ANCEDRAM Eastern Regional Conference Opens with Call to “Stand Fast” Amid Shifting Values

By Oluchi Sylvanus Omai | Ugheli | 4 September 2025

The 21st Eastern Regional Conference of the All Nigeria Conference of Evangelical Drama Ministers (ANCEDRAM) officially commenced on Thursday, with a stirring call for members to remain steadfast in their faith and ministry.

Delivering the opening address, National Vice President East, Dr Dorispraise Elemi, urged drama ministers to embrace the conference theme, “Stand Fast,” as a divine mandate for the times. “In a world increasingly characterised by shifting values, spiritual empathy, and challenges to our faith, the call to stand fast as a drama army should resonate deeply within our hearts and ministry,” she said.

The four-day conference, scheduled to run from 4th to 7th September 2025, began with a command performance by the ANCEDRAM Rivers Chapter. The production, titled Distraction, explored the theme of the conference and challenged drama ministers to remain focused on God, resisting the allure of worldly fantasies and distractions.

The praise team led the congregation in the conference hymn, followed by the main sermon, which reinforced the theme and set the tone for the days ahead.

Pastor Dan Usie

Conference speaker Pastor Dan Usie, preaching from 1 Corinthians 16:13, encouraged participants to “concentrate, connect, and collect,” emphasising that spiritual focus is essential to standing firm. “Watch, stay faithful, and finish well,” he said, summarising his message. “When grace comes, standing fast becomes easy and sure.”

During the prophetic declaration session, National Prayer Secretary Dr Arubike Michael prayed for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit of God upon all drama ministers. He called for a spiritual reawakening that would empower participants to carry their message with renewed conviction and clarity.

The opening day concluded with a sense of anticipation and spiritual renewal, as attendees looked forward to more impactful sessions in the days to come. The conference continues with workshops, performances, and teachings designed to equip drama ministers for effective service in a rapidly changing world.