Gospel church of Christ 50th anniversary:

Oterai officially hand over to Emiaso, says Nigeria need restructuring

By Simeon Okworide

The gospel church of Christ international has commenced their annual convention on the 9^th of august 2018 and also to celebrate their 50^th year anniversary and to officially witness the handing over of mantle of leadership by the presiding bishop and head of mission, Bishop E.J.Oterai to Bishop Emiaso at the church headquarters located at No 40 Dada Onijama street, Awodi-Ora estate, behind Julius Berger, Ajegunle –Lagos. The convention will last for 3days

Bishop E.U Emiaso

The presiding Bishop and head of mission, Bishop E.J.Oterai, while addressing a press conference at the church auditorium, he noted, he will officially hand over the mantle of leadership to Bishop Emiaso on the 11^th august 2018 at the convention ground to officially mark his formal retirement and exit as the presiding Bishop and head of mission.

L-R: Bishops John Agbor, Sam Oniekoro (Chairman, Convention Committee), E.U Emiaso (incoming Head of Mission), E.J Oterai (outgoing Head of Mission) & Rev. Benson Abrifor (Church Secretary) during the annual convention and 50 year Anniversary celebration of Gospel Church of Christ Int’l., press briefing in Lagos.

Bishop Oterai while reflecting on the activities of the church in the last 50 years, he nostalgically recalled that God almighty have been very faithful and guiding the church with testimonies of signs and wonders, stressing that despite challenges that has occasioned at times, that has also formed greater part that sharpened the church as a leading light that has impacted life and affected the society positively.

Narrating further Bishop Oterai noted that apart from regional conferences and development meetings, the church had always had conventions to bring members across the country and other part of the world together as one family in an atmosphere of fellowship for the unity of the spirit, future prospects, revival of members spiritual growth and soul development with focus to advance the unity of members and fortify their prayer life, noting that the church has 82 branches across Nigeria and one branch in Ghana with plans to evangelize Europe, America and Asia countries.

L-R: Bishops John Agbor, Sam Oniekoro (Chairman, Convention Committee), Bishop (Dr) and Mrs E.U Emiaso (incoming Head of Mission), Bishop (Dr) and Mrs E.J Oterai (outgoing Head of Mission) & Rev. Benson Abrifor (Church Secretary) during the annual convention and 50 year Anniversary celebration of Gospel Church of Christ Int’l., press briefing in Lagos.  

He used the medium to inform the gathering that credible and respected men of God and other established professional speakers from various fields of endeavours have been invited to feed, nourish souls and improve knowledge of the flock, noting that this year convention will have Bishop Tom Samson, Bishop Andy Ogbu, Prophet Hope Ese and other men of God as guest speakers, while Lawrence and Decovenant will minister in songs and supported by the church mass choir.

2nd from(R) is Bishop (Dr) E.J Oterai addressing the press while Bishop (Dr) Emiaso on is right hand and Sam Oniekoro while on his left is Rev. Benson Abrifor .

On national issues, Bishop Oterai noted that the belief of the people is that the church should be the safe haven and last hope for the people in the face of current social, economic and political menace. Unfortunately, in some way, the church has compromise her purpose and failed the society. Nevertheless, Gospel Church of Christ has resolved to stand out to preach undiluted gospel to correct the menace and this, they shall continue to do, till Jesus Christ come. “If we cannot run, we shall walk and if we cannot walk, we shall crawl; to win the world for Christ”. he said

He appealed to Nigerians not to be troubled by the prevailing political, economic and social situation in the country, but they should draw closer to God and stop lamenting, complaining and railing accusations, this period should be a time of getting closer to God for direction on how to maximize available opportunities more than enough for our needs.

The out going and incomming presiding Bishop and head of mission with their wives .

“God’s plan for us is to joyfully enjoy life and be free from any form of depression, oppression and intimidations. We should remain steadfast with absolute trust in God for greater opportunity, provisions and chances that abound to make life meaningful and enjoyable in Jesus Christ.” he noted

The government should restructure the country and be careful in handling the on-going war against corruption, so as not to jeopardize the purpose of sanitizing the system and building a better society for our nation. The war and prosecution should be fought holistically without bias.

“Despite situations, God have been faithful and preparing for the future. Under any circumstances, Nigeria will be great”.