Despite Demolition Kubwa Diocese Consolidates on Mission and Evangelism
Aug. 2, 2006 - The Diocese of Kubwa (Anglican Communion), carved out of the diocese of Abuja, has drastically come under the threat of demolition.
Simply put and as the Bishop of Kubwa, the Rt. Rev Simon Bala says ‘The demolition exercise has seriously devastated the Diocese of Kubwa’.
Yet where old church buildings were pulled down, energetic revivals has led to the planting of 24 new churches 16 months after the diocese located in the FCT came on board.
In Lugbe, Karishi, Karmo, Kubwa and Kuje Archdeaconries at least one or more congregations were affected by the on-going demolition exercise aimed at restoring the distorted Abuja master plan.
During the synod of the diocese held last week at the Cathedral Church of St Bartholomew Kubwa, Bishop Bala told synod members that where demolition of churches and homes occurred; members have been forced to relocate to neighboring states while others outrightly returned to their home towns.
It has not been a pleasant experience for the 16 month old diocese.
For instance, members watched in anguish early this year the reducing into rubble of Christ Church Idu Karmo, one of the most viable churches in the diocese.
The demolition exercise did not spare the parsonage, a church hall and school building located in the church compound.
But the work of God and mission has not been hindered at all despite all these setbacks.
Bishop Bala testified that within the year under review, ‘the Lord has shown us his goodness and faithfulness.”
This has manifested in the planting of 24 new congregations and a strong unction to make the churches both physically and spiritually strong. Quarterly vigils, leadership seminars, crusades, recruitment and ordination of committed hands to man congregations, are some strategies employed to maintain the tide of events.
A 10-room guest house located at the Bishop’s court at Oduduwa crescent, a diocesan secondary school billed to take-off by September and a flourishing fish farm with some 3000 fishes, are living testimonies of God’s hand upon the missionary diocese created on March 12, 2005.
In his exposition on the theme of the synod, Arise and Build, the Bishop of Kubwa used the biblical story of Nehemiah to underpin the desire to rebuild the ‘walls of the diocese’.
According to the bishop Nehemiah was able to build because he had a conviction of divine guidance and help; he had the ability to overcome hostility and his burning desire for economic justice.
Guest bible study teacher and General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria, Venerable Oluranti Odubogun livened the synod with metaphors on the character of Nehemiah with the aim of encouraging Christians to arise and build.
Nehemiah, in the eyes of Odobugun was noted for his waiting on God, trust in God, praying to God, planning his mission and testifying God’s goodness upon his request.
Guest preacher, Ven Prof. Akin Akindoyemi said in building no other foundation could be laid except that which is rooted in Jesus Christ.
Taking a glimpse into the spiritual overtone of building, Akindoyemi listed faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control and perseverance as virtues needed for a sound physical and spiritual building.
The council meeting of the diocese of Kubwa was attended by dignitaries from the government and some bishops in the Anglican Church including Bishops Duke Akamisoko of Zonkwa diocese, Johnson Onuoha of Arochukwu/Ohafia and Daniel Yisa of Minna, who preached at the Sunday thanksgiving service.
