By Joseph Umoh
Apparently irked by the recent massacre of Christians in Southern Kaduna by Islamic fanatics, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Akwa Ibom State has swung into action by mobilizing all Christian faithful to intensify prayers as a weapon to pervert the anomaly.
The state CAN chairman, Rev. Dr. Ndueso Ekwere who made this known during his visit to churches in Akwa Ibom state, yesterday, said the time has come for Christians to rise up in defense of Christian faith and identity, noting that injustice to one is injustice to all.
At the Qua Iboe Church, Ikot Ekpene Udo in Nsit Ubium local government area, Rev. Ekwere urged the faithful, “we need to pray fervently for the safety of our fellow Christians in the northern part of the country whose lives are under threat of Islamic extremism. Many have been killed already in Kaduna by heartless Muslims who have no regard for human life. That is why the National body CAN declared that all Christians across the country should mourn on a day like this and show solidarity to our slain brethren.
“The situation before us is indeed a serious one and we can’t be silent about it. As a result of this, we call on all Christians to shun buying cow meat, at least for the moment; this is the product of these Fulani herdsmen who wreck havoc on innocent Christians. We may not fight nor carry arms but we must show our grievance over their wickedness. As a body, CAN will always work for the interest and wellbeing of all Christians, just as we ask God to conquer our adversaries.”
In his homily, Rev. Wilson M. Udoumoh assured that in spite of tribulations that are been faced by God’s children, salvation will always come in accordance to His will. He added that everything good comes from God, hence one must forsake sin in order to receive blessings and fulfillment in life.
At Life-giving Gospel Faith Mission, Eket, the CAN chairman told the faithful that Christendom is witnessing tribulation in the country, hence the urgent need to raise alters of intercession to God, particularly concerning the wanton killings in Kaduna state.
“We cannot become slaves in our fatherland. This country belongs to all of us. No religion can claim monopoly of our common entity. We have to rise up to our freedom of worship. Enough of all the religious sentiments. No plan and attempt to Islamize Nigeria will work as long as we continue serving God in unity and sincerity,” Rev. Ekwere said.
He however, called on Christians to pray for the state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for divine guidance and wisdom, saying when God directs a leader, the people will enjoy peace in the land.
Founder and General Superintendent of the church, Bishop Dr. Emmanuel Ebitu who preached during the visit, charged Christians to always be their brother’s keeper. This he said, is the only way love, care, unity, and genuine concern can prevail among the people of God. He also condemned in strong terms, the killing of Christians in Southern Kaduna, noting that the God of vengeance shall fight battle in defense of His people.
In Presbyterian Church, Eket Parish, a call was made on Christians to resist every attempt to threaten their identity as the church is unstoppable in its mission for Christ. This was the message contained in a homily by Rev. Bassey Umoh. He also urged the faithful to remain steadfast in prayers, in order to seek divine intervention in the present religious crisis in Nigeria.
Speaking while in All Nations Christian Ministry International, Eket, the CAN Chairman assured the faithful that God will show His might in the present religious crisis, saying, “no matter what the evildoers do, God will not allow them to triumph. This is the time for us to stand up as a people with one voice and resist the oppression of the wicked. Our prayers, supplications, and cries upon the Lord shall not be in vain…”
In his exhortation, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno harped on the need to keep every vow made to God, as such obedience provokes heaven to work in one’s favour.
Our correspondent however, reports that Christian faithful in churches visited were seen wearing black clothes; to mourn the victims of recent massacre in Southern Kaduna, as was directed by the National CAN body. Intercessory prayers on various intentions also featured among the day’s activities.
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