LAGOS JANUARY 14TH (URHOBOTODAY)-The people of the Niger Delta region and specifically those of the Baptist denomination have been charged to celebrate their elders while they are still living.
This was the consensus of clergymen who converged on Ogorode, Sapele Delta State for the Send-forth service of Pastor Dr. James Pendah Ikpen who has retired from active pastoral ministry of Ogorode Baptist Church, Sapele.
The Octogenarian had served the church meritoriously for fifteen years leading to his recent retirement.
The Send-forth ?service reverberated with encomiums for Dr. J. P. Ikpen from a cream of Baptist clergy in attendance, who described him as a leader per excellence with an uncommon dose of humility and an undying love for the work of God.
Rev. Prosper Idjesa of Oghenetega Baptist Church Sapele who delivered the Send-forth sermon? said “Papa Ikpen has an unshakeable christian faith that is contagious”, noting that he displayed spiritual maturity, exceptional humility and professionalism during his period of service as a Baptist pastor.
While observing that Niger Deltans mostly celebrate their elders when they have passed on, Rev. Jessa advised against the trend, urging congregations “to extol their Pastors and elders while they are alive.”
Also speaking, Rev. London Ohwonigho of Bethel Baptist Church Sapele enjoined Christians to always pray for their leaders even while they are out of active service.
The occasion also attracted children, grandchildren and ?relatives of Dr. Ikpen from home and abroad who savoured the joy of celebrating the Patriarch while he is still alive.
One of the children, Pastor Jomo Ikpen who spoke on behalf of the family ?described their father as an exemplary christian leader, worthy of emulation by all and sundry.
The retired Pastor had earlier retired from the Delta State Judiciary at the mandatory age, before proceeding to the Baptist Theological Seminary to enlist for the work of God.