The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) says the church has never faced such challenge as the coronavirus pandemic.
President of the association, Dr. Samson Ayokunle, stated this in his message on Palm Sunday.
He therefore,
has urged Nigerians to continue to observe the social distancing regulation and avoid large gatherings.
He noted that the Christian faith was being challenged “today not only by sicknesses and other life issues but equally by those who persecute the church.”
The CAN president said the world powers, where Nigerians could have sought medical help from, were themselves overwhelmed by the pandemic.
Ayokunle said: “At a time like this when coronavirus pandemic is doing havoc worldwide, the hearts of many people are failing them especially in the Western world where it has done more havoc than elsewhere.
“What has contributed more to the fear is the fact that the Western world, which we had depended upon for quick solution, appeared to be brought down to their knees for help wherever it could come from.
“The medical personnel are overwhelmed while they themselves have fallen victims of the attack of this rude virus. Even medical personnel from Nigeria are being wooed by the American government with immediate visa at their embassy if they wish to come and work. We appear to be a bit luckier in Africa because it has not been able to kill as many people as it did in the West.
“At a time like this, I want to encourage you to be strong in the Lord and stand firm against the wiles of the devil. “How can we then keep strong spiritually and physically at a time like this?
“As an individual, desist from staying in big gatherings. There is time for everything, a time to embrace and a time to cease from embracing. “Such a time to cease from embracing is now. “If you have feelings of being sick, contact your doctor who will guide you appropriately on the steps to take.
“Our faith is being challenged today not only by sicknesses and other life issues but equally by those who persecute the church. The church has never faced the type of heat we are facing now in Nigeria before. “Non-availability or inadequacies of many basic life amenities, poverty, sicknesses and sudden death of close relatives, and all are challenging our faith.
“We are enjoined not to be carried away be these troubles but to accelerate our faith.”
