ICOCN South-East Bloc Staff and Administrator Retreat 2025 – Presence of God

ICOCN South-East Bloc Staff and Administrator Retreat 2025
Theme: Presence of God
Date: January 4th – 7th, 2025
Venue: Aba, Abia State

The South-East Bloc Staff and Administrator Retreat took place in the vibrant city of Aba, Abia State, from January 4th to January 7th, 2025. The retreat was well attended by church leaders and administrators from the six churches within the South-East Bloc, which includes Port Harcourt, Bayelsa, Calabar, Uyo, Aba, and Owerri.

Day 1: January 4th, 2025
All attendees arrived at the Hotel De Golf, the designated venue for the retreat. In the evening, the lead couple of the bloc, Kemi and Nneka Olufowobi, warmly welcomed the delegates, expressing gratitude for their hard work in 2024. They inspired the attendees with a session titled “The Presence of God.” Following this, the administrators convened for a meeting with the Bloc representative, James Orimafo, and Bloc Administrator, Chidinma Iroweje.

Day 2: January 5th, 2025
We began the day with a wonderful service at the Aba church, where Bloc leader Kemi Olufowobi encouraged the congregation on the Joy of Belonging to God’s Kingdom. He emphasized that true joy can only be found through a deliberate effort to remain in God’s kingdom.

After the service, we gathered back at the hotel for a short devotional led by James Orimafo. This was followed by our first class, “The Fullness of Joy & Delighting in the Law of the Lord,” presented by Okon and Blessing Etim. This session illuminated the joy found in delighting in the law of the Lord while underscoring the perfection and holiness of God’s law.

The second class, titled “God’s Perfect Peace,” was led by Celestine Ugwu. He encouraged attendees to dwell in God’s perfect peace, which, contrary to the absence of challenges, enables us to overcome such obstacles through His support. Each class concluded with group sharing and prayer.

Day 3: January 6th, 2025
The day commenced with a devotional led by Chinedu Alike. The third class was conducted by Collins and Linda Ibeh, entitled “Spiritual Growth in the Fruit of the Spirit.” They urged participants to embrace spiritual growth, reflect God’s image, and to cultivate the various fruits of the Spirit as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23.

In the afternoon, a class titled “Embracing Our Spiritual Heritage” was delivered by Gbenga and Regina Atolagbe. They challenged us not to conform to worldly patterns but to strive to embrace our spiritual heritage. This impactful class fostered significant reflection, concluding with focused group prayers.

The retreat culminated in closing remarks and encouragement from the Bloc leader, followed by another time of prayer. Later in the evening, attendees enjoyed a fellowship hangout, celebrating and sharing a meal together.

We departed the hotel, returning to our respective churches on January 7th, 2025. As we look forward to a successful and fruitful year with God’s help, we kindly ask for your prayers.

Thank you.

Report By:
Ibeh Chinedu Collins