By Udo Akam-Alo, ABAKALIKI
Disturbed by the increasing rate of confirmed cases of Coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Ebonyi state chapter, led by Very Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali, has turned to God for intervention.
The spiritual call was made during the Holy Mass and church service which took place today (Sunday) through broadcast in the Radio Nigeria, Unity FM, Abakaliki.
In his homily, a Clergy, Rev. Fr. Ifeanyichukwu Ogodo, compared this era to that of the apostles of Jesus, saying that the pandemic is the worst of its kind in the world so far and that no one is free since everyone is faced with one trouble or another.
He, however, stated that only Jesus can deliver the world of this dreaded virus.
“Jesus is no longer just addressing the apostles but also addressing us. Our time, if not worst than theirs, is almost the same with their own. At a time we live in a troubled moment like now, our hearts are troubled like the apostles.
“We live in a troubled world, everybody with his own sickness and therefore, like the apostles, we are troubled. So, who is free?
“At a time that the world plays host to the worst pandemic of our time, of our century, we need the consolation of Jesus.” Fr. Ogodo proclaimed.
However, the Preacher prayed on behalf of the community, asking God to take pity on His people and heal the entire world of the virus.
Fr. Ifeanyi also asked for wisdom upon government leaders and health managers who are in the frontline of fighting the pandemic, as he said:
“We ask you to be merciful to us and save us from this scourge that is devastating the world. Be gracious to us and speak life and healing into the present Coronavirus scourge and command it to depart from our world.
“Give leaders of Government and Scientists the divine wisdom and knowledge to make the right decisions and to develop the vaccines needed to stain the spread of this virus.
Protect all health workers and volunteers.
“Look with pity on those who are already infected with this deadly virus and heal them. Grant eternal rest to people who have died from it and comfort those they have left behind.”
Similarly, the Anglican Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Rt. Rev. Chukwuma Nkwoagu, lamented over the havoc caused to the world by the virus, noting that many have compromised.
He encouraged Ebonyians and the world at large not to live in fear, saying that the pandemic has not come to stay and that the Lord who gave victory to the Jews will take care of the world and there shall be testimonies.
Speaking on the theme: ‘God is our refuge, our strength, and our present help’, Bishop Nkwoagu advised the people to calm their fears and embrace God as their only refuge and strength.
“Today, the world is faced with Coronavirus pandemic, killings everywhere. There is fear all over the world and every country cries, looking for help.
“No way, no vaccine, no cure, no business, no connection, no traveling, nothing is working. Hunger everywhere and some people are already being led into putting their hands into things that will kill them.
Many have lost hope, waiting for whatever happens for them to commit suicide and die.
“The pandemic will surely go.
In the Bible, we discovered that the Jews and others passed through things like a pandemic – plague, famine, war, etc, for months and years and the Lord finally gave them victory because they ran to God.
“If you make God your strength and refuge, you will see the end of this pandemic and you will tell testimonies.
Therefore, make God your refuge.” Bishop Nkwoagu reiterated.
