THE REBIRTH OF WOMEN REVIVAL GATHERING – BY EME ARTHUR – OSO
At last the yearnings of the women of Uyo Zonal Fellowship of the Mount Zion Lighthouse Full Gospel Church were met last week, as the visibly excited women rolled out drums to celebrate. After a long break, the women fellowship held a three-day spiritual retreat at the church’s zonal headquarters at Mbiabong Etoi, Uyo. The retreat which themed, Inspiring
Women To Spiritual Growth (Romans 12:1-3), was preceded by the fellowship’s show of compassionate heart to patients at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, provided ample opportunity for restoration and uncountable blessings of God.
From the very first day, the atmosphere was charged with divine expectation. Women from all walks of life converged in unity, clothed in their radiant uniforms, their voices raised in worship, their hearts lifted in prayer, and their spirits refreshed by the Word. It was a sight of dignity and devotion, a gathering that testified to the strength and beauty of women fully yielded to the Lord.
Other sessions included a health talk, interactive fellowships, and varieties carefully designed to inspire holistic growth. On Sunday, September 14, there treat culminated in a thanksgiving service marked by vibrant praise. Women robed in their uniforms danced and sang joyfully before the Lord, a radiant expression of gratitude. Sharing God’s message to the gathering at the service, Apostle Dr. Roseline Udo admonished the women to be living inspirations in their homes, workplaces, and communities. She charged them to remain as shining lights for others to follow.
In his address to the women, Bishop Udokang urged them to stand firm in the faith and to live as inspirations to others. “As Christians, we must weather the storm, look unto the Lord, and inspire others to hold fast to the faith which is the very essence of our calling,” he said.
According to Bishop Udokang, women must build strength and resilience to face difficult situations, persevere and come out of them stronger. He noted also that the women must lead an exemplary lifestyle and “speak words that inspire others to spiritual growth.”
“Spiritual growth enhances our deep understanding of ourselves as children of God in connection with His power in all our endeavours,” he remarked.
Reflecting on the resilient spirit exhibited by bible characters like Job, the Bishop encouraged the women to lead a life that the spirit of God will use to inspire others around them, according to Job 32:8, “But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.”
The retreat finally closed with a fatherly blessing from Bishop Peter Jumbo Udokang, as he prayed for renewed strength and strong spiritual fervency to characterize the women ministry and expand their network beyond the church.
In an interview with our correspondent, Assistant Area Deaconess Uduak Uko, the Uyo Zonal Women Co-ordinator, reflected on the retreat’s impact. When asked what part of the programme stood out the most, she replied, “Every programme made a lot of sense. We were greatly inspired by each of the activities.” On testimonies from the retreat, she added, “It’s not just a testimony but lots.
Uyo Zonal Women Coordinator
Women were liberated and filled with fresh fire and anointing. This was evident in the joy displayed and strict adherence to every instruction given,” she said.
Volunteering further insights into how the retreat impacted the women, she stated: “This retreat really encouraged me personally.”
Speaking on how spiritual growth helps women balance the demands of family, career, and church responsibilities, Deaconess Uko declared, “Everything begins in the spiritual, for the spiritual determines the physical. As a person grows spiritually, the struggles in family, career, and church responsibilities begin to ease, and balance is established effortlessly,” she enthused.
However, no matter how powerful a programme may be, Deaconess Uko noted, that result will not be visible unless individual beneficiary of God’s grace yields himself or herself to God, she noted, “This comes as a result of yielding yourself to the leading of the Holy Spirit.”
And to women outside the church who may be seeking a place to grow in faith, she advised, “My advice to women who may be searching for a church where their faith can truly flourish is this: search no more, Mount Zion Lighthouse Full Gospel Church, Eka Street Assembly, Uyo, is a faith builder’s place.” She encouraged women to get involved in the regular activities of the mission as each programme helps to strengthen their spiritual life.
“Through the sermons and every activity, hope is strengthened and lives are nurtured. I strongly recommend it, as well as any other Bible-believing church, for a deeper and more intimate relationship with God.” Speaking also with our correspondent at the occasion, the Uyo zonal superintendent, Bishop Jumbo Udokang, explained the significance of hosting the women’s retreat in 2025. “It is an event we always hold to honour our women for their contributions towards the development of God’s work. We do acknowledge them and appreciate their contributions and effort in all aspects of church life.”
On sustaining the inspiration received, he remarked, “When somebody sows a seed, it requires nurturing for the seed to sprout and fruits. We have to continue teaching, nurturing, and putting them in remembrance of all the lessons they have learnt throughout the retreat, then they can produce results. Someone who is taught must also be able to teach another person.”
Charging the women on steadfastness, the Bishop said: “All those who want to serve God must be sincere, honest, transparent, and committed to the cause of the Kingdom.”
The retreat was indeed a sacred convocation, a time of refreshing and renewal. It left the women not only inspired but also better equipped to shine as lights in their families, communities, and the church, true heralds of faith and pillars of the Kingdom.
Bishop Peter Jumbo Udokang, 63, is a reputable clergy, who himself was born into the Mount Zion family; called into the ministry 45 years ago. He is also one of the top clergies appointed by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD., to serve under the Akwa Ibom State Christian Leadership Advisory Council (AKSCLAC).
Bishop Udokang is one of the few leaders in Mount Zion Lighthouse who were fortunate to work under the founding fathers of the mission who seceded from the Apostolic Church, Calabar. He has a good grasp of the founding doctrine, the constitution and the administrative guidelines of the church. He is worried about the inability of the top leadership to foster cohesion as a consequence of non compliance to the code of operation of the ministry as stipulated in the constitution of the mission.
