The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • Cleric prophesies hope for Nigeria

    Cleric prophesies hope for Nigeria

    Our Reporter

     

    THE Founder and General Overseer of the Gospel Saints Church, a.k.a Hand of Fire, Igando, Lagos, Pastor Jacob Shodiende, has assured Nigerians that all will be well in the future despite the seemingly hopelessness which abounds.

    ‘All will be well tomorrow; let us move closer to God’, he admonished.

    He also blamed the recurring fire incidents on the people’s sinful nature, saying the disasters were the outcome of people’s refusal to serve God in spirit and truth.

    The cleric spoke at a thanksgiving service to mark the 27th anniversary of his receiving the call of God. Shodeinde said the ‘Call Month’ thanksgiving was to appreciate God for all that he is doing in his life, church and country. He started his ministry in 1993.

    Shodeinde recalled God’s warning that there will be 30 years war if he refused to heed the call to full ministry.

    He said: “The call month is to appreciate the Lord for what he is doing in Zion. When I received the call, I was reluctant to return to Nigeria. But then the Lord said there will be 30 years war I fail to go. This was particularly during the June 12 crisis. When I returned to Nigeria, I prayed and observed a 40-day white fasting and God said no more war.

    Read Also: Cleric seeks prayers for leaders

    “The fire disasters are not answered prayers against God’s enemies, but repercussions of not serving God in spirit and truth. What is lacking in our life is obedience and true service to God. What is befalling many today, especially the fire disasters, are an outcome of our sinful attitude. We need to restitute and serve God in reality. The fires are not answered prayers but punishment for not serving God in reality. If we serve God well everything will be well.

    “However, if there is a man to pray, there is a God to answer. We will pray to avert the prophecies of more fires to come, Enough is enough. People of God can always pray to avert evil prophecies, it happens all the time.

    Dignitaries at the thanksgiving included Ekiti State Deputy Governor Bisi Egbeyemi; Gen. Ekundayo Opaleye (rtd.); Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, among others.

  • Lenten Message: Your choice, your life and your end

    Lenten Message: Your choice, your life and your end

    With Venerable Henry O. Adelegan

     

    Text:”….. one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part…..” (Luke 10:42)

     

    In our dealings in life, we are constantly faced with choices of who to serve and obey (human beings or God; physical or spiritual; temporal pleasures or eternal blessings), who to hand over the governance of our nation, states and Houses of Assemblies to, who to vote for or against, who to be engaged to in marriage, where to go and how to go, what to do or what to leave undone among two or more options. It is pertinent to state that the challenge of choice is more manageable within the clime of the economically challenged than people with wealth. Problem of choice among the rich begins with the choice of what to eat among the lashings of foods and drinks in the store, kitchen and refrigerator to what to wear and shoe to put on from their walk-in wardrobes and shoe-racks to the automobile to take out from the fleet of vehicles etc.

    Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus too had this problem of choice when Jesus Christ visited them at their house at Bethany and both of them were torn between taking care of Jesus Christ and sitting at His feet to listen to His word. They were caught in the web of choice between temporality and eternity. Martha chose the former. She went to the kitchen and was preparing Jesus’ meal while Mary chose the latter, she sat at Jesus’ feet to listen to the word of God. This drew the ire of Martha who apparently was so distressed and “distracted with much serving” and frustrated that her sister didn’t help out in the kitchen but sat at Jesus’ feet while she did all the work. Jesus then replied her that the choice that Mary made was the only needful thing while her own part was needless. He added that the choice of Mary was not only needful but it’s a part that no one could ever take from her.

    Mary of Bethany was a lady that knew the right way and pursued it without counting the cost or minding whose ox was gored (Luke 9:62). One day, Jesus Christ visited her family with the disciples at Bethany and while all were seated to eat, Mary had the option of using her costly perfume on herself or ‘wasting it’, as Judas Iscariot assumed when he said in John 12:5-6 that “why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This, he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein”. Mary broke the costly ornament on Jesus Christ and used her hair to rub it on His leg. By implication, she used all that money could buy (costly ointment) and what money couldn’t buy (the hair on her head) to give honour to Jesus Christ.

    Mary chose the best of the available options and was acknowledged by Jesus Christ that she chose wisely. She voted for the manna from above, she chose Jesus Christ who is “….. the bread of life….” (John 6:35) and had the guarantee of never to hunger or thirst. Mary chose to meditate on the word of God and strained herself to do all that was written therein hence she had good success (Joshua 1:8 cf 2 Timothy 2:15). She didn’t lose her reward as Jesus Christ promised that “….Wherever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman has done, be told for a memorial of her” (Matthew 26:13).

    By “choosing the best”, Jesus meant that those whose priority in life is Christ, the knowledge of Him, and nearness to Him have chosen what will last through eternity, such as the “gold, silver and costly stones” referred to in 1 Corinthians 3:11-12. From this incident, we learn that those who are distracted with mundane and earthly cares are building upon the foundation with “wood, hay and straw,” materials which will not stand the fire that comes to us in times of testing, nor will they be remembered in eternity.

    It is incontrovertible that some people vote for things that are needless, like Martha, as against the things that are needful; a lot of people opt for things that have temporal value to ways of eternal life while others choose to be selfish as against being selfless. It is important to remind you that things of this world shall pass “… away, and the lust thereof: but he that does the will of God abides for ever” (1 John 2:17). Solomon in Proverbs 27:24 said that “… riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation”. Jesus Christ encourages us to “Labour not for the meat which perishes, but for that meat which endures unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him has God the Father sealed”. (John 6:27)

    Beloved, kindly note that what or who you vote for today and the choices you make concerning relationship, where to stay etc. will determine your joy and peace tomorrow. In all your choices, you must choose the things that are needful as against the ones that are needless; you must opt for the things that no one can take away from you and not the things that wouldn’t last. The food you are eating today have a limited time to function as against the meal of love you share with the less-privileged. Are you aware that the expensive clothes you are purchasing now will become rags in due course but the clothing provided for the naked will remain indelible in their hearts and there will be a record in heaven. Maybe, you need to be reminded that your love for latest electronics expires the moment that purchase has been made as newer ones will be introduced to the market almost immediately. Solomon said that “When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?” (Ecclesiastics 5:11).

    Are you serving at the tables or learning at His feet? Are you concerned and troubled about pecuniary gains and benefits for yourself and your family as against the kingdom of God and its righteousness? Are you living for yourself alone or using what God has blessed you with for the benefit of other people? It needs be said that the choices you make today will determine your peace and how you will be rewarded here on earth on the morrow and of course when this world shall be no more. Jesus Christ is the way, He is the truth and He is the life. Choose Him today as the master of your life, ask Him to forgive your sins, accept Him as your Lord, ask Him to come into your life and allow Him to take over the driver ‘s seat of your life, you will never  regret your decisions today and in the future.

     

    Prayer: Lord, give me grace to be like Mary of Bethany and not her sister, Martha. When my life ends here, make me worthy of your heavenly crown, in Jesus’ name.

  • God not done with Nigeria yet – Adeboye

    By Adeola Ogunlade

    God is not done with Nigeria despite the numerous challenges facing the nation, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG) Pastor Enoch Adeboye.

    He advised Nigerians not to lose hope in God, stating Nigeria will see better days.

    Adeboye spoke on Sunday at the Super Special Service with Daddy G O organised by RCCG, Region 2 at Agege Stadium, Lagos.

    He said that there is no problem too big for God to solve, calling for faith and absolute trust in Him to fix the nation.

    He lamented that many Nigerians have given up on hope, having become lonely, pained and impoverished.

    To such people, he said giving up is never the best option but complete dependence on God.

    According to Adeboye: “The victory and deliverance experienced by Christians of old is an indication that the living faith in God and his words cannot fail.”

    Read Also: Pastor Adeboye conducts special crusade in Ibadan, Iseyin, Ogbomoso

    National Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Joseph Obayemi, challenged Nigerians to focus on Christ so that lost glory of the nation can be restored.

    He said: “There is hope for Nigeria as long as the Children of God are praying and focusing on Christ. All hope is not lost, the glory of this nation shall return.

    “l know that God has a plan for our lives and has a covenant for this nation.

  • Unveiling the wonder virtues in the word!

    Dr. David Oyedepo

    Welcome to the concluding part of this teaching! I hope you were blessed by last week teaching. This week, we shall focus on: Unveiling the Wonder Virtues in the Word!

    We understand from Scriptures that a word from the Lord on any issue of life puts us in command of that issue. As it is written, And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth (John 1:14). It takes a Word from the Lord to exercise authority (John 5:30). God’s Word is loaded with wonder genes, and when we are inoculated with them, we will begin to manifest the wonders that the Word carries. The Psalmist says, Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law (Psalm119:18). For instance, when you take a glass of water and ask a layman, ‘What is in that cup?’ He will say, ‘It is water’. However, when you ask a chemistry student, he will likely tell you that it is a compound of hydrogen and oxygen in some percentages. That is because he has been given access to the knowledge of the chemical content of that colourless liquid. That is what the Word of God is like; it is loaded with some stuff and when the Holy Ghost leads us into them, we begin to experience the effect of those things in our lives. The Word of God has life; it is made up of genes, which energise the living capacity of the Word.

    What are the Wonder Virtues in the Word?

    • The Word is Illuminative: The Word has power to illuminate us and this empowers us to dominate darkness. When Jesus came, evil spirits fled at His appearance, because He carried light. Nothing threatens darkness like light. It is written, …All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world (John 1:1-4, 9). The Word does not only enlighten us, we are also lighted by it. The Word of God is supernaturally illuminative. It has the capacity to illuminate us with divine light, so we can dominate every realm of darkness.
    • God’s Word is Genetic: The Bible says, …the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life (John 6:63). God’s Word contains life-quickening genes. Anything living has genes within it. Thus, God’s Word has life genes. The Word was made flesh (John 1:14). This goes further to establish the fact that God’s Word carries genes within it. So, God’s Word is genetic, with the ability to transform the life of anyone that encounters it.
    • God’s Word is Creative: When a Word from the Lord comes, it creates even what is not in existence. When God said, ‘Let there be light’, there was light. Everything God said, He saw. God’s Word is genetically creative; it can create brand new organs for the body. Whatever is not curable must be repairable and whatever is not repairable, must be replaceable. He said, …for I am the Lord that healeth thee (Exodus 15:26).
    • •God’s Word is Prophetic: Every Word from the Scriptures is prophetic, which means that it has an assurance of delivery. This is called the more sure Word of prophecy. When God’s Word of prophecy comes, its fulfilment is guaranteed (2 Peter 1:21-22). God said, So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it(Isaiah 55:11). When God says a thing, His integrity backs it up. Any Word spoken by God to us is ordained for fulfilment because it is prophetic in nature, except we do not believe it.
    • God’s Word is an Indestructible Seed: It takes the Word from God for anyone to truly take command of any issue of life. The Bible says, Now the parable is this: The seed is the Word of God (Luke 8:11).It is also written, So shall my word that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the things whereto I sent it (Isaiah 55:11; see also Matthew 24:35).
    • God’s Word is Medicinal: There are healing virtues in the Word, because there is a healing God in it, and His Word carries the same order of healing virtue in Him. It is written, He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions (Psalm 107:20). By medicinal, I mean, it contains therapeutic values. His Word brings healing to our spirit, soul and body. We cannot tap into the healing virtue of God until it is rooted in our minds and spirit. If our minds are overwhelmed by the truth, we are in control. We need to have an understanding of what the Word carries, and recognise that our total health is part of the virtues in the Word.
    • God’s Word is Surgical: It has the capacity to create our desired solutions. Examining the woman that was bent over in Luke 13:11-13, Jesus performed instant surgery on her and she was made straight that same hour. All He said was, ‘Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity’. That brought about instant healing.

    In summary, every time we approach God for His Word, we must understand that His Word carries all we need for our health and wholeness(John 1:1).It took God four days to create the fullness of the world; it took Him only one day to make man. Therefore, it will not take Him more than a day to repair or replace whatever is damaged in our lives. But, you must be born again. Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me! Now, I know I am born again! For further reading, please get my books: Turnaround Power of the Word, The Force of Freedom, Walking in Dominion, Satan Get Lost, Born to Win and Fulfilling your Days. I invite you to fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280, or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org, Facebook: David Oyedepo Ministries International, Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin.

  • Stop Boko Haram, Archbishop tells Buhari

    By Adeola Ogunlade

    Archbishop and President of Gospel Baptist Conference of Nigeria and Overseas (GBCN & O), Most Rev. Peter Olonade, has challenged President Muhammadu Buhari

    He described as unbelievable the level of insecurity in the nation, most especially the killings in the north.

    He lamented Christians in the northern are being killed and forced to relocate.

    Olonade spoke last week about at the one- year remembrance service of his predecessor, late Archbishop, Rev. Magnus Atilade who was also the Chairman South-West Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and President, Christian Welfare Initiative.

    Family members, friends, church leaders, industry players attended the remembrance service where a hall was launched in honour of the late Atilade.

    Olonade lamented the height of sorrow and grief Boko Haram fighters have caused a lot of families.

    He wondered why it has been impossible for the government deal with the insurgency.

    He said killing was never something a child of God must engage in.

    “God created man as a free moral agent and never imposed Himself on man that man should worship Him by force.

    “What He has done was to show man the right way and warned that anyone who chooses another way would face the consequence at the end but never force anyone to even follow the right way He has given.

    “Therefore no one serving the true God would take life that he never created and whose Creator has warned that no man should take,” he stated.

    He said the government should be bold enough to confront Boko Haram fighters.

    He also pointed out that the insurgents have been primarily targeting Christians, saying recent rhetoric to the contrary is false.

    Oloande said Christian leaders have not even shown enough grievances against the killings, arguing “Christian leaders would not relent in shouting everyday on this crime against humanity.”

    Olonade described Atilade as a person that would be remembered for his heart of love, who respected other peoples’ talents and was very vocal on national issues.

    The deceased, according to him, was a trail blazer.

    “He believed that government should be held responsible for the oath they took to care for the people and where they fail, there is no reason for them to remain in governance.

    “He was a colossus with uncommon audacity and influence, a great mobiliser of people and superlative achiever who was humble, humane beyond expression and a defender of the vulnerable in society among others,” he stressed.

  • God will raise honest leaders for Nigeria – Nwakwuniro

     By Charles Okonji

    The General Overseer (G.O) of The New Jerusalem Church of Christ, Pastor Eugene Nwakwuniro, has said that God is ready to help Nigeria discover honest leaders who cannot practice evil politics against the citizens.

    Nwakwuniro, who said this in an exclusive interview with The Nation in Lagos, noted that God has promised to raise leaders who shall practice true democracy, who shall be absolutely transparent with good ideas to super innovations before the people, come 2023.

    Nwakwuniro said: “After the rain comes sun shine, Nigeria shall reign again. She has a destiny, remember the 20naira note as it was very strong, even as the highest denomination of the currency then. She is going to recover all again.

    According to him, the actualisation of this agenda requires the spiritual power to achieve, stressing that the spiritual governs the physical, as what cannot happen in the spiritual realm cannot happen physical.

    “One thing remain as a truth, there is no achievement on earth without spiritual power.

    Read Also: National issues: CAN defends Pastor Adeboye’s ‘silence’

    “It depends on what one sees power to be on earth, there are kinds of powers. The invisible element called power is supernatural an invisible whether faith or no faith, the point is this, one needs power to make a difference.

    There are three major sources of power; God’s power, Man’s power and Satanic power.

    “But the fact remains that God’s power is supreme, it has no contention with anything one can call power.

    “Now man’s power is not in that capacity, man’s power is by trials and error of his in-genuinely, therefore it is on the low capacity.”

  • Gospel artist pledges to empower 500 youths in Kogi

    Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

    About 500 youths in Kogi state are expected to benefit from the empowerment scheme of popular gospel artist, Esther Osaji.

    The artist said she would use her mega musical concert themed “worship untamed” to unveil her plans for youths in the state.

    The concert will hold in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, its Host, Dr. Tobi Bello, said in a statement in Abuja.

    The concert is being organised in collaboration with Pastor Alfred Owoyemi-led youth wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kogi State Chapter.

    According to the statement, the musician-turned philanthropist will unveil her empowerment program that will serve as a means to an end.

    Osaji noted that evangelism had gone beyond preaching the word alone to empowering people.

    Bello said it was important for youths in the country to be usefully engaged.

    READ ALSO: Next Music TV unveiled for gospel artistes

    The statement reads: “When you pray for God’s blessings, it is important for you to be actively engaged in one thing or the other. The Bible said that God will bless the work of your hands. What we plan to do is to ensure that 500 youths are equipped with different skills.

    “With the skills, they can work and fend for themselves and God will then be able to bless the work of their hand. It is important to worship and praise God.”

    Bello also said the concert would provide opportunity for Kogi people to link up and have a good time with their creator.

    “It is time to praise God again in a grand style. This is going to be the biggest gospel concert Kogi has ever seen. Come and worship God,” he added.

    Other gospel artists who will be ministering at the concert are: Lord Bishop, David G, Jonas Dan, Yohanna and TAP, Joshua Kings and many others.

  • What is in the word that endangers exploits?

    Dr. David Oyedepo

     

    WELCOME to another impactful week! I believe you were blessed by the last teaching. This week, we shall focus on: What is in The Word That Endangers Exploits?

    We discover from Scriptures that the Bible is the most valuable volume of all times. It is written, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made (John 1:1-3). It is the oldest, yet the most current book. It is also the most ancient, yet the bestseller of all times. It is the most widely quoted book and its principles still rule most of the civilised societies today. Its content touches all aspects of human existence, and that is what makes it the key to our unending turnarounds. The Bible is a living force and there is something unique about it. God’s Word is ever-reliable, ever-dependable, and eternally functional. His integrity backs His Word; therefore, we can count on Him.

    However, what we do with the Word largely determines our destiny. That means, it is our value for the Word that defines what becomes of our lives. This is because the contents of the Bible are spiritual laws that confer us with dominion in our earthly walk. The light of God’s Word does not only enlighten; it also lightens us (John 1:1, 4, 9).The Word puts us in command of everything, because all things were created by the Word, and everything remains under the command of the Word forever (John1:3). Therefore, having potentials or skills is not a substitute for gaining command over our desired turnarounds. We must have the consciousness that the devil is not as powerful as we think he is; rather, it is our ignorance of the dominion we have over him, through the Word, that makes him torment us.

    Too many people approach the Bible like a motivational or a religious text, where they draw religious principles. That makes them relegated day in, day out, because they don’t know what it carries. The Bible is the only ‘charm’ that does not lose its potency. The application of God’s Word works any day and at anytime. Also, Jesus is the wisdom and the power of God, and He is the Word of God. Thus, God’s Word is also the wisdom of God; thus, when we eat the Word, which is the Knowledge of truth, there is bound to be a reward because our expectations shall not be cut off (Proverbs 24:13-14). We might not know the efficacy of the Word until we begin to put it to work in faith, delightedly, cheerfully, excitedly, lovingly, passionately, zealously and selflessly. This is because the Bible cannot be re-written. We either connect with what is written or we are disconnected from it.

    What Then, Is In The Word That Endangers Exploits?

    • The Spirit Power of the Word: God’s Word is Spirit and life, and it is able to quicken. The Bible says, It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life (John 6:63). It can also invigorate everything that is dying. Thus, the Bible enables us to partake of that divine nature of God that gives us dominion over the things that corrupt the world.
    • Empowerment in the Word: God’s Word is self-anointed and it is divinely empowered (John 6:63). This can be understood particularly when we know that God is omnipotent, which means that He is All-powerful. For it is written, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). If the Word is God and God is Omnipotent, that means God’s Word is all-powerful. Therefore, every genuine encounter with the Word empowers people to do the impossible (Romans 1:16; John 1:12).
    • The Healing Power of the Word: God’s Word carries His nature, which is immune to sicknesses and diseases. The Centurion said to Jesus, …but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed (Matthew 8:8). Hence, when we receive and believe the Word, we buy into divine nature that establishes our dominion over every assault on our bodies. Every time God’s Word goes forth, God’s healing power goes forth. That is why we are told that Jesus, the living Word, went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil (Luke 5:17).
    • Deliverance in the Word: There is deliverance power in the Word and its light empowers us for dominion over the powers of darkness. As it is written, And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32). We must recognise that we are contending with invisible forces on a daily basis, but revelation of the Word is our guarantee for victory. Darkness is the highest realm that the enemy operates in to perform his wicked works. However, when we put on the armour of light, we disarm him as if nothing ever existed before. Thus, walking in the light of the Word empowers us to always triumph over darkness. When there is light in us, we cannot stumble because darkness flees at our instance and the entrance of God’s Word gives light (Psalm 119:130).

    In conclusion, most times, what we hear is powerless until we believe it, and what we receive is helpless until we believe it. It is a combination of receiving and believing that empowers our full-scale manifestation. Thus, it is not enough to receive the Word; we must go a little further to believe the Word and then, we dominate our circumstances. However, you must be born again. Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me! Now, I know I am born again! For further reading, please get my books: Turnaround Power of the Word, The Force of Freedom, Walking in Dominion, Satan Get Lost, Born to Win and Fulfilling your Days. I invite you to fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280, or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org, Facebook: David Oyedepo Ministries International, Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin.

  • Church screens 1,000 for cancer

     Omolara Akintoye

     

    ST Vincent De Paul Society, an arm of St Brigids Catholic Church Ijesha Lagos, in partnership with Mass Medical Mission, has offered free medical services and cancer screening to residents of Ijesha.

    Aside from offering residents free eye test, cervical, breast and prostate cancer screening, the church also provided opportunities for the residents to know their health status.

    The Parish Priest Very Rev Father Alphonsus Ania lamented the inability of Nigerians to observe regular medical checks due to financial constraints.

    Ania said the gesture was to safeguard community and family health.

    His words: “What we are doing is to reach out, create a medical outreach that ensures that our host community where we minister, benefits from the welfare package of the church.

    “A lot of people take local herbs whenever they are sick but the challenge is knowing the right quantity to be consumed.”

    Read Also: Man with explosives held in Kaduna church

    He further explained that the exercise will help the residents to get referral to bigger facility for cases that the church’s medical team cannot handle.

    He called on government to prioritise the health of Nigerians and upgrade medical facilities in public to make healthcare available to all.

    The President of the association, Mrs. Edith Oguamanam, said the yearly exercise was expanded this year with the collaboration to reach out to those with life- threatening ailment and persons.

    Oguamanam said: “I have realised over time that many people do not care about their health status; they just want to work.

    “Even when they are ill, they diagnose the ailment and treat themselves without even going to the hospital.

    “We do not want them to carry on with such attitude and that is why we try to educate them on the importance of going to visit the doctor when they are ill.

    “I am so happy about the turnout of people; it is all for their good. Some people have high blood pressure which is hidden and they are not aware.

    “It is important that people check themselves regularly so that they can know their status and stay healthy. “

    She said that the association plans to carry out more free medical exercise in future in order to provide healthcare delivery for residents.

    Chairperson of the planning committee, Cyril Odume, said that the major challenge facing communities include inability to access healthcare delivery.

    According to Odume: “One reason we engage in what we are doing is we have found out in communities that there is a great challenge in accessing healthcare.

     

  • African Church launches compendium at Founder’s Day

    ST. Paul’s Parish of the African Church Ilupeju, Lagos has celebrated its 60th anniversary with the launch of a commemorative book titled “Compendium of People and the Church at 60.”

    Primate of the African Church, Nigeria and Overseas, His Eminence, Most Rev. Julius Abe, said as a home-grown church, the celebration is bringing great values to the indigenous church as they carry a testimony that something good can come out of Africans.

    “We thank God that for the founding fathers, who in 1960 laid a solid foundation on which succeeding generations have been able to build upon.

    “60 years is a long time in the life of any organisation, some who started the same time, fell by the way side but we give glory and to God that we’ve survived over the years, of-course, any organisation will face challenges but we are able to overcome all and we are trying to be an organisation that can hand over to succeeding generations.”

    Speaking on Nigeria, he said, “We’ll continue to pray to God. For those of us who are in our 70s, we are not happy the way Nigeria has gone down the drain.

    “I remember Nigeria was a more pleasant country 30 years ago but now the country is facing challenges and because of that, a lot of people are unemployed, then price of things have gone way above what is expected.

    “In the past, you can travel to any part of the country without fear but now we have almost everything to fear from Boko Haram, herdsmen and kidnapping. We pray for the redemption of Nigeria so we can see better days.

    Bishop of Lagos Central Diocese, Rt. Rev. G.T Adebanjo, said the celebrations will give the parish an opportunity to reflect on the past, the present and the future, thereby re-igniting the spirit of evangelism which was in their forefathers.

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    “We thank God for His provision in allowing us to celebrate this milestone in our church’s history and we hope and trust that He will continue to lead and guide our church into the future.

    He said St. Paul’s parish has grown in strength and had given birth to many other local parishes within the church.

    He explained that the compendium would make a good reading for the church because it x-rays the growth of the church and the people involved since 1960 when the parish was established.

    Prince Adelaja Omofade said: “We’re proud of the Founding Fathers of the African Church whose dream in 1901 when the African Church started, remain concretised.

    “In its 60 years of existence, St. Paul’s parish has produced many ministers, deaconesses, evangelists and lay preachers, while many of the ministers had become Bishops.”