An international icon of Methodism and Ecumenism, His Grace, The Most Rev. M. K Stephen (Rtd), had raised an alarm over the spate of strong opinions and voices threatening the unity and integrity of the country called Nigeria. He made this statement on Sunday, 25th April 2021, during the 38th Synod’s Thanksgiving Service of Igbobini Diocese, Methodist Church Nigeria, held at Methodist Church Nigeria, Oke -Agunla, Ondo.
In his sermon delivery as the Guest Preacher for the service, he made lamentation about the high level of insecurities across the country. According to him we are currently in the state of anxiety. Which makes one to be apprehensive for one’s life as a result of killings and kidnappings of innocent citizens on a daily basis. Unfortunately, our security agents are asleep leaving the citizens lonely, unguarded and their safety not guaranteed!
While speaking on the Theme and Text of the Synod: ” Watch and Pray,” (Matthew 26:41a). He exegetically expounded that Jesus made this statement at Gethsemane to His three disciples who were the closest, Peter, John, and James. Gethsemane in Hebrew means oil-press. This was where Jesus wrestled in prayers in the most difficult time of His earthly ministry and mission. He needed His disciples for intercessions and sharing in His anguish. Alas, he found them in a deep sleep. In confronting death, Jesus was left alone by His trusted bosom disciples. All alone, Jesus passed through the valley of the shadow of death. All the courage and comfort He taught His disciples had left them.
By illustration, Archbishop Stephen, clearly stated that sometimes we find ourselves in a similar situation. This could be very painful and horrifying. Many victims of kidnappings had been left alone in the hands of their abductors. Dying slowly and lonely without any family members around them. In a time like this, we must look unto Jesus to draw strength, examples, and labor in prayer. The prayer must be: ” Father your will be done.” God is present not only in prosperity, but also in adversity.
He called for solemn assembly on the current condition of the country. By calling on God for His divine intervention and solution against seemingly insurmountable national challenges. On the other hand, he passionately appealed to the members of the congregation to take the vaccine against COVID-19. Archbishop Stephen made it known that he had already taken the vaccine together with his wife and assured the congregants that the vaccine has no adverse effects as being claimed by some people.
The eloquent preacher and oratory personality warmly congratulated The Archbishop/Diocesan Bishop of Igbobini Archdiocese/Diocese, The Most Rev Dr. O. O. C Fafeyiwa, his wife Susannah H.O Fafeyiwa, the Lay-President, Evangelist Sunday Adegoke, all the Synod’s delegates, and the entire Diocese for the successful completion of the Synod. Which was rounded off with praises and thankfulness to the Almighty God. He ended the sermon by singing inspirationally the congregational hymn: ” What a friend we have in Jesus.”
