Fourteen Voices. One Crown. Emmanuel Edward Wins July 4 Mock Session
On Saturday, July 4, 2026, what began as a routine monthly Mock Session at the Uyo Fellowship Center of the Salvation Manual Network Initiative unfolded into an unforgettable display of Biblical mastery, spiritual insight, and ministerial excellence that captivated everyone present from start to finish.
The gathering began on a powerful note as the choir ushered the congregation into God’s presence through an electrifying session of worship. The President, Nsikan E. Johnny, mounted the podium to offer the opening prayer, committing the day’s proceedings into God’s hands. This was followed by the reading of the Bible portions for the week before the President unveiled the jury for the day – Pastor Moses, Edidiong, and Dominic – who would evaluate the participants’ ministrations.
Then came the familiar invitation that has become the heartbeat of every Mock Session – a call for both disciples and aspiring disciples, willing to participate in the day’s challenge.
Twenty eager participants stepped forward, ready to prove both their grasp of Scripture and their ability to minister from it.
With Acts Chapter 20 announced as the focus of the contest, contestants first had to earn their spot by answering a qualifying question.
The president posed a first preliminary question thus:
“What was Aaron’s reaction when his two sons died?”
Five participants answered correctly and were qualified to contest.
The contest required at least twelve participants, so rather than closing the door, another opportunity was immediately opened.
The President asked another qualifying question:
“Why were the believers sad when Paul departed?”
This time, the response was overwhelming.
Nine participants correctly answered that “they were sad because they knew they would never see Paul again”.
With fourteen qualified contestants now standing, the stage was finally set.
One after another, participants ministered from different portions of Acts Chapter 20, unveiling lessons on leadership, fellowship, sacrifice, discipleship, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to God’s assignment.
Some spoke with remarkable clarity and profound scriptural insight, while others demonstrated an inspiring blend of revelation, conviction, and practical application that kept both jury and audience fully engaged.
By the end of the first round, the competition had become too close to call.
Two contestants rose above the rest.
Imedu Effiong and Emmanuel Edward emerged as joint leaders with 7/10 each, while six other contestants followed closely with 6.5/10, making tie-breakers inevitable.
To determine the second runner-up, the President turned to Leviticus 10:16-20, asking:
“After the death of Aaron’s two sons, what did Aaron’s remaining sons do that displeased Moses?”
Paul King correctly answered – Aaron held his peace, immediately securing the third-place position.
The battle for the championship, however, was far from over.
In a final showdown that tested not only biblical knowledge, but also clarity, spiritual insight, and ministerial grace under pressure, the two top scorers – Imedu Effiong and Emmanuel Edward, were each given five minutes to minister from Acts Chapter 21
At the end of their ministrations, Imedu Effiong scored 6/10, while Emmanuel Edward, who delivered the stronger presentation, scored 7/10 and emerged as the undisputed champion of the July 2026 Mock Session.
As the champion of the day, Emmanuel Edward received a cheque of ₦250,000.
Imedu Effiong, the first runner-up, was awarded ₦100,000, while Paul King, the second runner-up, received a cheque of ₦50,000.
Beyond the prizes, the Mock Session once again fulfilled its greater purpose – raising believers who are deeply rooted in Scripture, confident in ministry, and prepared to communicate God’s Word with accuracy, conviction, and revelation.
For participants and observers alike, July’s edition served as a compelling reminder that effective kingdom ministry is built not merely on passion, but on diligent study and an unwavering commitment to rightly dividing the Word of Truth.