Christian women pray against violence
“That these violence and ungodly behaviours should be stopped by increasing prayers to God, because the battle of the Lord and that our spiritual weapons are not carnal but powerful in the Lord,” a communiqué issued by WOWICAN read. The women association challenged women to “arise with courage and with a purposeful vision like Deborah […]
“That these violence and ungodly behaviours should be stopped by increasing prayers to God, because the battle of the Lord and that our spiritual weapons are not carnal but powerful in the Lord,” a communiqué issued by WOWICAN read.
The women association challenged women to “arise with courage and with a purposeful vision like Deborah who had passion for change (1 Tim. 2:14)” and effect change in society.
The convention which bore the theme “Woman Change Your World” urged women to go extra-mile to deliver their children from being taken over by the devil, with a call that women should raise their voice against child abuse, rape and child labour.
Women, according to the communiqué, should endeavour to partner with God by yielding their lives to the Holy Spirit as a vessel unto honour (1 Tim.2).
At the opening of the convention, the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan represented by the wife of the Senate President, Mrs Helen Mark urged women to be undaunted in the efforts to make Nigeria a better place.
Earlier in her speech, the National President of WOWICAN, Barrister Regina Okafor explained the essence of the gathering: “Today as we converge here, we will tell God in a united voice that enough is enough for criminals and the wicked and corrupt people. We shall pray for the breaking of their evil covenants, for healing of our land, for revival and restoration of God’s glory on the land, and for cleansing of our nation…We will pronounce anathema on every man or woman who engages or promotes our youths in evil deeds.”
CAN President, Ayo Oritsejafor, who was represented by the South-South zonal chairman of CAN, Apostle G. D. Numbere, welcomed the guests and assured them of his support. Quoting Psalm 51, Oritsejafor emphasized that it is only through righteousness that Nigeria can be exhorted.
In his address, the Director of Education, Youth and Women Development of CAN, Msgr. Hypolite Adigwe noted that “women have always been very powerful transmitters of sobriety [soberness] in troubled situations, especially when it comes to the presence of aridity [lack] of faith and practice.” He threw this question to the gathering: “…Is WOWICAN immersed in the pursuit of even more petty crumbs, allowing the world to change you, instead of you changing the world?”
Msgr. Adigwe, noted for his unique teachings, explained why the name Ecumenical Centre was dropped: “You will recall that our National Christian Centre in Abuja was originally called Ecumenical Centre. This name was changed on the premise that most Nigerians did not quite understand the meaning of the word Ecumenical and confused it with, and even called it Economic Centre. The change of name is not meant to derail the central concept of CAN which is ecumenism. CAN is principally meant to work Christian unity, which is essentially a unity of faith in Jesus Christ.” He asked the women to re-examine their commitment to Christian unity.
Wife of the president of CAN, Mama Helen Oritsejafor who spoke on Parenting in the 21st Century urged women to take good care of their spouses and children. But she maintained that care of the children does not mean showering wealth on children.
The General Overseer of the Deeper Life Ministry, Rev William Kumuyi, sent a message to the convention, saying women should strive to see things positively and drop negative tendencies.
In her welcome speech, the chairperson, WOWICAN, Bayelsa State chapter, Evang. Stella Ebenabor challenged the Deborahs and the Marys of the present day to rise up and help change the world.
High points were conferment of the honorary titles on distinguished women including Mrs Jonathan who got the title, “The Unique Mother of Nigeria” and launch of Who is Who in WOWICAN – a 26-page compendium of names of women who have contributed significantly to the progress of WOWICAN and the society generally.
The programme kicked off with prayers led by the National Prayer Coordinator of WOWICAN, Mrs Ekene Ofodile. The convention was held between 27th and 30th October 2011, at the Cultural Centre, Yenagoa.