“Wait for your time and don’t run into God’s work too early when not called”

…Head of Council of World Bishop warns

By James Kokulo Fasuekoi; Editor/Publisher

The Very Most Rt. Rev. Dr. George Slezer Ofori-Atta, head of the Council of World Bishops, is urging God’s people, particularly, pastors and evangelists, to wait for their time and stop rushing to do church ministry.

According to him, most people don’t wait for their time to do God’s works nowadays. “They run into it too early when [in fact] they are not called.”

As a result, he continued, “when demons attack, they mess up, then fumble, misuse the church’s money and womanize.”  

Rev. Dr. Ofori-Atta spoke Saturday during the swearing-in ceremonies for newly ‘Lady-Bishop Elect’ Secretary General of Worldwide Council of Bishops, Madam Julia Gibson.

The ceremony, a colorful one, was witnessed by an impressive crowd, consisted of scores of pastors and bishops from churches across the city and beyond. The event took place at Dunamis Praise Chapel International in Brooklyn Center, MN.

“She has waited for the right time,” Bishop Ofori-Atta said of Bishop Julia Gibson during her consecration and swearing in ceremony. 

She is originally from the Republic of Liberia (West Africa), and the first female to ascend to such a higher level in the Worldwide Council of Bishops. 

Dr. Ofori-Atta praised the newly elected secretary general for her strong commitment  to duties and hard work for the Body of Christ or the Lord’s Kingdom.

Bishop Elect Gibson, he maintained, ‘understands that a bishop is called to lead Christ’s people and  to strive for justice for humanity.’

“You are to govern the church after Christ,” His Eminence, Dr. Ofori-Atta, who had traveled from the nation of Ghana to lead the occasion, admonished God’s servant as the audience, together with an array of bishops looked on.   

Among high-level clergymen that assisted Dr. Ofori-Atta to conduct the ceremony, included Bishop Dr. Victor J. McGodam of Maryland, and Vice President, Council of World Bishops & International; Rev. Dr. Eric Achaab of New York and Chairman-Executive Presbytery, Council of World Bishops & International and Bishop Dr. Ransfor A. Asare, Council of World Bishops and pastor of Dunamis Praise Chapel.    

At the consecration, (The Very Most Rt. Rev., Presiding Archbishop General of the Council) Dr. Ofori-Atta, cited the Apostle Creed and deliberately asked Bishop Elect if she believed it: she answered positively.   

He further asked if Bishop Julia Gibson was aware that “this office” (referring to her new post), wasn’t meant for anyone’s personal gains-to which she again responded, “yes.” 

At some point, Dr. Ofori-Atta gave several proverbs that might be drenched in wisdom, something quite typical of the bishop’s own origin in Africa where people are fond of giving parables at big events such as saturday’s.  

In one he said: “No youngman can advise an oldman; if that happens, then there’s a serious problem.” 

Next: “When[ever] you see an oldman sleeping on the side of the road, don’t laugh because you don’t know your own fate.”

Whatever the meanings of both parables, no doubt they seemed to point to the issues of life as indicated in Proverbs especially, 4:23 “Keep thy heart with all diligence, For out of it are the issues of life.”  

Throughout the sacred event, Bishop Gibson stood still and quiet, looking serious, and was often observed meditating, only signaling her armor-bearer to rush by her side whenever she needed her. 

All religious protocols were carefully observed as required and Dr. Ofori-Atta cited Bible verses (Leviticus-Ephesians) for every demonstration-from washing her feet to consecrating her (as did God with Aaron and his sons through the Prophet Moses), to arming her with a sword. 

Earlier, when MC Rev. Solomon Akwaka was observed to have made a slight error in his introductory remarks Dr. Ofori-Atta took note and quickly called him aside and made corrections after which the program continued. 

Protocols included the council having Lady-Bishop Elect to first bow and after that, prostrate before the College of Bishops and leaders of the Council of World Bishops & Clergies. Such acts, accordingly, are signs of respect and submission to the Body of Christ including those in authority.

The council dressed her in a beautiful purple-blue like robe, plus a specially designed coat that fits a priesthood, with matching hats. 

Finally, a certificate from the council and College of Bishops, was given to her which in the words of Archbishop Dr. Ofori-Atta, would serve as a proof that ‘she didn’t bestow the bishop title upon herself’ but that the CWB did so.