It was an early start for the entire Loyalty House International (LHI) Nigeria, as all roads led to the city of Abeokuta, in the Gateway State of Ogun, South West Nigeria; where the 60th Birthday Celebration of the legendary colossus of the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches (UD-OLGC), Bishop E.A.T Sackey was to take place.
In Ibadan, at the residence of the celebrant, all Pastors of Ibadan LHI, gathered in readiness for the onward journey to Abeokuta. The convoy arrived at the residence of the Abeokuta mission first thing in the morning, and was welcomed by Bishop Alex Kofi-Opata, Bishop of the Lagos Council. Gathered in Abeokuta were UD pastors from Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Benin City, Owerri, Calabar and Enugu. He took the opportunity to bring the meeting up to speed with developments in the Nigerian mission and introduced Bishop Augustine Blay as a new Bishop joining the Ibadan mission. It was such an informal gathering yet so beautiful!
The highlight of the meeting, to celebrate the Birthday of our own Bishop E.A.T Sackey, whose arrival on the Nigerian mission field has altered the dynamics of the entire mission. Ibadan’s flourishing church as well as the accelerating pace of the other branches are but a few of the strides attained with the arrival of Bishop E.A.T Sackey. Lady Rev. Yemisi, who chaired the function extolled the humility and loyalty of the celebrant to the Founder of the UD-OLGC, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, and to his vision over the years. She entreated all present to emulate his loyalty.
Members took turns to join the celebrant to cut his cake. Bishop E.A.T Sackey used the occasion to advise Pastors to be humble and accord dignity due colleagues.
For team Ibadan, however, the celebration had just begun! The following day, Sunday February 13th, was a Mega Church Service. The Upper Room (the church auditorium) was filled to capacity as early as 9:00 am for a church service that regularly commences at 9:30am. Centa members had been bussed ahead of time. To make room in the church premises, an adjoining space was rented for children ages twelve and below and their handlers numbering a hundred and fifty.
Delegations from Port Harcourt led by Pastor Peter Okereke and Rev. Louis Josiah from Ghana attended the ceremony. Sermonettes were delivered by Bishop Blay, Rev. Eugene Biney, Ps Peter, Rev. Louis Josiah, Ps Edward, and Lady Pastor Elsie Sackey, wife of Bishop Sackey. In all sermonettes, it was clear that Bishop E.A.T Sackey has worked hard from the formative years of the church to this point and has loyally supported the Prophet’s vision of planting churches and growing them into mega churches.
When it was time for Bishop Sackey to speak, he expressed gratitude to all for gracing his birthday with their presence and encouraged the congregation to do their best to live up to the teachings of Christ, in order to reap the desired harvest. The altar call yielded an unprecedented number of 80 souls. Bishop E.A.T Sackey pronounced blessings on the congregation.
A reception for the whole church ensued. A beautiful rendition of the song ‘This Far By Grace’ by the choir permeated the atmosphere as individuals, visiting delegations and departments took turns to join the celebrant to cut the cake.
It was indeed a worthy celebration of the Pastor, Teacher, Apostle, Friend and Exemplary Assistant: That is Bishop E.A.T Sackey! Bishop Sackey is not 60 years old!, he is 24 years and has 36 years experience!!
By Grace there are more mountains and territories to conquer for Jesus, and by His Grace you shall!! Happy Birthday Bishop!
