By Our Correspondent
The Assemblies of God Church, Shalom Assembly, has dedicated her ultra-modern parsonage at Umungasi, Aba, Abia State, even as she celebrated her 61st anniversary.
It was also a celebration of the 61st Anniversary of the church, acknowledging the goodness, grace and mercies of God.
The historic and joyous dedication at the Shalom Assembly auditorium was performed under the inspiring leadership of the General Superintendent, Assemblies of God, Nigeria, Rev. Dr Abel Ukachi Amadi.
The colourful event drew church leaders, captains of industry, clergy and Christian faithful from across Nigeria.
The General Superintendent described the parsonage as a milestone achievement, noting that it was a testament to the local church leadership’s vision and resilience.
“This is a ground-breaking achievement, and the structure is a monument for spiritual uplifting. I am deeply grateful to God that this happened in our time,” he said.
Rev. Amadi emphasised the importance of adapting to modern standards in church buildings, affirming that functional structures help attract the younger generation and create a welcoming worship environment for all.
He further urged churches nationwide to remain committed to the core values of holiness, evangelism, and righteousness, which, according to him, form the bedrock of the Assemblies of God’s spiritual legacy.
Ambassador Dr Mike Okoro, Alias ‘Vote for Jesus’, said the unveiling of the parsonage was the fulfilment of a long-held dream and a testament to God’s unwavering faithfulness.
“This is more than a building; it is an eloquent testimony of what is possible through faith, perseverance, and commitment.
“This parsonage is a signature of excellence, standing out not just as a building, but also as a symbol of what the church represents in this generation,” he said.
Ambassador Okoro described the parsonage as a beacon of hope, declaring that it would serve as a centre for community transformation and spiritual renewal.
According to him, “This is one of the pieces of evidence of increase. We shall keep increasing.”
He commended the church members in Aba for their vision, dedication, and heartfelt hospitality, which made the milestone celebration memorable. “With grateful hearts, we lift all glory to God for His unending grace, faithfulness, and guidance,” he said.
The Senior Pastor of Shalom Assembly, Rev Dr Chidiogo Ezennaya, expressed his delight over the project, describing it as a necessary step toward modernisation and relevance in the 21st-century church.
He noted: “We have to keep evolving. It is not enough to talk about God; we must also present the church appealingly, especially to young people.”
Rev. Ezennaya congratulated the church leadership and the entire membership for achieving the remarkable feat of dedicating the parsonage and celebrating its 21st anniversary.
He said that the grace of building God’s houses and parsonages will not diminish in the lives of members of the church, stating: “God will make you as His spiritual house and likewise build for you physical houses. And He shall develop your generation in Him as a covenant forever.” ###.