By Andrew Ikehi in TelAviv
Prayers for the 2023 general elections, end to the rising spate of insecurity, peace and unity of the Nigerian nation, topped activities in Israel yesterday as the Delta State contingents currently on pilgrimage in the holy land continued their visit to some of the memorable spiritual sites.
Also, the contingent, jointly led by the State Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, Chief Johnbull Edema, the Chairman, Delta State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Arch Bishop Cyril Odutemu and Executive secretary of the Board Revd. Apostle Samuel Okoh took out time to specifically pray for an end to the ongoing strike action embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
At each of the sites visited which included; Church of Annunciation, River Jordan, the sea of Galilee, Canaan of Galilee – where Jesus performed His first Miracle, Mount Tabo, the wailing wall, Golgotha, among others, the Pilgrims prayed fervently; asking God to intervene in the current situation in the country.
“Dearly beloved, we have come here in Israel not to enjoy ourselves but to cry to God to intervene in the affairs of our dear country Nigeria and, particularly our State.
“It is obvious that all is not well with our country. The spate of killing, kidnapping, terrorists attacks, corruption in every sector even the religious sets, drums of disunity, tribal/ethnic sentiments, among others, is indeed worrisome
“As christians, we cannot close our eyes and pretend that all is well. If we do, God will definitely hold us accountable; hence, we are here to cry to Him for intervention” one of the leaders and member of the Board, Arch Bishop Jonathan Arhavwarien, said.
Arch Bishop Arhavwarien who, intermittently led the Pilgrims on sessions of prayers at the sites, particularly at the Sea of Galilee where the Pilgrims prayed on top water via articulated boat ride, decried the ‘unending ASUU strike.
The cleric also, expressed worry over what he described as the worsening economic situation in the country just as he assured the pilgrims that given their prayers, God will intervene in the affairs of the nation.
