By Our Correspondent The Bishop of the Diocese of Lokoja, Anglican Communion, His Grace, The Most Rev’d Emmanuel A. S. Egbunu, Ph.D., has charged Christians to recognise, accept and depend on the Holy Spirit for divine guidance, strength and direction in their daily lives. Egbunu gave the charge during an Episcopal visit to the Cathedral …
By Our Correspondent
The Bishop of the Diocese of Lokoja, Anglican Communion, His Grace, The Most Rev’d Emmanuel A. S. Egbunu, Ph.D., has charged Christians to recognise, accept and depend on the Holy Spirit for divine guidance, strength and direction in their daily lives.
Egbunu gave the charge during an Episcopal visit to the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, Lokoja, where he presided over a Confirmation Service and admitted new members into the Mothers’ Union and Women’s Guild.
Preaching on the theme, “The Holy Spirit as Our Helper,” the Bishop drew from Genesis 2:18–21 to emphasise God’s provision of help for humanity.
He said the declaration in Scripture that “it is not good for man to be alone” demonstrates God’s intention that people should not attempt to navigate life entirely by their own strength.
According to him, the Holy Spirit remains a constant source of divine assistance to believers, describing Him as a “Helper, Friend, Comforter and Encourager.”
«“We must learn to seek and accept divine help. God has not left us alone. He has given us the Holy Spirit as our Helper, Friend, Comforter and Encourager.”»
The Bishop urged Christians to allow the Holy Spirit to take an active role in their Christian journey, saying dependence on divine guidance was essential to living a victorious Christian life.
«“The Holy Spirit is there to guide us, strengthen us and assist us. We must continually depend on Him and allow Him to direct our lives.”»
The Episcopal visit was attended by Mama Lokoja, Dr. Mrs. Abosede A. Egbunu, and members of the Episcopal Team representing various Archdeaconries of the Diocese of Lokoja.
The Bishop and his team were warmly received by the Cathedral congregation and members of the Girls’ Guild, who presented a brief display in honour of the visitors.
As part of the visit, Egbunu commissioned a borehole project executed by the women of the Cathedral as their Mothering Sunday project.
He also inspected the historic first school building in Northern Nigeria, situated within the Cathedral premises.
The visit extended to St. John Anglican Church, Sarkin Noma, where the Bishop inspected ongoing church projects and examined cracks observed on the church building.
Egbunu commended the congregation for its commitment to the work of God, particularly its efforts towards the development of the church despite the challenges confronting the parish.
He urged the members not to be discouraged but to remain steadfast in their faith and commitment.
«“I commend you for your commitment to the work of God. Remain steadfast and continue to give your best to the service of God. Your labour in the Lord will not be in vain.”»
The Confirmation Service and admission of members into the Mothers’ Union and Women’s Guild formed a major highlight of the Episcopal visit, which also provided an opportunity for the Bishop and the Episcopal Team to interact with clergy and members of the congregation and assess ongoing developments within the church.
The Bishop’s visit further reinforced the importance of spiritual growth, service and collective responsibility in advancing the mission of the Diocese of Lokoja.
