2015 Easter Message to Canada Archdeaconry

Dearly Beloved Happy Easter,

On behalf of our Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev Amos Fagbamiye and Mama MDT, Mrs Abike Fagbamiye; I bring you special Easter greetings.

Truly, Easter is a great time of celebration, jubilation and family fellowship. While we celebrate we must remember one of the great lessons of Easter - FROM DEATH TO LIFE. The world around Jesus appeared gloomy from his triumphant entry to Jerusalem and throughout the Holy Week. It was a time of betrayal by his trusted allies and friends, great disappointment by those he appointed, and abandonment by the ones he came to help. It was as if all hope was lost. It was indeed a difficult time for Jesus walking to the cross to make the ultimate sacrifice. No doubt he had reasons to back out and in fact he was tempted to back out of this mission and redemption of mankind through his death on the cross but Jesus endured the pain and asked for grace to remain obedient to God, asking that God's will be done rather than his will. Jesus said "My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me." And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will." And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? (Matthew 26: 38 -40)

What a commitment to redemption and salvation of man! Jesus was nailed to the cross, a gruesome death reserved for the worst criminal. The Son of God endured the shame. It was a time of sorrow for all around him including his disciples and his biological brothers.He died, buried and on the third day, he rose again from the death. Death could not hold him captive. Jesus moved from death to life. This is our message this Easter season - Christ is risen and truly he has risen indeed!

Our world is filled with confusion, wars and rumours of war. There are many uncertainties in our economic, political and educational systems. Sometimes we think all hope is lost. Our Churches and lives are not immune from some of these challenges. There are many among us who are even tempted to throw in the towel or give up completely. Many are frustrated, confused, and disappointed. It is interesting and comforting to know that Jesus went through all these. In Fact the Scriptures says we are not serving a saviour who is not moved by our infirmities (Hebrews 4:15).Be rest assured he will see you through all these challenges, pains and frustrations. Jesus transition from death to life despite all the challenges; you will definitely have the same story this Easter season.

Though sorrow may last for the night, joy will come in the morning (Psalm 30:5). Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers him out of them (Psalm 34:19). May this Easter season bring about the opening of a new and positive chapter in your life, churches and ministries. Be assured of our prayers and support as your chief shepherd in this diocese. We are on a mission of no return with the Lord Jesus. The power of resurrection will strengthen, uphold, encourage and see us through in Jesus’ name.

Remember, he has transitioned from death to life. So you will transition into victory and celebration this season. Once again, we wish you and every member of our MDT family a happy, fulfilling and life changing Easter season.

In Christ,

Venerable Olukayode Adebogun

For+Amos MDT&Mama Abike Fagbamiye

Jesus is Risen! He has Risen indeed; Allelluia!!!