Alvin M. Keeling 
Last weekend witnessed a harvest of song and thanksgiving as the Baptist Convention Worldwide celebrated this year’s annual Mother’s Day with the theme: “Women as the Backbone of the Family”, amidst thanksgiving, praise and worship in every Baptist church in the state.
In his sermon, at First Baptist Church, Rumuche Emohua, Rivers State, Clergy Rev. Dr. Paulinus O. Ezeonye said, “The day is set aside by the Baptist Convention Worldwide to honor women around the world for their many contributions to the maintenance of peace, the maintenance of the family, the welfare of society and the propagation of the gospel of Christ throughout the world.
The event featured a gospel music party, coral performance, Thanksgiving and prizes, among the winners was Madame Justina Morrison Ehuruche who was elevated to the position of “Ezinne” which literally means good mother, leader of women, l one of the highest recognitions for women in the church.
The vicar said the award given to Mrs. Justina Morrison Ehuruche was based on her outstanding performance and selfless service for the growth of the Baptist Church in the Emohua community and the welfare of church members, among others.
The Reverend described Ezinne as a virtuous woman, as he maintained that the honor given to her was well deserved. To back up the action of the church, Reverend (Dr) Ezeonye quoted Proverbs Chapter 3 vs 27-28 which states, “Do not take away your property from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it. Don’t tell your neighbor go and come back tomorrow when you have him with you”. He also pointed out that the divine gesture would inspire other women to work harder in the Lord’s vineyard.
In her vote of thanks, Mrs. Justina Morrison Ehuruche thanked God and the church for having raised her among women and promised to work more for the growth of the Christian faith in the Emohua community because to whom we give a lot, we expect a lot too.
By: Jacob Obinna & Nancy Briggs
