The arrival of the spiritual Director and president Canaanland Adoration ministries, worldwide, A. K. A. E Dey Work, Rev Fr Dr Magnus Ebere, SDV, from the United States of America after a two week evangelism visit where Adorers not only experienced God’s manifestation in their lives but also celebrated the 17th priestly ordination anniversary of this great man of God could be described as historic, as thousands of of adherents in Nigeria trouped out in their numbers to Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport Owerri, Imo State to welcome him.
Indeed a journey that ordinarily takes between thirty and forty minutes, took over three hours from the Airport to the adoration ground located at Umuoma Onicha, Ezinihitte Mbaise following the extraordinary long convoy of vehicles and reception by various Sub Zones at various points along the road.
On arrival at the adoration ground, Rev fr Dr Magnus Ebere, SDV, known as Fr E Dey Work, headed for benediction where he blessed the people after which he was treated to a surprise anniversary celebration by Adorers.
Presenting his speech at the anniversary party, the General Coordinator and President Men of Honour International of the Ministry, Surveyor Sir Reginald Odunze said the event which was organized without the knowledge of the Fr E Dey Work is a way of thanking him for what he has been doing for society .
Sir Odunze who pointed out that God has used the philanthropic Priest to touch and feed the poor and the needy through the consolation of the poor foundation, noted with delight that the celebrant’s 17 years in the vineyard of the Lord has saved souls within and outside Nigeria.
“God used our prophet to touch and feed the poor and needy in our society today.The introduction of the
consolation of the poor foundation has reached down to many individuals and families in this contemporary Nigeria and beyond. Daddy, I believe like you always say: “Edey work ministry is a mystery,” Odunze said.
Recalling how the journey started on 9th August, 2008 when he was ordained a Catholic Priest, the President Men of Honour of the ministry expressed delight that the ministry which formally started in 2011 in Nnobi, Anambra State after it’s formative stages in Nnewi has metamorphosed into a popular spiritual movement attracting hundreds of thousands of Adorers worldwide with a strong presence in Umuoma Onicha Ezinihitte, Mbaise.
Sir Odunze went down memory lane:
“After his ordination and in order to operate differently from other priests, he started consultations and fellowship when he was reposted from his congregation formation in Ibadan to Our Lady of
Fatima Parish Akabueze-enu Nnewi.
“Shortly after his congregation was moved from Our Lady of Fatima Parish to Holy Spirit Parish also at Nnewi. He did not relent and immediately continued with the consultation and fellowship at St.Martin an outstation of the Holy Spirit Parish. He later relocated his activities to Okwuogwugwu side Nnewichi and later to Odida Central School also at Nnewichi Nnewi.
“Lack of space and persecution led to the purchase of large expanse of land at Nnobi where Canaanland Adoration Ministry (aka E- Dey Work) was established between 2011/2012. Kudos to our great Prophet for achieving his
dream on time due the strong heart he has in overcoming obstacles to realize success.
“But as a result of our Prophet’s resolve in spreading the gospel to win souls for God and restore joy and hope to the down trodden, he extended the Ministry’s programmes and activities to Umuoma
Onicha Ezinihitte L.G.A.Mbaise in the year 2015.
“He did not bring the Ministry to Mbaise because it is his home town but primarily to win more souls for God and to bring the Ministry’s mandate of joy to his community
and beyond.
“Truly the arrival of the E- Dey Work Ministry at Mbaise has greatly changed the mindset of outsiders towards Mbaise people both at home and in the diaspora.”
Sir Odunze while thanking God for guiding Fr E Dey Work through years of turbulence from many quarters enjoined him not to relent in his decision to be a source of succour to mankind and prayed to God to strengthen him in his endeavours.
“The journey to this stardom has not been easy but due to the dynamic leadership, commitment, integrity,
humility, calmness and doggedness of the Founder Rev Fr Dr Magnus Ebere, SDV, the Ministry has grown
and achieved a lot within this short time of it’s existence.
“These achievements did not come on a platter of gold but by the grace of God in the life of our Prophet,” he noted.
Speaking earlier, the chairman on the occasion, Dr B. C. Iheoha described the celebrant as God’s instrument for the liberation of the down trodden and the spiritually oppressed and thanked him for what he has done for the Catholic Church and Christianity.
Speaking on behalf of the celebrant’s family, Hon Victor Ebere thanked all Adorers of the Canaanland Adoration ministries for the honour done to their youngest brother, Fr E Dey Work and prayed to God to continue using him as an instrument of restoration.
Responding, Fr Ebere who was shocked at the elaborate celebration planned without his knowledge thanked the organizers and all Adorers of the ministry for the honour and prayed to God to abundantly reward them.
“I’m dumbfounded. You people have shown me love. I was just imagining the rousing reception put out along the road as we were returning from the airport and now this is another surprise.
” As your father, I pray that as you have honoured me, God will greatly honour you. For sticking to 2nd Chronicles 20 vs 20, my God will favour and bless you. Thank you , thank you,” the elated Priest proclaimed.
The colourful ceremony which attracted the presence of dignitaries, the Religious, Royal Fathers and Adorers from all parts of Nigeria, featured cutting of anniversary cake, songs, Dances, presentation of gifts to the celebrant among other activities.
