Fathers Day: Open up your hearts to God, Canon Amaihe tasks CMF
Fathers have been tasked not to harden their hearts to the invite from God but to open up it up and allow Him to accomplish His divine task in their lives.
In his sermon captioned, “Harden Not Your Heart Today”, drawn from the Bible book of Psalm chapter 95 verses 6 and 7, during the 2024 Father’s Sunday of the Christian Men Fellowship of Christ Church, Bende Archdeaconry, Anglican communion, Diocese of Umuahia, Abia State, the Vicar/Administrator, Rev’d Canon Nelson Amaihe, pointed out that God speaks to His people, particularly fathers far more than they would realize, hence the need for them not to harden their hearts.
Amaihe who cited the biblical Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar and to an extent children of Israel who hardened their hearts to God and the repercussions that followed, explained that through preoccupation with life’s issues, fear, or disbelief, fathers can harden their hearts
Amaihe took out time to define a father and the roles played by them in their respective homes and the society.
His words, “Anyone can be a man, but it takes someone special to be a father, and that’s why we call you father, because you are so special to us”, Rev’d. Canon Nelson Amaihe, further encouraged genuine fathers.
Amaihe took the opportunity to explain that the Anglican communion is a traditional church, that respects the traditional institution and the constituted authorities.
In his speech, the traditional ruler elect of Bende Ovu autonomous community, HRH Eze Mike Okorie, the Uga ll, encouraged fathers to open their hearts to God, to receive divine direction and be able to impact same in their respective homes and the society.
He tasked fathers not be discouraged because of the state of the nation’s economy, which he also observed was a global challenge, but to be courageous, believe in God and work hard as God never fails.
Interacting with our correspondent, one of the parishioners, Mrs Nwachukwu Augustina Chika, encouraged fathers to shun hypocrisy and strive to follow the footsteps of Christ in order to build a home that has its foundation in Christ Jesus, to save the society from moral decadence.
The Christian Men Fellowship father’s day celebration which featured the lightening up candles, a spiritual exercise which signifies brightening/lightening up their families, also saw the Church bestowed awards on distinguished personalities.
The distinguished personalities include the Mayor of Bende Local Government Areas, Hon. Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo who was represented by the Councillor representing Bende ward, Hon. Ogbiti Chukwuemeka Senator; Chief Magistrate Dame Rex Chikezie; Mr. Murphy Nduaguibe; and Hon. Bro. Stanley Okonkwo among others.
