ASH WEDNESDAY: IMO DEPUTY GOVERNOR ADMONISHES CHRISTIANS TO DRAW NEARER TO GOD
As Christians all over the world set for the 40 days fasting and prayers as part of the lenting period, the Chairman of Evangelism in the Chapel of Praise and Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere has called on Nigerians to draw nearer to God.
Madumere who gave the admonishment yesterday, March 1, 2017, in the Chapel of Praise, Lake Malinda, Achi Mbieri, Mbaitoli local government area of Imo State while observing this year’s Ash-Wednesday, admonished Christians to put God first before pursuit of earthly things.
He decried a situation where people use busy schedule as excuse in service to God, describing it as foolishness.
His words; "As we observe "Ash-Wednesday", it reminds us that the breath of life we have does not belong to us. Let us remember that some day, The Lord shall call for our souls and that will be the end of earthly pursuits. It should even be worrisome to us that not only we shall die but judgment shall follow for us to give account of how we have led our life. From dust we were made and to dust we shall return. This call for sober reflection. I therefore call on all to turn to God and it shall be well with us. We shall be remembering the ultimate sacrifice that Christ has paid on the cross that we might be saved. Let us show gratitude by worshipping him and keeping his commandments."
The Deputy Governor while praising God for giving him the opportunity to serve Him pledged to be submissive to the word of God while also praying for God's abundant grace to do His will.
Earlier in his sermon taken from Joel 2 vs 12, the officiating priest,Venerable Sunday Iheruo enjoined Christians to return to God.
According to Ven, Iheruo, every minute of one’s life brings him closer to his grave, pointing out that what God wants from humans is to serve Him with their hearts.
He advised Christians to change their life styles especially during this lenting season.
Contributing, the chairman of Imo state council of traditional rulers, HRH Eze Samual Ohiri described Ash Wednesday as the beginning of lenting season when Christians observe and recall the sufferings of Jesus Christ on the cross.
The traditional ruler advised christains to be prepared at any time for nobody knows the time of christs’ second coming.
Uche Onwuchekwa
Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor on Media
