DO NOT ALLOW THE CHALLENGES OF COVID-19 AFFECT YOUR CHRISTIAN FAITH – SALVATION ARMY NIGERIA
The Territorial Commander, Salvation Army Nigeria, Colonel Victor Leslie, has called on Christians to be steadfast in God and have faith that the country will triumph over the dread Coronavirus pandemic.
In a special Easter message, Colonel Leslie urged Christians not to be drowned in fear or lose their faith due to the deaths, hardship and other challenges brought about by COVID-19.
The Easter message, which was delivered on behalf of Colonel Leslie by the Territorial Envoy, Salvation Army Nigeria and Vice Chairman Christian Council of Nigeria, South East Zone, Dr. Levi Monanu, asked the people to place their burden on Jesus this trying moment.
“But if you know the Easter story, these misconceptions and deceits planted by Satan are distractions. In the midst of the feelings of loss, uncertainty and confusion, something incredible has happened.The Resurrection!
“Jesus brought a freshness and newness to life by conquering the grave. Mistaken beliefs are done away, truth is known and by the boundless resurrection power of Jesus, we can relate to life in a brand-new way. As Bill Gaither writes – “because He lives, I can face tomorrow, because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future life is worth the living, just because He lives.
“So, this Easter, we can be confident in our faith – meaning that we get our eyes off of the deep waters that surround us, causing fear and confusion, and instead, fix them on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Proverbs 29:25 says, Fear will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” Fear traps us and creates anxiety. Faith, on the other hand, frees us and keeps us safe,” Leslie stated.
The leader of Salvation Army, Nigeria, encouraged citizens to maintain personal hygiene, social distancing and other precautionary measures prescribed by the government and health professionals to prevent further spread of the virus.
According to the message, Christians should use Easter to improve on love and care of their neighbours and others people as exemplified by Jesus.
“This Easter, let us be expressive in our love to others by reflecting how God has shown His wonderful love to us. It may mean reinventing and reimagining how our acts of compassion, kindness and brotherly love are interpreted.
“We will continue to wash and sanitize our hands and obey government orders to stay home, stay safe and stay connected, showcasing that these things speak the language of love!
“Officers and soldiers of The Salvation Army Nigeria will lovingly open their hearts and freely give themselves to bring food, sanitizers, educational resources and medical supplies to the poor, understanding that such extraordinary expressions of service stem from the love of God that stirs our hearts,” Colonel Leslie noted.
While commending the Federal and State Governments for measures so far taken to address COVID-19 pandemic, the Salvation Army Nigeria called for the strengthening of the country’s healthcare system.
CHUKWUBUIKE MADU