The District Superintendent of the Apostolic Faith Church for West and Central Africa, Reverend Bayo Adeniran has urged Nigerians to move closer to God in the New Year as a way of regaining all lost glory as a nation, and for a better economic prospect come 2018.
Adeniran who was speaking at the 2017 Christmas Concert of the church, held on Christmas Eve, 24 December, at the church district headquarters in Lagos, said Jesus came to the world to reunite man in fellowship with God.
“The first stage is to experience his forgiveness here on earth and the next stage is the transformation that happens in the heart, which would manifest externally, in which man is delivered into ultimate fellowship with God in heaven. Let us be open and plain, and God will pardon us. We shall have a new lease of life, good health not only for the economy but for all Nigeria,” said Adeniran.
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However, on his expectations for Nigeria in 2018, Adeniran prayed for divine visitation. “I am praying for an epidemic free year. The cost of epidemic management in Nigeria has been a serious issue and I pray that in the new year, God will free us from epidemics, grant us peace and where there is war, there will be peace. Let us lift a holy hand to God to have mercy upon us.
I know He is a merciful God,” he stated. The District Superintendent of the Apostolic Faith Church also said that there are men in Nigeria who have been shielded by God as Joseph in the present dispensation. “When we turn to God, He will turn the situation around for good.”
“I want the present administration to fight corruption but as we fight corruption, let us also embrace godliness, be merciful, be impartial, and good to all. I pray that God of heaven will grant them the grace and wisdom to take us out of this quagmire in which we find ourselves. I can see light at the end of the tunnel and that light will guide us to the true light, and Nigeria will celebrate a most wonderful recovery in years to come,” stated Adeniran.
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The governor of Lagos, Akinwunmi Ambode, in his goodwill message at the event called for sober reflection in celebrating the yuletide as he prayed for a prosperous 2018 for the state and its citizenry. “Therefore, let our giving be a sign of gratitude to God,” said Ambode. Represented by Toyin Awoseyi, permanent secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ambode urged Lagosians to give more to the less privileged in the society.
“The birth of Jesus is a period to show appreciation to God for keeping us and the entire mankind, and as we celebrate we should use the season to love by giving to the less privilege in the society,” he said Ambode.
The Christmas eve celebration provided an escape route away from the fuel scarcity experienced across the city by providing an avenue of praise, thanksgiving, and appreciation for many who came to witness the annual event themed, “The Nativity” at the church campground road, Anthony village, Lagos.
SEYI JOHN SALAU
