ICOC Ibadan Akinyele Family Group Retreat “Unity In The Body of Christ”

ICOC IBADAN: AKINYELE FAMILY GROUP RETREAT

“He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Eph 4:10-13 NIV 

28^th – 30^th of March 2014 was an inspiring and motivating days for the Akinyele family group IN Ibadan, Oyo State as the family group organized a 2 days retreat tagged: Unity in One Body. The retreat was organized to encourage, bring together and also to bridge the gap in between the members of the family group by bringing the members together for a two day get together.

Mr. Michael Nwaokobia (The Family Group Leader), while giving his welcome speech at the venue of the retreat (Haaco International Hotel), welcome all the participants to the retreat, appreciating their enthusiasm in participating and making the retreat successful, he furthermore pray that God will continue to strengthen the group.

The first class of the retreat was held by Mr. Sola Awodumila who gave a speech on his research which he called “Did You Know”. He came up with some amazing facts. The second class was divided into two classes; one for the singles and another class for married. The married class was titled “Knowing Each Other Well”. The families were divided into different groups where they spent time together. The singles class was handled by two speakers: Mr. Elisha Bawa and Mr Nwaokobia. Bawa taught the singles on dating in his class titled “Dating Relationship”. He further explained that some singles who have given up on dating find it to be a road strew with headaches, physical frustration and misunderstanding, all which add up to a “Bed Trip” He further talked on factors and possible consideration when it comes to dating by reminding the singles the facts that dating is not a universal practice. In many cultures, literate or illiterate, the idea of a fellow and a girl arranging a series of times together for whatever purpose, would be consider taboo. He highlighted that dating is a western culture, particularly an American favourite tribal custom. It is one of the healthiest social systems in our entire society.

The second segment of the singles class by Mr. Nwaokobia based on the topic “Body Image”. He explained that Body image refers to perceptions about physical appearance. There are differences in our appearances in terms of size and shape of the body, colour of skin, eyes and hair, height, weight, race and ethnicity. These physical attributes are inherited from our parents. Some of these differences may be valued while others are not. For example, being tall or fair skinned has connotation of attractiveness and carries more privilege. He furthermore asked some questions from the participants to make a list of five (5) things they know how to do, also to brainstorm factors that determine their body image. He likewise generates discussions around responses and explained that individual perception of self can be influenced by the following: family, society, formal education, personal experience, peer group and media. He concluded his speech by saying everybody is unique hence the portrayal of certain people by the media as being beautiful and powerful is unrealistic. Most people do not fit into these images and need not feel inferior or alienated if they do not conform.

Another powerful and inspiring class for the married was anchored by Mr. Bayo Ajadi on “LAYING The Right Foundation For Our Marriage”. 

It was an exciting time for the Akinyele Family group as the closing remarks was taken by Chairman, Organizing committee, Mr Bawa. He expressed his profound gratitude to the participants and the church at large and to Almighty God for the success of the retreat. The retreat was closed on the 30^th of March as everybody departed for church services.