HAPPY FATHERS’ DAY

To every father in the house I wish you a very happy fathers’ day. Many times we limit fathers to just men with biological children, but today I come to announce to you that fatherhood is more than that. Every man who is married and stands in the place of respect and honour is a father worthy to be celebrated.

To be a father far exceeds having biological children, a father is a source. The place of fatherhood is a place of respect and honour. A father is a role model so today as we celebrate all fathers in the house and even those in diaspora; I want to use this opportunity to challenge you to be a role model. Be an example for your children and the coming generation to follow.

As I throw this challenge, my heart goes out to a major gap in our world today and that is the place of mentoring. We live in a world where every one is independent. No one wants to submit to another. Everyone wants to do just what he thinks is right in his or her own sight. Many people find it difficult to be accountable to anyone; many people here is not referring to just the children and young adults. Everyone, irrespective of age needs an accountability partner in his or her life. Everyone must have someone who can call him or her to order because no one is infallible. Yet, even the children today are looking for independence. The time has come for fathers to arise and take their place. The time has come for fathers to model the Christian life to the coming generation. The time has come for men and women to arise and take on the challenge of mentoring.

In mentoring people, you can start from soul winning. Mentoring is actually discipleship. It is taking someone by the hand through the mills and helping the person develop strong value system that makes him able and capable to mentor others. Take a moment and look around the Church; who are you mentoring? Now this is not a function of age. A young person in terms of age can mentor an older person in certain areas where he or she is better. So don’t give the excuse of age, look around again, who is in church because of you? Who is in church today because you cared to tell the person about the love of God? Don’t just sit in the pew and enjoy the love of God, share it with your family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, schoolmates and indeed anyone the Lord brings across your way. Make heaven happy today and heaven will make you happy.

Like women and children have been told, take time today to celebrate these men that God has brought your way. It is not in the value of the gift, it is the heart that matters. However, don’t be stingy and say it is the heart that matters. Go out of your way, celebrate the men and thank God for their lives. For those who can, make it a family time out; but for those who can’t, still make it a special day your way – cook a special meal, plan a game and have fun.

As you go into this week, I declare over your life that your celebration will not be cut short. God will smile on you and your world will celebrate you. I bless you in Jesus’ name.

Maranatha!

In His Royal Service,

Dr. Mike Okonkwo

The Presiding Bishop