BY CHIKA KWAMBA
In the Christian world and spiritual realm, the phrase “Redemption Ground” echoes with great power. It symbolises a holy place where encounters, signs, and wonders are birthed through personal and divine callings.
God cannot be boxed; He moves in diverse ways and forms, transforming our lives and purpose through unpredictable platforms and mediums, each becoming a personal Redemption Ground.
Encounters That Shaped History
Many in Scripture discovered their voice, purpose, and fulfilment through divine encounters: Moses at Mount Sinai, divine calling and covenant revelation, Abraham at Mount Moriah, faith and obedience refined, Jacob at Bethel, a dream turned into destiny, Elijah at Mount Carmel, God’s supremacy revealed in fire. Samuel at Shiloh, called as a prophet in his youth, Gideon at Ophrah/Midian, divine commissioning for deliverance. Paul (Saul) on the Road to Damascus, a life transformed by light, and Jesus Christ, our perfect example, in the Garden of Gethsemane, surrendering fully to the Father’s will before His crucifixion.
For eternity, if Jesus tarries, Christians across the world will continue to celebrate these great men and their encounter, pilgrimaging the very grounds where heaven touched earth.
Discovering My Redemptive Ground
Today, I walk in that same divine pattern to celebrate my own Redemption Ground: the Delta Printing and Publishing Corporation (DPPC), publishers of The Pointer titles.
This is where I found purpose and voice; where my ink flows with meaning. It is where I have been refined, sharpened, and fitted into the fourth realm of the realm; my beloved profession.
Through providence and divine leading, The Pointer will forever remain my Redemption Ground.
A Journey of Grace and Growth
Before I proceed further, I salute all worshippers of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) worldwide. The phrase “Redemption Ground” resonates deeply with your testimonies and undeniable encounters with God.
As I mark five years on this redemptive ground, I marvel at what God has done, and wonder with joyful anticipation what the next decade will hold.
In 2024, I had the honour of witnessing The Pointer celebrate 30 years of existence, three decades of promoting Delta State, telling its stories across the 25 local government areas, its communities, and beyond.
And today, with so much excitement, we sound the trumpet once more, celebrating 31 years of continuous growth, developmental strides, and unwavering dedication as a state-owned newspaper producing excellence daily.
A Journey of Grace, Connection, and Purpose
Where you find yourself today is either by hard work, grace or by connection. For me, connection opened the door, but favour, divine grace, and resilience kept me there.
I am deeply grateful to my cousin, Rev. Fr. Leonard Biachi, whose position first connected me to Mr Adim Ojei. Yet it was God’s divine orchestration that placed me under the care of Mr Patrick Nwanze, a man who saw beyond my weaknesses and never wrote me off.
In his quest to see me succeed, Mr Nwanze sent me to another mentor, one who redemptively brushed, groomed, polished, and patiently guided me. That man is Mr Patrick Mgbodo, my compass, my Google map in the world of journalism, and a guiding light who never misled me.
On that sunny day, I walked through the doors of The Pointer, not knowing what the outcome would be. What I thought was just another shaky opportunity became a redemptive encounter, a place where grace embraced me, my voice found its purpose, and my craft was refined and sharpened.
Behind those doors, destiny was waiting. Today, The Pointer has become my Redemptive Ground, the platform where I discovered my voice, my calling, and the opportunity to grow in purpose.
My redemptive story wouldn’t be complete without mentioning my grand mentor, a patriarch, a gentle, soft-spoken father whose wealth of knowledge is unmatched. At first sight, he showered me with premium trust. Mr Monday Uwagwu, you shaped my journey.
My heart still beats fast every time I reflect on my path in The Pointer. Your role in my life cannot be overlooked or downplayed. Thank you for believing in me, guiding me, and being a father in every sense of the word.
The love you showed me flowed like oil, which continued with Mr Godfrey Ubaka, who also saw me not just as a child of God, but as a daughter in flesh. Truthfully, all the people I’ve mentioned, Rev. Fr. Leonard Biachi, Mr Patrick Nwanze, Mr Patrick Mgbodo, Mr Monday Uwagwu, and Mr Godfrey Ubaka saw in me what I could not see in myself. Through their trust, patience, and guidance, my purpose was revealed, and my redemptive story continues to unfold.
Beaming from ear to ear, I am deeply grateful to my compounders, the people from whom I draw strength. Thank you all for lifting me, for your genuine intentions, real affections, and the inspiration to strive for greatness. It is truly surreal to share this journey with you.
Oh, dear Jumai Nwachukwu; our first lady, Mrs Evenly Zorzor; our very own Ifeanyi Uwagwu, and my healthy competitor, Ebipade Nieketien, and also my brother from across the Niger, Chibuike Nwodika, you have all played vital roles in my redemptive story; the laughter we shared, the pains, and the battles we won are all part of my redemptive story.
Indeed, this milestone is historic, not only for the organisation’s achievements but also for celebrating, for the first time in our long history, the first female General Manager, Mrs Rosemary Nwaebuni; the Project Manager and Acting Editor-In-Chief, Mrs Edna Emeni, and many other key players whose dedication has shaped this great institution.
Through mentors, compounders, providence, and divine grace, DPPCL remains my Redemptive Ground, the place where my purpose was revealed, my voice was heard, and my journey continues with faith, commitment, and gratitude.
