God Seeks Willing, Faithful Men, Bishop Sobanke Charges Clergy, Sir Dr Afolabi

 

The Bishop of Omu-Aran Diocese (Anglican Communion), the Rt. Rev. Festus Sobanke, has urged ministers of God and Christian faithful to remain willing, faithful and obedient to God’s calling, stressing that God is continually searching for men and women who will stand in the gap for His people.

Bishop Sobanke gave the charge during a special service for the collation of Archdeacons, ordination of deacons and priest, as well as the investiture of Dr Monisoye Sola Afolabi and Mrs Remi Afolabi as Knight, held at the Cathedral Church of St. Michael, Esie, on Sunday.

Preaching on the theme, “God Is Looking for a Man,” from Ezekiel 22:30, the bishop said God has always sought individuals who would faithfully carry out His purpose and defend the cause of righteousness.

He recalled how God raised men such as Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Gideon and David to fulfil divine assignments, noting that God’s search for faithful servants continues even within the Church today.

“Your presence here is not by accident. Grace has found you. God uses only those discovered by His grace and those who are willing to make themselves available for His service,” he said.

The bishop reminded the newly ordained ministers and newly invested knights that God is not looking for perfect people but for willing hearts that are ready to obey His call.

Quoting the response of Prophet Isaiah, “Here am I; send me,” Bishop Sobanke urged them to surrender completely to God, adding that no one can succeed in ministry without recognising God’s supremacy and giving Him all the glory.

He charged the clergy and church leaders to emulate David by becoming people after God’s own heart, characterised by sincerity, honesty, faithfulness and unwavering commitment to God’s Word.

According to him, God is looking for dependable leaders who cannot be influenced by wealth, position or human pressure, but who will stand firmly for the truth and refuse to allow influential church members to dictate the direction of God’s work.

He also called on ministers to be sacrificial shepherds, ready to lay down their lives, time and resources for the advancement of the Gospel.

Bishop Sobanke further emphasised the need for Christian leaders to be responsible, reliable, morally upright and of exemplary character, warning against immorality and any conduct capable of bringing reproach upon the Church.

During the service, the Bishop of Igbomina Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Adekola, officiated at the ordination of deacons and a priest, the collation of Archdeacons and the investiture of Dr. Monisoye Olorunsola Afolabi and Mrs. Remi Jumoke Afolabi as Knights of the Igbomina Diocese.

Those ordained as deacons were Mr. Sunday Dada, Mr. Emmanuel Oduleke, Mr. Olatunde Ibiyeye and Mr. Ibrahim John, while the Rev. Ezekiel Okasehinde was ordained priest.
The newly collated Archdeacons were the Ven. Luke Kayode Ogunwiyi and the Ven. Peter Damilare Owolabi.

Dignitaries at the service included the Archbishop of Kwara Diocese and Bishop of Kanji, the Elesie of Esie, Oba Yakub Ibrahim Agboola; the Olomu of Omupo, Oba Yakub Adebayo Buari; the President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, Comrade Bisi Fakayode; the Balogun Musulumi of Omupo, Alhaji Tajudeen Adigun, alongside other traditional rulers, clerics and distinguished guests.