By Danjuma Auta
Hundreds of worshippers gathered to give the ECWA General Secretary Rev. Ayuba Asheshe, a befitting welcome during a Thanksgiving service organized in his honour at the ECWA Church Kisaloi, Bassa LGA of Plateau State.
Chairman, Zagun DCC, Rev. Jerry Damina, in an address explained that the event was meant to appreciate God for elevating their son to the position of ECWA General Secretary.
According to him, an effective leader must give himself to prayers in order to succeed, adding that because Zagun DCC recognized the importance of the office the general secretary occupied, they woould help him in praying for divine guidance.He reminded Rev. Asheshe of the need for accountability and advised him to strive to do only what God expects of him.
In a message, the ECWA Vice President, Rev Dr Stephen Sunday Ajise, stated that Christians must thank God at all the times.
Taking his text from 1Timothy 2:1-4, the cleric stated that Christians were expected to always offer thanksgiving and prayers because that is what God expects of us.
According to him, giants in God’s vineyard always looked back and appreciated Him for what He is doing in their lives.
He added that Rev. Asheshe had done a noble thing by remembering that his only key to success was for him to continue to thank God and seek Him always.
He called on Christians to always pray for their leaders as, according to him, the work of the ministry was becoming more difficult than ever before.
He noted that leading the church of God today is very difficult because people had become more sensitive to the things of the world.
He disclosed that, as the Secretary General of ECWA, Rev Asheshe needed wisdom and prayers to help him out.
Responding, Rev. Ayuba Asheshe thanked God for giving him the position and the people for attending the thanksgiving prayers, adding that his ascension to the position was a demonstration of God’s mercy.
The cleric said, “When I joined the ministry, I had no premonition of where God was leading me to. But one thing I knew was that God has started a good thing in my life and will surely fulfill greater things in my life. Therefore, I am positive that God has not finished the work of transforming me yet.’’
He stressed that the church had been his pillar of growth and would continue to serve it diligently for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom and for the benefit of mankind.
He called on members of the church to remain steadfast in praying for him because, he could not do anything without their prayers and assured that he would work with the current executive team to ensure that ECWA attains higher heights.
He paid tribute to the leaders who impacted his life and thanked them for investing in making him what he is today.
Highlights of the occasion were special prayers for the General Secretary by Rev. Dr. Bauda Sambo and ECWA Trustee, Rev. Prof. Sunday Agang, and song renditions by women fellowship choir of Bukuru and Zagun DCCs and the combined choir of Zagun DCC, among others.