At a time when most of what the outside world hear or think about Nigeria is in the negative, a Nigerian church has taken a step within its jurisdiction to change the narrative.
History was made recently in the rural Ubaha Ndiowu community of Orumba North Local Government, Anambra State when the All Souls Cathedral of the National Holy Ghost Church of Christ International (NHGCC) hosted the consecration of her first diaspora Bishop, American Apostle Crystal J. McQueen.
The joy of the natives knew no bounds as they felt a sort of fulfilment that the white people, who brought Christianity to Africa, are now coming down to the continent and indeed their rural community to be empowered for God’s service and being consecrated Bishop to propagate the gospel of Christ and the NHGCC in the United States of America.
That American McQueen was consecrated a Bishop of the National Holy Ghost Church of Christ International, a church that was founded 60 years ago in their community, Ndiowu was not even the main source of their joy but that the event took place on their soil despite the bad images painted about Nigeria outside the shores of the country is.
No wonder, the event, the National Convention/60th Year Anniversary of the church where the consecration took place, presided over by the General Overseer of the church, Archbishop Prof. Cynthia Josephson, turned out like a community festival as the monarch of Ndiowu led other community leaders, including the President General and members of the town, not withstanding denominations to grace the event, just as top leaders of many Pentecostal churches in and outside Nigeria showed presence.
The 54-year-old newly consecrated bishop, Dr McQueen, who was born in Bridgeport Connecticut and grew up in Toledo, Ohio, was accompanied to the event in Nigeria by her husband, Chief Apostle Christopher McQueen, her friend and sister, Archbishop Matilda Tarr and many other friends and relations.
National Holy Ghost Church of Christ International prides herself of having a rich and spiritually profound history that reflects her divine origins and growth under the leadership of the late Archbishop Dennis Ikechukwu Chukwuemeka Josephson. The Pentecostal and Evangelical church was founded on May 26, 1964, after Josephson received divine instruction during a long period of fasting and prayer on a mountain at European Quarters in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
Born in Ndiowu, Josephson had been seeking God’s guidance for his life’s purpose when he was instructed to return to his village to start the ministry and the church’s first service was held in Josephson’s father’s house in Ndiowu, a humble beginning that marked the start of NHGCC’s journey.
Meanwhile, Nollywood veteran actress and gospel preacher, Apostle Eucharia Anunobi, kept the congregation on their toes with her electrifying message which enlightened them on the place of women in God’s scheme of things and the importance of equipping themselves for service and life challenges.
Anunobi eulogised Archbishop Josephson for stepping squarely in the big shoes of her late husband and founder of the church, and taking it to global heights, stressing that she had by her educational qualifications and achievements in the ministry, affirmed that women are capable leaders. She berated men who work against women in leadership simply because they are women and they (men) cannot be under a woman.
She described men who would not want their wives to attend higher positions or be higher than them as fools, urging men to encourage their wives and sisters to achieve greatness, as there is nothing shameful with it.
Elated Archbishop Josephson while addressing the congregation shortly after consecrating Bishop McQueen, expressed gratitude to the people, especially Ndiowu community led by their monarch for their acceptance of NHGCC and particularly standing behind her in her travails, adding that the community’s love her late husband which they have transferred to her will continue to receive God’s blessings.
On what the future holds for the church after 60 years, she said: “God told us He will give us 120 years, so it takes 60 plus 60 to be 120 years. We’ve just clocked the first 60, the next phase of 60 years will be glorious, wonderful and miraculous as the ministry will keep growing higher and higher in Jesus name.”
She said she decided that the ceremony takes place at the very place the founder of the church started it 60 years ago in his father’s mud house with his father and mother as members, to remind members “not to forget that the altar, the bed is still green, the altar is still alive. As they go in this might they should understand that the doctrines and the principles, the guidelines of the ministry is still unshakable. They should live in holiness, in righteousness and believe God. Though challenges may come but the God we serve will defeat all challenges for us and give us victory.”
Archbishop Josephson admonished Nigerians to put their trust in God and abide by His principles to overcome the tough and evil times being witnessed in the country.
The occasion also afforded people far and near to eulogize the General Overseer of NHGCC, a woman of vision and courage, Archbishop Josephson, for keeping the faith and light handed over to her by the founder, her late husband.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in an acknowledgement of the invitation to the event, said, “Please, accept my congratulations on this momentous occasion of the 60th anniversary of your Church. Indeed, your Church and her affiliate institutions worldwide have demonstrated, over the years, that it is not just another house of worship, as it has come to symbolize and drive our nation to return to those pillars of justice, love, equity, mutual respect, industry and the fear of God, which epitomize the Church of Christ.
“In your six decades of dedicated service to the Church, as General Overseer, our indigenous community and indeed the whole of Nigeria and Africa stand as a testament to your unwavering faith, commitment and profound sense of duty. I also believe that your tireless and contributory efforts to bring people to God as well as to foster a sense of unity and faith within the many parishes and institutions they have served have created strong and vibram Nigerian society that reflects the core values of our Christian faith and testament of the love of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I sincerely pray fervently for you that during this joyous time, our God Almighty would continue to bless all your endeavours and crown you with good health, spiritual enrichment and many years of abundant life in Him.
“Even though I could not physically join you and others at the occasion, rest assured that my thoughts and prayers are with you all And please convey to the entire members of the National Holy Ghost Church of Christ worldwide my best wishes for a most joyous celebration and dedication for continuous service to the Lord.”
Two traditional rulers, Eze Ugochukwu Iheonekwu of Mgbokoma Autonomous community and Eze Jim Akataobi of Ahiama ancient Kingdom, both in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, her maiden state, who were present expressed joy that their daughter is being used by God in a mighty way to expand the gospel globally. They prayed that no weapon of the devil and enemies will frustrate or prevail over her and the ministry committed into her hands.
Dr Rose Opara, an Houston Texas USA-based Nigerian woman, who came in for the event, described the 60th-year celebration as glorious as she was impacted with the word of God and praise and worship that took place.
She said: “The Archbishop is so young and powerful, so young and gifted. As a matter of fact, I am so honoured to know her, an amazing woman, the woman that anchored this whole thing, has been the one running the church since her husband passed. I couldn’t miss it for anything. She’s done so well, I am so proud of her.”
There were also goodwill messages from, TACU College of Bishops USA, St. Michaels Christian University USA, signed by the Apostolic Nuncio for all of Africa, Cardinal Dr. Victor Akoh; African Women for Jesus to all Nations (AWJAN); Chief Apostle and Prelate, CTKRM Kingdom Convergence Fellowship and from the Founder and President, Great Partners Network Worldwide (G.P.N.), Archbishop Diana Adjartey Etse.
The anniversary celebrations, which lasted for five days witnessed ministrations from various men and women of God across the globe and music ministrations by gospel artists, including Paul Nwokocha.
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