REPORT OF THE SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY OF G.M.C INTL TO ACHACHA, EBONYI STATE NIGERIA. 14TH__17TH DECEMBER, 2006.
IST DAY, THURSDAY 14TH DECEMBER, 2006.
The team of nine missionaries left the GMC premises Calabar at 7am and arrived Achacha 1 around 3pm.
With some parts of the road untarred especially leaving the Ebonyi State capital into the interior villages, the missionaries found themselves in a dust conditioned Bus.
On arrival, a moment of thanksgiving prayer was observed, by pastor Uwak.
Following, was the appointment of different persons to function in various offices for the smooth running of the team.
Pastor John Onuoha was appointed - coordinator programs
Pastor Uwak I Friday was appointed Finance Controller
Pastor Austin Eteng was appointed to take charge of - Public Address system, Lighting and Audio control. Assisted by Pastor, Imeh Akpan.
Sister Mary Agbor was appointed Welfare Officer
Brother Daniel was the official interpreter
Pastor Khan Kingsley was appointed the team general Secretary.
Pastor Columbus Eyo (Pioneer Pastor) was the general consultant
After appreciation and welcome, the pioneer pastor gave light refreshment (drinks and snacks) to the missionaries.
This was followed by general clean up and the main meal already prepared by the pioneer pastor and his first daughter princess Eyo who was with him in the field was served.
The arrival of the missionaries brought rallying around. You could see excitement on the faces of men, women and children as they rallied around greeting the missionaries.
The first service which started at about 7:30pm witnessed not less than 200 participants of men, women and children.
Ministering was Pastor Uwak who expounded on the topic HOLD FAST.
This service ended at about 10pm as the missionaries retired in for a prayer session, supper and rested for the night.
You could notice how desperate these souls were after God. Both young and old were standing on their feet because every seat was occupied. Some were seen carrying along their chairs with them to the meeting ground.
2ND DAY, FRIDAY 15TH DEC. 2006.
The missionaries were up by 5am as they observed their morning devotion lead by Pastor Eteng.
While preparation was being made by the welfare department, the pastoral team moved to the site of the Church Land offered by Chief Boniface of Achacha 1.
We saw the thatched house worship center. Most attractive in this worship center was the most ancient, indescribable, fascinating, unmovable, lectern which only eyes can best describe.
Also seen around were sundry blocks ready for the temporal mission\ pastors house which the pioneer pastor explained should not be less than six rooms.
In an over view of this Grace land, was a swampy section which the founding pastor, Columbus explained his vision for the Church rice project, cassava processing and other projects were on his mind as he planed to elevate the community, and especially the youth through all these plans.
The missionary team latter visited Achacha 2 after their general breakfast.
Taken to the site where a land was offered to the church, Chief Nwibo Nwankwegy presented a worthy piece of land for the establishment of the branch of GMC in Achacha 2.
While work continues on the land, the Chief and his elders said the Church can use an open hall located beside the land, previously used as a health center before the war between them and Ogba village to begin service.
With this new development, the pioneer pastor scheduled Tuesday, the 19th day of Dec.2006 for the clearing of this land by the youths of Achacha 1 and 2.
After praying on the piece of land, the team was led to the Chiefs compound where an address was made by Pastor John Onuoha on behalf of the team. The Chief also gave an address, confessing their open heartedness to the Church.
One of the elders of Achacha 2 sadly spoke out his heart talking how they have been so desperate thinking whether God has forgotten about them with no single Church, no preacher in their community but was very happy to see that God is still thinking about them and has sent preachers to their community..
More so, they complained about lack of good roads especially in rainy season, no good water, schools etc. we are hard working and our land is fertile they said, but to carry our products to the city is a serious problem.
The Chief and his cabinets also pleaded that the church should help sort out peace between her and her neighboring village Ogba.
This visit ended at about 1.00pm as the Chief was presented with a token by the leader of the teamPastor Adeyemi. Later, he was presented with a wonderful gift (The Holy BibleNLT) at the meeting ground.
As the missionary trekked back, part of the team and the pioneer pastor visited the Chief of Achacha 1, where healing was ministered to the wife who was seriously ill.
As the missionaries returned, they refreshed themselves, took some rest and prepared for the evening service. This service witness over 400 participants. The Chief of Achacha 2 and many others from his community were part of this service. Ministering from the book of John 3 :1617 expounded on Gods love and salvation for the people of Achacha. And not on this occasion only were the people willing to receive Christ Jesus as Lord and Saviour, rather everywhere the missionaries went the people were willing to experience this Gods kind of life eternal life through Christ.
At the end of the meeting, the team retired for a prayer moment before the Lord. This is where the curtain of the day was drawn.
3RD DAY SATURDAY 16TH DEC. 2006.
The missionaries were up for their morning devotion by 5.00am.
Around 7.00am the team of two (Pastor John Onuoha. and Khan Kingsley) were sent by the pioneer pastor to accompany a man who came to request for prayers, for a pregnant woman whose labour pains were prolonged. It was a horrible site to meet this woman on the ground (dust) behind the house. When enquiry was made, the father-in-law explained that their tradition does not allow women to give birth inside the house. What an unhealthy condition for a woman who was about putting to birth! It was noticed that this woman slept outside. However, we could do nothing than to play our part which was to pray for this poor woman.
As the team of missionaries took their breakfast, they later moved out for evangelism by 10.45am.
While returning, we were now set to move to Ijibollo community (which is under CRS). Departure time was 3.00pm.
While others kept on trekking, the pioneer pastor aided in transportation using his motorcycle as he picked us up in twos or threes along the way.
Chief Innocent Ebi and his community were very glad to receive the missionaries.
The missionary team and the community Chairman with other members of the society were then taken to the site where a vast Land with a width of about a mile was (one could not estimate the length) mapped out for the Grace family. And incase you need more; they said you can extend to the other side of the road.
After praying on the Land, the Chief was led to the senior Chiefs compound (he had three sub-chiefs under him).
The missionary team leader introduced his team members and handed over to the Chairman of the Ijibollo.
After appreciation and a welcome note, he now declared his purpose of inviting GMC International to their community.
In his speech, he made mention of some problems the community is facing lack of Education, bad roads lack of health centers, lack of good water etc.
They also lamented as war victims, that they need help to build their furniture. Destroyed houses were seen all over the place especially the senior Chiefs palace.
The missionary team leader responded wisely to this pleas, noting in his speech that it is only through God that they can achieve the above desires. We have to turn our hearts to God so he can see us through our needs. Also it cannot just happen in a day he said, it will take a process and as we start something, God will use it to achieve our dreams.
The senior Chief express his gratitude by saying they are receiving Grace with all their hearts. And thereafter, was presented with a precious gift, the holy BibleNLT, and a token (dresses) for himself and his council members.
The meeting was brought to a close with prayers by pastor Uwak who prophesied peace and light to Ijibollo and her neighbors. This prayer was finalized by pastor Adeyemi.
After the close of the meeting, the Ijibollos brought some heavy duty yam tubers and a life goat which the senior Chief presented to the missionaries.
Receiving these gifts, the team leader prophesied that these gifts were to speak for the peace of the land and to sands as a memorial against tribal war between Ijibollo and her neighbouring communities. He declared authoritatively saying, no more war between Ijibollo, Ogba and Achacha1 and 2, I put an end to the spirit of war in these communities in Jesus name, Amen.
This gathering brought about eighty indigenes in the palace of Chief Innocent
As the team returned to Achacha 1 which was where they stationed, they hurriedly prepared themselves toward the evening service.
This was another great night as one of our lady missionaries Evang. Mercy Isaac fed the hungry souls with Gods life. It was more exciting to see the whole crowd respond to the call of the Gospel of Jesus.
Team retreat for prayers at the close of the service, relax and rest.
4TH DAY, SUNDAY 17TH DAY OF DEC. 2006
This Sunday service could have been properly referred to as a peace and unity service. This is because it brought together the people of Achacha1 and 2 and the Ijibollo (former enemies) .four of the Ijibollo people attended the service, carrying along with them some of the yam tubers the missionaries could not carry when they left Ijibollo.
Chief Boniface of Achacha 1 and Nwebo of Achacha 2 were present till the close of the service at about 2.00pm.
This divine service drew about six hundred men, women and children (children were about 400 in number).
It was so tough on the ushers to control the children as they were more in number than the adults and they were not separated from the adults.
The service started with Sunday school led by Pastor Eteng who gave a vivid description as he illustrated Romans 12:1-2 using examples of circumstances well known to the enthralled hearers.
It was amazing to hear GMC choir Achacha 1 sing to the glory of God..
The missionaries also gave praise to God in songs.
Ministering on the power of God, the servant of GodPastor John Onuoha handed more keys to the congregation, so they can live a victorious Christian life through the power and knowledge of Gods word.
The service ended at about 2.00pm with the taking of pictures of the missionaries with the congregation.
On the occasion of the missionary trip, testimonies abounded as some testified of the joy of receiving Christ, many were delivered and healed etc.
An aged woman surrendered to Christ and early on Monday morning, she came for her hair to be cut (she has been operating as a sorcerer and the law is that she should never cut her hair)
Other children with the spirit of dada (socerer), whom the indigenes believe that if they shaved their locks they will die, were prayed for and shaven.
Ministering salvation, healing and deliverance continued till Sunday evening and Monday morning as the missionaries were getting ready to leave. On Sunday evening, while some trooped in at the missionaries lodge, with personal prayers request and problems, others were still thinking that evening service hasnt stopped.
From the first day, until the last, the brother (Daniel) who interpreted for the missionaries did a worthy work for the Lord. He was both responsible for the people understanding the missionaries and vice versa. Counseling and effective prayers was done when he was around.
After all arrangements have been made, the missionaries finally left Achacha (on the 18th Dec. 2006) at about 11.am. There were lots of commotions as they arrive GMC Calabar at about 6.00pm.
In a nutshell, the thirst of the people of the land Achacha can not be over exaggerated seeing that the people who sat in darkness have received the great light of the Gospel of hope. Captives are being set free, the bond are loosed, beauty, dancing, laughter, the garment of praise; is replacing sorrows and ashes, mourning etc. destinies are being restored and the fortunes of Gods people are beginning to return to them. Greater things (miracles, healing etc) are yet to be seen and heard. The war does not end here; the missionaries have sown the seed, for the full blown harvest and increase that God will bring. We are left with the responsibility of watering this seed which is the next challenge.
A FINANCIAL REPORT ON ACHACHAS 2ND MISSIONARY TRIP HELD ON THURS,---MON. 14TH18TH DEC.2006 COMPILED BY PASTOR UWAK I.F, THE TREASURER OF THE TEAM.
TOTAL CASH RAISED
..N 27, 985
TOTAL EXPENSES
.N 27, 545
BALANCE
N 440
BREAK DOWN OF EXPENSES
THURS. 14TH DEC 2006.
CALABAR TO EDIBA
.N 4500
CROSSING OF WATER
N 450
ITIGHIDI TO ABAKILIKI
.N 2550
FOOD (TWO PERSONS)
N 310
ESPERENDO JUNCTION TO ACHACHA
N 2200
COSMETICS
.N 400
BEVERAGES
N1680
CANDLES AND MATCHES
N250
TRANS. TO BRO. DANIEL
.N200
TOTAL
..N 12,540
FRIDAY 15TH DEC. 2006
BIBLE
....N 1000
FUEL
N 1000
PURE WATER
.N200
TOTAL
..N 2200
SUNDAY 17TH DEC. 2006
BREAKFAST
. N.550
MONDAY 18TH DEC. 2006
TRANS. TO BRO DANIEL............................... N. 200
ACHACHA TO ABAKILIKI
.N 2500
ABAKILIKI TO ITIGHIDI
..N3150
BAG
.N40
PURE WATER
.N50
CROSSING OF WATER
.N500
SLIPPERS
.N70
GHANA MUST GO BAG
.N 300
EDIBA TO CALABAR
N 3600
LOADING
.N200
FOOD (LUNCH) ALL
..N640
BORROWED FOR MTN CARD
..N805
TOTAL
.N12, 255
THEREFORE, 12,540 +2200 +550 +12, 255 =27,545
HENCE, 27,985 -27,545 = 440
BY PASTOR UWAK
21ST DEC. 2006
COMMENT BY PROPHET EZEKIEL EDUMOH THE SENIOR PASTOR OF GRACE MISSIONARY CHAPEL INTERNATIONAL.
Brothers and Sisters, this is an amazing report on the move of God in the Land of Achacha 1, Achacha 2, Ijibolo, and Ogba. God is visiting them with the message of salvation and there is great awakening in the land.
I will like to call on our friends and partners and UCFM members to pray along with us for the continuous release of the presence of God in the community through our God directed projects.
1. We have a duty to provide Pastors for the sheep. We are planning to send 6 Pastors to this community so that 2 each can be given responsibility over Achacha 1, Achacha 2, and Ijibolo. This is our plan for January ending. The military officer, Pastor Eyo will not be able to handle the explosion. We therefore need to pray for the following:
First, we are building a six rooms apartment for the Pastors. We will need God to provide us with $600 which is about N70,000 NG Naira for the roofing and cement for the floor of the house.
Pray with us that God will give us Pastors after His own heart. We need 6 Pastors.
We also need three motorcycles to aid the Pastors go round the entire community to give them the gospel. One motorcycle will cost $500 about N60,000 NG Naira. This will be a total of $1,500
We will need about 1000 KV English Bibles for the community and other gospel tracts.
2. We are planning for a Camp Crusade in the Community in the 2nd week of March 2007. This program will touch the lives of the entire community. It shall be a 7 day outreach program combined with medical missions. We are asking for prayers in the following areas:
We need a total cash of about $11,000 USD for the implementation of this program. It will be used for PA system, transportation, and raising of a hall for worship.
We need prayers for the Lord to for anyone who will like to come and minister with us in this crusade.
We are praying for Medical workers who can work with us during this 7 days of miracle crusade in Achacha.
We also request prayers for God to supply drugs for the medical missions during this period.
2nd week of March is the period. We are sending prayer groups to go there in February to do some spiritual mapping of the entire area.
We are so happy because Achacha is for Jesus.
I must appreciate all our Brothers and Sisters who are supporting us in prayers and financially. Without your obeying God to support us, we would not have been able to achieve all that the Lord is doing now.
I DO NOT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO. THE BURDEN FOR THE SOULS IS HEAVY UPON OUR HEARTS. OUR MISSIONARIES ALWAYS LEAVE ACHACHA IN TEARS BECAUSE OF THE WAY ADULTS AND CHILDREN ALIKE WILL TURN AFFECTION TO THEM AS IF THEY SHOULD RETURN TO CALABAR WITH THEM. I BELIEVE THAT ALL WE NEED NOW IS TO PRAY AND OUR GREAT GOD IS ABLE TO RAISE THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO WILL STAND LIKE AARON AND HUR TO LIFT UP MOSES HAND.
THE LAND GIVEN TO US AT IJIBOLO IS OVER ONE MILE SQUARE. THIS IS OUR UNIVERSITY LAND. DOES ANY ORGANIZATION WANT TO PARTNER WITH US TO RAISE UP A STANDARD CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY IN NIGERIA? GRACE UNIVERSITY IS A VISION GIVEN TO US AND IT IS CONFIRMED BY THE DONATION OF THIS LAND BY THE COMMUNITY.
If the Lord is speaking to you to be a partner in any way, even in Prayers do not hesitate to give us a call. Or give us an email at the following addresses:
Pastor Dobie Ingram: dobieingram@sbcglobal.net
Pastor Dobie has graciously accepted to intereact with people about our needs and to receive funds for the aforementioned projects.
Please indicate what you are supporting when in touch with him.
My e-mail is: prophetedumoh@yahoo.com
In Canada, contact : Bishop Rebecca Michael - mrskenmitchell@yahoo.ca
In Dallas contact Rev. Dr. Godwin Umotong godumotong@hotmail.com
God bless you!
from Rev. Dr. Ezekiel Edumoh