ASABA/Nigeria: The Archdeacon of St. John’s Anglican Church, Okwe, Venerable Celestine Aniamaka, has urged Christians to remain steadfast in faith despite life’s trials, assuring believers that no circumstance can separate them from the love of Christ.
Aniamaka gave the exhortation on Thursday while preaching at a Service of Songs held in honour of late journalist Matthew Ochei, former Delta State correspondent of Punch Newspapers. Drawing his message from Romans 8:35–39, the cleric said hardship, persecution, sickness, danger or even death cannot sever the bond between believers and God.
“No matter the hardship we face in life, God’s love remains constant and unshaken,” he declared, stressing that challenges are part of the Christian journey but do not define its outcome.
Referencing the trials of Apostle Paul, he noted that although the apostle endured persecution and suffering, he remained resolute in faith because he understood that ultimate victory rests in Christ. According to him, suffering is a reality of life but does not nullify God’s promises.
The cleric encouraged worshippers not to be discouraged by pain, poverty, illness or opposition, saying God is fully aware of every struggle faced by His children and provides sustaining grace even in difficult seasons. He added that physical death is not the end for believers but the beginning of eternal fellowship with God, urging Christians to remain faithful and fearless regardless of circumstance.
Among dignitaries present at the solemn gathering were Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State Governor Festus Ahon, Executive Assistant on Media Nelson Egware, and Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council, Churchill Oyowe, alongside members of the media community and other mourners.
The service featured hymns, prayers and tributes celebrating Ochei’s life and career, with colleagues remembering him as a dedicated professional whose contributions to journalism left a lasting impact.
