Mount Zion Mission celebrates God’s immutable faithfulness, inexhaustible mercy at 80

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Mount Zion Mission Inc. has celebrated its 80th anniversary with a call on Christians to remain steadfast in holiness, evangelism and commitment to the undiluted word of God amid growing moral decadence in society.

The grand carnival-like celebration, held at the international headquarters of the mission in Oron, Akwa Ibom State, attracted dignitaries from different walks of life, including political leaders, clerics, traditional rulers and members of the Christian community.

Among notable personalities present at the event were the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, and the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Dr. Ekong Sampson, who were both represented.

Speaking during the anniversary celebration themed “Celebrating God’s Faithfulness and Glory,” drawn from Psalm 89:1, the General Superintendent of Mount Zion Mission, His Eminence Archbishop Dr. Asuquo Okon, described the occasion as a monumental testimony of God’s enduring mercy and divine providence toward the church over the past eight decades.

“We have assembled in this sacred convocation to commemorate yet another glorious anniversary of the Church. This auspicious occasion is not merely a ceremonial observance, but a monumental testimony to the immutable faithfulness, inexhaustible mercy, and sovereign benevolence of God toward His people,” he said.

Archbishop Okon noted that despite numerous ecclesiastical challenges and difficult seasons faced by the church over the years, God had remained its fortress, sustainer and eternal refuge.

“Indeed, hitherto hath the Lord helped us. As we reflect upon the historical trajectory of this ministry, we cannot but marvel at the wondrous acts of divine providence that have characterized our journey,” he added.

The cleric stressed that anniversaries should not only be moments of celebration but periods of introspection, rededication and renewed consecration to God’s service.

According to him, the contemporary world is plagued by moral decadence, spiritual apathy, materialism and ideological confusion, insisting that the Church must rise with renewed commitment to preserve righteousness and doctrinal purity.

“The Church must arise with renewed vigor to uphold righteousness, preserve doctrinal purity, and proclaim the unadulterated truth of God’s Word. We must remain steadfast in holiness, fervent in prayer, uncompromising in integrity, and relentless in evangelistic engagement,” he stated.

Archbishop Okon further emphasized that the church must continue to impact lives positively through fervent preaching, sacrificial service, compassionate outreach and unwavering commitment to biblical orthodoxy.

He described the 80th anniversary as a celebration of spiritual conquest, ecclesiastical advancement and kingdom impact.

The General Superintendent also expressed appreciation to ministers, church officers, choristers, youths, women’s fellowship, elders and members of the mission for their dedication and sacrifices toward the growth of the ministry.

“Your dedication, resilience and unwavering commitment to the propagation of the Gospel have not gone unnoticed before God nor humanity. May the Lord abundantly recompense your sacrifices and crown your endeavors,” he prayed.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Bishop Dr. E. Eminue, traced the humble beginning of the ministry to a prayer meeting held on Thursday, May 23, 1946.

“To the glory of God, this journey cannot stop halfway. At 80, we are not celebrating just history, but the glory of Him whose power was the source of strength to our fathers who took upon themselves the burden of reaching out to the lost with the gospel of salvation,” he said.

Bishop Eminue recounted how the early evangelists of the church travelled to different communities with locally made drums and tin trumpets, spreading the gospel and establishing congregations.

He noted that testimonies of miraculous healings and deliverance experienced during crusades contributed immensely to the rapid growth of the ministry in its formative years.

“The glory that has been passed to our generation becomes greater day after day. Our earnest desire in this present dispensation is that the vision and mission of our founding fathers be sustained at all costs, with the tempo raised higher than we met it. Indeed, the labour of our heroes past will not be in vain,” he added.

The celebration featured musical performances, thanksgiving sessions, prayers and special presentations highlighting the history and achievements of the church over the last 80 years.

The high point of the event was the presentation of special awards of honour to notable personalities, including the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Senator representing Akwa Ibom South, Dr. Ekong Sampson; and former Chairman of Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, Hon. Joshua Eyo Asuquo, among others.

The recipients were honoured for their immense contributions to the growth of the church, the spread of the gospel and the upliftment of humanity.