By Foster Akpore | January 11, 2026 | Orhuwhorun, Udu, Delta State
St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Orhuwhorun, on Sunday hosted a special thanksgiving service by Chief & Chief (Mrs) Monday Arawore following the successful completion of a major knee replacement surgery after years of prolonged health challenges.
Chief Monday Arawore, Chairman of the Urhobo Presidents General Forum, led the thanksgiving alongside his wife, who gave a personal account of endurance through prolonged physical disability, repeated medical interventions, and severe financial strain.
Recounting her ordeal, Chief (Mrs) Christy Arawore said her condition began about ten years ago and gradually worsened until she could no longer stand or walk without support.
“I moved from one hospital to another and even sought alternative treatments, but nothing worked. At a point, I could not stand on my own. It was my children who supported me whenever I tried to stand,” she said.
She told the congregation that medical evaluations later confirmed that she required bilateral knee replacement surgery, as both knees were affected.
“The doctors said it was knee replacement, both knees, not one. It was not caused by a major accident. I only fell and knocked something, and from that moment the pain never left me,” she explained.
According to her, the condition forced her to withdraw from church activities due to severe pain and physical discomfort.
“The pain became unbearable. I could not even tie a wrapper or wear a dress, and for a long time I stopped coming to church,” she added.
Chief (Mrs) Arawore expressed gratitude to her husband and children for their support throughout the period.
“I thank God for my children and for my husband. He worked, searched for money, and did everything he could. May the Lord Almighty bless him,” she said.
She disclosed that the cost of the knee replacement surgery initially stood at about ten million naira but later rose to over thirty million naira due to prevailing economic conditions.
“The challenge was money. We did not have it. When the amount increased, it became even more difficult, but God sent helpers,” she said, acknowledging the support of a close relative who contributed one million naira anonymously.
She also appreciated the support of traditional authorities, particularly the Ovie of Umiagwa Abraka Kingdom, HRM AVM Lucky Ararile (Rtd), who attended the thanksgiving service with his wife.
“He stood by me like a father. Even when others could not do much, he kept calling and encouraging us,” she said.
The testimony also highlighted additional challenges faced by the family, including a fire incident in their compound and a medical emergency involving her husband.
“At one point, my husband was rushed to the hospital and spent days there. We gathered for prayers, and God brought him back to us. That was another testimony,” she said.
She explained that the knee replacement surgery lasted about six hours and was followed by a lengthy rehabilitation process. Although her recovery was delayed by a fall during physiotherapy, she said she has gradually regained mobility.
“After everything, I can walk again. I am not yet where I should be, but I am better. This is truly our God,” she declared.
In his remarks, Chief Monday Arawore thanked God for his wife’s recovery and for the support the family received during the difficult period.
“We went through a very hard season, but God showed us mercy,” Arawore said. “We are grateful to everyone who stood by us in prayers, encouragement, and support.”
Also speaking, the President General of Orogun Kingdom, Chief Barr. E.T. Opone, described the thanksgiving as a testimony of faith and communal support.
“This is a reminder that perseverance, prayer, and the support of family and community still make a difference in times of trial,” Opone said.
In his sermon, the Vicar of St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Orhuwhorun, Rev. M. E. Ikolo, JP, expressed joy at the visible improvement in Chief (Mrs) Arawore’s condition.
“I am personally happy seeing her walk into the church. Though she is not yet where she ought to be, God has brought her far,” he said.
The thanksgiving service coincided with the Church’s Epiphany celebration, themed “Behold My Beloved Son,” taken from Matthew 3:13–17. Rev. Ikolo said the baptism of Jesus Christ revealed divine approval that follows obedience and humility.
“The Epiphany reminds us that when Christ submitted to God’s will, heaven opened. That same obedience still attracts divine intervention today,” he said.
Members of the Urhobo Presidents General Forum were also in attendance, lending solidarity to their chairman and his family.
The service concluded with prayers for complete recovery, renewed strength, and thanksgiving for what worshippers described as a testimony of faith, patience, and restoration.