….asks Churches With Congregation with more than 30 Worshipers to shut down
DEBO ADEOYE, IBADAN
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State Chapter has ordered all Churches and Christian Ministries to comply with the ‘stay at home’ and other directives of the government towards stopping the spread of the deadly virus, Covid-19.
The statement was contained in a release signed by the Chairman of CAN in the state, PASTOR BENJAMIN AKANMU, and made available to journalists through his media aide, ADEBOWALE ADEOYE, in Ibadan on Friday.
PASTOR AKANMU said “every church leader is expected to strictly obey all public health guidelines and instructions issued by the government (whether state or federal) regarding personal hygiene and social distancing to curb the spreading of the deadly virus, known as Covid-19.
“I don’t see any bad in the directive; we all should see it as a measure to stop the infections from the rapidly spreading coronavirus from causing uncontrollable harm in Nigeria. I think it’s a good step in a good direction.
He however warned all Christian leaders across the world, especially in Nigeria not to forget how treacherous Satan is and the antics of the satanic agents around the world who might want to use stay at home order to weaken Christians against going into spiritual battle with the devil on Covid-19.
“I have observed that as we keep putting up efforts to halt the spreading of Covid-19, Satan and his minions are indeed outwitting us as most Christians appear to be clueless about Satan’s schemes, tricks and devices.
“In utilising his tricks, his intentions at the period is to render us ineffective in our own faith walk as well as stopping us from offering supplications on behalf of our people to God on the matter before us, Covid-19 pandemic.
“There is need to enter into spiritual battle with agent of destruction that is behind the Covid-19 and its rapid spread, the stay at home order shouldn’t be an excuse for us as Christian leaders to lift up our hands and offer prayers on our people’s behalves for divine intervention and healing.
“Christian leaders should come together in their various local churches regularly to offer prayer and supplication to God.
“ Seek God’s face on behalf of Nigerians and the rest of the world for forgiveness of sins, appeal to God for protection and healing for those already affected by Covid-19.
“In doing these, we must ensure our number fall within government approved, 30, observe the social distancing, obey personal hygiene by using nose/mouth mask, gloves and have sanitizers and hand wash liquid placed outside the church.
When asked about his view on the payment of tithe during coronavirus stay at home order which has been the subject of discussion in the media for a week now, the Chairman described the discussion as unnecessary and unwarranted.
“Get my point right, I’m not against the idea of encouraging church members to be faithful in the payment of tithe and offering but honestly, the timing is totally wrong and it’s even wicked to raise such issue now when the world is in mourning mood. Some nations’ Presidents are crying daily seeking God’s intervention to avert Covid-19 persistent danger.
“Our responsibility now, is to render support to everyone and pray to God for divine intervention and protection. Can the dead pay tithe or worship God? Absolutely no, in that wise, we should first protect the unaffected living and rally medical and spiritual support for those already affected.
“I think I would like to use this privilege appeal call on the headquarters of churches and Christian Ministries to through their local churches or branches reach out to their member and general public in this hard period by donating protective and preventive materials, share foodstuffs and other domestic needs with them. These are things needed at this odd time.
Meanwhile, PASTOR AKANMU praised the Christian leaders who had started already to distribute materials and foodstuffs to their members and people around them.
“Christianity is not just about attending church services or bearing Christian names, we must love our neighbours the same way we love ourselves. I would like to appreciate our Christian leaders who are already on the streets distributing relief and other materials, including foodstuffs to their members and the public.
“I pray God Almighty to reward them accordingly. The Lord shall pure His spirit on us and drive away every power of sickness, disease and Covid-19 from our nation and other affected nations in Jesus name. Amen. PASTOR AKANMU prayed.
