The Archdiocese of Lagos Methodist Church Nigeria will hold the inaugural prayer assembly for peaceful polls at Hoarse Memorial Methodist Church Cathedral Yaba, Lagos.
Worshippers from different political parties are expected at the first session, which holds on Wednesday, 18th March.
The second session is on Wednesday 1st April by 5pm.
The Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria His Eminence, Dr. Samuel Chukwuemeka Uche JP, will preside over the assembly.
The District Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church Ifako, Lagos State, Reverend Paul Fadayini, has called on Nigerians to evaluate candidates well before voting for them.
Nigerians, he stated, should vote candidates passionate about the nation’s unity and committed to raising their standards of living.
Such candidates, he added, should be committed to implementing their parties’ manifestoes and programmes.
Fadayini spoke last week with reporters ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
He said: “The candidate for any post should be a Nigerian who strongly believes in the unity of Nigeria, a person who understands the realities of our economic, infrastructural and social backwardness, at least, and has workable plans for bringing a turnaround in these areas spelt out in his or her political agenda.”
Commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for recent performances, the cleric urged the body to up its game and conduct better elections next month.
“Adequate security at polling booths and collation centres should be ensured, while incidents of ballot box snatching should be curbed absolutely.
“INEC and the government should provide good election security network for all the states, not minding the party that has overwhelming presence in a state. By now cases of multiple voting should be decisively eradicated in our polity,” he stated.
On the allegation of bribery against some church leaders, Fadayini condemned the development, if true, as dangerous.
To him, such act among church leaders will only make corruption fester.
He said: “I do not intend to castigate or judge any one. But I daresay this portends disaster for our political system. For if the head is corrupt, the whole body will stink with corruption.”
He stated that men of God must realise that “any form of assistance given by political office seekers during a period of electioneering campaign is tantamount to voting inducement.”
Fadayini said church leaders should never dabble into politics, stating “one duty the clerics owe Nigeria is ceaseless prayer for the peace and stability of the nation as well as national growth and development.”
The ongoing Lenten period is an opportunity to seek the face of God and embark on self-examination, The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Rev. Alfred Martins, has stated.
He also urged Nigerians to seize the period to ask for forgiveness of sins.
Adewale, who spoke on the importance of fasting, challenged Christians to take the exercise seriously.
He said: “If you are not sober in your reflections on God’s words, then the Ash on you makes no meaning because you could have been killed.”
The Diocese President of Catholic Lawyers St. Agnes, Mrs. Maria Abeke, stated that the Lenten session offers an opportunity to self-examine “our consciences and approach God through Mary for forgiveness of sins.
The President of International Church Growth Ministries, Dr Francis Bola Akin-John, spoke with Sunday Oguntola on why churches should remain apolitical.
Do you agree the church is divided on the forthcoming elections?
I think that is glaring for those who have eyes to see there is a real division. From my research and observations, it started some 25, 30 years when some Pentecostal preachers started saying that Christians should get involved in politics. They started what we are seeing this. But I believe that true believers should be apolitical.
I believe Christians are citizens of two countries. We are citizens of heaven and Nigeria, for example. That is why God created our feet to be on ground and our heads high. I believe that is how we should live. There are Christians that God will use in the marketplace, like Joseph and Daniel. They will influence governance and everyone will see them.
But when it comes to pastors and ministers of the gospel, our calling is higher than politics. We shouldn’t have anything to do with politics. We should only guide, nurture and help our followers to be good representatives of God in the political scene.
I always say that the church should not be a friend or enemy of government. The church must be the conscience of government and the society. We should keep government in check and in line.
Will it be wrong for the church to endorse candidates?
It is absolutely wrong.
Why? If the church can produce people for politics, should it be able to say ‘we believe in so, so person. Please vote for him or her’?
It should never endorse for the sake of fair play and justice. You can produce them but you have to leave people to make their choices. If I have two or three persons vying for the same office in my church, as a pastor I can have my private preference but it will be wrong of me to come and say ‘support this person’.
We should welcome everybody and let them present themselves. We should leave our people with their conscience to pick whoever they want. Church leaders should never be seen with government officials. In an ideal society, there should be a separation between church and state.
If we keep hobnobbing with government functionaries, giving them our pulpits and platforms to campaign, we are setting ourselves up for a big fall. If you look at other nations, you find that it leads to persecution in later years. The people will start seeing the church as one of their oppressors since its leaders are seen with government officials.
To me, the closeness of President Jonathan to church leaders is nauseating. He is throwing it on people’s faces. It is distressing and discrediting. Now, if he loses, the church will be in trouble. People of other faiths can destroy us because they will now see themselves in power. That is why it is always good for the church to remain in between: don’t be friendly or antagonistic of the government.
What will likely be the aftermath of the church’s romance with politicians?
I am afraid for the church in Nigeria. I have real, serious fears. I cannot but say it; I cannot keep quiet. When this is over, many people will fall out of faith. Many of the public will lose confidence in us. Without that confidence, we cannot evangelise the world.
There was a time in the UK when the church and state were one. What happened? It led to the Dark Ages of the church. The church became corrupt; politicians messed up everything. Cathedrals started closing down and people stayed away from worship centres.
If we are not careful, that will happen so soon in Nigeria if we don’t retrace our steps. We have gone too far romancing with politicians. Many church leaders believe they need government to protect their schools and enterprises. This is why you always see them in government circles. But you can have the government on your side without popular support. If the people turn against you, you are finished.
I pity the church leaders involved. Many of them will face the full wrath of the people when this is over. If they manage to escape, the coming generations will suffer the backlashes of their unholy alliance.
Should religion determine who Christians vote for?
I don’t believe so. If you have a fellow Christian who is well groomed, competent and ready to serve, you can consider voting for that person. At least, you are sure he won’t get there and mess things up. But if you don’t, it becomes difficult because you have to be able to vouch for someone before you vote for him.
If it is a Muslim that is credible and competent, go ahead and vote for him. For me, it is about who can deliver and provide good governance; someone who will not steal but have the interest of people at heart. It is not all Christians who can do that just as not all Muslims can do it. So, you have to consider competence above religious sentiments in choosing who to vote for.
Does this mean no pastor should stick out his neck for any candidate?
Yes, my brother. You can have personal choices and candidates but never use the pulpit to advance those sentiments. Let it be a personal matter because your members have the right to have any political inclination of their own. There is nothing that says you are right and they are wrong.
Don’t use church’s platform or resources to advance any political interest. You only owe your members sound, biblical teachings on how to be politically involved and make a difference. Anything beyond this amounts to abuse of office.
•Sets for great awakening
After serving for a minimum of eleven years on full time, 650 pastors of the Assemblies of God Nigeria have been ordained as reverend ministers.
The ordained ministers also passed the prescribed examination and screening exercises in accordance with the tradition of the church.
Among them were 596 men and 54 women.
They were ordained at the international conference centre of the church, Evangel Camp, in Okpoto, Ebonyi State before national and regional leaders during a 3-day annual leadership retreat with the theme championing the great awakening.
Conducting the ordination service, the general superintendent of the church, Rev (Dr) Chidi Okoroafor, assured that the event will lead to a great change in their ministries.
He urged them to focus and depend on God and eschew mundane attractions.
Assisted by all serving and retired executive committee members, Okoroafor performed the sacred consecration.
The ordination was preceded by the retreat during which the church leaders received fresh auction to function for the next one year.
The general superintendent said the church will be pursuing a seven-point agenda covering spiritual emphasis, infrastructural development and human capital development for 2015.
He challenged them to position themselves for divine guidance so that the church can witness a great awakening.
There was also the general committee meeting during which the leaders took far-reaching resolutions on the church.
In my teaching last week, I said revelation is no respecter of nations; wherever light shines, darkness bows. Revelation commands the same authority anywhere under the sun. Also, I showed you how revelation puts an end to your struggles.
This week, as I conclude this teaching, we shall be considering the proofs of revelation, why we need the Spirit of wisdom and revelation and channels of impartation for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.
Proofs Of Revelation:
Revelation is the breaking forth of light in your spirit from the Word of God. Revelation means divine secret or insight. The following happens when you encounter revelation:
Why do we need the Spirit of wisdom and revelation?
Channels Of Impartation For The Spirit Of Wisdom And Revelation:
Impartation simply means the transference of virtues.
When you get into the realms of revelation, you encounter sweetness. Every real light brings about real change; it enhances your spiritual weight. Revelation is it! Today marks the end of all your struggles, in the name of Jesus Christ!
Friend, the power to be imparted with the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, is for those saved. You get saved by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. If you are not saved, you can do so right now, as you pray this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. I cannot help myself. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious blood. Deliver me from sin and satan, to serve the Living God. Today, Lord Jesus, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”
Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, please get my books -The Force Of Freedom, Walking In Dominion and Born To Win.
I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, 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, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org
The General Overseer, Adoration Family Ministries aka Jesus House of Assembly, Apostle Phil Okunerere, has congratulated renowned evangelist, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai on his recent 70th birthday celebration in Rivers State.
Speaking in his office in Port Harcourt, Okunerere said Ukpai has touched many through the word of God and his investment to humanity.
He described Ukpai as a father, philanthropist, great achiever and a true man of God committed and dedicated to serve God and humanity.
He noted that Ukpai has made a great sacrifice in Christendom, which made him a leading light in his generation.
He prayed that God Almighty will strengthen him as he continues the journey of wining souls for Christ.
Apostle Okunerere said: “I was at his birthday celebration few days ago in Port Harcourt; men of God came from different states of the federation to testify how the great man of God touches their lives.
“To be frank, it is good news for God and man to know that somebody somewhere is wining souls for Christ.
He is great achiever and a true man of God who can give anything for the work of God.”
A faith- based non-governmental organisation, Awesome Treasures Foundation, recently concluded a national prayer session in Lagos ahead of the rescheduled general elections.
The group also emphasised that Nigerians should vote their conscience during the polls.
Its founder, Mrs. Olajumoke Adenowo, said the coming polls should not be taken for granted, saying they will determine how the country will fare for at least the next four years.
She called on Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) and avoid inducement from corrupt politicians.
The Catholic Men Organisation of Nigeria (CMON) has charged Nigerians and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to work towards free and fair elections this month.
It also appealed to Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) to be able to elect credible leaders.
The national president of the organisation, Dr Adedeji Adebajo, said Nigeria cannot afford anything less than credible polls.
He urged politicians to avoid inciting and inflammatory statements during campaigns while shunning the do-or-die attitude.
According to Adebajo: “All we are appealing for is proper election. In other parts of the world, election is the easiest thing but in Nigeria, it has been taken as more or less a do- or- die affair, which should not be.
“We are appealing to our politicians to be able to accept defeats and congratulate whosoever wins.
“We also appeal to these titans to please obey to the letter the peace accord they signed recently.”
He lamented that over 1.5 million Nigerians have been turned to refugees in the nation, charging the federal government to do everything humanly possible to win the ongoing war against terrorism.
“If only 12 men were killed in France and the entire world could stand for them, then what is happening in Nigeria?
“Apart from those killed by the insurgents, over 1.5 million Nigerians have been turned to refugees in their own country.
“We therefore appeal to the federal government to do whatever is necessary to bring the massacre of Boko Haram to an end.
“Our soldiers are known to be gallant in actions; they won lots of laurels maintaining peace in other countries.
“We want them to replicate the same in our country so that no part of Nigeria should be lost to any insurgent.”
For the first time in almost half a century, the Apostolic Church, Nigeria Lagos, Western and Northern Area, (LAWNA) has a tiled road network.
The church’s president, Pastor Gabriel Olutola commissioned it recently with a building.
Olutola told our correspondent: “This church has been here for almost half of a century but there was no permanent road so we made a road and another entrance many years ago but it wasn’t tiled, which gave us many inconveniences especially with the dust we experienced.”
The dust, according to him, changed the colours of most of the buildings in the premise.
“Our temple wasn’t left out. We had to dedicate it without finishing it because we were scared what the dust would turn it to if we finished it.
“So, we decided to grade the road first before finishing the building. So for the first time we have a tiled road.”
The road network that leads to different parts of the church, Olutola said, is named after all past LAWNA chairmen and the incumbent.
They include Late Pastor J.O Akisoya, Zaria Area Superintendent; Late E.A Okon, First National President and Late Pastor J.A Babatope, First African Superintendent for Ilasa Area.