Former AKNC Staff Ordained As Deaconess Of African Church

By Victor Essang

UYO

A retired staff of Akwa Ibom Newspaper Corporation (AKNC), Mrs Grace Friday Uruk, has been ordained as the Deaconess of The African Church, Cathedral Archdeaconry, Uyo Diocese

 The ordination took place on Sunday during the 2022 confirmation service with investiture and commissioning of Elders, Deaconesses, Evangelists and Lay Readers.

 Uruk made the lists of 11 candidates for the position ofDeaconess, while nine Elders and four Evangelists and Lay Readers were also commissioned.

 In his message, the Diocesan, Uyo Diocese/Archbishop, Uyo Province of the church, The Most Reverend Augustine P. Ikat, who spoke on the theme: “The Divine Impact For Effective Service,” drawn from Acts 1:4-5 and 8, charged the newly commissioned officers of the church on commitment to God’s work, saying, “God expects you to be committed to your calling.”

 Ikat urged them to surrender to God and always yield to theHoly Spirit to use them effectively in His vineyard.

 The clergyman, while noting that every service done in the house of God has rewards attached to it, depending on how one renders the service, stressed the need for the officers to trainthemselves, acquire experience and knowledge so as to be equipped to function effectively.

 He admonished those who are opting to serve in God’s vineyard to prepare themselves adequately by receiving the power of the Holy Spirit to render effective service to God.

 The man of God warned, “When you receive title without the power of the Holy Spirit, you will be a disgraced and won’t be able to function.”

 Ikat, who quipped, “You are not there because of the title,”charged them to live up to their responsibilities by endeavouringto preach the gospel, heal the sick and be of assistance to the minister.” 

 Prayers were offered on behalf of the officers for them to beinstruments of God’s love and for them to possess the needful gifts of grace to accomplish God’s work.

 The event featured laying of hands upon the baptized who were spiritually mature for the Eucharist.

 In a chat with Midweek Pioneer, the retired staff of AKNC, Deaconess Grace Uruk, expressed happiness and described the day as an appointed time in which God has manifested Himself in her life.

 Uruk, who was thankful to the God Almighty for choosing her to serve in His vineyard, said she was excited and ready to render effective and selfless service to God.

 In her words, “God willing, I will do my best to serve others to the glory of God.”

She admonished others who are yearning for such opportunity to serve God to wait for their time, stressing, “God’s time is the best. Though the vision may tarry, at the appointed time it will manifest.”