Anglican Bishop says COVID-19 a blessing in disguise for family, society
Rt Revd Manasses Okere, Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Isikwato, Abia state, says the Corona Virus Disease pandemic had united most families by making spend long and quality time together.
Okere who was the Guest Preacher at the 12th Synod of Anglican Diocese of Awka which held at the All Saints Church, Amaenyi, Awka South Council Area of Anambra on Saturday.
The synod was themed “God of Eternal Destiny and His Major Attributes”.
Bishop Okeke said though COVID-19 came with so much challenges on the political economy of societies it had also strengthened the faith of people in God as the one had solutions to the problem of the world.
He said the pandemic was a blessing in disguise for the church in particular because it provided the environment for the domestic church where families prayed together to thrive.
His words: “God is aware COVID-19 will come the time it came, nothing happens to God by surprise because He is in charge of his creatures and all things worketh together whether good or bad for the good of God’s children.
“ Though COVID-19 has wreaked havoc in our global society, it has brought good fortunes and re-united families by making them to sit together and pray.
“It also made people to turn to God after knowing that science has failed.
“It’s not God that brought it, but He is aware that was coming, and will work out His purpose through it.
“COVID-19 has also exposed the weakness of our health sectors, exposed us globally, but we thank God for the efforts so far, though has been mixed with politics, we will continue to look unto God,” he said.
Bishop Okeke lauded his hosts, Most Revd Alexander Chibuzor Ibezim, Bishop of Diocese of Awka and his wife Mrs Martha Chioma Ibezim for their steadfastness in the service of the Lord.
Earlier in his remark, Bishop Ibezim prayed that Christians won’t be found wanting at the end of the Christian race in heaven especially Church leaders.
Ibezim also dedicated a two storey primary school block built by the family of Dr Okey Anuenyiagu as well as those who had contributed in various ways for the advancement of the Anglican Mission in the community.
Free facemask were also distributed to the congregation as a means of reawakening people consciousness in complying to COVID-19 protocols.
No fewer than 10 Bishops attended the synod service which was conducted by Ven. Clement Mgbemena, Archdeacon, Awka Archdeaconry.
