Bishop Obi to New Deacons: Heal a Broken Nation, Confront Moral Decay

A new chapter in Christian ministry unfolded at the historic St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Nnewichi, on Sunday, July 5, 2026, as the Anglican Diocese of Nnewi ordained fourteen candidates into the Sacred Order of Deacons during its Trinity Diaconate Ordination Service.
The solemn yet colourful ceremony was presided over by the Diocesan Bishop, the Rt. Revd. Ndubisi Obi, and attracted a large congregation of Anglican clergy, knights, church leaders, family members, friends, and well-wishers who filled the church to witness the significant spiritual milestone.
In one of the most symbolic moments of the service, Bishop Obi laid hands on each of the candidates, formally admitting them into the ordained ministry.
He prayed that God would endow them with divine grace, wisdom, courage, spiritual discernment, and fresh anointing to enable them to fulfil their sacred calling faithfully.
Addressing the newly ordained deacons, the Bishop reminded them that the priesthood is a divine calling that demands humility, integrity, discipline, and unwavering commitment to Christ. He urged them to serve as worthy ambassadors of the Gospel by living exemplary lives, proclaiming the message of salvation without compromise, shepherding God’s people with compassion, and remaining committed to the work of evangelism and soul-winning.
“The ministry you have received today is a sacred trust. Let your lives reflect Christ in character, conduct, and service. Be faithful in preaching the Gospel and remain steadfast in your calling,” Bishop Obi charged.
Delivering the ordination sermon, the Venerable Harold Obiukwu, who preached from Judges 6:11–14, challenged the newly ordained ministers to see themselves as God’s instruments for restoring hope in a troubled and morally declining world.
He observed that contemporary society is overwhelmed by moral decadence, violence, insecurity, and spiritual decline, noting that Nigeria faces enormous social, moral, and security challenges that require committed servants of God to confront through the transforming power of the Gospel.
“The world is full of atrocities, Nigeria inclusive. Evil has permeated everywhere, even within the Church. I believe that the fourteen of you can contribute meaningfully to correcting the ills plaguing our nation,” he declared.
“You are being sent into a suffering world. Nigeria desperately needs men and women who will become agents of redemption. Kidnapping, violence, and all forms of evil have become widespread. The nation needs healing, and God is sending you to be part of that healing process.”he said.
Venerable Obiukwu stressed that aggressive evangelism must remain the foremost responsibility of every minister of God.
“If you are a priest and you are not promoting evangelism, then you have not truly begun your ministry. Follow the example of Gideon, whom God empowered to confront the Midianites and secure victory for His people. Allow God to use you to confront the darkness of this generation,” he added.
He further encouraged the new deacons to remain steadfast in prayer, faithful to the Scriptures, and dependent on the Holy Spirit as they begin their ministerial journey, reminding them that effective Christian service is rooted in obedience to God’s call and a life of personal holiness.
The Trinity Diaconate Ordination Service concluded with prayers, thanksgiving, and joyful celebrations as the newly ordained deacons received congratulations from clergy, parishioners, relatives, friends, and well-wishers. The ceremony marked the beginning of what many described as a lifelong mission of faithful service to God, the Church, and humanity.