It Was Profoundly Moving By Val  Obienyem

I found myself wishing that the entire Nigerian youth, particularly those in the East, had been present to hear Venerable Berechukwu Nwankwo of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Nkpor deliver one of the most powerful and heartfelt sermons I have ever heard.

The event was the funeral service for Chief Aaron Bumah-Onunkwo, the husband of Mrs. Juliet Bumah, a prominent editor in Alor. Along with Prof. Patrick Obi and Dr Chike Ohamobi, we represented Mr Peter Obi, who was unable to attend due to a delayed morning flight and is leaving the country today. As he spoke, the Reverend intertwined biblical references with personal experiences, vividly illustrating his points.

One such story was about a group of students who plotted to attack Father Okai, the then-principal of St. John’s Secondary School in Alor. On the appointed day, however, the ringleader changed his mind, refusing to raise his hand against a servant of God. The Reverend used this story to highlight the stark contrast between historical reverence and contemporary disregard. He lamented how, in our day, respect for the sacred has dwindled, even among those who claim to worship God. He likened this decline in reverence to the infamous story of Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were known for their corrupt and immoral behaviour, which led to their ultimate demise and the loss of the Ark of the Covenant to the Philistines. The Reverend warned that humanity is heading for a similar fate, fuelled by a growing disregard for all that is holy.

With biblical zeal, he drew parallels between the three wise men who sought Christ and today’s youth, who appear to seek anything but Christ. He described modern youth as confused, pursuing things they do not even understand.

Building on this, he warned against the growing tendency to seek power from a variety of dubious sources. He observed that our forefathers, at the very least, understood the deities they worshipped, how to appease them, and the nature of their rage when, for example, they were denied what they desired. However, people today are importing strange idols from places such as China without realising the serious consequences. He mocked the folly of young men on social media who were attempting to return to the roots of spiritual slavery. The Reverend warned that when these deities become angry, the consequences will be disastrous. The only solution, he insisted, is to fully embrace Christ.

The Reverend also addressed scepticism about the church, acknowledging the existence of charlatans who exploit faith for personal gain. He urged the congregation not to let false prophets deter them from following Christ’s true path. We do not stop going to hospitals because of fraudulent doctors, or avoid driving because of reckless drivers, so we should not abandon the church because of common bad actors. Instead, he urged us to seek out true places of worship where the genuine light of Christ shines.

In a moving moment, the Reverend addressed Chief Bumah’s mortal remains: “One day, our own posters will be posted, and everyone will die.” The Reverend used this to emphasise the fleeting nature of life and the possibility of resurrection for those who die in Christ.

He concluded the service with a heartfelt prayer for everyone in attendance, calling them to repentance.

It was a service that greatly enriched the soul. It was a sermon that cut across divisions, delivering a core Christian message that confronted our society’s evils while emphasising salvation in Christ.