The remains of the late Mama Christiana Onyekenna Anyasi have been laid to rest.
Late Mama Christiana Onyekenna Anyasi who transited to eternal glory on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at the age of 98 was laid to rest on Saturday December 9, 2023 in her family compound at Emuhu, Ika South Local Government Area, Delta State.
Late Mama Anyasi, Mother of the Conference President, Anioma Delta Baptist Conference, Rev. Dr. Paul Friday Anyasi was interred after an open funeral service held at the field of Itameze Primary School, Emuhu.
The Funeral Service which was at the instance of Faith Baptist Church, Emuhu, was officiated by a team of renowned Men of God from the Baptist Denomination led by the President and Spiritual Leader, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Israel Adelani Akanji.
It was attended by a large crowd of people from the various Christian denominations across Nigeria.
Rev. Dr. Dickson Madogwa, Rev. Dr. Elemchukwu Stephen, Rev. Dr. Gideon Oyibo, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Iwhiwhu, Rev. Dr. Uzoma Uzoeshi, Rev. Dr. Nathan Thikan, Rev. Dr. Samson Iwuchukwu, and Rev. Dr. Monday Opone were among those that officiated at the Funeral Service.
In his homily, the President, Nigerian Baptist Convention, represented by the Vice President, Ministerial, Rev. Dickson Madogwa, described Mama Christiana Onyekenna Anyasi as a great Woman who lived a sweet life worthy of emulation and departed at a ripe age.
Dr. Akanji noted the massive turnout for the funeral service by the Leadership and Executive Members of the Nigerian Baptist Convention and said it was basically for the fact that Rev. Dr. Paul Friday Anyasi, one of the Sons of the late Mama Christiana Onyekenna Anyasi, contributed immensely to the development of the Convention where he noted, he has served as the Chairman of Forum of Conference Presidents in the Nigerian Baptist Convention.
The renowned Baptist Minister in the homily titled, “Echoes From The Crowd Of Witnesses”, described funeral service as an opportunity for the living to learn lessons for their individual lives.
“Funeral Service is a time to ask critical questions about the essence of life with a view to adjusting our ways and lost times and become more godly, hence the wise man in Ecclesiastes said it is better to go to the house of mourning than feasting,” he noted.
Taking his scriptural reference from Hebrews Chapter 12: vases 1 to 3, Dr. Akanji imagined and articulated the concern of late Mama Christiana Onyekenna Anyasi and other saints triumphant, for those that are still living and said their ultimate wish for the living was for them to work out their salvation with fear and trembling.
He maintained that the ultimate concern of the crowd of witnesses who are on the other side, which Mama Christiana Onyekenna Anyasi now belongs to, was how the living could be saved.
“Secondly, Mama Christiana Onyekenna Anyasi and the crowd of witnesses are saying to those of us who are still living on earth to commit ourselves and what we have, to the service of God and humanity,” he admonished, and also said greatness in the kingdom is defined by service to God and humanity and not by material acquisitions.
The highly charismatic Baptist Minister also said Mama Christiana Onyekenna Anyasi’s concern for those who are still living was for them to live with eternity in view.
“Every day, as you live, remember that this world is not your home. Put away anything that will hinder you from making heaven, which remains the permanent home for those who are genuinely committed to the service of God and Humanity” he said.
In his vote of thanks, Rev. Dr. Paul Friday Anyasi, pays tribute to the Mother, describing her as an Irreplaceable Mother In A Million, even as he reflected on the indelible impact she had on him and all who he noted were fortunate enough to know her.
“Your life witnessed nearly a century of history, a living testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Your life was a tapestry woven with threads of love, compassion, and unwavering strength. From the simplicity of your early years to the challenges of a rapidly changing world, you navigated the twist and turns of life with grace and dignity.
“Today, I say goodbye to you with heavy heart, but I also celebrate the incredible journey you undertook, your legacy of humility, practical peace, and real love on the lives of those you touched, the lessons you imparted, and the simplicity you so freely gave. You taught me the virtue of peace and encouraged me to live by it always. As I bid farewell to this extraordinary woman, let me carry forward the torch of your legacy, ensuring that the impact of your life continues to shine brightly in our hearts, “Rev. Dr. Anyasi stated.
He appreciated the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, other Executive Members of the Convention, Moderators, Pastors and all the local Churches within the Anioma Delta Baptist Conference, the Leadership of Providence Baptist Conference, Ethiope Baptist Conference and the Leadership of other Christian Denominations across the various states in Nigeria, who he noted had been of immense support for him and his family after the demise of his Mother and during the burial.
Also at the funeral was Bishop Justus Morgekwu, the immediate past Bishop of Diocese of Asaba, Anglican Communion, Delta State.
Highlights of the funeral service included rendering of Hymns of Praise to the Lord God Almighty and prayers for the entire Anyasi Family.
Guests were later treated to a rousing reception at the premises of Itameze Primary School, Emuhu.
