THANKSGIVING AND BAPTISMAL SERVICE OF KAMSIYOCHUKWU CHANA CHIMAMANDA ILO

Report by Nnabugwu Chizoba 

The birth of a Child is a joyous occasion in the life of a family. It is always an occasion for rejoicing, celebration and thanksgiving, not only to the family members, but also, friends, neighbours and the entire community, as a whole.

For the Christian Families, like the Ekene Ilo family, it is a practice to present and dedicate their new born to God Almighty, the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings, through a Church service. This presentation of the Child in the Church is also a moment for the Parents to return thanks to God for His protection over the woman during Child-birth. Hence, it is a spiritual obligation that true Christians perform with joy, praises and thanksgiving.

For the Family of Ekene and Florence Ilo, of St Piran’s Church, Jos, Plateau State, Sunday, the 21st of August 2016, is not just, any other day. This is because the day presented an opportunity, for the Family to present to the Almighty God, through the Church of St Piran’s, their daughter, KAMSIYOCHUKWU CHANA CHIMAMANDA ILO.

With a heart full of joy, praises, and commitment, to the will of the Almighty, friends and family members of the Ilo’s, gathered from far and near, to join the congregation at St Piran's Church to give thanks to God for the most precious gift of a baby, saying:

God Our Father,

Maker of all that is living;

We praise you for the wonderful joy of creation.

We render our hearty thanks and praise

For the life of this Child.

We give you thanks for the blessing

You have bestowed upon this family (the Ilo’s)

In giving them a Child.

We thank you for a safe delivery

And for the privilege of parenthood.

Accept our thanks and praise

Through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

Amen.

Mr Ekene Ilo, and his Wife Florence at the service

Apart from the Thanksgiving service, the Family of Ekene and Florence Ilo, used the same day, Sunday, the 21st of August 2016, to perform the Baptism of Baby KAMSIYOCHUKWU CHANA CHIMAMANDA ILO, at the same Church.

With the Baby, Vicar St Piran's Church, Venerable Ephraim Gongden

Mrs Nkeiru Okoye, with Kamsiyochukwu

Speaking to our reporter, immediately after the Church service, Mrs. Nkeiru Okoye, one of the sponsors, reiterated the importance of thanksgiving for Childbirth, the place of Baptism in the Church, and its role in the life of every Christian. She then re-affirmed her commitment as one of the Sponsors of the day, towards bringing up the Child in the way of the Lord, Saying “the Bible and its principles are the guiding light and basis of Christian life and Godly living. Part of my duty, as a Sponsor is to ensure with the collaboration of the family that Kamsiyochukwu, is brought up to imbibe the tenets and core principles of the Bible.

Earlier before the interview, Mrs. Nkeiru Okoye, while responding to questions by the officiating Priest, Venerable Ephraim Gongden, Vicar, St Piran’s Church, Jos, during the Baptism of KAMSIYOCHUKWU CHANA CHIMAMANDA ILO, affirmed her willingness to perform the role expected of her towards proper up-bringing up the Child. She did not forget, the role and supremacy of God Almighty, in the discharge of this spiritual function, saying “I will God being my helper”.

Speaking to our reporter at the occassion, Mr Ekene Ilo, and her beautiful, lovely and adorable wife, Florence, restated their commitment and unwavering obligation to bring up the Child and the others before her in the way of the Almighty Lord. According to them, “the way of the Lord, is the only way. The benefits are many and compares to no other. Bringing Kamsiyochukwu and her brothers to Church regularly and ensuring that the things of the Lord are of primary concern to them at all times, and that respect for humanity and the right of others are of top priority and consideration are issues of importance and greater responsibility, to us as parents. As a family we accord special recognition, to prayer and as a matter of fact, understand the demand on our part towards educating them (the Children), on the importance of prayer and the wonder working powers of the name of Jesus Christ, the Lord and saviour of mankind, who sacrificed His life that MAN shall have life and have it abundantly”. 

At We say congratulations to the Ilo's Family, while praying the Almighty God, to grant them favour, shine His face and countenance upon them, bless and protect them in their endeavours, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and personal saviour. Amen.

See below other Pix from the event:

Mrs Gongden Esther, Wife of the Vicar

Photo credit to Exclusive Photos, Jos