A former staff of Punch Newspapers turned pastor, Christie Ohuabunwa will be hosting the 10th anniversary of Feast of Esther in Houston Texas from July 10-12.
The Feast of Esther is a non-denominational women group established by Pastor Mrs Foluke Adeboye, wife of General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye
The ministry has been existing for close to 24 years in Nigeria but has since spread to other parts of the world.
Ohuabunwa a former senior journalist in Punch Newspapers known for reporting crime in the 90s is now Co- Presiding Pastor of Temple Rebuilders Ministries ( TRM church) Houston, Texas.
She told Church Times that her relationship with Feast of Esther began about nine years ago when she encountered its North America chapter.
The Coordinator of the chapter, Pastor Grace Okonrende then appointed her the Houston Coordinator and later promoted her to be the Texas Coordinator
Since then, Ohuabunwa said, ‘We have been holding the Feast from one state to the other. We started from Texas to Maryland, to New York to Georgia to Florida and many other states in the US.
The 10th anniversary which will be hosted by her in Houston Texas promises to be an exciting and memorable time before the Lord.
Notable men and women of God including Pastor Mrs Foluke Adeboye, Pastor Mrs Grace Okonrende, Pastor Esther Obasi-Ike and Bishop Simeon Agbolabori Will be ministering at the three-day event.
Impact of Feast of Esther
She said the Feast of Esther has been a huge blessing to many women in the US while noting that the ministry offers a wealth of spiritual, relational, and leadership benefits to those who participate in their programmes especially for wives of General Overseers and female ministers.
The Feast of Esther according to her ‘is a spiritual gathering where female leaders—particularly the G.O’s wives or female founders of churches and ministry come together to strengthen one another in faith and purpose. Members are assured of spiritual empowerment and deeper intimacy with God’
Apart from the major annual event, the ministry holds regular retreats, teachings, and worship sessions to help members grow in their spiritual walk.
Members also engage in targeted prayers for their families, ministries and nations. They devote ample time for the Word of God and sound biblical teachings by the founder, Pastor Folu Adeboye or those designated minister.
The teachings are tailored to women in leadership and in ministry. There is also opportunity for mentorship from seasoned leaders. ‘Members benefit from the wisdom and guidance of women who have led in ministry for decades. Topics treated often include how to deal with criticism, handling church conflicts, and how to lead with integrity.’ Said Ohuabunwa.
She said further that the ministry exposes women to leadership strategies in church, business, and missions.
Members of the Feast of Esther have also discovered that the ministry is a safe place to build strong relationships with like-minds who understand the pressures of leadership.
Ohuabunwa said, ‘the ministry creates opportunities for members to connect with women from other parts of the world and also builds a support system that can be trusted thus creating room for healing, encouragement, and true friendship.’
July Feast of Esther.
The July event according to her will address the theme ‘standing on my watch.’
She said there will be sessions that will address challenges unique to being married to pastors or women leading alongside their husbands and practical teachings on avoiding burnout and managing multiple responsibilities at the home front.’
Sharing testimony of impact of previous meetings, she said, ‘What I have observed is that the ministry has helped members maintain godly values.
‘Women in this part of the world have been encouraged to live by biblical and cultural values while navigating life in the US. It has equipped women to leave spiritual legacies for their children especially their daughters. Emphasis is placed on identity, destiny, and fruitfulness in the Kingdom.
‘At the annual Feast of Esther Conference (USA chapter) members participate in teaching, worship, and impartation sessions. Members are often groomed to minister or serve during events and missions and they are exposed to wider global networks with their connections to RCCG.’
Ohuabunwa believes every woman in ministry or leadership seeking a place of spiritual covering, leadership sharpening, and genuine sisterhood should be part of what God is doing in the Feast of Esther.
‘In America that I am familiar with and indeed in other parts of the world, the ministry offers a nurturing and empowering environment to thrive.’
