They turned around to face the assembly in full celebration mode. Seven new pastors of All Saints Lutheran Church of Nigeria, resplendent in their new white gowns, purple stoles and starch-white clergy collars, managed broad smiles. A rousing cheer of joy rose from two hundred church members packed inside the Ishibori church, joined by another 200 outside under sun-drenched canopies. The All Saints Lutheran clergy roster had just jumped from two pastors serving 5000 people to nine pastors. It was a milestone, this first ordination conducted entirely by All Saints LCN on 20 April, 2008.[slideshow=55]

President Mathias Odey had preached a message from 1st Timothy, urging the new pastors to serve the Lord as good soldiers, self-disciplined athletes and patient farmers. Pastor Simon Orem led the liturgy and assisted in the ordination. As each man was ordained, the name of his first pastoral call was also announced. Cheers of joy rose up again for each man and for each place to be served. WELS Liaison Pastor Doug Weiser led the celebrants to the street, where he dedicated new motorbikes, provided for the new pastors. Back inside, an impromptu dance of joy broke out in front of the altar. Finally with a prayer and blessing, the ordination service was closed. The seven new pastors for the congregations of All Saints LCN are Anthony Ento, Thomas Ochang, Sunday Orim, Edward Otu, Raymond Dibang, James Lifu, and Michael Adula.

Seven new pastors celebrated the completion of five years of formal study and their graduation on 5 April. But now the hard work and sometimes heart-breaking life as a Nigerian pastor would begin. Pray. Give thanks to God for these newly-ordained pastors. Beg the Lord to enable their congregations to pay them their salaries, so they can feed their families while giving full attention to the ministry of the Word. Pray for their safety when driving those motorbikes on the bush trails. Pray the Lord to bless their stewardship of his Word and Sacraments so that the body of Christ may grow in numbers and in maturity of faith.