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From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
His Grace, the Most Rev Godwin Okpala, the Archbishop of the Province (rtd) has dedicated an ultramodern and multidimensional Calvary Chapel at Bishop’s Court, Onitsha.
The dedication was done in the presence of Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo assisted by some Bishops in a special service.
The Calvary Chapel is described as a state-of-the-art digital sanctuary built as an episcopal worship centre.
The Chapel is also said to have awarded scholarships to students at various educational institutions and levels, supported missions in diverse ways and empowered as well as helped the needy.
Archbishop Okpala called on Christians in the country to wake up and to be spiritually alert.
The event attracted personalities from all walks of life from across Anambra State and beyond among whom were politicians, industrialists, medical practitioners, educationists and clerics.
Okpala who was the retired Bishop of Nnewi Diocese had in the sermon told Christians that what God does for His people ought always to be appreciated with a large heart of thanksgiving, saying that the dedication of the Calvary Chapel did not only glorified God but also added to the aesthetics of the “Ozalla compound.”
He thanked Bishop Nwokolo for his efforts in transforming the Bishop’s Court.
While explaining what he described as the importance of dedication, Archbishop Okpala said that it was a means of setting something apart spiritually by making such a thing different from the ordinary.
“By this dedication, the place is now declared a clinic for the healing of both spiritual and physical ailments. God now calls all troubled souls to come for healing and blessings here, ” he noted.
The Archbishop further explained Calvary to mean a place where the sin of the world was taken away by Christ at old Jerusalem, describing it as a place of spiritual and bodily healing and rejuvenation. He, therefore, prescribed what he said should be the disposition of people at the place.
“When you come here to pray, come with the faith that Christ died for you. His grace is always waiting for you at His holy sanctuary so that anyone who goes there for prayers must not only be holy but must have faith in Him.
“God has accepted the place and it is a place where He will be communing with His people, ” he said.
He, however, warned that people should approach God with fear, holiness and humility as an awesome God.
The Chairman, Calvary Chapel building and dedication committee, Brother Nebeife Makua, had in a two-paged address highlighted a few of the humanitarian programmes of the Chapel for which he solicited public support.
He disclosed that so far, the Chapel had trained 57 graduates in various disciplines through its scholarship scheme and with over 95 undergraduates currently studying in different higher institutions in Nigeria and overseas.
He commended Bishop Nwokolo and his wife, Dr Nonyelum for initiating the scheme and also lauded their doggedness in sustaining it.
Bishop Nwokolo had in a vote of thanks showered encomiums on the committee Chairman and his team commending them for successfully executing the building and its dedication.
He also thanked his guest Bishops and wives at the event, among whom were Archbishop Okpala and wife; retired Bishop on the Niger, the Rt Rev Sandy Okeke and wife; Bishop Sam Chukwuka and wife, retired Bishop of Isukwuato Umunneochi Diocese and Bishop Uzochukwu Obiora of the Mbammili Diocese.
Highlights of the ceremony were fund-raising through the cutting of the dedication cake and various renditions by the Cavalry Chapel Choir.
