“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” – Acts 20:28.

The earth and everything in it is the Lord's. Out of sheer love for humankind, God made man in His image and likeness. He graciously handed over the care of His creation in the hands of man - Genesis 1:26. When Jesus came in human form after man had rebelled and forfeited his place in God, Jesus commissioned men to join him in reconciling the lost through him to God the Father - Matthew 4:19. In obedience to that great commission therefore, men have had to put aside other personal endeavours to attend the Master's Call.

Archbishop Dr. Cletus Bassey is one of the few who heeded this call to serve God and humanity by carrying the gospel of Christ everywhere as enabled by the overflowing grace of God.

It is quite surprising and pleasantly so when one considers the Archbishop's chronological age and juxtaposes that with the 40 eventful years he has spent already at the Master's Service. In the light of this startling reality therefore, it becomes pertinent to critically probe the rationale behind Archbishop Dr. Bassey's choice to take to ministry that early at a time when Nigeria was not as uncertain.

This becomes necessary because, at that time, it wasn't as difficult for young people to survive in Nigeria so, one cannot possibly say he came into ministry to make ends meet as is the case today for many who claim to serve God.

Besides, being a preacher at that time was not so attractive and desirable. Again, if big names in ministry were not making it 'big' at the time, what then would a young man his age do differently?

It therefore follows naturally that Archbishop Dr. Cletus Bassey followed a conviction deeper than anticipated physical and material gains attached to such undertaking by many. It is that conviction that kept him through those good 40 years.

Having done 40 years with his strength still full, it becomes necessary to sit back, appraise the journey thus far and refuel for greater tasks ahead. This informed the 40th Anniversary Lecture on the theme: REDEFINING OUR LEADERSHIP CONTEXT IN MODERN DAY CHRISTIANITY.

The lecture delivered by Nigeria's first Professor of Rhetorics, Professor Peter Esuh of the University of Uyo, who harped extensively on the role of church leaders. Professor Esuh highlighted the negligence of the church leadership in Turkey which led to the fall of the church. He therefore encouraged the leadership of the church in Nigeria to brace up to the many challenges in the Nigerian state if she must survive the times. It was indeed an excellent presentation by the erudite and well spoken professor whose oratorical prowess captured and sustained everyone's attention through the enlightening and professorial lecture.

The celebration of the 40th Priesthood Anniversary which had as its Planning Committee Chairman, Distinguished Senator Akon Eyakenyi Ph.D, attracted the Nigerian Senate and the Presidency to the Anniversary Lecture held at the Ewet Housing Estate Auditorium of Destiny International Missions. Leading the Nigerian Senate was the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Dr. Ahmed Lawan who was represented by Distinguished Senator Sandy Onor, CRS central, who served as Father of the day. Also The Deputy Senate President was able represented by Senator Sandy Onor. The Special Guest of Honor was His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. while Distinguished Senator Dr. Ita Enang, Senior Special Adviser to the President (Senate) and Mr. Femi Adesina, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity added executive flavour to the event.

Others who added federal government presence to the event include: Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi - Delta North; Distinguished Senator Mathew A. Urhoghide - Edo South; Distinguished Senator Alimikhena Francis Asekhame - Edo North, Distinguished Senator Laah Danjuma Tella - Kaduna South and Hon. Prince Flavian Obidigbo Enwezoh.

Speaking at the event, the Senate President represented by Senator Sandy Ojang Onor commended Archbishop Dr. Cletus Bassey for his commitment to the service of God and his excellent leadership qualities. The Senate President urged the Christian community to continue to pray for the peaceful coexistence and progress of Nigeria. He pledged his willingness to partner with the man of God at all times and prayed God to strengthen the Archbishop for greater exploits.

In his remarks, Senator Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu said he is always excited anytime he is in the presence of God. Senator Orji Kalu said he is a man of Destiny. Recounting his days in the University of Maiduguri, Senator Kalu said he refused to get back to studies when the university authority called him back in isolation after being sent away alongside other students. I demanded the recall of all students sanctioned by the university and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Jubril Aminu took me as his son for my stand on the issue. "I've come to understand that the Senate is a very simple place. I see the Senate as a secondary school class with the Senate President as our class monitor. Being a man of few words who likes to to do more of planning and strategising behind the scene, I have come to discover that some of our senators are very useful." He said he could not hesitate to honour Senator Dr. Akon Eyakenyi's invitation as he has found her to be very useful and instrumental to the success of the 9th Senate so far.

The Anniversary Celebration which rounded off with a Mega Thanksgiving Service on Sunday 11th August, 2019 drew the who is who in Akwa Ibom State Government, clergies and traditional leaders.

Notable amongst dignitaries at the thanksgiving service were HE, Deacon Udom Emmanuel, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State ably represented by the Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government - Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem; the Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo MFR represented by Mrs. Florence Obong; Akwa Ibom State Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Godwin Abraham; the Deputy Speaker Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Princess Felicia Bassey; Hon Commissioners, permanent secretaries, Directors, and other government functionaries. Amongst the clergies were Archbishop Elijah Mboho, Reverend (Mrs.) Philomena Ukpai, Prelate Dr Isaiah Isong, the Executive Secretary of National Christian Pilgrims Commission - Reverend Tor Uja, Reverend Angela Ashong who preached at the service, the Vice Chairman and Secretary Akwa Ibom Christians Assembly, Evangelist Ukpong Smith and Pastor Umo Eno, SA to the Governor on religious Matters- Rev Akwatang and many others.

The service equally had traditional leaders prominent amongst whom were Ntisong Ibibio III - Obong Engr. Essien Udo Ekidem; Paramount Ruler of Uruan Local Government Area - Edidem Ekanem and others.

It was a rewarding time in the presence of God for all of 4 days and Archbishop Dr. Cletus Bassey expressed gratitude to God and gratefulness to the many who gathered from far and near to celebrate the faithfulness of God in his life and ministry.

#ManoftheMoment #CletusBassey #40YearsinMinistry #DestinyInternationalMissions

SOURCE: https://www.wetinhappen.com.ng/archbishop-cletus-bassey-40-years-at-the-masters-service/

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