community. A cross-section of other dignitaries who spoke to The Tide said that good things are beginning to come out of Ndele.
Highlight of the event was a thanksgiving service which rounded it off  on Sunday.
All in all, the synod was a success.

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State