Imo West Presbytery holds opening ceremony, prayer summit, 14 March

By Chigozie Patrick…

All is set for the ecclesiastical opening ceremony and prayer summit of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Imo West Presbytery holding on the 14th day of March.

Speaking to newsmen in his office on Monday, the moderator of Imo West Presbytery, Very Rev. Ulu Lawrence Okoronkwo noted that the ceremonial opening declares open the yearly activities of the Presbytery. It is an opportunity to offer thanksgiving to God, who has preserved His people by His mercy.

Very Rev. Ulu Lawrence Okoronkwo

“Indeed, we can boldly affirm, in the words of Scripture: “And of His fullness have we all received, and grace upon grace.” (John 1:16). The ceremony and prayer summit is not by accident; it is by divine arrangement. We are coming together to commence another ecclesiastical year under a timely and profound theme: “Grace upon Grace.”

“Grace is the foundation of our Christian faith. We are saved by grace, sustained by grace, and strengthened by grace. However, this year God is drawing our attention not merely to grace, but to abundant and continuous grace —grace replacing grace, grace following grace, and grace overflowing in every aspect of our lives and ministry.
In a time when the Church, families and invidivuals are facing numerous challenges—spiritual, social, economic and moral—God assures us that His supply has not diminished. His grace remains sufficient, powerful and ever available”.

“Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Therefore, as a Presbytery, we step into this new ecclesiastical year with confidence—not in our abilities, structures, or numbers—but in the abundant and sustaining grace of God. I firmly believe that the invisible hand of Elohim will strengthen us and enable us to record uncommon success in all our endeavours, in Jesus’ name”.

“The Presbytery has recorded some successes including Evangelism and Missions: Since our inauguration as a Presbytery on 13th July, 2024, our primary focus has been the winning of souls for Christ, discipling believers, and supporting and sustaining our mission stations.
By the grace of God, and through the cooperation of our various Parishes and Church Arms, we have been able to extend meaningful support to Orlu Parish, which experienced serious setbacks as a result of the security challenges in that area. The Presbytery is also making concrete plans, as God provides the necessary resources, to extend similar support to Ogbaeruru and other mission stations within our bounds”.

“It may interest you to note that many of these mission stations do not yet have permanent worship centres. They currently worship in rented apartments. This situation requires deliberate and timely efforts to ensure that rents are paid promptly so as to prevent eviction and avoid disruption of worship and ministry”.

“In terms of skills and acquisition, God desires that His people, including our youths, prosper, impact their communities and become a blessing to the Church and society. In view of this, the Presbytery intends to partner with the Christian Girls in Training (CGIT) to organise a Skill Acquisition Programme for youths, scheduled to hold from 20th to 21st August, 2026. We are aware that such an initiative will require significant financial resources. God shall make provisions available”.

The moderator revealed that the Majority Leader of Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Uchenna Okoro has been billed to grace the ceremony with their entourage. Other dignitaries expected at the high profiled event include High Chief Daniel Chimezie Okeke PhD, the CEO Express Concern Int’l group and CEO Sweet Spirit Hotel and Suites and High Chief Buchi Oparaugo Ohamadike Owerri West LGA of Imo State.

The Moderator who is also the Chaplain, Owerri Central Battalion Council of the Boy’s Brigade Nigeria, Very Rev. Ulu Lawrence Okoronkwo lauded the Clerk of the Presbytery, Rev John Aki for his painstaking efforts in seeing to the success of the event.

Okoronkwo appreciated the Convener of the program, Elder Chief Theophilous Onwu, the Secretary of the committee, Elder Kodak Onuoha, Elder Professor Mrs. M.N. Obasi, the Presbytery Women’s Guild Coordinator and other members of the committee for their commitment in seeing to a ecclesiastical opening and prayer summit that will be adjudged the best in history.

The Guest preacher of the day, Rt. Rev Johnson Kalu comes with rich spiritual food and prayer that puts the presbytery on a pathway of spiritual growth and direction that supports the presbytery and Imo State as they grow in God’s guidance.

Information available to newsmen has it that the event will take place at Uratta Parish Amakohia by 10am with a roadshow and creation of awareness happening on Thursday, 12th day of March.