ENUC MAIDEN COUPLES SUMMIT: FRESH KNOWLEDGE ON HOW TO MAKE A GOOD HOME

 

A cross section of Port Harcourt Conference Couples

By Ada &Temple-Ekpor

According to Elder Emmanuel Okpechi (2021), in his lecture Habits that Destroy marriage, “Research shows that every new couple goes into marriage expecting happiness and ready to be a source of joy and happiness to his or her spouse. Unfortunately, 45% of First marriages end in Divorce; 62% of 2^nd marriages end in divorce, 73% of 3^rd marriages end in divorce. 2.4 Million Divorce occurs every year. This invariably implies that every 13 seconds a marriage is dissolved”.

I have attended lots of religious summits and conferences, but the feeling of being part of one that reminds me of Eden is quite unimaginable.

Like the Eastern Nigeria Union President Pst [Dr.] B.E.O. Udoh rightly opined in a chat with A-Media PHC

“The family is the basic unit of the society. It is the quality of living in the family that is brought into the church –living. So, the togetherness of the family portends that of the church or society. I am also certain that the couples who participated in this year’s summit share one thing in common— which is to build an effective home where Jesus can abide. Well, was this dream actualized after the few days spent on mount olive? This literal ride will tell.

Day 1: The Journey to the Aba

The sojourn to arguably the industrial Hubb of Nigeria, Aba, ushered ambivalent experience which is dependent on the individual point of view.

I arrived a day before others came in but with the feelers one could easily relate with the plight of a stranger’s first visit to the metropolis nicknamed “Gods own state”. Unfortunately, and surprisingly, the picture of the city tells a different story.

Hotels were accredited at dusk, coupled with the tardy allocation and exhaustive nature of delegates. When some finally located and settled into their hotel rooms—they forgot that the opening ceremony awaits them. In the wisdom of the organizers, they knew that, that won’t be possible considering the earlier mention plights.

Day 2: The Interactions began…

Beautifully adorn the next morning, I saw couples seated in pairs glittering in their colours like the eastern sky of Europe. Well-presented lectures and seminars from well baked and experiential professionals like, Dr.{Mrs} F.B. Uche who spoke extensively on ‘ EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IN MARRIAGE’  this aroused the interest of delegates who had lots of questions agitating their minds.

Others are; Eld. Reuben Onwubiko (Effective Family financial Planning and management), Eld. Emmanuel Okpechi (Habits that destroy marriage), John Ogunji (Challenges of parenting in the 21^st Century), Elder Emmanuel Manilla (Family Budget and Planning), Pastor Dr. Ugochukwu Ahiamadu (Sexual Intimacy in Marriage: A Missionary Perspective), Dr. Ndukauba Eleweke (Family Health and Hygiene), Pastor Dr. O. Nwankpa (Stewardship in Church Life and Family Management: An Inseparable Duo.

Finally, Professor Chimezie Allwell Omeonu  led out in another mind blowing topic ‘The Enigma called Marital conflict’.

Worth pinpointing is the feeding system of “eat as you can afford” really lightened up the summit and helped in programme coordination.

Day 3: The Feast at the Garden

What a way to climax a maiden couple’s summit with the state Governor as the guest preacher—what more can we ask for?

Yes! It was truly a privilege to have the Governor of Abia Stat, His Excellency Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu (an Elder of the Church) Minister to his own people. Guess what, the congregation was left in awe by the manner the sermon was presented. Not aghast why the Congregation gave him a standing ovation the moment the Governor rounded up his ministration.

Governor Okezie in his Sermon “God’s Blue print for Marriage” emphasized that God is the owner of the blue print for marriage. Therefore, Husband and Wife are mere construction workers.

“The Blue print of marriage was not in the hands of Adam, neither was it in Eve’s hand. The Custodian is God who instituted it in the Garden of Eden. Marriage is like a big project, the couple are just mere construction workers”.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu

He further stated that for any marriage to truly succeed every family must allow God to steer the ship.

“The only way to enjoy marriage is to invite God   to show us how to make it work, hence the need to reflect God’s image in our marriage.”   

Immediately after the days worship was the Banquet. The lunch tagged ‘Love          Feast’ was heavenly.

Do you know that His Excellence, Governor Okezie Ikpaezu sat with the couples and had his launch? Our table was just after his.   Such humility is quite commendable. It reminds me of when Jesus will come back to harvest the world and we all we eat and dine together in his Paradise.

The closing ceremony Programme was later that evening with the epilogue of the ENUC president, Pastor B. E. O Udoh.

Governor Ikpeazu and Pastor Dr. Bassey Udoh

The Next day, the Couples evenly departed to their destinations.

“One more thing” Did I mention to you that the Governor in his closing remark, promised to co-sponsor the next Couples summit? Well, I just told you now.

If Jesus tarries I would love to be part of next year’s Couples summit.

How about you?