03/01/2024
ANOKELO VILLAGE/CHURCH CENTENARY CELEBRATION: The Opening Ceremony
The people of Anokelo village recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of their village and church from December 27th to December 31st, 2023.
The event was organized by the church elders and the rising youth leaders who will likely become the future leaders of Anokelo Church. The purpose of this event was to give glory to God for His goodness and love since the church's establishment.
To provide a brief history, Anokelo Church was founded by Benjamin Ben Baura. After his return from the labor trade in Queensland, Benjamin Baura brought the gospel to Anokelo. He made several attempts to establish his church in different locations until finally settling in the current site of Anokelo village on October 1st, 1923. Over the years, the congregation grew, and some members were sent as evangelists to convert the pagan worshippers to believe in the gospel of Christ.
The original intention behind the establishment of Anokelo Church was for the people to worship the one true God, Yaweh, the creator of the universe, and forsake any other gods.
Any practices which do not please the Lord should be removed from the village or church and located somewhere else. This is to signify the standards of the Gospel.
The opening ceremony commenced with a parade from Fauabu playing ground to Anokelo. Throughout the parade, the congregation of Anokelo Church expressed their joy and gratitude to the Lord by singing the song "The Joy of the Lord is My Strength," which symbolizes their journey thus far. It is due to the joy and strength they derive from the Lord that they have reached this milestone.
The program continued until its successful completion, coinciding with the welcoming of the new year in 2024.
(Pictures by Petra & Wins?)