Dear brethren, family and friends,

For all of us who were looking forward to the new year after a challenging 2020, it seems that so far 2021 is just building on tips of what happened last year. Brethren, things may settle down eventually, but for now I suppose we just need to take it one day at a time.

I hope all of you are doing well and staying safe as the number of people infected by the virus continue to rise. Akwa ibom State recently lost three prominent personalities including a former Governor to death following COVID-19 complications! We continue to pray and rely only on God for the final solutions to great health malady.

It is very sunny here with much dust making many to suffer from cough and catarrh. Everyone here is busy preparing for farm work for the season. In most areas, bush clearing have started and I and Nse will not be left out.

Schools resumed on Monday February 1 for the second term of 2020/21 academic session. My children  have gone back to their different schools. Kufremfon will write his final West African Senior School Examination by May/June this year.

Our work for Christ in January 2021 was very successful and we really thank you brethren for being a part through prayers, financial supports, and provisions of Bible study materials to enable us do our work effectively.

On Sunday January 17, two student preachers from the Nigerian Christian Institute (NCI), Uyo visited our congregation at UTU Ikot Ekpo. The two students were: Brother Paul Bassey and Sister Ekaette Ukana. Brother Paul Bassey taught the adult class on the topic, ” Why do Bad things happen to good People? ” using Job as a case study for his lesson. Brother Paul does not understand nor speak our dialect fluently, so he used English language to teach while I interpreted for him. Sister Ekaette taught the children’s class while I delivered the sermon on the topic, ” Some things that are more Valuable than Gold”. Our hearts were filled with joy as we had another family placing their membership with us and another man, Okon Sampson (leaving near our church building) worshipped with us from that day till today and also attending all our weekly activities. We are doing our best to help him obey the gospel but he continue asking why he should be baptized twice after having been baptized by a Reverend pastor in a denomination. I have had deep bible discussions with him and his family and pray he and his family will take the decision to obey the gospel. Please pray for our efforts in this community. There are over nine denominations and prayer houses surrounding us here with contradictory teachings but we thank God that Covid-19 has made so many here to reinvestigate their faith!

Similarly, I visited the church at Afaha Ikot Ebak in Essien Udim for the first time this year with my son Dopse Lance on January 31. It was uplifting to see the growth of that congregation within it few years of existence. The people in the area are very receptive compared to that of UTU Ikot Ekpo. I preached on, ” Reaping the results of Bad choices” using Genesis 21:8-21. It was wonderful to meet with my brother and coworker, Apollos Adolf who initiated the efforts in establishing the church in this area. It was also Wonderful to meet the family of brother Emmanuel Idio whom we baptized recently with his wife and two children. They are very happy to be in the body of Christ! I have provided several bible study books that will help him, his wife Margaret, and two children Enyiekere and Maria grow their faiths! Please do not forget this new and young family. Brother Abasiakan Ekpetor is helping with the work there and has done a wonderful work for our Lord!  It may interest you to know that I taught Abasiakan when he was a student of the defunct Christian Vocational School that I established in Ika in 1997. Christian schools can create wonderful impacts in the lives of its students that’s while I continue to advocate for the establishment of one in Etim Ekpo area! I thank many of you that have already indicated interest and prayed for this proposed Christian school. Continue to

Pray about  this dream and if possible support it!

The campus church of Christ at Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic in Ebonyi State will be raising funds to buy a land for a permanent worship Hall on Saturday January 20. I am billed to speak on, ” Gathering Stones for the Mansion”. The theme is, ” Laying the foundation “. Recalled that I helped in establishing this congregation with the helps of brother Reuben Egwu, Dickson Emmanuel and supports from the churches of Christ at Afikpo and Ibio Nnung Achat. It is amazing the wonderful way this church is growing and the influence it has had on many around that community. God willing, I will leave for Ebonyi State on the 17th to return on the 22nd February. It will afford me the opportunity to work with the campus brethren for at least two days, visit Afikpo correctional Center and possibly visit some of my converts and those discharged from prisons after serving their various jail terms. As always, pray for a safe and successful trip!

Last two weeks, our coworkers embarked on follow-up works on many of our students after the pandemic and it turned successful even though many of our students in Ukanafun area have relocated. We pray that those that we met will obey the gospel as they continue to study God’s words.

An Automobile mechanic finally assessed our 2000 Toyota Sienna Van and after removing the floor rug carpets, we saw the level of rust on the chassis. Moreover, he discovered the suspension is damaged, radiator leaking, malfunctioning of the sensors, and alternator failure. You can see the picture. There is a great need for another Van for our work. Join us to pray that there will be funds to acquire another Van!

Before I close, I want to thank many of you that have made all that we’ve achieved possible. Without your supports and prayers, many of our achievements will be impossible. Thanks for being a part of this great work!

Continue to pray for us as we do for all of you! Indeed the fields are all white, but the laborers and resources are limited. Would you want to help? Please do if God has bless you to do this.

May God bless and keep all of you safe in His everlasting arms! Amen.

In Christian love,

Sekeme Ekaiko

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