Cleric harps on a better Nigeria in independence anniversary service

The Senior Minister of Assemblies of God Church, Grace Hills, Diamond, Calabar, Cross River State, Rev. Festus Afabe has advised Christians not to give-up on a better Nigeria in a sermon he preached on Sunday at the 63rd independence anniversary service to commemorate the event.

Rev. Afabe who spoke through an Owerri based guest preacher, Rev. Emmanuel Mkemka in a sermon titled: “BECOMING AN AGENT OF FREEDOM” referencing 1st Samuel 17:32-37, said God uses an under-dog to manifest himself.

The message resonates with the dire situation witnessed in the country worsened by the fuel subsidy removal which the federal government is trying to fix.

Using analogy of David and Goliath the Philistine giant who taunted the children of Israel only to be killed by David, an amateur, posited that Christians who trust in the Lord would prevail in the present difficulties if they identify the problem, call out the status quo, leverage on Christ’s strength in them, be courageous, be resilience as the present hard-times will soon expire.

In his homily, Rev. Afabe who also doubles as the District Secretary of Assemblies of God, Calabar District and Assistant Secretary of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) a bloc in Cross River State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), admonished the citizenry in every divide of the country not to lose hope or despire in the present economic low because the developed countries of the world had passed through this phase before getting to where they are today.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to rely on God whenever they are going through tough times as “tough times never last, but tough people do,” pointing out that when an individual relies on God especially during trying times, the impossible manifest and implored people to be patient, prayerful, hardworking, resilient, and focused in wherever endeavour they are engaged in.

He said it is only when people reflect to know the purpose and gift of creation that they can appreciate the essence of life and human existence notwithstanding the unsavory difficulties the country is passing through at the moment.

The Independence Anniversary service was attended by many dignitaries within and outside Assemblies of God fold including Hon. Mathew Olori, former member representing Akamkpa state constituency in Cross River State House of Assembly who hoisted the Nigeria flag during prayers for the nation.

By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)