Leaders of faith-based organisations have been urged to exemplify the virtue of humility in their services to God and humanity, by glorifying Christ above themselves while carrying out their responsibilities.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, gave the advice while addressing congregants at the grand finale of the 29th Anniversary Convention of Great Faith Ministries Int’l, Uyo.
Governor Eno, who was special guest at the event which also marked the 66th birthday, 35th marriage anniversary and 6th Archbishopric anniversary of the Church’s General Overseer, Archbishop Udeme Simon, felicitated the Archbishop, his wife and the church on their elevation, resilience in service in the body of Christ and the series of anniversary celebrations.
He described Archbishop Simon as a model Christian leader who has exemplified humility in his service to God and humanity, noting that he has maintained a quiet disposition despite the huge impact he has created in Christendom.
This, the governor stressed, has been the distinguishing attribute for which he accords Archbishop Simon great respect, and therefore urged pastors and ministers of the gospel in the State to emulate Christ and give glory to God in their services and shun self glorification.
“We had to come here to honour you Sir. You’re one man that is quiet but achieving a lot for the Lord. This man is a humble man. That’s why I’m saying he operates silently but is making great impact.
“When we come to church, I believe that it is Christ we want to see and hear about not the number of things we have achieved, it is not very good to see some of our brothers indulge in self glorification. For this servant of God, he has my respect,” he stated.
Governor Eno acknowledged the strong support base created by the church to ensure his emergence and restated his commitment to delivering good governance for which he was voted into office.
He reassured everyone of his commitment to due diligence in keeping the common wealth of the people, expressing his administration’s willingness to embrace creative ideas and innovations that will add value to the state and not to yield to wasteful and unaccountable distribution of the State’s resources.
Archbishop Udeme Simon, in his thanksgiving speech, described the four-in-one celebration as a manifestation of God’s mercy for his 66-year sojourn on earth and grace to serve in His vineyard.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for gracing the event and described his emergence as an answered prayer and a blessing to the church and Akwa Ibom indigenes.
The Presiding Bishop of the Liberation Chapel, Port Harcourt, Bishop Samuel Akpan, who delivered a sermon on the theme “Unique Settlement,” with scriptural reference from 1st Peter 5:10, assured that God does not call people without a purpose and does not abandon those He calls, but settles them in due course.
The Cleric admonished believers to be steadfast, strategically positioned and show commitment in their service to God.
