Chief Okon James Akpan
September 28, 2013
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION IN HONOUR OF ELDER OKON JAMES AKPAN ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2013 PROGRAM OF EVENTS 1. Arrival of guests 2. Special welcome/ Introduction of MC by Mr. John Ette 3. Recognition of guests by the MC 4. Opening prayer by Pastor Bill Gate, Pastor, Parkrose United Methodist Church 5. Special High Praise 6. Arrival of the Celebrant in procession led by family members 7. Ministration by RCCG choir 8. A Word of Exhortation by Pastor RONKE Majokodunmi 9. Hymn I: LET US WITH A GLADSOME MIND led by Dana Brown (on the keyboard) Music Director, Cross Road Christian Church 10. Blessing of the food by Pastor John Uwagbae 11. Dinner/ Light music PART II 12. Hymn II: BLESSED ASSURANCE 13. Special number by Felicia Ette 14. Dance by grandchildren 15. Special performance by Pastor Aity Dennis 16. Meet the Celebrant, Elder O. J. AKPAN 17. Cutting of the cake/ Toast 18. Short speeches - Prince Vitalis Ogbeama, President, Nigerian Community, Oregon/ Washington - Mr. Effiong OKON, President, Akwa Ibom Community, Oregon/ Washington - Mr. John Ette, President, Nto Annang, Oregon/ Washington - Rev. Dr. Emeka Mbelu, Alpha & Omega Ministry - Mrs. Ikoedem Udoh - Elder (Prince) Uwemedimoh Ntekpere - Mr. Emmanuel Etuk - Pastor Yinka Majokudunmi - Mrs. Caroline AKPAN, wife of the Celebrant 19. A Word by the Celebrant 20. Vote of Thanks by Pastor Dennis Inyang 21. Dance! Dance!! Dance!!! 22. Benediction THANK YOU FOR COMING! THANKSGIVING SERVICE AT RCCG, CHAPEL OF MERCY, SANDY BLV, PORTLAND, OR BY 10:00AM ON SUNDAY, SEPT. 29, 2013.
PROFILE OF CHIEF OKON JAMES AKPAN Chief Okon James Akpan was born to James and Mbafu Udoka Inyang on July 7, 1936 in Mbiaso, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The first of many children in a large polygamous family, he had his primary education at Primary School, Mbiaso, Ikot Ekpene between 1944 and 1954. He began an illustrious career as a teacher in 1956, a career which lasted for about twenty years. In pursuit of academic and professional excellence, he earned a Teachers Training Certificate in 1962 and a Higher Elementary Certificate in 1972. In 1981, Okon James Akpan, popularly called OJA by his friends and admirers, opened a new page when he jetted out to the United States of America to pursue the “golden fleece”. He graduated from Friends University in 1984 with a Bachelor’s degree. After teaching for three years, he enrolled for a Master’s degree at Emporia State University and completed it in 1989. He resigned from working for the City of Wichita and moved over to the City of Roses, Portland, in 1995 and has not looked back ever since. He is currently a staff of Kaiser Permente, Portland, Oregon. Elder Okon James Akpan has served the Lord in various capacities in Nigeria and America. He has been actively involved in Methodist Church of Nigeria, United Methodist Church, Portland and Redeemed Christian Church of God where he was honoured as Father of the Year in 2012. In his younger years, he was at different times a choir master and a Sunday School superintendent. His passion to work for the unity and progress of his people saw him serving as President of Nto Annang for six years and Member, Award Committee of the Nigerian Community in Oregon and Washington (NGOSUA) Among his remarkable service to humanity is his membership of the Nigerian Red Cross Society which administered relief to refugees during the Nigerian civil war. Okon James Akpan, married to beautiful Caroline, is blessed with three children and three grandchildren. His hobbies include lawn tennis, soccer and watching wrestling.
YOU ARE THE BEST HUSBAND HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PAPA IN THE WORLD We rejoice today and celebrate you on this special occasion of your birthday. We thank God for keeping you alive and pray that he will grant you many A very happy birthday to my more years. darling husband. You are the love We are very proud of you. of my life and the best husband We love you. in the world. I wish you joy, peace Dennis - son • Grace - daughter and all the desires of your heart. Gloria - daughter • Aity - daughter-in-law From your wife, Caroline Blessing - grand daughter • Udeme - grand daughter Kasemfon - grand daughter
To Uncle James: This message comes with lots of love Wishing you a joyful and remarkable 75th birthday! We will always remember you as an inspirational figure to everyone who knows and loves you. At this 75th Birthday Celebration we trust you find plenty of reasons to smile on this special day and throughout the year. Here are just a few key things to remember that will keep you smiling....... 1. Always remember that age is all in your mind. The tricky part is to keep it from creeping down into your body. (Smile!!) 2. As you may know, the secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat healthily, exercise, and most importantly – lie about your age! (Smile!!) May your birthday bring the happiness and love you deserve. You are always in our prayers and thoughts, and we wish you the best on your special day and every day. Our prayer is that God will continue to bless you and your family always. We love you Uncle James and wish that we could be there to celebrate with you. Love Always! Debra Ballard-Ntekpere, Ime Ntekpere, & Udeme Ntekpere and Princess and Michael Glenn On behalf of my lovely wife and children, I join the family, numerous friends and well-wishers to salute a distinguished elder in the Nigerian community in Portland, Oregon/SW Washington and our big uncle, Chief Okon James Akpan as he celebrates yet another milestone in his life today. May the Almighty God shower you with His abundant blessings as you continue to contribute in no small measure to the betterment of our community. May He continue to keep and guide you in all your endeavors to enable us continue to tap from your humongous wealth of experience. Happy birthday Obongowo!!! Nsima Ntekpere & family.
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CHAPEL OF MERCY, PORTLAND, OREGON, USA The Pastor and the entire congregation congratulate CHIEF OKON JAMES AKPAN on his reaching this milestone of 75 years! As you continue to climb the ladder of life, so will your strength continue to increase. The rest of your years will be the best in Jesus’ name. Keep on dancing Sir, for our GOD has just started to release HIS special anointing on you and your household. ‘The LORD bless you and keep you. The LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. The LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.’ ----Numbers 6: 24-26. NTO ANNANG/ATI ANNANG FOUNDATION OREGON/SW WASHINGTON happily congratulates Elder Okon James Akpan on the event of his 75th birthday celebration. O.J. is our Patron, father, brother, and friend. He plays an essential role in our community as an adviser and peace-maker. Elder O.J. has served as the president of our Association for a number of years. He participates in all activities of the Association including monthly meetings and contributes to the progress of the Association. He delights in justice, fairness, brotherhood, and respect for one another. He is generous, he is generous and fun to be with. O.J. is honest, diligent, and maintains a strong love for his family. Chief O.J. Akpan, may you live long and continue to enjoy the fruits of your labor; and the accomplishments of your children and grand children. John Ette-for Ati Annang/Nto Annang Foundation USA.
BIRTHDAY CONGRATULATIONS!! Dear Chief (Elder) O.J. Akpan Greetings on your birthday! You have reached a new milestone. All of us at Emanuel Etuks’ family, and Jackson Hewitt Tax Service; join in wishing you a fabulous Happy Birthday and express our appreciation and admiration for all you have accomplished. We are confident you will continue to even greater heights. May God always be with you and provide those valuable things in a man’s life – love, joy, happiness, and a healthy living. Thanks for all you do to make us look good. Happy Birthday!
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Daddy Akpan is a man of integrity, a man who loves the Lord and would not even allow any weakness to stop him from coming to church. He is a man with a lot of love in his heart. The Lord will satisfy you with long life in Jesus name. God bless you. Pastor Ronke M.
CONGRATULATIONS to CHIEF OKON JAMES AKPAN on this 75th birthday celebration!!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR LEGENDARY MENTOR CHIEF OKON JAMES AKPAN ON YOUR 75th BIRTHDAY. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO SHED HIS GRACE ON YOU!!! We are very excited to send you this special warm greetings on your 75th birthday Sir, and wish you many, many more happy years ahead. We love you and appreciate all you do. We wish you peace, joy, everlasting happiness and good health as we match on together to Zion. Keep on standing on the promises of GOD, and thanks so much for keeping the flame of faith aloft. Blessings always.
Congratulations and Best Wishes! Men’s fellowship Our best wishes to you on RCCG-Chapel of Mercy this special occasion of your Portland, Oregon, USA 75th birthday celebration. May you have comfort- to enjoy all the pleasures of life that surround you; beauty- for your eyes to see the glory of our faithful God; good healthto stand strong and very steadfast, no matter where the winds of life blow; and hugs and kisses- from all of us for your fatherly care. We wish
you many happy returns!!! Women Fellowship RCCG-Chapel of Mercy Portland, Oregon, USA.
The heavens are telling the glory of GOD because of all the enrichments you have brought into the world. Knowing a courageous, bold man like you Is one of the greatest joys of existence. Your journey has been amazing and phenomenal. It is a life of courage, honesty, inspiration, decency, faith and great strength—endangered qualities in our modern world among men. You epitomize the worth of humanity, and the world salutes you with dignity and respect especially on this special occasion of your three-quarters of a century landmark! May the heavens continue to shower you with her abundance. May our world continue to embrace you. May the mercies of our heavenly father envelope you at all times in Jesus’ name. Congratulations Sir, and happy birthday. We wish you many happy returns, long life with good health, and prosperity until that day where there is no sunset or dawning. The Majekodunmis, Salem, Oregon Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am HE who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you.—Isaiah 46:4.
HYMNS OF THE DAY LET US WITH A GLADSOME MIND Let us with a gladsome mind Praise the Lord, for He is kind For His mercies aye endure Ever faithful, ever sure O he saint come let us sing For He makes us His children For His mercies aye endure Ever faithful, ever sure All things living He doth feed His full hand supplies their need For His mercies aye endure Ever faithful, ever sure Let us then with gladsome mind Praise the Lord for He is kind For His mercies aye endure Ever faithful, ever sure. BLESSED ASSURANCE Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine Heir of salvation, purchase of God Born of His spirit, washed in His blood
HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE Today is a great day: we celebrate your birthday and there is no better date to express our admiration for you. We have been please to see your strength and values grow during all this years. There have been any situation; some harder than other, but an admirable thing about your character is that problem do not affect you strengths. We are proud of being close to you. Although time goes by and our looks have changed; you are the same charming Ette Akpan; your birthday is the ideal day to share the joy, remember and laugh for the nice time you had, and for the gift of another year. May this be a nice day for you, and many more birthdays full with love… May the light of God’s love shine on you today, tomorrow and always. Happy birthday uncle The Uwemdimoh Ntekpere’s
Refrain This is my story, this is my song Praising my Saviour all the day long This is my story, this is my song Praising my Saviour all the day long Perfect submission, perfect delight Visions of rapture now burst on my sight Angels descending bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love Perfect submission, all is at rest I in my Saviour am happy and blest Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love
Kudos to Akabom Iden We celebrate with you on this grand occasion. May God who has brought you this far continue to keep and strengthen you for us. Happy Birthday. From Prof & Mrs. Victor Okpon (in-law) -Houston. Happy Birthday To our Big Daddy Daddy Daddy, we are proud of you and we are grateful to God for your life. You are a gift and blessing to all of us.Happy celebration. From Mrs. Ikoedem Udoh (in-law) - Connecticut.
APPRECIATION On behalf of Nto Inyang family, I wish to most sincerely thank everyone that made out time to attend today’s celebration to honor our father and grandfather, Chief (Elder) Okon James Akpan. We thank you for your generous support and prayers. We pray that God will bless and reward you. Have a safe journey home. Pastor Dennis Inyang for the family