Gombe State Deputy Governor, Manasseh Daniel Jatau, has called for more unity among Christian faithful amidst the socioeconomic challenges faced by Nigerians.
He made the call during a special prayer service organized by the Gombe State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to mark Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary and Gombe State at 27 since creation.
The special service which was held at the Gombe State CAN Centre, Monday afternoon, was also organized to pray for the prosperity of the country and for its leaders.
In his goodwill message, the Deputy Governor charged the Christian community in the state to eschew all their differences and pursue a common front as they pray for the country and its leaders, citing the Holy Bible book of John chapter 17 verse 21.
He said prayers were also offered by the Muslim community in the state for the country and its leaders last Friday during the Jumaat prayers.
He however stressed that praying for the country’s leaders is the same thing as praying for oneself and all citizens because, “We are all leaders, one way or the other”, he stated.
He paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers of Nigeria and Gombe State as well as called for more patriotism from all Nigerians in the country’s quest to overcome its challenges and come out greater.
Earlier in his remarks, the Gombe State CAN Chairman, Rev Father Joseph Alphonsus Shinga, stressed the need for fervent prayers by Christians amidst the biting challenges facing Nigerians.
He charged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their faith as well as believe and work hard, assuring that a glorious Nigeria is possible with great and better opportunities for all in the coming years ahead.
In his exhortation to the congregation, Rev Hyeladi Mshelia, who spoke on the topic, “The light that shines out of darkness”, took his key text from the Holy Bible book of John chapter 10 verse 10, where he admonished Christians to live out the light that Jesus Christ had bestowed on them.
He said, “True Christians must not struggle to produce light because they are carriers, producers and generators of light. Darkness is the problem of this world.
“Light doesn’t compromise its identity even when it is surrounded by darkness”, he said and prayed that Christians don’t compromise their light.
“When light exposes every darkness in our country, then our nation will begin to prosper”, the preacher stated.
