THE CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL
IN
ST PATRICK`S CATHOLIC CHURCH ALABA, OJO, LAGOS – NIGERIA
(THE HISTORY OF AMEN COMMUNITY)
HISTORY OF THE CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL
DOWN TO AMEN COMMUNITY
The advent of the catholic charismatic renewal in its recent shape cannot be divorced from the event of the SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL (1962 – 1965). As the council fathers commenced their work, our holy father, POPE JOHN XXIII enjoined the participants to seek ways of opening up the church doors and windows for fresh spiritual air to flow in and refresh members as the church is suffocating inside. He called on all the faithful to pray for a “NEW PENTECOST”. In his words “RENEW IN OUR DAYS YOUR WONDERS AS FOR A NEW PENTECOST AND GRANT THAT THE HOLY CHURCH MAY EXTEND THE KINGDOM OF DIVINE SAVIOR – A KINGDOM OF TRUTH, JUSTICE, LOVE AND PEACE”.
Not quite long after the second Vatican Council, the Holy Spirit answered the prayers of the church fathers by giving birth to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in United State of America through several faculty members and students from DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY, a catholic university in Pittsburgh operated by the congregation of the Holy Spirit. The answer to this prayer was received in February 1967 in DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY (U.S.A) during a weekend retreat by some catholic students of the university who took a careful study of Acts of the Apostles and wondered why the Spirit was not actively in their lives in the same way He worked in the apostle times. They passionately sought the power of God in prayers and were rewarded with an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The result of this was an experience of great joy, peace, boldness in the spirit and stronger eagerness for prayers and zeal for the Lord`s work.
Many of the students – though not all – claimed to have experienced a movement of God`s Spirit called being “BAPTIZED IN THE HOLY SPIRIT”. The professors had previously been “baptized in the Spirit” a week or two before. Believers felt that “God`s action” was also prepared for in a very human way by the student’s prayerful preparation in reading the acts of the apostles and a book entitled The Cross and The Switchblade. What happened quickly spread to graduate students and professors at the university of Notre dame and others serving in campus ministry in Lansing, Michigan. The movement was given a major endorsement by Leo Joseph Cardinal Suenens (1904 – 1996), a leading cardinal in the Catholic Church and one of four moderators of the second Vatican council.
This new zeal for the Lord led them to hold regular weekly prayer meeting, which attracted their CURSILLO FRIENDS from the NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY in U.S.A who came to lend their support. There, the fire of renewal was enkindled in the church.
Reacting to the emerge of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the church, our holy father, Pope John xxiii remarked, “THE CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL IS A NEW GIFT TO THE CHURCH, SENT TO OPEN THE DOORS AND WINDOWS FOR “FRESH AIR” TO COME IN AND FOR THE CHURCH TO WITNESS A NEW PENTECOST”
The initial reaction to the movement by the church hierarchy was cautiously supportive. Some initial supported it as being a harbinger of ecumenism. Three Popes have acknowledged the movement: Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Pope John Paul ii stated that the movement was integral to the renewal of the entire Catholic Church. Pope John Paul (as well as then Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI emeritus) acknowledged good aspects of the movement while urging caution, pointing out that the members must maintain their link to the Catholic Church.
Pope John Paul II stated, in particular made a number of statements on the movement. On November 30, 1990, the pontifical council for the laity promulgated the decree which inaugurated the catholic fraternity of covenant communities and fellowships.
In march 1992, Pope John Paul II stated, “at this moment in the church`s history, the charismatic renewal can play a significant role in promoting the much-needed defense of Christian life in societies where secularism and materialism have a weakened many people`s ability to respond to the Spirit and to discern God`s loving call. Your contribution to the re-evangelization of society will be made in the first place by personal witness to the indwelling Spirit and by showing forth his presence through works of holiness and solidarity”. Since then the movement has spread like wild harmattan fire to every part of the world including Nigeria.
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Nigeria owes its origin to the Dominican order. The coming of the order itself was the fruit of the desire of Archbishop David Mathew, the Apostolic delegate to English speaking East and West Africa. On 4 October, 1949, he wrote to the provincial, Fr Edward Hughes to visit Lagos in November 1949. Following his recommendation, the provincial council approved the Lagos foundation. The pioneer team comprising Fr. Dempsey, Lawton and Kinsella flew into Lagos on 27 February 1951. The following day, the archbishop Matthew renewed his earlier request to Fr. Hughes for the Dominicans to take a mission Prefecture comprising the old Sokoto was established on July 29 June, 1953.
With a house of the province at Yaba and the prefecture of Sokoto, Nigeria became a vicariate of the Dominican province of St. Albert in September 1957 with Fr. Dempesy as vicar. On 1st May, 1965, the vicariate was raised to the status of vice-province. Archbishop Mathew`s desire for the presence of the Dominican in West Africa to start a centre of higher studies in philosophy and theology began to be fulfilled when in 1967 the Notivate at Ibadan was opened. By 1969, there were four American Dominicans in the house including Frs. Ed. Riley, Mathias Walsh, Bertrand Ebben and brother Gilert Thesing. Another American Dominican, Richard farmers, was assigned as chaplain to the University of Ife, Ile-Ife. Some of them that went home on leave in the United State came back with news about a new Pentecostal experience in the Catholic Church in the United States and which was spreading across the country. Catholics were reported to be gathering in prayer groups to pray for the out-pouring of the Holy Spirit, which they received with obvious charismatic gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing and so forth, an experience which is called “Baptism in the Holy Spirit”.
Before coming to Nigeria, Fr Riley had been teaching at Xavier University in New Orleans. It was there that he heard from a colleague named Fr. Kilian Downey of the Charism of “speaking in tongues”. He had his own experience when he went on home leave in 1970. It was really out of curiosity that he participated in a group meeting in Wisconsin and was asked to be prayed with. The next day on passing by a church, he was moved to go in and pray. There he had a wonderful experience of God`s presence and a deeper awareness of his love and goodness. Thereafter, the desire to read the bible and to praise God remained strong in him. On returning to Nigeria, he gave a talk to the novices about the Renewal. The interest generated by that talk led to the decision to hold a Pentecost novena in 1971. The novena was concluded on the eve of Pentecost, and the participants, including Fr. Riley and Fr. Walsh, Sr.Maura, and Brother Nonye, Calistus Iheme, Gilbert Thesing, Chukwubuikem Okpechi, Clement Tyulen, Jude Mbukanma, John Ezekwe-Nwanze, prayed with one another on Sunday evening. There were no spectacular outcomes from that novena but weekly prayer meeting followed. Before long, some individuals from outside the Dominican house started participating in the prayer meeting. By the middle of 1972, the group had outgrown the classroom in which it had been meeting; and, so, it moved to a more spacious place called the hall of martyrs. Among the early lay people that joined the group were, Justina Odogwu, Fred Isichie, Pius Molokwu, Akin Otiko, and Mrs. Chinwuba. The growth of the group was facilitated with the two series of life in the Spirit seminars that were organized in 1973. Clear manifestations of charismatic gifts followed.
Among the regular activities in the prayer meeting were song, reading of the bible, teachings, testimonies, and intercessory prayer. Those who needed prayer for any intention were prayed with at the end of the prayer meeting. Counseling service was also provided principally by the Dominicans in the group. These activities gradually assumed such level of importance that “ministries” developed around them. The healing ministry emerged quite early as the demand for prayer for specific personal needs, especially healing and counseling, could no longer be met with time available during and after the prayer meeting. Another evening in the week was needed and so, the healing ministry started to attend to people on Friday evenings. Other ministries, namely, teaching, singing, greeting, and steward came into being with time.
It must be noted that the prayer at the Dominican institute in Ibadan, which adopted the name “glory bound community” became a watershed for the spread of the renewal to parishes in and outside the present archdioceses of Ibadan.
Also significant in the history of the renewal in Nigeria was starting of a prayer group at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in October 1972. The catholic chaplain, Fr. Richard Farmer, O.P, had experienced the “baptism in the Holy Spirit” earlier that year when on leave in the United States. He invited some members of staff and student to a prayer session.
None of the persons invited knew what it was all about, nevertheless, a few people turned up. They include Mr. Basil Amaechi, Mr. Simeon Malaka, one expatriate reverend sister and several students including, Fabian Ehikhamenor, Vincent Ekeruche, and Rev. Sis. Evangeline Ezeanya, and Claire Idahosa. The chairs were arranged in circle with a fat candle in the middle offering a small wavering flame to class room. Fr. Farmer led the group in solemn songs of praise and adoration, bible readings and prayer. That was the beginning of a weekly prayer meeting at the University of Ife.
The attendance at the weekly prayer meeting grew gradually. By March 1973, when the first series of life in the Spirit seminars was organized, the weekly attendance had grown to about twenty-five. The outcome of the seminars was spectacular, not only in terms of manifestations of Charisma but also in terms of reaction that they generated. Of course, Fr. Farmer was firmly in control. Nevertheless, a couple of members rushed forward in a wild excitement and a desire to explore into deeper spiritual experience. The renewal did not seem to take them far enough, and so, some left the university and carried the torch of the renewal with them to other places. Fr. Farmer himself played a crucial communication role that took the news about the renewal across the country. He wrote a column in the weekly catholic newspaper “The Independent” entitled “Life in the Spirit”. He also circulated a bulletin entitled “Praised God” beginning from 1975.
The third prayer group to come into existence was the “Upper Room Community” at St. Dominic`s parish in Yaba, Lagos. The founding of this group early in 1973 was the work of Frs Gilbert Thesing, O.P. and Riley, O.P., Sr. Jean of MMM, and Bro. Stephen Lucas. The growth of this group was far more spectacular than that of the two earlier groups. The impact of the renewal in the parish was quite tremendous, sending ripples to other parishes.
The Catholics in Nigeria was obviously ready for the Renewal, and indeed prayer groups stated springing up in quick succession across the country. One started in Gusau at our lady of Fatima church in Sokoto diocese in September 1973.
From October 1974, the history of the Renewal in Nigeria entered a new phase. At the invitation of Fr. Ebben, O.P., a team of five Americans visited Nigeria and conducted workshops on the Charismatic Renewal and healing ministry in Ibadan, Benin city, Onitsha, and at the University of Ife. One beautiful thing about the team was its ecumenical thrust. It comprised catholic, including FR Mc Nutt (the leader), Sir Jeanne Hill, Fr John Healey, and a Methodist, Rev Joe Petree. Many people, both clergy and lay, attended the workshops and the healing sessions and contributed to the growing awareness about the Renewal. A rapid proliferation of prayer growth of membership followed.
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) is a grace of renewal in the Holy Spirit with a worldwide character and many expressions in the Catholic Church, but it is neither uniform nor unified. It does not have a single founder or a group of founders, and has no membership lists. Rather, it is flow of grace that allows individuals and groups to express themselves in different ways and forms.
The rapid growth of the Renewal worldwide is attributable singularly and generally to the fact that men and women seriously involved and committed in the Renewal are finding that which satisfies their spiritual hunger. No grassroots movement in the church has ever travelled as far or as powerful as the CCR. It has been described as the most rapidly growing movement in the Church`s history.
As it is today, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal exists in over 240 countries in the world, and has touched over 130 million people.
THE CCRN IN ST. PATRICK`S CATHOLIC CHURCH,
ALABA, OJO, LAGOS.
ACTUALLY THE JOURNEY STARTED WAY BACK IN 1983.
The arrowhead used by God was late Bro. Evans Onyeanu, a humble man of vision who all the way from upper room community, Yaba, helped to plant Catholic Charismatic Renewal prayer groups, between Orile Iganmu and Ojo Military cantonment unto St. Patrick`s Catholic Church, Ojo, Alaba.
Sometime in 1983, after 10:00am mass he gathered some brothers and sisters among who included Bro. Eugene Iwuorie, Bro. Babatunde Louis Agunbiade, Sis. Agatha Nyeremaka etc. Such gathering was strange to as many of them were hither-to members of Block Rosary Crusade. He continued in fellowship with this handful until the end of the year.
By 1984, some members joined them, among who was Bro.Christopher Ngene, also form Block Rosary Crusade. The coming of Bro. Isaac Emezu, already a Charismatic member from Trust and Obey Community Umuna-Orlu (Imo state) in early 1985 strengthened the group. However, Bro. Isaac had earlier being to Navy town and Ojo Military cantonment communities worshipping with them before he finally settled with the prayer group at St. Patrick’s Alaba all be it through the efforts of Bro.Evans Onyeanu.
Bro. Linus Onwuka later joined the group in early 1985. The duo of Brother Onwuka and Bro. Emezu added momentum to the group. Also in the same list of early entrants in 1985 were Bro. Bartholomew Umeodurukwe, Bro. Basil Onuegbu, Bro. Tony George etc. The numerical strength of the group continued on the increase progressively.
Consequently, trips were made by Late Bro. Evans Onyeanu and Bro. Babatunde Louis Agunbiade led prayer group to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ajegunle where the overseeing priest was resident. But all the efforts made to secure recognition for the group as a charismatic renewal prayer group proved abortive. This was as a result of the embargo placed on out-stations where there was no resident priest to supervise their activities.
The resultant effect of this development brought about addressing the prayer group as bible sharing group as that was the much the overseeing priest at Ajegunle could allow. Bible study bulletins used at Mother Parish (St. Mary’s Ajegunle) were being sent to the Alaba group for their week bible sharing so as to ensure they are guided.
THE RECOGNITION
By September 1985, Bro. Declan Onyeaghala relocated from Ajegunle to Alaba and joined the group. On noticing that the prayer group was not officially recognized as a Charismatic Renewal Prayer Group as was obtainable in some other places including Ajegunle where he was coming from, he swung into action.
Bro. Declan a man of vision, endowed with wisdom, zeal, knowledge and integrity, with his military tendencies as a retired soldier, and now soldier of Christ took up the matter in the company y of Bro. Louis Babatunde and Late Bro. Evans to the overseeing priest Rev. Fr. Connolly at Ajegunle and persuaded him into signing the approval of the group which was supposed to be a full blown Catholic Charismatic prayer group.
This was possible not only because Bro. Declan was former member of St. Mary’s Ajegunle, but also because he had great influence as a good, cool headed and humble devotee which the Rev. Fr. Saw in him as good qualities worthy of trust. So then he gave them his blessings. On announcing the good news on arrival, the house greeted the news with great ovation of joy. This happened by October/November 1985.
Sequel to this, Late Bro. Evans who saw the potentials in Bro. Declan willingly relinquished his authority and leadership roles to him to carry on. This was necessitated more especially by the fact that he (Bro. Evans) was an employee and so was not having all the desired time to combine his job and the leadership of the young but vibrant community of God’s people. Bro. Declan therefore took over the tasking duty of providing leadership to the community with Bro. Onwuka as secretary.
THE PRAYING OVER AT BARRACKS
As the community gathered momentum numerically and spiritually, some brethren who manifested outstanding zeal were enlisted in Life in the Spirit seminar and were subsequently prayer over at Sacred Heart, Ojo Military Cantonment in November 1985. These included:
Eugene Iwuorie
Christopher Ngene
Linus Onwuka
Bartholomew Umodurukwe
Vitus Ikwu.
Consequently, many of them also took part in the 1985 Lagos Archdiocesan conference. As it was, the following four ministries were in existence then. They included:
* The word Ministry
* The Healing Ministry
* The Singing Ministry and
* The Steward Ministry
THE EMERGENCY OF THE NAME “AMEN COMMUNITY”
The name “Amen Community” came into existence in the year 1985. The then leader of the people of God, Bro. Declan Onyeaghala told the house to go home and prayerfully write a name and bring it forward for Holy Ghost selection in the next prayer meeting. This they did, and various names were gathered, folded and put in a basket. Hands were laid on them for prayers calling on the Holy Ghost to choose a name for Himself.
At this juncture a little boy, the son of Mr. Momah (the co-operative shop Landlord) was incidentally seen passing. He was called up and prayed upon as he dipped his hand into the basket and picked the paper with the inscription ‘Amen’. Since then, the people of God went with that name “AMEN COMMUNITY”.
THE INAUGURATION
When the Festac zone saw that the Alaba prayer group had tremendously grown to maturity, having all the necessary structures that would make them function as an independent prayer group, they approved her inauguration request. At the renewal day at St. Stephen’s Agboju, came an announcement notifying all the prayer groups under Festac zone about the inauguration of a prayer group at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ojo-Alaba. Following that announcement, the prayer group came back to put final touches to the rest of the structures, in readiness for the D-day. All these took place within the 1st quarter of 1986.
THE INAUGURATION PROPER
June 13, 1986 remained a memorable day in the annals of the history of the community. It was the day the dreams of many people came to reality. All the Charismatic renewal roads under the Festac zone led to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ojo – Alaba. Believers from the zone and even beyond converged at the church premises to pray down the glory of God on the first set of leaders and followers. It was a glorious occasion. They officially inaugurated Amen Community as a prayer group under the Festac zone, and from then onwards, the God of Amen kept on showing Himself strong to His people.
After the inauguration, the following remained as leaders, though by appointment.
From 1986 – 1988
Bro. Declan Onyeaghala coordinator
Bro. Linus Onwuka Secretary
Late Bro. Evans Onyeanu Leader, Word Ministry
Bro. Babatunde Louis Agunbiade Leader,Prayer/Healing Ministry
Bro. Alphonsus Nduka Leader, Teaching Ministry
Bro. Isaac Emezu Leader, Singing Ministry
Bro. Christopher Ngene Leader, Steward Ministry
Bro. Eugene Iwuorie Financial Secretary.
N.B: Bro. Alphonsus Nduka’s mandate as the leader of teaching ministry was completed by Bro. John Elesi following the latter’s relocation.
THE MINISTRIES IN AMEN COMMUNITY
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal is pious movement in the church whose members are endowed with diverse spiritual gifts. (1Cor. 12:4-11). Therefore to harness these gifts for the spiritual development of members, renewal movement is divided into different ministries according to diversity of gift available to the group. In Lagos Arch diocese and Amen prayer group in particular, we have the following ministries functioning as approved by the Arch Diocese of Lagos. The Healing ministry, Teaching ministry, The Greeters ministry, Praise and Worship ministry, Welfare ministry and Intercessory ministry. These ministries are coordinated by elected leaders from the ministries and the general body that form a leadership group known as the service team formerly core group.
PROFILE OF THE MINISTRIES
THE HEALING MINISTRY
The Healing ministry as the name implies deals with healing and deliverance in Amen Community. They are the battle axe of the community, saddled with the responsibility of tackling the monster called demons. The speed with which problems were increasing especially amongst the faithful without any immediate solution and the tendency of patronizing the so called prophets who charge huge amount of money before prayers could be ministered, has made the activities of healing ministry an integral part of the community fellowships.
ACTIVITIES:
The ministry undertakes family deliverance from ancestral curses and idolatrous covenants, personal counseling and deliverance. Prayers are also organized four pregnant women for safe delivery in what we call Jesus Antenatal. (5pm every Sunday). Deliverance night every Wednesday and Tuesday prayer is also organized to make sure that every problem is given adequate attention.
LEADERS FROM INCEPTION
It may interest you to know those that had piloted the affairs of the ministry from the inception of St. Patrick Catholic Charismatic Renewal (Amen Community). They are brothers Louis Agunbiade, Emmanuel Nwanzi, Christopher Ngene, Eugene Iwuorie, Udoji Cyracus, Uche Nnabugo, Kenneth Ebigbo, and Ikechukwu Eze.
PERSONAL MINISTRATION:
For immediate attention, to your prayer need, you can meet members of Healing ministry at the following venue, day and time. Amen community Bandstand, no 4, Ukpor Street by St. Patrick Church Bus-Stop Alaba Int’l, Ojo, Lagos. 9am every Tuesday, Wednesday Night (Vigil Night). Sunday 10am.
TEACHING MINISTRY
The ministry preoccupies itself with excavating the hidden treasures in the Word of God and explaining and teaching it to the members of the renewal. It is the duty of the teaching ministry to educate, edify and continuously feed the body of Christ with the Word of God. In Amen community, the teaching ministry takes great deal of pain in order to ensure that the community is edified with the Word of God. The ministry is saddled with the responsibility of delivering various teaching on different areas and interest. The teaching handles teaching in the community bible study, prayer meeting and Life in the Spirit seminar.
The ministry has had great leaders right from the formation stage of the community until now. Such leaders include
Bro. Alphonsus Nduka
Bro. John Elesi
Bro Tony Nwachuya
Bro. Zack Ugwu
Bro. Boniface Onyejekwe
and Bro. Onyeka Nwankwo.
Teaching ministry meets every Saturday by 5:30pm.
Soul winning activities hold Sunday by 4pm.
PRAISE AND WORSHIP MINISTRY
Praise and Worship ministry is one of the existing ministries in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Nigeria. Simply, as the name implies, its primary function is to draw down the overpowering presence of God in every gathering of God`s people through songs. The Ministry, also through its divine gift of making melody to our Father in heaven, impacts people with glorious and heavenly experiences of what it looks like being in heaven for real.
As such, burdens, sorrows and all sort of negativities are lifted off people any time heaven is consulted through praise and worship. Interestingly, record has it that sinners in many occasions through the ministration of praise and worship, had been heart-broken and their souls won back to God even as demon possessed individuals receive their deliverance since God`s presence is the absence of devil.
ACTIVITIES
The activities of the Praise and Worship ministry include the following; singing in every occasion and gathering of members of the renewal. We are also saddled with the responsibility of managing and using the Amen Band to serve both God and humanity in various gatherings both spiritual and social to the glory of God and happiness of members.
LEADERSHIP FROM INCEPTION
Leaders from inception include
Bro. Isaac Emezu
Bro. Bartholomew Umeodurukwe
Bro. Donatus Onwuana
Bro. Christian Emengini
Elias Ezenwanadu
Bro. Cajethan Azuoma
Bro. Victor Utuagba
Bro. Okwuchukwu Okoye.
The ministry meets every Saturday by 5.30pm at the bandstand.
GREETERS MINISTRY
Greeters ministry is one among the approved ministries By the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos. The ministry functions as public relation department of the community being a visitation ministry.
Like every other ministry in the archdiocese, the Greeter`s ministry is saddled with its own responsibilities as follows:
Receiving and introducing new members to the community (during bible study, prayer meeting, rallies and other activities). Undertaking a follow-up visitation to new members in their homes to encourage them in their faith and ensure their participation in the new member`s class (foundation class).
Organizing a foundation class for the new members before their Life in the Spirit seminar. This programme last between eight to twelve months starting with the introductory class to class six.
Other visitations that are undertaken by the ministry include hospital visitation, house evangelism and visitation to backslidden members.
These are the different organs in the ministry with each assigned responsibility on behalf of the ministry, they include (1) Visitation Team (for all visitation in the ministry) (2) Prayer Team (for immediate attention to new members prayer need). Teachers Team (for teaching in the foundation class). Counseling Team (for immediate counseling need for new members).
The ministry meets every Saturday by 5.30pm at the ministry stand. The foundation class comes up every Sunday after the first mass at Amen community Bandstand. Leaders from inception include bro. Louis Babatunde Agunbiade, late Bro. Edwin Chukwuneke, Bro. Ndubisi Onyia, Bro. Marcel Iwuorie, Bro. Mathew Iwuchukwu, bro. Felix Umelo, bro. Chigoezie Okonkwo, and Bro. Dominic Offor.
WELFARE MINISTRY
The welfare-ministry is one of the earliest ministries in the community. It started as the steward ministry before another ministry (The welfare ministry) was carved out of it. Later, the Arch diocese merged the two ministries under the name welfare ministry. The word welfare simply means taking care of the general well being of an individual. The ministry by its activities has been living up to its name to ensure that all the duties of the welfare ministry are taken care of, the ministry is divided into two groups. The Welfare Team takes care of the welfare of the community which include the needy, the homeless, jobless, widows and orphans.
- The rest of the groups work as stewards in the following departments;
- USHERS: They are well dressed ministers who welcome people to any programme and ensure that they are well seated.
- SECURITY: They take care of the security of the venue of the programme ensuring that men and materials are well protected.
- TECHNICIANS: they are made up of artisans in different fields. They come on time to arrange the materials for any programme. There are also the information and medical departments ensuring the free flow of information and responding to the sick respectively. The welfare ministry meets once every week on Saturday by 5.30pm at the Band stand.
- Leaders from inception:
- Bro. Christopher Ngene
- Bro. Cy Udoji
- Late bro. Virginus Ezema
- Bro. Rufus Onyebuchi
- Bro. Basil Umeh
- Bro. Christian Ezinwanne
- Bro. Alloy Nwosu
- Bro. James Odinde
- Bro. Ambrose Mgbike
- Bro. Barnabas Agbakwuru.
INTERCESSORY MINISTRY
Intercessory ministry is made up of believers in Jesus Christ, who are prophetically called to discharge responsibility or burden or revelation laid on to them by God. They intercede on behalf of God`s creation to bring normalcy to battered situations and as well pray down blessing on the needy.
In Amen community of St. Patrick Catholic Church Alaba, intercessory ministry came to be in the year 1992 and they have been defending the community against satanic assaults through prayer. Their duty is also to hear from God and report to the leadership of the community the mind of God about the situations of the things concerning his people for action to be taken. The leadership consults them so as to effectively plan how best to do God`s will and brings down blessings on to the members.
Intercessory ministry meet every Sunday after 7.30 mass to conduct counseling and prayers for all who come from far and near for God`s intervention. They meet every Wednesday night to pray from 11pm to 4am. They pray in agreement for leadership excellence in the community and the world in general. We have six groups in the ministry who takes care of every member at the grassroots for effective administration. The ministry is headed by an elected leader.
To strengthen the members spiritually, we organize seminars, workshops, indoor prayers and camping programs. To checkmate members behavior, all members are one another`s keeper. We engage in mid-night prayers compulsorily from 12 midnight to 3am on daily basis.
The following had been shepherding the ministry from inception:
Bro. Benneth Okorie
Bro. James Ikeokpala
Bro. Joseph Okoye
Late bro. Peter Aninneji
Bro. Paulinus Edward
Bro. Francis Ezeh
Bro. Shadrach Iyiama.
SOME ARMS OF THE COMMUNITY
THE HOLY FAMILY
THE EMERGENCE OF THE HOLY FAMILY GROUP
The Bro. Declan Onyeghala led Core Group set up a marriage committee headed by Late Bro. Mike Ekesiobi. The committee in the course of the discharge of her duties felt the need for a forum where the married ones could freely discuss issues relating to their vocation.This according to the committee will help to lessen the problems arising in many homes.
This recommendation was well accepted by the Core Group in her meeting of 16th March, 1991. On the basis of the approval, and following the mysterious disappearance of one Bro. Kenneth Anike (a vibrant young member) in Nov.1991, a group of brethren were constituted and named “Elders` Forum”. With this development, efforts were intensified to find out the brother`s where about, dead or alive, but all efforts were to no avail.
The Elders Forum meeting of July 1992 decided to incorporate the married sisters in the community in that forum for mutuality and cordiality. The Elder`s Forum was later change to St Joseph`s group. Bro. Peter Okelue took over from bro. Edwin Chukwuneke as the leader of St. Joseph`s group, and bro. Chidi Ojinnaka who was earlier serving as secretary retained his office. In their meeting of September 1992, the chairman, Peter Okelue suggested the change of name from St. Joseph group to the Holy Family. This was later adopted after consideration and deliberations.
ELECTION
In the group`s 1st election conducted by the Core Group on 18, July 1993 the following emerged as officers.
Bro. Peter Okelue Chairman
Bro. Simon Eze Vice Chairman
Bro Emma Nwanzi Secretary
Bro Chidi Ojinnaka Financial Secretary
The following have equally served the Holy Family as chairman on various occasions.
Bro. G.A Ngene 1995 -2000
Bro. Francis Nwotite 2000 – 2002
Bro. Goddy Ejiofor 2002 – 2004
Bro. Boniface Onyejekwe 2004 – 2008
Bro. Fidelis Anani 2008 -2013
Bro. Samuel Egbuna 2013 – Till date.
The Holy Family Has Also Got Its Counterpart, Talking About The
AMEN AMBASSADORS OF CHRIST.
This is the group of unmarried or single brothers and sisters in Amen Community. It is first started in 1989 with the Pauline brethren and daughter of Zion, for the brothers and sisters respectively. Following transformations and retransformations, the groups (Pauline brethren and daughters of Zion) later came together under one umbrella and took up the name Amen Ambassadors.
Sisters Eucharia Eze and Tochukwu Umeh has served as chairladies of the daughters of Zion at different occasions while the following have served as chairmen of Ambassadors group. They are: Brothers Christopher Ngene, Micheal Nwachukwu, Fidelis Okwy Okoye, Stephen Akunebu, Victor Ohanekwu, Francis Eze, Onyeka Ukaigwe, Chigozie Iheme, and presently Collins Uzodinma.
OUTSTANDING EVENTS IN AMEN COMMUNITY
There are many outstanding events that have taken place in the community. Some of these events include the very first Open Air Crusade which was held at Chemist bus-stop, Alaba, in 1990. This crusade had Bro. Christian Nwiwu from St. Mathew`s Community Amukoko as a guest minister. A lot of miracles took place therein including a blind who regained his sight.
Crusades and Rallies have since then become an annual event in the Amen Community who has also celebrated three anniversaries as follows:
The 10th year anniversary tagged “The Future Glory” between the 4th and 11th June, 1995.
The 20th year anniversary tagged “Manifestation of His Glory” held between the 22nd and 28th of august, 2005.
Then, the 25th year anniversary (silver jubilee) tagged “Celebration of His Glory” held between the 23rd and 29th august, 2010.
The other events include the establishment of a consumer co-operative society. Here, members come together and make financial contributions for buying shares. The fund raised was used to source mainly perishable goods, beverages and other articles which were later to be sold to the brethren and other outsiders at reduced prices. The business later gave way to “Amen cyber café” which though conceived by brother Anichebe led Service Team was implemented by the Gabriel Obinwanne Administration in the structure that use to house the defunct cooperative business. The Co-operative business initiative was 1st overseen by Bro. Declan Onyeaghala as its 1st chairman while Bro. Christian Utuagbaigwe was the 1st chairman of the Cyber Café Management Board.
The community started what use to be known as the afternoon prayer session which used to hold in the church premises on every Friday by 12:00 noon. To the glory of GOD, this prayer programme has spread through the individual members to every line in Alaba Int`l market and now all over Nigeria and is bearing much fruits.
Another event worthy of mention here is the 1994 epic revival which took place in the community. The then Bro. Declan Onyeaghala led Service Team dispatched some brethren to Enugu to under study the ministry of Fr. Stephen Njoku. Later in 1996 Bro. Eugene Iwuorie led Service Team set up a revival committee (composed mainly from the Enugu delegates) that uplifted the spiritual lives of members and brought so much blessings and breakthroughs to the entire Amen Family. Bro. Oliver Mbagwu was the chairman of this committee.
The community by the grace of God has produced men and women who are now members of the clergy including Rev. Fr. Silas Nwadike C.Ss.R., Babatunde, Rev. Sabastine Okoye etc.
Another remarkable event that has taken place in the community include an intellectual work by the teaching ministry which produced a book titled “Modern Paganism in Christendom” this was in 1995 when Bro. Eugene Iwuorie held sway as the coordinator of the Amen Community.
We have also got the Amen Communication Unit which record and distributes both the audio and video CD`s of every remarkable programme held in the community including the weekly Thursday prayer meetings. The community under the leadership of bro. Tony Nwachuya as co-ordinator has also established a well equipped library which runs in an apartment at the bandstand. It is important to state here that there had earlier been library established under the leadership of bro. Eugene Iwuorie at Remi Ajiboroh street, Alaba but indeed the glory of the present library far exceeds the former and indeed be the case.
A great look took place in Amen Community when on the 4th July, 2010 Very Rev. Fr. Callistus Nwachukwu C.Ss.R personally handled the dedication of a structural edifice called the Amen Band Stand. This is a two story building which houses the Amen family and where Spirit filled brethren gather for bible studies, prayer meetings and ministry activities amongst others. For the records, this is how `Band Stand‘ came into existence.
Under the tenure of bro. Declan as the leader of the community and following the need for a place for the band group to do its practice, a plot of land was secured at Remi Ajiboroh street, close to St. Patrick`s Church, Alaba. However, When the land owner wanted to develop his property, the community with the assistance of Bro. Oliver Mbagwu got another plot of land at ukpor street still close to the church.
Again the owner of this new plot wanted to utilize the land and the then Bro. Eugene Iwuorie led the Service Team consolidated the stay of the community there by going for the property. Thanks to the closeness of Bro. E.E. Obi to the owner of the land.
The leaders of the community and the stakeholders rallied round and ensured the community will continue to use the place. Of course, some notable brothers paid for the piece of land and donated same to the Amen family. Following growing needs of the group, Brother Gabriel Obinwanne led Service Team began and nearly completed a magnificent structure at the band stand before his two term of office elapsed in 2010.
It was then the turn of Bro. Tony Nwachuya who was to emerge as the coordinator of the community in 2010 to cement and complete the architectural edifice which we now have as a Band Stand and which like earlier said was dedicated on 4th July, 2010 by the Vice Provincial of the Redeemptorist Order in Nigeria Very Rev. Fr. Callistus Nwachukwu C.Ss.R. The community prayerfully started the First Fruit Offering under the leadership of Bro. Gabriel Obinwanne, a program well embraced by the parish and is now an annual programme of the church.
This is in addition to the yearly offering tagged The Making of The Priest dedicated to the sponsorship of Redeemptorist seminarians which has as well been adopted by the church.
There is also the yearly offering for Divine Health.
The Amen community has produced men and women who are mightily used by God in the vineyard both within and outside the country.
Some of these instruments of God had one reason or the other to relocate from within the domain of the community all be it, for good.
They include;
Bro. Peter Okelue
Bro. Callistus Ebokam
Bro. Francis Nwotite
Bro. Francis Agbakwuru
Bro. Eusebius Nnaji
Bro. Micheal Nwachukwu
Bro. Timothy Ofoegbu
Bro. Tony Chinyeremaka
Bro. Tony Okeke amongst others.
We refer to them as Amen Community in Diaspora.
The community has also produced men and women who have served and some are still serving in higher positions at either Deanery or the Archdiocesan Council of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Lagos. They include Bro. Oliver Mbagwu past chairman of the Festac Zone and Bro. Gabriel Obinwanne the incumbent chairman of the Satellite Deanery amongst others too numerous to mention.
LEADERSHIP SEQUENCE
As stated earlier, leaders were appointed to oversee the affairs of Amen Community at the formation stages, however, there was the 1st official election in 1988 which saw the following emerge as leaders of the community including the various ministries.
1ST OFFICIAL ELECTION (1988 – 1992)
BRO. DECLAN ONYEAGHALA CO-ORDINATOR
BRO. OLIVER MBAGWU SECRETARY
BRO. EMMA NWANZE FIN. SEC. /LEADER HEALING MINISTRY
BRO. C.Y UDOJI LEADER, STEWARD MINISTRY
BRO. LOUIS BABATUNDE AGUNBIADE LEADER, PRAYER MINISTRY
BRO. JOHN ELESI LEADER, TEACHING MINISTRY
BRO. BARTHOLOMEW UMEODURUKWE LEADER, LEADER SINGING MINISTRY
BRO. EVANS ONYEANU MEMBER
BRO CHRISTOPHER NGENE MEMBER
BRO. EUGENE IWUORIE MEMBER
OTHER SETS OF LEADERS (1992 – 1995)
BRO. DECLAN ONYEAGHALA CO-ORDINATOR
BRO. OLIVER MBAGWU SECRETARY
SIS. ROSE OJINNAKA ASST. SECRETARY
BRO. JOHN ELESI FIN. SECRETARY
LATE BRO. VIRGINUS EZEMA LEADER, STEWARD MINISTRY
BRO. CHRIS NGENE LEADER, HEALING MINISTRY
LATE BRO. EDWIN CHUKWUNEKE LEADER, GREETER`S MINISTRY
BRO. ISAAC EMEZU LEADER, SINGING MINISTRY
BRO. BARTHOLOMEW OKOLIE LEADER, INTERCESSORY MINISTRY
BRO. C.Y. UDOJI MEMBER
BRO. JOSEPH EJIOFOR MEMBER
SETS OF LEADERS (1995 – 1998)
BRO. EUGENE IWUORIE CO-ORDINATOR
BRO. CHRISTIAN UTUAGBAIGWE ASST. COORDINATOR
BRO. EMMA NWANZI SECRETARY/LEADER, TEACHING MINISTRY
BRO. GODWIN TIMOTHY OFOEGBU ASST. SECRETARY
BRO. JAMES IKEOKPARA/JOE OKOYE TREASURER/LEADER, INTERCESSORY MIN.
BRO. NDUBUISI ONYIA LEADER, GREETERS MINISTRY
BRO. RUFUS ONYEBUCHI LEADER, STEWARD MINISTRY
BRO. DONATUS ONWANA LEADER, SINGING MINISTRY
BRO. MICHAEL NWACHUKWU FIN. SECRETARY
BRO. KENNETH EBIGBO LEADER, HEALING MINISTRY.
NOTE: Bro. Kenneth Ebigbo became the leader of Healing Ministry as Bro. Eugene Iwuorie emerged as Coordinator.
Also Bro. Joseph Okoye took from Ikeokpara as Intercessory Leader following the later`s suspension for anti catholic practices.
SETS OF LEADERS ( 1998 – 2001)
BRO. CHRISTIAN UTUAGBA IGWE CO-ORDINATOR
BRO. EUGENE IWUORIE ASS. COORDINATOR
BRO. OLIVER MBAGWU SEC/LEADER, TEACHING MINISTRY
BRO.MARCEL IWUORIE LEADER, GREETERS MINISTRY
BRO. JOSEPH OKOYE LEADER, INTERCESSORY MINISTRY
BRO.CHRISTOPHER ANICHEBE TREASURER
BRO. SIMON EVUNDE LEADER, EVANGELICAL MINISTRY
BRO. BASIL UMEH LEADER, WELFARE MINISTRY(steward)
BRO.DONATUS ONWANA LEADER, SINGING MINISTRY
BRO. CYRIACUS UDOJI LEADER, HEALING MINISTRY
BRO RUFUS LEADER, STEWARD MINISTRY
SETS OF LEADERS (2001 – 2004)
BRO. OLIVER MBAGWU CO-ORDINATOR (3 MONTHS)
BRO. CHRISTOPHER ANICHEBE CO-ORDINATOR (2004)
BRO. EUGENE IWUORIE ASS. CO-ORDINATOR
LATE BRO. PETER ANINEJI SEC/LEADER INTERCESSORY MINISTRY
BRO. KENNETH EBIGBO ASS. SECRETARY
BRO. MICHAEL NWACHUKWU LEADER, TEACHING MINISTRY
BRO. CHRISTAIN EMENGINI LEADER, SINGING MINISTRY
BRO. CHRISTAIN EZINNWANNE LEADER, WELFARE MINISTRY
BRO. ALLOY NWOSU LEADER, STEWARD MINISTRY
BRO. GABRIEL OBINNWANNE LEADER, EVANGELICAL MINISTRY
BRO. CHRIS NGENE LEADER, HEALING MINISTRY
BRO. TONY NWACHUYA LEADER, TEACHING MINISTRY (2003-2004)
BRO. MARCEL IWUORIE LEADER, GREETERS MINISTRY
NOTE:
Bro. Oliver Mbagwu later emerged as the Chairman of Festac Zone and Bro. Christopher Anichebe took over from him. Also Bro. Tony Nwachuya took over from Bro. Michael Nwachukwu who relocated to Minna as the leader of the Teaching Ministry.
SETS OF LEADERS (2004 – 2007)
BRO. GABRIEL OBINWANNE C0-ORDINATOR
BRO. KENNETH EBIGBO ASST. CO-ORDINATOR
BRO. FELIX UMELO SECRETARY
BRO ZACH UGWU FIN. SEC/LEADER TEACHING MINISTRY
BRO. UCHE NNABUGO LEADER HEALING MINISTRY
BRO. CHRISTAIN EMENGINI LEADER, PRAISE AND WORSHIP MINISTRY
BRO. JOSEPH OKOYE LEADER, INTERCESSORY MINISTRY
BRO. MATTEW IWUCHUKWU LEADER, GREETERS MINISTRY
BRO. ALOY NWOSU LEADER, STEWARD MINISTRY
BRO. GODWIN EJIOFOR TREASURER
BRO. ELAIS EZEWAMADU LEADER, PRAISE AND WORSHIP MINISTRY
SIS. CAROLINE OBODOAKO MEMBER
NOTE: Bro. Elias Ezenwammadu took over from Bro. Christian Emengini following a change in the latter`s business location.
SETS OF LEADERS(2007 – 2009)
BRO. GABRIEL OBINWANNE CO-ORDINATOR
BRO. UCHE NNABUGO ASST. CO-ORDINATOR
BRO. TONY NWACHUYA SECRETARY
BRO. FELIX UMELO ASST. SEC/ LEADER GREETERS MINISTRY
BRO. ZACH UGWU FIN. SEC/ LEADER TEACHIUNG MINISTRY
BRO. C.Y. OGHAEGO TREASURER
BRO. CAJETAN AZUOMA LEADER PRAISE AND WORSHIP MINISTRY
BRO. PAULINUS EDWARD LEADER, INTERCESSORY MINISTRY
BRO. AMBROSE MGBIKE LEADER, WELFARE MINISTRY
BRO. CHRISTOPHER NGENE HEALING MINISTRY
SIS. CAROLINE OBODOAKOR MEMBER
SETS OF LEADERS(2009 – 2011)
BRO. TONY NWACHUYA CO-ORDINATOR
BRO. C.Y. OGHAEGO ASST.CO-ORDINATOR
BRO. FELIX UMELO SECRETARY
BRO. BASIL AJAH FIN. SECRETARY
BRO. AMBROSE MGBIKE TREASURER/ LEADER WELFARE MINISTRY
BRO. KENNETH EBIGBO ASST.SEC/ LEADER HEALING MINISTRY
BRO GABRIEL OBINWANNE MEMBER
BRO. FRANCIS EZEH LEADER, INTERCESSORY MINISTRY
BRO. VICTOR UTUAGBA LEADER, PRAISE AND WORSHIP MINISTRY
BRO. MATTHEW IWUCHUKWU LEADER GREETERS MINISTRY
BRO. BONIFACE ONYEJEKWE LEADER, TEACHING MINISTRY
BRO. UCHE NNABUGO MEMBER
SIS. JOSEPHINE OLISA MEMBER
SETS OF LEADERS(2011 – 2013)
BRO. TONY NWACHUYA CO-ORDINATOR
BRO. C.Y. OGHAEGO ASST. CO-ORDINATOR
BRO. FRANK NKEM SECRETARY
BRO. BONIFACE ONYEJEKWE LEADER TEACHING MINISTRY
BRO. CHIGOZIE OKONKWO TREASURER/LEADER GREETER`S MINISTRY
BRO. KENNETH EBIGBO ASST. SEC./ LEADER HEALING MINISTRY
BRO. FRANCIS EZEH LEADER INTERCESSORY MINISTRY
BRO. GABRIEL OBINWANNE CHAIRMAN BADAGRY DEANERY (CCRN)
BRO. VICTOR UTUAGBA LEADER, PRAISE AND WORSHIP MINISTRY
BRO. BARNABAS AGBAKWURU FIN. SEC/ LEADER, WELFARE MINISTRY
BRO. JUSTIN IBEWUBA MEMBER
BRO. IKECHUKWU EZE MEMBER
SIS NKECHI IDOKO MEMBER
BRO. CHIGOZIE IHEME MEMBER
SETS OF LEADERS(2013 – 2019)
BRO. C Y OGHAEGO COORDINATOR
BRO. BONIFACE ONYEJEKWE ASST/COORDINATOR
BRO. FELIX UMELO SECRETARY
BRO. KENNETH EBIGBO ASST/SECRETARY
BRO. BASIL AJAH FIN/SEC
BRO. CHIGOZIE OKONKWO TREASURER
BRO. GABRIEL OBINWANNE CHAIRMAN SATELLITE DEANERY (CCRN)
BRO. TONY NWACHUYA EX-OFFICIAL
BRO. ONYEKA NWANKWO LEADER, TEACHING MINISTRY
BRO. IKECHUKWU EZE LEADER, HEALING MINISTRY
BRO. OKWY OKOYE LEADER, PRAISE/WORSHIP MINISTRY
BRO. DOMINIC OFFOR LEADER, GREETERS MINISTRY
BRO. AMBROSE MGBIKE LEADER, WELFARE MINISTRY
BRO. SHADRACH IYIAMA LEADER, INTERCESSORY MINISTRY
BRO. COLLINS UZODINMA LEADER AMBASSADOR
SIS. NKECHI IDOKO MEMBER
SETS OF LEADERS(2019 – TILL DATE)
BRO. CHIGOZIE EVARISTUS OKONKWO COORDINATOR
BRO. CYRIL UZOMA OGHAEGO CHAIRMAN SATELLITE DEANERY (CCRN)
BRO. CHIKA CHINASI ASST/COORDINATOR
BRO. CHIGOZIE IHEME SECRETARY
BRO. SYLVESTER CHIJIOKE MBAH ASST/SECRETARY
BRO. VALENTINE OFORMA FIN/SEC
BRO. IKECHUKWU CHUKWUMA EZE MEMBER
BRO. CHARLES AGBO MEMBER
BRO. CHUKWUEMEKA MATTHEW UGWUANYI LEADER, TEACHING MINISTRY
BRO. SIS. NKECHI ESTHER IDOKO LEADER, HEALING MINISTRY
BRO. DONATUS ONWUANA LEADER, PRAISE/WORSHIP MINISTRY
BRO. JOHN EKWENGENE LEADER, STEWARD MINISTRY
BRO. EDWARD PAULINUS OKECHUKWU LEADER, INTERCESSORY MINISTRY
BRO. DAVIDSON NWABUISI LEADER, AMEN AMBASSADORS
BRO. SIS. PATRICIA CHIKEZIE LEADER, AMEN SISTER’S WING
THE SERIES OF YEARLY PROPHETIC DECLARATION MADE BY THE LEADERSHIP OF THE COMMUNITY
| S/N | DECLARATIONS | YEAR |
| 1 | Breaking up the depth – pr 3:19-20 | 2005 |
| 2 | Year of unending increase – Is. 9:7 | 2006 |
| 3 | Year of Riding on Horses- Esther 6:9 | 2007 |
| 4 | From Glory to Glory- 2cor. 3:18 | 2008 |
| 5 | Year of God`s Release- Deut. 16 : 1 – 6 | 2009 |
| 6 | Year of Testimonies and celebrations (by holiness) – ps. 93:5 | 2010 |
| 7 | My year of praises and thanksgiving- ps. 67: 3-7 | 2011 |
| 8 | My year of effective witnessing for Christ- acts 1:8 | 2012 |
| 9 | Year of consolidation to divine calling and vision | 2013 |
| 10 | Year of moving unto a higher level Deut. 1: 6 – 8 | 2014 |
These declarations always come from the mouth of the co-ordinators of the community by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and has always given focus and hope to the good people of Amen Family. This hope never disappoints.
COMMITTEES IN AMEN COMMUNITY
Various regimes have had to set up one committee or another. The purpose for carving out these committees is for effective administration and grass-root development of her members. Some of these committees include amongst others:
ADULT EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Following the need to provide total care and qualitative leadership to the wonderful people of Amen community the “Adult Education Committee was formed way back in the early nineties by bro. Declan led the Core-Group.
The committee did the feasibility studies and gathered men and materials for the smooth take off and the eventual progress of the adult education and mass literacy campaign programme still going on in St. Patrick`s Parish.
The inaugural and only chairman of the committee was Bro. Emma Nwanze. He was the only chairman because the community was later going to hand over the running and coordination of the initiative to the Parish Catechist Bro. Isaiah Emengini who brought his wealth of training and experience to bear on the programme. The secretary of the committee was Sis. Georgina Ogbuu.
2) The Band Management Committee. It was sometime in 1990 that a group of brethren who were into business partnership donated some musical instruments to the community including Jazz set, drums etc.
This group used to be known as “Prominence International Co”, which members include Bro. Celestine Unaegbu and Bro. Celestine Oguatu. From here the community was challenged to embark on procuring some other Band equipments which cost quite some substantial amount of money.
The need for effective training of personnel and handling of these equipments in addition to a harmonized programme of outings etc prompted the creation of this committee by the then Bro. Declan Onyeaghala led Core Group. The band has since produced a musical album titled Whenever I Wake Up I Will Praise The Lord. The inaugural chairman of the committee was Bro. C.Y Udorji while the inaugural band leader was bro. Bartho Umeodurukwe.
The band has had other chairmen including Bro. Goddy Ejiofor etc.
The Praise and Worship Ministry now oversees the affairs of the band.
3) Another committee is the Bus Management Committee. In 1994 the community still under the leadership of Bro. Declan Onyeaghala bought a 52 seater luxurious bus. The bus made outings to crusades, seminars, praying-overs, soul winning outreaches, conferences etc a lot easier because the brethren enjoyed the pleasure of having to go and come back without stress.
Again, owing to the enormous task of administering the community which gave the Core Group no much time, it created the Bus Management Board which was charged with the responsibility of seeing to the day to day maintenance of the bus, the handlers and its activities. Bro. Joseph Ejiofor was the inaugural chairman of the committee while late bro. Peter Aninneji was the inaugural secretary. The committee has had other chairmen including Bro. Cosmos Eboh, Bro. Samuel Egbuna etc.
4) The next committee is the disciplinary committee
In 1995 following the continued increase in the numerical strength of Amen community and off course the expected cases of complaints of one misdeed or the other involving members and again based on the biblical injunction from St. Paul the apostle, the then Core Group (The Service Team as it is known and called today) under the leadership of Bro. Eugene Iwuorie set up a disciplinary committee charged with the responsibility of settlings disputes amongst brethren. The committee also handles cases of misconduct involving any member of the community.
The inaugural chairman of this committee is Brother Innocent Ezeh. Others who had piloted the affairs of the committee at one time or another include Bro. Emma Nnaji, Bro. Basil Ajah is the present chairman.
Marriage committee
The community has a marriage committee made up of gifted marriage counselors whose duty amongst others include:
Guiding the brethren of marriageable age to choose correctly their life partners.
Helping couples overcome graciously any turbulence in their marital lives.
The inaugural chairman of the committee was late Bro. Michael Ekesiobi. There are hosts of other past chairmen of this committee including Late Bro. Edwin chukwuneke, Bro. C.Y. udorji, Bro. Goddy Ejiofor, Bro. Longinus azuma.
The Central Planning Committee (C.P.C)
This committee was created in 2001 under the leadership of Brother Christopher Anichebe as the then co-ordinator of the community. It started initially as the planning and monitoring committee (P.M.C) with Bro. Emma Nwanzi as its 1st chairman. It was later going to be renamed central planning committee (C.P.C) with Bro. Okey Okono as chairman.
Bro. Chigozie Okonkwo had the longest tenure as chairman of the committee so far.
The function of this committee which has worked and is still working today is to work-out and execute in line with the vision of the Service Team, the spiritual, financial and physical/material plans for the community. Its worthy of note that this committee carefully and successfully completed the building of a structural edifice called the “Amen Band Stand” situated and lying at N04 Ukpor Street Alaba, Ojo, Lagos. Bro. Cajethan Azuoma is the current chairman.
There is the Advisory Committee which just as the name implies provides the Service Team with useful pieces of advice on how to steer the wheel of progress of Amen Community. This committee was first created by the Bro. Eugene Iwuorie led Core Group with Bro. Declan Onyeaghala as chairman. Incidentally Bro. Eugene is the present chairman of the committee.
PHOTO SPEAKS
COORDINATORS FROM INCEPTION
SECRETARIES FROM INCEPTION
MINISTRY LEADERS
OTHERS WHO HAVE SERVED AS MEMBERS OF THE CORE GROUP/ SERVICE TEAM
COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN AND MEMBERS
DEDICATION OF THE BAND STAND
AMEN CYBER CAFÉ
AMEN HORSE ETC
VARIOUS EVENTS INCLUDING CRUSADESTHE CLERGY WHO EMANATED FROM AMEN COMMUNITY.
CONCLUSION
The journey has had its ups and downs. It has not been so easy to bring the community to this envious level especially at the beginning stages. God has continued to prove Himself faithful. He who started this good and wonderful work in us has always been there for us. He will see us through to the end. This end is the marriage supper of the Lamb.
See you there.
God bless you real good.….Amen, the final word in the world of prayers.
Complied by
WEBSITE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Namely :
EMMA NWANZI – Chairman
OLIVER MBAGWU – Secretary
EUGENE IWUORIE – Member
KENNETH EBIGBO – Member
NDUBUISI ONYIA – Member