The 22nd Annual Synod of the Methodist Diocese of Isuikwuato began at St John’s Methodist Church, Mgbelu Umunnekwu with the theme *“Arise and Build”, Neh. 2:18.* Declaring the synod open, the Bishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Isuikwuato, the Rt Rev Geoffrey Uzochukwu Kanu charged delegates to the synod to be peaceful in their conduct all through the event.
Delivering the keynote address at the opening session, the Former Executive Chairman of Isuikwuato LGA, Sir Chima Agbaeze FISM, exhorted delegates to see the perilous time our nation is passing through as one meant for our rising of the saint and not for their destruction. He reminded them that according to biblical history, kingdoms and nations have been through similar situations and they prevailed.
In his word, Sir Agbaeze said “ Our nation is passing through serious trying time which should not be strange to anyone conversant with biblical history. At different times and in different nations as recorded in the bible, economies have failed – money failed “And when money failed in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan (Gen 47:28)”. Also, we equally have other instances when nations’ economies were in grave crisis, during the time of Isaac, Ahab, Nehemiah etc.
Now, I believe that it is not the negative nature and situation of those nations and the state of the economies as referenced in the bible that called the attention of the leadership of the Methodist Church Nigeria to choose the theme of this synod as “Arise and Build”. But what the Spirit of God through His prophets led men to do in those referenced era.”
“How men through instruction, chastisement, correction etc became viable instruments in the hand of God and navigated humanity from hunger and near extinction to affluence and security. I believe that those records were there not for us to use as references to be bemoaning our present situation but to see that God is ever present and is still in full control over the affairs of man and has made available principles and practices that if engaged in, will surely lead to our deliverance. I am therefore convinced that through this synod, those principles and practices will be placed in our hands”.
The Keynote Speaker also commended the leadership of Methodist Church Nigeria for being in alignment with the Spirit of the hour by saying “The choice of the theme of this synod which is in sync with the spirit of this hour speaks volume of the deep spiritual communication between the ecclesiastical leadership of the Methodist Diocese of Isuikwuato superintended by His Lordship, Rt Rev Geoffrey Uzochukwu Kanu and the I am that I am (God) – Deep calleth unto deep (Psalms 42:7).” And “Hence, the Methodist Church Nigeria episcopal hierarchy has proven that they have the correct interpretation of the divine signals of the season and the deserves to be followed and listened to.”
Former Chief of Staff to Executive Chairman, Isuikwuato LGA, Deacon Enyioma Ekebuike; Former Councillors for Umuasua Ward, Hon Emeka Abanobi & Hon Chijioke Igbokwe; former Chief Security Officer to Executive Chairman, Onyekachi Madukiro; Senior Legislative Assistant to Member Representing Isuikwuato State Constituency, High Chief Okechukwu Okorie amongst others were present at the opening session.
