Ogolo elevated to bishop, holds quadruple celebrations

By Athan Agbakwuru

It was a moment of glorious celebrations, wilful outpouring of goodwill and glowing encomiums for the Chief Ogolo War Canoe House of Opobo Kingdom of Rivers State, Anyaeto Family of Ngor Okpala LGA, Imo State and congregation of the Lovers of Christ Ministry Worldwide following the consecration and enthronement of former Pastor John Joseph Ogolo to the office of a Bishop.

In a 2-day activity-packed event held last weekend at Lovers of Christ Ministry headquarters, No. 8 Awalama Estate Road, Rumuokoro, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the new Bishop also marked his 54th birthday, 28years behind the pulpit and presentation of his new book.

Performing the consecration and enthronement of Bishop Ogolo as the Presiding Bishop of Lovers of Christ Ministry Worldwide, last Saturday, the officiating minister, Archbishop Steve Gbazie, assisted by Archbishop Julius Idiowe and Archbishop Chris Uba, laid hand on the new Bishop after a pre-consecration examination.

Archbishop Gbazie, of Cornerstone Seminary Owerri and presiding Prelate of Arm of the Lord Church, Nigeria, described the new Bishop as a humble and humane servant of God whose fervent dedication to prayers and the work of God earned him the elevation to the Episcopal seat.

He said, “Very Rev. John Ogolo is my son. He is a highly committed Christian. As a student under my watch, whenever I gave him assignment to pray for people, he will go and if he did not get answer to their problems from the Lord, he will continue to pray until God gives him answer to the person’s problem. Indeed, he is a prophet of God!”

The trio prayed for God’s continued guidance, protection and provision upon the new Bishop, his family and ministry as well as the entire body of Christ in Nigeria especially in these trying times of insecurity and biting economic hardship.

They charged Bishop Ogolo to always live according to the tenets of true Christianity having been admitted to the government of the Church of Christ with his consecration and enthronement as a Bishop.

In her goodwill message, the bishop’s wife, Apostle Mrs. Nkechi Treasure John Ogolo (nee Anyaeto) praised her husband for the rare feat of attaining the status of a Bishop from a humble beginning describing him as “my rock, my partner and my best friend.

“I’m overwhelmed with gratitude to God for sparing your life to reach this far. I’m so proud of the incredible husband and father you are -always caring for our children and our entire family with love and dedication. Your resilience and dedication in the face of challenges inspire me daily and your love gives hope to the hopeless. Congratulations!”

In a similar vein, Mr. Moses Ogolo, eldest brother to the celebrant thanked God for the gift of Bishop Ogolo describing him as a beacon of hope and light in all that encounter him and prayed God to sustain His grace upon the new Bishop.

Other speakers at the occasion, poured eulogies on the bishop assuring him of their continued prayers and support to enable him succeed in this new calling while also urging him not to relent in his mission to serve God and humanity with utmost diligence.

In his response, Bishop Ogolo thanked God for his grace over the years as well as expressed appreciation to all the senior ministers, clerics and dignitaries from all walks of life who graced the occasion and prayed God to replenish them.

He promised to always preach the true word of God, deny all ungodliness and worldly lust while also serving humanity.

He used the august occasion to announce his vision to build a multi-purpose ‘Prayer Village’ that would cater for the spiritual, material and intellectual needs of Christians and other vulnerable citizens.

Driving down memory lane, Bishop Ogolo recalled that he never dreamt of becoming a pastor but divine providence has brought him thus far. He paid glowing tributes to his late mother and Archbishop Gbazie for helping him to accomplish the prophecy on his life.

Highlights of the 2-day event included sing songs, free, eye tests and distribution of treated eyeglasses by a medical team led by Dr. Precious Awarii Webber, presentation of gift items and merit award plaques to Bishop Ogolo by various groups in LCM Worldwide.