…To Oversee Affairs Of The Church In 22 African Countries
By Ossom Asaka
UYO
A renowned cleric of Akwa Ibom State origin, Pastor Bassey Okon Udoh, has been elected as president, West Central African Division of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Udoh who was elected during the general conference of the Seventh Day Adventist Church held recently in the United States of America, is to superintend over the activities of the church in 22 countries of West and Central Africa.
The cheery news was announced during the week at a reception service organised by the Akwa Ibom conference of the church in honour of the new president at the Seventh Day Adventist Church (Redemption Chapel) in Uyo.
Declaring the reception service open, the leadership of the Akwa Ibom Conference of the church led by Pastor Felix Anaba, described the election of Pastor Udoh as the Lord’s doing stressing that Pastor Udoh’s exalted office was a reward from God for the many years of faithful and dedicated service he has rendered unto God.
“I am here to testify to the faithfulness and dedication that Pastor Udoh has committed in his service to God.
“Without mincing words, his election to me is a reward from God and we are glad that God has shown him such mercy and appreciation,” Anaba stated.
He said the gathering was to appreciate God for the honour done Pastor Udoh, adding that the Akwa Ibom conference of the church and indeed the entire Seventh Day Adventist Church was delighted to receive Pastor Udoh and rejoice with him on his recent elevation.
Anaba said Pastor Udoh has been packaged by God for greater attainment, stressing that “He is equally endowed with special knowledge and wisdom to offer solutions to problems.”
He commended officers from the Eastern Nigeria Union Conference of the church led by the secretary, Pastor Onyebuchi Opara, conference presidents from Aba East, Aba West, Cross River and a host of other church leaders for gracing the reception and prayed God to continue to imbue Pastor Udoh with wisdom and strength to successfully pilot the affairs of the church in the 22 African countries.
The secretary, Eastern Nigeria Union Conference of the church, Pastor Onyebuchi Opara, in his remark, described Pastor Udoh as a mentor who has impacted the lives of many faithful including his, adding that the latter’s election as president West-Central African Division was a divine reward for his many years of faithfulness to God and humanity.
“Pastor Udoh is one person who does not look down on anybody despite his position.
I am happy today that God has remembered his years of selfless service, faithfulness and commitment to the church and humanity. I have no doubt that he will continue in his good works to the glory of God and the betterment of our church and humanity in general,” Opara stated.
The conference secretary berated critics who during the billed up to the election were engaged in smear campaign against Pastor Udoh, but expressed happiness that God has vindicated the just.
“Because the Lord has done this, He has settled everything. The battle is over and Pastor Udoh’s elevation is the handiwork of God,” Opara stated.
Others who also poured encomiums on the newly elected president, West-Central African Division, were Pastor Gabriel Udofa, Mr Amama Ene, representative of all conference presidents, women groups, youths and others, describing Pastor Udoh as a man who has been chosen by God to lead His people, noting that his dedication, humility and contributions to the church and humanity was without doubt.
They congratulated Pastor Udoh on his elevation and expressed optimism that God who has called him will strengthen him for more achievements.
The president West-Central African Division of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pastor Bassey Udoh, in his response expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Akwa Ibom Conference of the church for the grand reception and commended other conference leadership for their warm participation in his elevation reception.
Udoh who attributed his election to the grace of God upon his life, urged other pastors who are presently experiencing difficulties in the ministry not to give up but to hold firm assuring that God at the appointed time will visit their situation.
He recalled the series of blackmails and petitions that were leveled against him during the build up to the election but expressed gratitude to God for vindicating him at the end.
“It is not news that a pastor is passing through trials or tribulations. But it will only be news if what they are saying about you is true.
“Let people rise and blackmail you but that is not the thought of God. He said you shall be like a tree planted by the river and you shall bear your fruit in due season. He has done it for me in due season. Yours will come in due season too. And whatever you do, shall prosper,” Pastor Udo stated.
Before his election, Pastor Udoh was the president of the Eastern Nigerian Union Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
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