By Special Correspondent

Mothers have been encouraged to hold on to God who has a unique plan for each of them especially in the journey of child upbringing.

The bishop’s wife Anglican Diocese of Nike and wife Supervisory bishop of Enugu Diocese Anglican Communion, Barr. Nneka Onyeka–Onyia gave the encouragement in a message during the celebration of mothering Sunday at different parishes visited within the two Dioceses.

Mrs Nneka-Onyeka Onyia reminded mothers that the occasion was also marked by giving to others while accessing their impact on the lives of the younger generation.

Speaking at All Saints Anglican Church GRA Enugu, she said “There are children here whose mothers went home early, today is not a day to remind them that their mothers are no longer there, it is a day when we are happy that we are here for our own and for them.

She continued “when a mother goes, another mother steps in, nature never allows vacuum in life, remember to tell them that you are there for them. You are not only mothers by nature, you are mothers by nurture. We are mothers in a dangerous and crocket time.

“Motherhood is a continuous journey because from being a mother you grow to a mother in-law, to grandmother, great grandmother and so on. And for every generation you have something to do because we are relevant at every stage in life”.

She called on them to be loving and devoted servants of God in their homes and in the church.

Speaking to mothers at Chapel of Redemption WTC compound, Barr. Nneka-Onyeka Onyia said “My message is simple, hold on to God, Our salvation began in him, especially in this time when it seems very difficult, whether it is going up or it is coming down, just hold on to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, He will make everything beautiful in our lives.”

“To whom much is giving, much is expected because when you plant a seed of corn, it returns in hundreds, so the little thing that God has invested in us, triple it, make it four times in the harvest time so that at the end of the day the lord will reward our efforts.”

The bishop’s wife who was full of gratitude to God Almighty could not hide her feeling as she sang the song “Chineke umunwanyi, Chineke di mma” in almost every church visited.

At St Paul’s China Town She said “are there women in the house, who knew how to worship God, you do not know what God has done for me by making me a woman. I am sure that probably you do not know also what God has done to you by making you a woman. God has given people of influence into the hands of women.”

She continued “At the wedding ceremony when it seems things were tough, Mary the mother of Jesus Christ went to his disciples and told them, “anything he tells you to do, please do it.” Therefore, I hope the hustles of life has not made us to neglect what each of our children can do. It is a good thing being a mother but it is difficult being a mother at a time like this, but through God that strengthens us, we can do all things. when the going gets tough, the tough gets going, where do we derive our toughness from, we conquer on our knees, the song writer said “if I get on my knees then I will cry to God that hears my prayers”, the times we are seeing now are something else, the time is wonderful but we can conquer because God who knows the end from the beginning has said that we have won the battle that is why he gave you this word today.”

At the cathedral church of Good shepherd, a preacher, Mrs Ngozi Ironkwe who spoke on the topic “I and the children God has given me are for signs and wonders” urged mothers to always live exemplary lives.

Earlier at St Cyprian Cathedral, Anglican Diocese of Nike, a guest preacher, Mrs Ify Onugha encouraged women to always live their lives in accordance to the purpose of God so as to serve him acceptably.

Mrs Onugha who took text from Mathew 8: 28 advised women to remain focused in their services to God and avoid many distractions as a result of economic situation in Nigeria.

Some mothers interviews including Mrs Ethel Onyebuchi, Mrs Ebele Egeonye, Mrs Lilian Anukwem and Happiness Ugwu said the joy of motherhood is overwhelming.

Speaking on the unique ability of women to bring peace in the home, they agreed that the presence of a woman marked the end of a perfect creation.

Some churches visited include St Paul’s Anglican Church China Town, St John’s Anglican Church Idaw River, Christ Church Uwani, Cathedral church of the Good Shepherd, All Saints Church GRA, Chapel of Redemption and St Cyprian Anglican church Abakpa, the headquarter, Anglican Diocese of Nike.

Women in their religious uniforms sang different songs to depict the mood of the celebration.