It was a day to remember with a sense of fulfillment and happiness when members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Akwa Ibom State on Sunday August 27 dedicated the Dominion Mega Parish in Afaha Etok in Ibesikpo Local Government Area of the state.
Located behind the prestigious Ibom Tropicana entertainment centre which is within Uyo metropolis, the magnificent church building which serves as the province headquarters parish is also known as Dominion Family House.
The dedication service was attended by the top leadership of the church and dignitaries from all walks of life including the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Enoch Adeboye represented by Pastor Johnson Odeola, the assistant general overseer (AGO) in charge of administration and personnel) in addition to other senior elders of the church amidst songs and celebration.
Seen as an architectural masterpiece, the new church building has many facilities including offices, stores, elevated platform and finished with latest interior decorations.
In his message, Odeola called on Christians to be forward-looking in their service to God, adding that when the foundation of the church was laid three years ago, its completion looked like something that would be impossible to achieve.
Odeola, who took his message from Isaiah 43: 18-19, also urged members not to allow success to lead them astray, reminding them that God is always there to do new things in the lives of the people
He confirmed that over 90 percent of the funds used in the construction of the worship centre was raised by the worshippers, noting that it is possible to do things that many would think it would not be possible.
“I am happy that this happened through team work, we can do what ordinary human beings said it was impossible,” he said.
Fielding questions from journalists on the essence of the church in society, the cleric said the church has a duty to continuously teach the people to see themselves as the salt and the light of the world, adding that salt cannot be good until it is applied.
He urged worshippers to be exemplary in conduct and character, striving always for excellence and showing integrity in the conduct of their business and always be ready to assist the needy at any given time.
“We are teaching something that will stand the test of time to make us to be salt and the light in the society,” he said.
Monday Udofia, chairman of the dedication planning committee, said the Dominion Model Parish as it was first called came into existence on 14th October, 1995 during the first anniversary of Abundance Parish taking off at a rented apartment in the state capital. It was renamed Dominion Mega Parish years later.
The committee praised some members for their selfless service, including the pioneer pastors and members who contributed significantly to the growth of the parish.
According to Monday Udofia, chairman of the dedication planning committee, the Dominion Parish became a Mega Parish as well as a Mega Zone in August 2011, adding that the Parish has planted over forty parishes.
He said the Dominion Mega Parish was made the Akwa Ibom Province 1 headquarters in September 2015.
ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo
