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CHAPLAIN’S ANNUAL REPORT PRESENTED BY THE VENERABLE DR. IFECHUKWU U. IBEME AT THE 2008 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETNG (AGM) OF THE CHAPEL OF GRACE, UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI, HELD AT THE CHAPEL OF GRACE WORSHIP AUDITORIUM ON SUNDAY, 7TH DECEMBER, 2008.
PROTOCOLS
We greet you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Let all glory and thanksgiving, dominion and power be ascribed to the LORD our God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Who lives and governs all things for ever and ever. Amen
1.0. PREAMBLE
You will recall that I assumed duty as Chaplain (Part-time) with Rev Sunday Daniel as Assistant Chaplain (Part-Time) of the Chapel of Grace, University of Maiduguri with effect from January 2008 to enter into our labours in the Lord’s vineyard. We are privileged to work with a full time Administrative Secretary Pastor Ayuba Bwangale whose Bible School training is very useful for the work of the ministry. There is a full time Evangelist, John Madu, who is quite helpful in necessary visits to our mission field.
It is worthy of note that the burden of our labours in the Chapel of Grace since we came has been lightened through the grace of God working in the lives of members of the Board of Trustees (BOT), The Chapel Council, The Chaplaincy and the entire members of the congregation of the Chapel of Grace, as they participate in Chapel programmes and activities, serving the Lord in various capacities and with diversities of Spiritual Gifts. For this we are most grateful to God as well as to all and sundry. May the Good Lord not allow your labours of love in His vineyard to ever be in vain, in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
2.0. THE COUNCIL
We thank God that we have enjoyed working with the Chapel Council under the leadership of the indefatigable Dr Patrick V. Kwaghe. The Council has shown great commitment, comportment, sagacity and spiritual insight. They are personally involved in every and the very least of all the programmes and activities of the Chapel. This keeps them in touch and makes them ever available to help and encourage us and every arm of the Chapel. It is important to highlight this exemplary pattern of spiritual leadership and pray that this continues the more, in the coming years.
3.0. THE CHAPLAINCY
The Chaplain and Assistant Chaplain carry out their spiritual oversight and stewardship by harnessing and coordinating a wonderful team of experienced, gifted and committed Leaders of several Spiritual Ministries and Subgroups, all of whom constitute the Chaplaincy Committee. Working with such a formidable team, has helped the Chaplains to affect the spiritual life of the larger and ever increasing congregation. Through these units it has been possible to discover the Spiritual Gifts and talents of members of the congregation so they could be equipped and fanned into flame. The thrust from the Chaplain is the drive for each Spiritual Ministry to recruit more and newer hands and increase their membership for more effective and vigorous impact.
The Chaplaincy was able to meet seven times this year to share reports and encouragements, harness inputs, harmonize activities and plan spiritual programmes of the Chapel. Four planning committees were set up by the Chaplaincy this year. Three of these had been a blessing to the Chapel and the impact of one will be felt next year. May God immensely reward and uphold them:
1. The Programme Planning Committee for the Double Sessional Services, headed by the Assistant Chaplain.
2. The 2008 Revival Programme Planning Committee, headed by the Assistant Chaplain.
3. The 2008 Thanksgiving Planning Committee, headed by Prof (Mrs) Mary Fajonyomi.
4. The 2009 Programme Planning Committee headed by the Assistant Chaplain.
4.0. COPING WITH CONGREGATIONAL GROWTH
With rapid increase in the number of worshippers on Sundays during the First Semester, Public address systems were beefed up and more seats and hymnbooks procured by the Council, while the ushers laboured to arrange seats inside and outside. However, more and more people began to sit outside despite closely jam-packed seating arrangement inside the worship auditorium. As a way out, the Chaplaincy decided, with Council’s approval, to begin two service sessions on Sundays as from the Second Semester. Though this has increased the burden on the leaders, singers, teachers and ushers/sextons, the congestion during services has eased for the time being. Except during holidays when we revert to former single service, our Sunday Services as from 10th August 2008 now hold as follows:
First Service: 7.00am to 8.40am.
Bible Study: 8.45am to 9.25am.
Second Service: 9.30am to 11.45am.
Holy Communion (Second Sundays): 11.45am to 12.15pm.
Revival Hour (Used for Teaching): 4.30pm to 5.30pm.
5.0. BIBLE TEACHING AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING
In accordance with the Great Commission Matt 28:20 and the Church growth mandate of Word Ministries in Eph 4:11ff, the Chaplains in collaboration with Leaders of some ministries embarked on a series of teachings geared at equipping the congregation to understand and effectively apply the Word of God for victorious Christian living, witnessing and service, This took off from the month of April 2008 as follows:
April 2008: Understanding the Bible (for the General Congregation) and Origins of Biblical Spiritual Leadership (for members of the EXCOs of all Chapel ministries, subgroups and fellowships).
May/June 2008: Understanding the Bible.
July/August 2008: Spiritual Mentoring Training (on how to win and disciple new converts) by Evangelism and Missions/Follow-up Ministries in collaboration with the Great Commission Movement.
August 2008: The ministry of Intercession by Prayer /Deliverance Ministries.
September 2008: Interpreting the Bible.
October 2008: Marriage and Family Seminars by Chaplain and the Marriage Counselling Ministry.
November 2008: Nature and Origins of Biblical Spiritual Leadership.
6.0. SPECIAL PROGRAMMES
There were weekend rival programmes which members and outsiders attended and life transforming messages drew souls to Christ to the glory of God.
March 28-30: 2008 Revival Weekend by the Women’s Fellowship with Evangelist Binta Faruk Jalingo as the Preacher.
April 25-27: FCS Revival Weekend with the theme “Enduring to the End” where Bro Mohammed Shuaibu Jibril ministered.
August 28-31: 2008 Revival Programme with the theme: “Let your light so shine before men” at which Rev Emma Kanus from Jos ministered powerfully.
Sept 19-20: Mission Awareness Weekend where the E&M invited several missionaries to minister.
Nov 9: 2008 Harvest Thanksgiving Service at which the Chapel overflowed with praise offerings, dance offerings and much cash offerings as we gave thanks to God.
7.0. EVANGELISTIC AND MISSIONARY OUTREACHES/FOLLOW-UP
The Evangelism and Mission/Follow-up ministries conducted outreaches and follow-up visitation to some rural communities. These involved weekends of Witnessing, Preaching, Teaching, Film evangelism, Free Medicare, Charity gifts, Town-cry and Community enlightenment. Follow-up visits were done for Discipleship training. Places reached were: Damboa (Feb), Gulak (May), New Marte (July), and New Kukawa (Oct).
Our fresher students were reached through a welcome programme. Follow-up teaching went on every Wednesday and Sunday for all who made new commitment to Christ from person-to-person witnessing, and altar calls in our services and programmes.
8.0. COUNSELLING AND VISITATION
The Chaplains were involved with counselling both during appointed counselling hours and impromptu. Some members were visited for prayers, counselling, ministrations and familiarisation. The Chapel Council and Groups such as the Men’s and the Women’s Fellowships and the Welfare Team are also involved in visitation. The Evangelism and Missions/Follow-up Teams were active in counselling newly committed members while Marriage Counselling Team was involved by the Chaplain during counselling of families and intending couples.
9.0. WORSHIP SINGING
The Choir and the Living Sound Band witnessed a doubling of their membership to an all time high of over a hundred for each group. Audition and training of new members were held. Worship singing became increasingly inspiring and lively. Our music ministers have adapted well to the demand of our double services.
9.1. The Choir held an Easter Eve Praise benefit concert tagged “Amazing Love” The concert was a wonderful time and special collection raised during the programme was channelled towards the Welfare ministry for widows. The Praise singing was earlier extended to prison inmates on Good Friday. After a weekend of Music training for Choristers, the whole of Handel’s Messiah was presented in a choral concert on 4th October 2008. The Church was again treated to Christmas Carol ministration on 29th November 2008.
9.2. Living Sound Band bought some new equipment with the help of the Council. They marked their 20th anniversary with the launching of the CD/Cassette titled “Giving My Life” after which they made a donation of seventy thousand naira to the Chapel Council.
10.0. BIBLE STUDIES
The Bible Teaching Ministry is working hard to cope with more attendance. New copies of our home made self-confrontational Spiritual Growth Bible Study booklet have been printed to meet the increasing demand. More members of the Chaplaincy are now being co-opted for Bible Study preparations. More study classes have been created. It is hoped that all members of the Chaplaincy will attend the Bible Study preparations. The Bible Teaching Ministry also prepare candidates for Baptism.
11.0. SUMMARRIES OF MINISTRIES’ AND SUB-GROUPS’ REPORTS
11.1.0. SUNDAY WORSHIP AND SPECIAL PROGRAMMES
11.1.1. The Service Secretary: with help of his FCS Assistant and the Administrative Secretary have contributed much in the form of runs and calls to invite and remind our speakers and conductors as well as help the Chaplains in arrangements for the smooth flow of our Sunday Services.
11.1.2. Children’s Ministry Team: Working hard to cope with the demand of our double services. Isaac Ibim Jacks represented North-East Zone at the national Bible recitation competition at Kwara State, emerging fifth in Nigeria.
11.1.3. Programme Planning Committee: see above.
11.1.4. Revival Planning Committee: see above.
11.1.5. Thanksgiving Planning Committee: see above.
11.1.6. Bible Teaching Ministry: see above.
11.1.7. Ushering and Sexton Team: see above.
11.1.8. Music Ministries (The Choir and Living Sound Band): see above.
11.2.0. PRAYER AND DELIVERANCE
11.2.1. Deliverance Counselling Team: Holds deliverance for those in need of such and Teams up with the Prayer Team for intercession.
11.2.2. Prayer Team: Beefed up by a forty-member strong prayer warrior squad that emerged in June to boost the ministry of intercession for the Chapel. Lead our weekly Prayer meetings which were used to exhort members from Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life and about the use and power of the tongue. Monthly vigils and special prayer/fasting session are also held.
11.3.0. GROUP COUNSELLING
11.3.1. Academic Counselling Team and Youth Counselling: Teamed up to hold counselling and orientation seminars for fresh students on their study, dressing, manners, etc.
11.3.2. Health and Social Counselling Team: Handle cases as referred.
11.3.3. Economic Empowerment Team: Affected by sabbatical leave.
11.4.0. CHARITY MINISTRIES
11.4.1. Welfare and Visitation Team: Carries out charity work, visitation for joys and sorrows as well as welcome for visitors and new members.
11.4.2. Scholarship Board: Awarded Scholarship to many indigent and stranded students.
11.5.0. YOUTH GROUPS:
11.5.1. FCS with other Students’ Fellowships: see above.
11.5.3. BLEST Team (Singles’ Fellowship): Membership from less than 20 to 70 plus.
11.5.4. Abundant Life (Teens Fellowship): Has increased in membership. Held their weekend 22-24 August 2008.
11.5.5. Boys and Girl’s Brigades: The GB met weekly. Our BB is the 110th Borno Company. They help with security during programmes. Ijafiya Domiya came 2nd in the Battalion Bible quiz. The BB held enrolment Service June 15th 2008.
11.6.0. FAMILY MINISTRIES
11.6.1. Marriage Counselling: see above.
11.6.2. Men’s Fellowship: Held their weekend 27-29 June 2008 and plan to hold their annual Couples’ Dinner today.
11.6.3. Women’s Fellowship: see above. A long standing member Mrs Chiudo Nkama went to e with the Lord. Her exemplary life will remain a blessed memory.
11.7.0. OUTREACH MINISTRIES
11.7.1. Evangelism and Missions Team: see above.
11.7.2. Follow-up Team: see above.
11.7.3. Prison’s Fellowship: In touch with NPF. Visits New Prison twice a month. Visited Gom Prison, Farm Centre in August 2008.
12.0. STATISTICS
Registered Membership: Total – 2662: Regular Students – 2371; Staff/Others – 291.
Usual Sunday Attendance: Total – 2640: Adults – 2500; Children – 140.
Baptisms: 60. Weddings: 3. Births: 6. Deaths: 4.
Commitments to Christ: Total – 683: On Campus – 237; On Mission Field – 446.
13.0. PRAYER REQUEST
In line with our theme for the year, let us pray God to grant that henceforth our light shall truly begin to shine before men like never before in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
As we thank God for what He is doing now in the Chapel of Grace. We invite all to join to pray that God will endue us with the grace to move the Chapel of Grace in the direction of spiritual growth and knowledge of God’s Word, so that God’s people shall serve and please Him with full understanding of His will and conformity to His eternal counsel.
The peace of Christ be with you all.
Venerable Dr. Ifechukwu U. Ibeme Reverend Sunday Daniel
CHAPLAIN (www.geocities.com/ifeogo) ASSISTANT CHAPLAIN