| Rev Dr Tunde Joda, Senior Pastor, Christ Chapel
International Churches, has news for Nigeria and Nigerians. News of a kind
different from the fear-inducing, despair enhancing type that has become
daily, almost hourly menu in the last few years.
Speaking
at a media launch for the church’s 32nd Anniversary commemoration
and Campmeeting 2013, Dr Joda sees hope in place of despair; a strong and
united nation where most see disintegration. Represented by Rev Dan Ibekwe,
chairman of the ministry’s Advisory Council, he began like this:
As we celebrate this anniversary, we are mindful of the not so
pleasant happenings in our great Country Nigeria and the world in general - a
time of economic meltdown, natural disasters, a time when everything seems to
be falling apart, people struggling everywhere to make ends meet. All these
will bring fear into the hearts of men, but praise God all is not lost, we
don't have to lose hope.”
According to him, the news for the nation and its people can be
found in the Isaiah 60:1-2, which reads: “Arise, shine for your light is come
and the glory of God is risen upon you. For behold darkness shall cover the
earth and gross darkness the people, but the Lord shall arise upon you and
His glory shall be seen upon you.”
|
Continuing,
he said, “Another word of God given to us as a church and equally applicable to
the nation is from the book of Job 22: 21-29. When we acquaint ourselves
with God and turn to Him and be at peace with Him, seek His face in prayer,
walk in the fear of God, we will experience the lifting power of God and find
hope and encouragement in the face of hopelessness and a casting down.
The man of God declared: “We say to Nigeria, ARISE, THERE IS
HOPE, our hope is in God and in His saving power. We say with boldness, FEAR
NOT NIGERIA, it is time to ARISE and put your TRUST in GOD. Psalm 55: 22 says,
Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee, He shall never
suffer the righteous to be moved. The Almighty God is a good God. Amen.
“All the negative reports and evil forecasts that have been
spoken concerning Nigeria will change and be turned around as we seek God
earnestly in prayer, putting our trust in Him, doing what is right for the
Nation as we also resolve to build a strong Nation together - a Nation
of progress and Social justice, a Nation where God is enthroned and He
is Lord.”
Dr Joda asked Nigerians to “continue to pray for the Country and
its leaders, because that is what the word of God encourages us to do in 1
Timothy 2: 1-4 "... for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God
our Saviour. Our God is a God that answers prayers and there is power in
the prayers of the righteous”.
In conclusion, “Coach” Joda said: “the book of Proverbs 14: 34
tells us that "Righteousness exalts a Nation, but sin is a reproach to
any people". On this occasion of our 32nd Anniversary and Camp meeting
2013 starting from October 14th and ending on October 20th, I
therefore encourage Nigerians to stand firm on the promises of God and do away
with every form of fear, immorality, selfishness and begin to walk in
the fear of God, hold onto good lasting values that promote godliness,
kindness to your fellow Nigerians and a determination to build a strong
Nation, where everyone is valued.
|
“Together,
we can build a prosperous and strong Nation and our dear Country will come to
the great destiny that the Lord has for it. Nigeria, Arise and Shine. God
bless the great nation of Nigeria and its people. Amen”
No comments:
Post a Comment