Akagburuonye identifies a heart for God as the cornerstone of Christendom

Photo : Cross section of participants of the one day crucial conference. Photo by Everest Ezihe, Owerri

By Everest Ezihe,Owerri

Barrister Success Obioma Akagburuonye has identified a heart for God as an important factor in advancing the activities of Christianity and humanity in the world, and enjoined mankind to embrace same in all their activities.

Akagburuonye disclosed this on Saturday in a well articulated paper he presented as a Chief Guest of Honour and Distinguished Guest Speaker during Owerri District Assemblies of God Nigeria, Missions/Hospitals & Prison Ministries, 2025 District Missions Partnership Conference held at Assemblies of God Church Auditorium, Royce Road Owerri with the theme; A Heart For God: A Vision For The World.

Akagburuonye who was inadvertently absent in the well attended programme that included Church leaders, Deacons, Deaconesses, lay preachers and mission conscious individuals due to exigencies, but was ably represented by Rev. C.C Ihekoronye and Bro. Udo Njoku, his personal assistant with many chieftains of Hope Rising for Imolites (Olile Anya Di, Maka Odinma Ndi Imo).

The distinguished sole guest speaker in his also well researched paper, titled; A Heart For God: A Vision For The World As A Cornerstone For Partnership In Missions said having a heart for God means cultivating a deep love and devotion to Him and mankind.

According to him, “it involves surrendering our lives to His will, seeking His presence, and aligning our desires with His purposes. A heart for God is not just a feeling or an emotional experience, but a conscious choice to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else”.

Citing the biblical book of 1 Samuel 13 vs 14, he noted that God described David as a man after His own heart, informing that David’s heart for God was evident in his prayer life, his obedience to God’s commands, and his willingness to repent when he sinned.

Akagburuonye whose intimidating citation received thunderous standing ovations called upon Christians to have similar heart of God, quoting Acts of Apostles chapter 2 vs 42-47 in which he identified, the early church, as been characterized with devotions to the apostles teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayers.

He pointed out that, the early christians heart were bond together in unity, and they’re filled with joy and generosity while further advising Christians to embrace similar heart that entails full commitment to things of God and with overflowing love for humanity.

The advocate of kingdom investment further observed that the call to serve and minister to the vulnerable populations as a fundamental aspect of Christian discipleship, while insisting also that missions, hospitals, and prison ministries as important platforms for demonstrating God’s love and compassion to those in need.

Earlier in his address, Rev James Agbawodikeizu, the Owerri District Superintendent of Assemblies of God Nigeria described the conference as a significant milestone in the district’s contributions to Christendom noting their firm believe, that every believer has a role to play in fulfilling the great commission of partnership and outreach.

Agbawodikeizu who passionately expressed gratitude to Chief Success Akagburuonye for his roles in ensuring the success of the conference described him as “a renowned leader, a passionate advocate for missions, and a practical example of a mission’s lover.

“His life and ministry demonstrates a heart that beats for missions, and his commitment to spreading the gospel is truly inspiring.
“We are honoured to have him share his insights and experiences with us”he attested.

Adding his voice, Rev. J. I Odionyenma, the Assistant District Superintendent in his key note address, reiterated that missions is the fundamental essence of the church and as the very heart beat of God.

Odionyenma applauded Pastor Emmanuel Oduagwu who he said is the visioner and the District Missions Coordinator as well as a member of the National Missions Board, General Council, Assemblies of God, Nigeria for his selfless commitments and for bringing Akagburuonye as the district’s maiden guest speaker.

While soliciting for peoples support and participation in the mission programs, he equally described Akagburuonye as, “a very special vessel of God who is missions personified in every sense of it. The son of consolation”.

Speaking also, Pastor Emmanuel Oduagwu, said they have gathered as a family, united in passion for the great commission so as to fellowship, strategize, and mobilize for the missions work of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to the unreached, the unheard, and the unsaved.

Oduagwu expressed disenchantment that the hospitals, prisons, and mission fields are crying out for labourers, pointing out that they are not just building buildings, building lives, transforming communities, and advancing the kingdom of God, but they’re also taking the love of Christ to the hurting, the broken, and the lost.

He passionately solicited for assistance in terms of a good 18 seater Toyota bus, a complete set of evangelistic equipments, copies of English Bibles,tracts, cloths, food items etc.