Bishop Obi Appeals for Rebuilding of Demolished Divine Word Int’l Church of God in Christ, Owerri

   By Chibuzo Munonye

    A Pentecostal bishop with the Church of God in Christ, representing the Church of God in Christ, Edo Divisional  prelate, Bishop Kenneth Obi (People’s Bishop)  says his prayer is that their church located at plot 875 New Market Layout behind ShopRite, Egbu Road, Owerri be rebuilt.

   Bishop Obi stated this in an interview with newsmen on the occasion of the 20th anniversary 2025 celebration of Divine Word Int’l Church of God in Christ, Umuhu Umuezem autonomous community in Oru West LGA with the theme “Unfinished business: we have work to do” held at the  Owerri branch of the church, behind Shoprite, Egbu Road, last Sunday.

   He recalled that in 2012, the church building was demolished by the Rochas Okorocha’s administration, adding that the dilapidated structure is not usable in the foreign countries but in Nigeria, it can be used, and expressed delight that despite the challenges, they were there to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the church.

   The bishop requested the prayers of all, believing God for their destiny helpers and also expressed his belief that their international church will help them rebuild the church structure.

   He however noted that America is now like Nigeria and believes in seeing and believing because, according to him “Many people don’t think that something is happening here, but people that have gone before us have spoilt everything for other people, but not withstanding, the evidence is here that the church is still in the building process. I believe God that after this anniversary, God will help us rebuild the project. We need some money. It has been ups and downs but we are here”

   He noted that the church started on March 5, 2005 and was officially dedicated here in Imo State 20 years ago with Bishop Innocent Erimujor who was their guest speaker and after 20 years they are celebrating.

   Answering questions about the achievements of the church, Bishop Obi revealed that the church is a church that loves helping people, “We don’t mind helping people and that is why, instead of rebuilding the church, we give help to people, rather than build the church, we give to the less privileged. So I am following God at His word.

   The church is always facing challenges. We are not different. We have completed two storey educational building for Divine Word Academy.

The sanctuary foundation has been laid. We just need some money to raise it up and take it. We know it is not easy because of inflation. It requires a lot of money” he emphasized.

   Commenting on the theme of the anniversary, unfinished business, he reminded christians that the work of God can never be finished, stressing that we have more work to do  “The work is not only for preachers, the work of God is for all of us because Christ said “Go ye out into the world and preach the good news” starting from your family, friends, relatives, associates and neighbours. It is everyone’s business to preach Christ” he maintained.

   In her remarks, the wife of the bishop, Lady Michelle Obi urged christians to always maintain cordial relationship with God in their own interest, embrace evangelism and do the work of God wholeheartedly to attract His blessings.