CHRISTIAN INTENDING PILGRIMS CHARGED TO PRAY FOR PEACE
A call has gone out to Christian Intending Pilgrims to pray for the peace of Lagos State and by extension the country because peace engenders development and prosperity.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters (Christian), Very Rev. Bukola Adeleke, made the call during the airlift of the third batch of over 200 intending pilgrims to the Holy Land of Israel and the Kingdom of Jordan.
Speaking at an event organised by the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSCPWB) in Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja, the Special Adviser admonished the participants to seek the face of God in respect of the current situation in the country.
Very Rev. Adeleke said: “Let us pray for our dear nation. At a time like this it is God we can call on to deliver us, we need the divine hand of God Almighty. I urge you to call on God to intercede on behalf of our country”.
He further urged the pilgrims to comply with the laid down rules and regulations of the places being visited and be worthy ambassadors of Lagos State and Nigeria.
Delivering his address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr. Sewedo Oluseyi Whenu, admonished the pilgrims to key into the spiritual activities lined up during the pilgrimage exercise, noting that it would enhance their spiritual lives and make the journey spirit filled.
He advised the pilgrims to focus on an encounter with God and implored them to return home as changed individuals with Christ reflected in their daily activities.
Similarly, the Chairman of LSCPWB, Rt. Revd. Akinpelu Johnson, hinted pilgrims that the journey is an energy-sapping exercise but a spiritually fulfilling one.
He further encouraged the pilgrims should foster friendship and obey the tour guides while praying for a hitch-free pilgrimage exercise.
The Executive Secretary of LSCPWB, Mrs. Florence Yetunde Gbafe, commended the State Government for providing the platform for a seamless journey while highlighting the journey routes to the pilgrims.
She also stated that medical personnel would be available throughout the journey and urged the pilgrims to consult them in respect of any personal health issues.
AA/TMS/OS
