Members of the United Evangelical Church (UEC), Aka Itiam Branch, ministers of the gospel, political class, family members and well-wishers gathered in a colourful and emotional ceremony to celebrate and honour the remarkable ministry of Rev. Sunny Aaron and his family during a special sendforth organised in appreciation of his years of dedicated service to the church.
The event, which was filled with thanksgiving, prayers and joyful praises, attracted dignitaries from different walks of life who came to celebrate the life, leadership and spiritual impact of the clergyman whose ministry has positively influenced the church and the wider community.
In his Remark, the Member representing Nsit Ibom State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eric Akpan, expressed deep gratitude to God for the grace bestowed upon Rev. Sunny Aaron, his wife, Rt. Hon. Otobong Aaron and their family. He described the celebrant as a devoted servant of God whose life of humility, discipline and dedication to the gospel has continued to inspire many.
Rt. Hon. Akpan noted that the ministry of Rev. Aaron had contributed significantly to the spiritual growth of the church and the moral development of the society, adding that his service stands as a worthy example for younger ministers.
“Today is not just a celebration of a minister but a celebration of a life poured out in service to God and humanity. We thank God for the grace upon the lives of Rev. Sunny Aaron, his wife and their family. Their commitment to God’s work has been exemplary and worthy of honour,” he said.
The Chairman of the occasion and Special Adviser on Commerce and Industry to the Governor, Engr. Sam Wilson thanked God for the life of the celebrants describing them as role models to generations.
In his homily, the officiating minister and Uyo Area Chairman of the United Evangelical Church, Rev. Dr. Usen Umoh, paid glowing tribute to the celebrant, describing him as a faithful servant who has devoted his life to advancing the work of the gospel.
Rev. Dr. Umoh praised Rev. Aaron for his dedication, humility and tireless commitment to the church, noting that his years of service have been marked by integrity, spiritual leadership and a deep passion for the growth of the church.
“Rev. Sunny Aaron has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the service of God and the advancement of the church. His ministry has been impactful and his leadership inspiring. Today, we celebrate a man whose life has been devoted to the Lord’s vineyard,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Church Committee, Elder Emmanuel Akpan highlighted several remarkable achievements recorded during the tenure of Rev. Sunny Aaron. According to him, the church witnessed significant infrastructural development and spiritual revival under the leadership of the celebrant.
He noted that Rev. Aaron spearheaded the uplifting and renovation of the church edifice, supervised the construction of the church’s Pastors’ Manse which has reached about 70 percent completion, as well as the tiling of the church floor. He also mentioned the screeding and painting of the church hall and the installation of ceiling fans which greatly improved the worship environment.
The committee chairman further stated that the celebrant played a vital role in strengthening the financial base of the church through transparency, accountability and improved stewardship among members.
Beyond infrastructure, he emphasized that Rev. Aaron introduced and strengthened several impactful spiritual programmes which enhanced the spiritual life of the congregation. These programmes included the Morning Dew, Bethel Experience, Cultural Service, Street Evangelism outreaches, improved Bible Study sessions, introduction of Family Thanksgiving services, amongst others, all of which contributed immensely to the spiritual growth and unity of the church.
The wife of the celebrant and Executive Chairman of Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. (Deac.) Otobong Aaron, also expressed deep gratitude to God for His faithfulness and grace upon their lives and family.
She appreciated the church leadership, dignitaries and guests who came to honour her husband and support the family during the special occasion.
“We are grateful to God for His grace upon our lives and family. I sincerely thank everyone who found time to attend this event and celebrate with us. Your presence here today means so much to us,” she said.
In his response, the celebrant, Rev. Sunny Aaron, who also serves as the Uyo Area Secretary of the United Evangelical Church, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the leadership of the church, members and all those who attended the ceremony to celebrate with him and his family.
Rev. Aaron thanked the church for the honour bestowed upon them through the sendforth ceremony and acknowledged the support and cooperation he received throughout his six (6) years of service.
“I am deeply grateful to the leadership of the United Evangelical Church and everyone who came out to honour my family and I today. Your love, prayers and support throughout the years have been a great encouragement. I pray that God will continue to bless the church and its leadership”. he said.
The colourful ceremony also featured prayers for the celebrant and his family, presentation of gifts and goodwill messages from church groups and well-wishers.
Dignitaries who attended the sendforth ceremony were the wife of former Governor, Mrs. Funmi Idongesit-Nkanga, Executive Chairman of Ikono, Engr. Otobong Essien, Vice Chairman of Nsit Ibom, Hon Udeme Philip, Leader of Council, Hon. Nsikak Asuquo and honourable councillors, Dean of Supervisors, Elder Iya Iwok Iyah and honourable supervisors, Mr. Innocent Akpan aka Gimglobal, Comr. Idongesit John, and Aides to the Executive Chairman of Nsit Ibom.
