The newly enthroned Bishop of Diocese of Umuahia West, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt. Rev. Dennis Okechukwu Mark has warned against self-acclaimed miracle workers and prosperity preachers.
Mark spoke to LEADERSHIP after his enthronement by the Archbishop of Archdiocese of Umuahia, Most Rev. (Dr) Chibuzo Opoko, at Cathedral of Redemption, Umuopara Umuahia, Abia State capital.
He said such preachers have turned the scripture upside down and are preaching what suits their fancy to extort money from their listeners and justify their bogus lifestyle.
“As one who understands the scripture, I am not surprised by them because the Bible foretold us that in the last days, which we are in now, such preachers will manifest,” he argued.
He reinforced his resolve to serve the Lord and recalled his bitter experience when he was kidnapped along with the then-prelate of the church, the Most Rev (Dr).Samuel Kanu-Uche in 2022 in the state.
“Our kidnappers wanted to terminate our lives, but God, out of His mercy, spared us. For this, I will use the remaining part of my life to appreciate and serve Him until death comes calling.”
Regarding the nation, he expressed worry that despite the abundant human and natural resources God endowed it with, the citizens are living in abject poverty due to bad leadership.
“I, therefore, urge President Bola Tinubu to do everything within his power to ensure peace, security, justice, and socio-economic development of the country to place it where it ought to be.”
Mark, a former bishop in Owerri, Imo State capital, underlined the importance of the diocese broadening its revenue base through business ventures to meet its needs.
“I am looking at the diocese going into water processing and establishing a printing press, among others, to grow the diocese financially and to create employment for many.”
While appreciating the church and the archbishop for finding him worthy to serve in the capacity, he assured that he would bring changes and development to the diocese.
