The Umuchu community, a small town in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, was on January 3, 2015, the destination of choice for all lovers of success and Christendom: They trooped out en-masse to grace the unveiling and dedication of a newly constructed building, St Peter’s Church (Anglican Communion), Umuchu – built by a philanthropist and politician – Chief Godwin Ezeemo, leader of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) – in the state.

The intimidating one-storey architectural edifice initiated and completed from the scratch by Ezeemo was filled to capacity. Top notch Anambra elite, ranging from the clergy, politicians, business men/women, Christian groups, etc., graced the dedication service, which kicked off by 10am.

In his a sermon, tagged ‘Working for God’, the Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of all Nigeria, Most Rev Nicholas Oko, urged the congregation to endeavour to do things that glorify God at all times.

He said that it doesn’t end with building a house for God, but by doing his will at all times, saying that what God desires more of every being is the heart, and commitment to doing his will at all times.

“As one that believes in God and does His will, persecution will always come, according to the word of God. When you come to the house of God, open up your heart like a child and speak to him.”

“Remember, some people may not like your face. But when you cry to God, he will always answer. There are people who persecute others, but even in that, cry to God; seek his face and always seek his counsel for wisdom,” he admonished. The Primate pointed out that the church is not the building but the people. He charged the clergy heading the new church not to try to run things his own way, but according to the direction of the Holy Spirit.

His words: “If you choose where to go, you may be where God doesn’t want you to be. Don’t manipulate anything. If God has called you, do his bidding. There is only one man who can see vision and dictate your pace: God is superior to any other power, even the Bishop, obedience to God is the ultimate.”

The Archbishop advised the donor, Ezeemo, not to interfere with the affairs and running of the church, adding that God has used him to plant a house for Him, and that the management should be left in the hands of the head of the church. He commended the good work the philanthropist had done and called on others to emulate Ezeemo, adding that such commitment touches God to open the doors of heaven for showers of blessings. “You don’t come before God and be boastful. When you come before God, humble yourself. Human beings are created to obey God and not otherwise. Being on the side of God is different from being on the side of man. It’s of necessity for man to move to the righteous side of God, because the side of man is dirty, filthy and leads to death.

“If this church is a fountain of love, built in righteousness, then in no distant time, it will no longer contain people. But, if it is a place where quarrelling is the centre stage, then nothing will work. If there is a meddling in the church, then there will be a problem. The bishop is the one in charge, but the blessings that go with building a church, you (Ezeemo) will have.”

On his part, Chief Ezeemo thanked God for giving him the grace to build a house for Him, from scratch to finish. “I am happy today, because, it is a dream come true. This is my father-land, where I was born and began life from. Today, we have come to celebrate God and thank him for giving me and my family life to witness this day,” Ezeemo enthused.

The Anambra State president of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Chris Eluemunoh, also hailed the philanthropic gesture of Ezeemo, and called on rich people in the society to follow his footstep.

Among personalities that graced the occasion were the former deputy governor of the state, Dame Virgy Etiaba; Archbishop, Province on the Niger, Most Rev Dr Christian Efobi; Bishop, Diocese of Amichi, His Lordship, Rev Ephraim Ikeakor and traditional ruler of Umuchu, Igwe G.O. Ezechukwu.

•Photo shows the church builder, Ezeemo.

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