Clergyman Urges Christians To Be Thankful To God ….Appeals To Youths For Calm
Christian faithful in Nigeria have been charged to be thankful to God always for His Divine favour and mercy over their lives even in the face of hardship and economic challenges.
Reverend Father Andrew Abhulime of St. Mary Catholic Church, Ijagemo, Ijegun, Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos, gave the charge during the annual adult harvest and thanksgiving Bazaar of the church with the theme: “Harvest of Divine Favour”,
The Clergyman who admonished Christians in the country not to only acknowledge God, but appreciate Him for His Divine favour and mercy over their lives said, “We need to appreciate God who daily favours us. Ember months are not characterized by evil as it is speculated by some people, the Lord will still see us through”
Rev. Abhulime who was represented at the occasion by Rev. Fr. Amos Irabor, also appealed to angry youths in Nigeria to remain calm and shelve their second phase of #EndBadGovernance protest slated for October 1st 2024, and seek other ways to express their grievances against bad governance in Nigeria.
He admitted that the country is in a total mess, noting that the youths have legitimate reasons to protest against bad governance.
The Rev Father maintained that, if not for sponsored counter – protesters and the brutality of the military personnel against peaceful protesters, it would be ideal to hit the streets of Nigeria the second time as they have the right to protest.
He said it was also advisable for the youths to weigh the options and consequences before taking any action.
The Clergyman urged the government to be sensitive to the plight of Nigerians and address the demands of angry Nigerians saying, “As we begin the last quarter of the year, we have to be prayerful as we travel around. There is hunger, Nigerians are suffering, we can’t castigate the government, but they must live to their responsibility to govern well.
Rev. Abhulime said “The objective for the EndSARS and the last protest was not achieved because the protest, especially EndSARS was hijacked by some faceless groups , resulting to loss of many lives, so we need to learn from history” he added.
Similarly, the vice chairman of the church, Christopher Olumba, affirmed that it is expected from church leaders to help the poor congregants as the Holy Bible instructed the children of God to start from the household of God in any charity act they embark.
“With the direction of our mother church, we use the proceeds of harvests to help the needy among us and the society we live in. Christians should do exactly as Christ asked us to do. While Nigeria is in trouble, people especially Christians should not take laws into their hands”
He urged the government desist from deliberate misrule and affliction on Nigerians, and begin to deliver good governance. “Though this government has shown their strength, people are passing through hell in Nigeria, but let us all do what is right at all times, for the day of reckoning is coming” he assured.
The chairperson of the harvest organizing committee, Mrs. Amaka Obiefuna, appreciated the parishioners for their attendance and offerings, noting that despite the situation of Nigeria, the Christian faithful expressed their love for God going by massive turnout and physical offerings they brought before the Lord.
“People showed up en masse and expressed their gratitude to God bountifully. In Catholic Church, we have a pious society, St Vincent De Paul by name, that takes care of the poor people in the church through the help of Rev Fathers”
Mrs Obiefuna affirmed that the church do not over burden the congregants with financial demands, rather the church shows love for the less privileged within and outside the church cycle.
According to her, “Harvest is biblical. It is the tradition of the church to host Harvest and Bazaar every blessed year. The clergymen are very sensitive people because they are the mouthpiece of God on Earth.”
