36
30 October, 2016
Sunday Tribune
With Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 08074497425
churchnews
Expedite action on diversification of economy, church tells FG Yinka Oladoyinbo - Lokoja
B
ISHOP (Dr) Ezekiel Kupolati of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Ijumu Diocese
of Kogi State, has tasked the Federal Government on the need to diversify the nation’s economy and boost agriculture. He also said there was
the need for the government to stop paying lip service to the development of the country’s economy and show commitment to its promises on its revival.
He stated this in a communique issued at the end of the third session of the diocesan synod, held at Ayere in Ijumu Local government area of the state,
Declare 3 days fasting and prayers for Nigeria, Primate Ayodele tells presidency By Kehinde Oyetimi Spiritual leader of INRI Spiritual and Evangelical Church, Lagos, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has called on the presidency to declare three days fasting and prayers for Nigeria, especially in the face of the current economic situation. The cleric, who made this known in a release made available to TribuneChurch, called for prayers especially for those at the helm of affairs in the na-
tion. “The president should declare three days’ fasting and prayers for Nigeria. Both Christians and Muslims should pray for Nigeria and those at the helm of affairs as well as for politi-
cians, especially the ruling political party,” Ayodele stated. While calling for urgent solutions to address the Niger Delta situation, he said the way out was dialogue.
Primate Ayodele urged government to listen to divine instruction on moving the country forward. “God is angry with the nation and unless appropriate steps are taken, things will get worse,” he stated.
with the theme; “I will build my church.” According to the communique signed by Ikupolati, many Nigerians were still suffering despite the high hopes brought by the President Muhammed Buhari-led administration. He said it was important for government to initiate and implement policies and programmes that could alleviate the suffering of the people. Apart from this, he lamented the rate of graduates and skilled unemployed youths roaming the streets with little or no
‘Evangelism, leading instrument to get closer to God’ Celestine Ihejirika - Umuahia The Methodist Church Nigeria, Umuahia, Abia State, has tasked Christians on the need to evangelise more. The priest-in-charge of the church, Reverend Bartholomew Onuoha, made this known during the presentation of his publication entitled “The Cure for a Dying World.” The priest, who regretted that many Christians had deviated from the real essence of evangelism, observed that evangelism was the leading instrument to get closer to God. He encouraged believers not to be distracted by the quest for material wealth, saying as a minister of God for the past 33 years, he believed every need of those who work and obey God would surely be answered. In his address, the book reviewer, Reverend Uche Ejike, who recommended the book for all Christian denominations commended the author, for his contribution towards the uplift of evangelism. He said the book would go a long way to bringing Christians back to God.
President of the women’s organisation of His Fresh Grace Tabernacle, Deaconess Lape Omodehin (third left), wife of the founder of His Fresh Grace Tabernacle, Pastor (Mrs) Olumide Akinpelu (fourth left) and others, during the cutting of the cake at the women’s convention of the church, held at the church auditorium, Odo Ona Elewe, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Pastor Tunde Netufo, surrounded by other Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) pastors, cutting the tape to inaugurate the water project as part of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the RCCG, Winners’ Centre, Ketu, Lagos State.
‘Churches have role in provision of infrastructure’ PASTOR-IN-CHARGE of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Lagos Province 36, Pastor Tunde Netufo, has reiterated the role of the church in national development, through the provision of infrastructure for communities. The cleric stated this last Sunday at the 20th anniver-
sary of the RCCG, Winners’ Centre, Ketu, Lagos State. Speaking at the event which featured the inauguration of two community-assistance projects – a 25-metre community road and a borehole water project, Pastor Netufo said: “We believe that government alone cannot solve all infrastructural problems
in the country. So, at some point, corporate organisations will have to come to the rescue. “Notwithstanding, the RCCG is a church and, therefore, as a charitable organisation, we decided to take the bull by the horns by doing these projects for the community.” Pastor Netufo, who was
accompanied by his wife, Yemisi, encouraged other churches and charitable organisations to follow the example of the RCCG. The Area Pastor and host, Pastor Demola Salami, revealed that the plight of the host community propelled the desire to embark on the two projects for the benefit of the community.
effort taken to tackle the situation by the government in power, and urged governments at all levels to take concrete measures to arrest the situation. According to the communique, “government should balance the various appointments in accordance with the geopolitical zone and equally among all religions.” The synod also lamented the conditions of state roads and urged government to see to its timely rehabilitation.
Christian leaders urged to stand strong in the face of challenges The General Overseer of Liberation House Ministries, Ikotun, Lagos Lagos State, Prophet Edward Nakireru, has called for Christian leaders to stand strong in the face of challenges. He stated this as part of activities marking the third anniversary of the church. According to the cleric, “that you are a Christian, pastor, evangelist or prophet does not mean that challenges will not affect you. How you handle challenges gives you edge over other pastors. Challenges are meant to strengthen you, make you stronger and probably build your faith to depend only on God’s word.” The cleric also stated that “the third year anniversary with the theme, ‘Manifestation of Great Grace,’ is a four-day programme which began on Wednesday, 26th October and will end today with a ‘Laughter Sunday/Anniversary Thanksgiving service’ which will feature artistes such as Victor Osuagwu, Dauda, Praise Machine, among others.” In his advice to government, he called on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to remain focused.
Prophet Nakireru