Christians Charged To Aim For Eternal Reward, As Journalist Buries Mother

Pastor Clement Orji of The Church of God (Seventh Day) has charged Christians live a life that earn them eternal reward.

Pastor Orji, in his homily at the burial ceremony of late Deaconess Victoria Enyinne Alaribe (mother of Abia State correspondent of Vanguard Newspapers; Mr. Ugochukwu Alaribe), in Obingwa local government area of the state, speaking on the topic “Death is a reality, but grave is not the end” reminded Christians that death is not just a price that everyone must pay, but an inevitable end for every mortal regardless of class in the society.

The cleric who took his Bible readings from Romans 5:12, Daniel 12:2, John 5:28-29 and Hebrew 9:27 noted that while some persons would receive good rewards, others would receive damnation as a result of the life that they lived here on earth.

Pastor Orji who is also chairman Ministerial Council of the Church of God (Seventh Day) listed Physical Death, Spiritual Death and Eternal Death as the types of Death that awaits every mortal.

The cleric who had served in the community and had several encounters with the late Deaconess while narrating how she chose singing to God over a position in the church, noted that she was not just strong in the faith, but dedicated her time to serving God. This is even as he posited that her commitment to God’s work will earn her a place in the Bossom of God.

Former governor of the state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu in his condolence message to the family while noting that the deceased was a devout Christian, urged the family to find strength from the word of God and to emulate the good virtues of their mother.

Speaking at the occasion, former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt.Hon. Udo Oko Chukwu while condoning with the family, described the deceased as a community women leader, seamstress trade and farmer who stood out amongst her contemporaries.

Oko Chukwu further stated that he has no doubt that those who knew and encountered the late Deaconess Victoria quite closely would miss her dearly.

In a funeral oration, the first son of the family and state correspondent of Vanguard Newspapers, Ugochukwu Alaribe corroborated the former governor and his deputy about the personality of his mother, adding that the death of their mother; who died about three years after they buried their father was a big shock to them.

“Her devotion to God’s work, as well as reading chapters and verses of the Holy Bible, offhand was topnotch.

“Our mother was a devout Christian who served God and humanity till the end of her life on earth.

“She was a peacemaker, a lover of justice and fairplay…

“She was known for her uncompromising stance on God’s work, truth, honesty and fairness.

“Her selflessness, sacrifice and devotion to o God’s work are legacies worthy of emulation.”

The chairman, Aba Federated Chapter Of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Godfrey Ofurum jnr who led other members of the chapel, urged the family to weep like those who don’t have hope and expressed hope that testimonies of people about their mother would earn her eternal life.