The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has committed to maintaining its historic baptism location in Nigeria, found within the Ikot Eyo community in the Nsit Ubium local government area of Akwa Ibom State.
The church based in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, initiated its first baptisms for new members in Nigeria as part of their missionary efforts in 1978. This event took place at a riverside location called Ikot Eyo, situated within the NsitUbium area.
The Director of the Church History Department, Elder Kyle McKay, along with other General Authorities of the church, visited the river to reconnect with the spiritual importance of its first baptism site in the nation.
Elder McKay along with his spouse were joined by Elder Victor Bassey and Elder Adeyinka Ojediran, serving as the First Counselor in the Africa West Area Presidency, for a recent visit to the location.
The representatives from the church headquarters were welcomed by the Ikot Eyo Stake President, Reverend William Williams, along with members of the congregation, local community leaders such as the clan head of Ubium, His Royal Majesty Etebom Ukpong Udoewa JP.
McKay mentioned that his trip to the historic baptismal location of the church in Nigeria held great importance for bolstering the spiritual development and expansion of the church within Akwa Ibom state and throughout Nigeria.
McKay stated: "We will keep working alongside the local tribes and governmental bodies to safeguard this location since it holds great significance for both our community and the locals."
We experience something unique here at this location amongst all of you, which includes both members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and those who aren’t.
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We might belong to different churches, but we're part of the same family. I think God beams with joy whenever all his children come together for experiences such as these—moments filled with shared love, common visions, and united in our belief in Jesus Christ.
We have a monument here, and based on my personal experiences and feelings today, I am certain that the Lord is present in this location. This isn’t the first instance where we’ve felt His presence here.
He visited this location during the 1970s when the baptisms took place here. Decades earlier, he was also present when individuals wrote to the church pleading for missionaries to arrive. He has resided in this spot for centuries.
The purpose behind constructing such memorials and maintaining them is to ensure that we recall events that transpired here. Above all, these monuments serve as reminders of God Almighty and His messenger, Jesus Christ.
We hold this place in high esteem and with thankfulness for what transpired here, yet it’s more than that. Primarily, we regard this location as sacred because God resides here.
HRM Etebom Ukpong Udoewa JP, the leader of Ubium Clan, expressed gratitude for the church's leadership visit to what is considered their very first baptismal site within the nation.
HRM Udoewa JP encouraged the congregation to revitalize the beauty of the river and transform it into a destination for spiritual tourism.
The event showcased various traditional exhibitions, musical performances, and dressed Elder McKay along with his spouse in authentic costumes.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).
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