Photo : Newly ordained Apostle Decency Ifunanya Anyanwu, having a handshake with His Lordship, Bishop N.I. Erimujor after his ordination, while Apostle Dr Peters Ekwerike watches.
By Athan Agbakwuru, Owerri
Founder of the Spirit-Word Liberation Ministries International, SLM, Evangelist Decency Ifunanya Anyanwu has been elevated to the rank of Apostle and head of the church by the Council of Bishops.
Apostle Anyanwu was consecrated wednesday during the Apostolic Ordination ceremony held at the church headquarters, Ugwana in Eziama Community, Ngor Okpala LGA of Imo State.
Delivering his sermon during the ordination service, Prelate of the Church of God In Christ, COGIC, His Lordship, Bishop Nnawuihe Innocent Erimujor (Ph.D) declared that the choice to be a priest, pastor evangelist or bishop is not for man to decide as only God chooses who is to serve in His Altar.
He assured the new Apostle saying, “God that has called you is faithful, he does not promise and fail. I am a witness. Over the centuries, He has abideth with Israel and so Shall He abide with you as one called and chosen by Him.
“God chooses who to serve in his altar. Ordination to priesthood is challenging but the power to surmount the onerous task is embedded therein.
“You should not despair as you progress in the Ministry of Service to God. Don’t disappoint God. There is nothing you will encounter that is greater than God. He will abide with you in all situations! You are in for a serious business with God.
“Remain firm, follow God who called you, he will not fail you. The Bible is your ministerial manual, always hold it fast. May God bless you.”
Recounting his ordeal in the early days of his ordination, Bishop Erimujor recalled his encounter with series of accidents, armed robbery, kidnap attempts, and health challenges but pointed out that he persevered in trusting God until the storms vanished.
Ministering to the large congregation earlier, Apostle Dr Peter’s Ekwerike commended the new Apostle for his resilience, perseverance and dedication to serving God and prayed for his success and growth of his Ministry.
Ekwerike admonished the congregation to always support Apostle Anyanwu and the church stressing that siting of the church in the locality and elevation of the Apostle will attract God’s blessings on the Eziama Community.
In his post-ordination speech, Apostle D.I. Anyanwu, who is a native of Nnorie in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, praised God for seeing him through the tasking hurdles and assured his determination to serve God and humanity, using his elevation.
He expressed gratitude to his mother, Mummy Grace Anyanwu, elders, brethren and sisters, the choir of the SLM for their support and prayed God to continue to strengthen them in mind, body and spirit.
Highlights of the ceremony included the consecration of Apostle Anyanwu, ordination of six young pastors, thanksgiving as well as reception party in honour of the new Apostle and his pastors.
