Women in Akwa Ibom State and the world have been charged to emulate the virtues of Biblical women, who exhibited exemplary devotion to God in character, peaceful conduct and love for one another.
Wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, gave the charge on Saturday, during ‘Women Rally 2023’ at Qua Iboe Church, Eket Township Superintendency.
Speaking at the programme organised by the women’s fellowship of the church, with the theme: ‘A Devoted Woman’, the first lady pointed out some women in the Bible who can be seen as role models, considering their devotion to God and service to Humanity, including Mary, Esther, Ruth, Priscilla among others, saying that they exhibited character worthy of emulation.
“I just want to point out to you a few women in the Bible who were devoted in their different areas, ways and occupations. They were businesswomen of old, women who were busy in the house of God, doing the work of God, serving the men of God in the church and ministering in the things of God like; Rhoda, Abigail etc,” she stated.
The First Lady who was the keynote speaker at the event, noted that the stories of faithful and devoted women which the Bible is replete with, are capable of deepening one’s spiritual life and devotion to God.
“The theme of this Conference’Devoted Woman’, to me is very commendable because, throughout the Bible, there are numerous accounts of devoted individuals who exemplify unwavering faith and dedication to God. Within this context, there are several women whose stories stand out as testimonies of devotion.
“Whether it is Ruth’s commitment to family, Mary’s submission to God’s plan, Esther’s fearless advocacy, or Priscilla’s dedication to ministry, their stories remind us of the power of unwavering devotion in our spiritual journeys. By studying and emulating their faith, we too can cultivate a deeper sense of devotion to God and those around us,” the Governor’s wife noted.
She further said that miracles always abounded any time women gathered in the Bible and expressed optimism that the same would be the case at the end of the women’s rally.
In her words, “anywhere and time women were gathered in the Bible, it is recorded that miracles were always visible and this I believe would not be an exception because Jesus Christ is still the same yesterday, today and forever.”
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, Pastor of Qua Iboe Church, the Rev. Ime Matthew Obong, appreciated God for making the event a reality and members of the women’s fellowship for turning up for the rally, noting that the presence of God is where joy and blessings are derived.
Obong who described God as the head of the Church, said QIC Eket Township Superintendency is a ground of satisfaction, assuring the congregants of God’s satisfaction as they continue in fellowship with Him.
In her speech, the President, Qua Iboe Church, Eket Township Superintendency Women Fellowship, Deaconess Ekaette Eshiet, appreciated God for sustaining the fellowship all through the years till the fourth edition while also applauding the Governor’s wife, Pastor Patience Eno for gracing the occasion.
Deaconess Eshiet said the essence of the rally was to gather women from the various congregations of the Superintendency to fellowship, encourage and remind them of the need to remain devoted to God not minding the situation or positions they find themselves.
In his goodwill message, the Eket Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Akan Tommy, eulogized Pastor Patience Umo Eno for attending the rally to share her thoughts with the women and encouraging them to remain committed to the many services required in the Lord’s vineyard.
High point of the event was the presentation of a portrait to the Governor’s wife, by the president of the Qua Iboe Church Women Fellowship, Eket Township Superintendency.
The Wife of the Governor was accompanied to the event by the member representing Oron/Udung Uko State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Kenim Onofiok, Wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Inemesit Uwah, Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebiet, Wife of the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs Bright Archibong , Wife of the Paramount Ruler of Eket Local Government, Akwa Obonanwan Mandu Abia, among other Female Stakeholders in the state.
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