By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The Guest Speaker, Very Rev. Sani Ephraim made the call while delivering his message at the combined service of the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, held at the St. Augustine Catholic Church, Jalingo.
He speak on the Topic: “Hope does not disappoint”, took his scriptural reading from the books of Is11:1-10, Mathew 1:1-25, Rom 5:3-5 and Gen. 3:25
“Keep hope alive for God changes situations, his name is Emmanuel (God with us).
He pointed out that God is the root of performance no matter the difficulties one is passing through of facing, adding that there is hope for everything.
“Hope does not disappoint because God has given to us through the Holy Spirit has given us power. He changes situations no matter how bad things are, because he is greater than he who is on earth. Our tomorrow must be better than today – he said.
In his remarks, the Taraba State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, Very Rev. Williams Peter Awoshiri said that in a world confronted by economic hardship, insecurity and social divisions, the message of Christmas remains as relevant as ever.
“It speaks of divine love, humility, sacrifice and the promise of Salvation a message capable of restoring hope to families, communities and our nation.
“The humble circumstances sorrounding the birth of Jesus Christ reminds us powerfully of our moral and spiritual responsibility to care for the less privilege in the society.
He urge Churches, Christian families, corporate organizations and individuals to extend love and support to widows, orphans, displaced persons, persons living with disabilities and families facing economic hardship.
“True celebration of Christmas is not measured by abundance on our tables alone, but by the kindness in our hearts and the hands we extend to lift others.
“Even the smallest act of generosity when done in love can restore hope, dignity and joy to those in need and reflect the true spirit of Christ – he said.
The state CAN Chairman use the medium to appeal to the Taraba State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts in safeguarding lives and properties across the state particularly during this festive season.
“We acknowledged and appreciate the measures already taken and encourage sustained vigilance, coordination and community collaboration to ensure that all residents regardless of faith, ethnicity or baground can celebrate Christmas in safety, peace and confidence.
He call on Christians to continue to foster harmonious relationship not only amongst Christians, but also with their Muslim brothers and sisters and people of other faiths.
“Religious diversity should never be a source of division or hostility, but rather foundation for mutual respect, corporation and shared responsibility for peace and development.
According to him, prayer remain the powerful instrument for healing, reconciliation and national transformation.
“As we celebrate Christmas, let us earnestly pray for lasting peace, unity and stability in Taraba State and Nigeria as a whole. Beyond prayer, we must also demonstrate our commitment through responsible conduct, sincere dialogue, justice and collective action that promotes social harmony, good governance and sustainable development for all – he added.
In his remarks, the Ex – Governor of the state, Rev. Jolly Tavoro Nyame, urge Tarabans to pray for Governor Dr. Abgu Kefas for him to succeed in rulling the state.
“He will not disappoint us because of your prayers for him. We need to pray for him, because he need our prayers rather than gossiping – he said.
On his part, the Bishop of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria UMCN, Bishop Ande Emmanuel, said,
“Today, we are grateful for the combined interdenominational church service for this time of Christmas, a time when Jesus Christ came into this world to salvage mankind from sin.
According to him, all about the interdenominational church service is about unity.
“As you can see, different Christian groups came together under one umbrella to offer praise, offer praise, thanksgiving in rememberance of Christmas.
“The clear message today is Hope. There are lots of things in this country that discourages people, when you look at the insecurity, unemployment and dilapidated state of infrastructures, you will be disappointed. But here the message of hope came that it is basic for Christian faith.
“Whatever had happened in the past, we should be hopeful like the way the Angel told Mary that Jesus Christ is going to be born, establish a Kingdom and where Justice will reign supreme.
He call on Tarabans and Nigerians to be very Hopeful, for the better days of Nigerians are coming by the grace of God.
He urge people to pray for their leaders and encourage them to do more. Though we cannot act hundred percent like Jesus Christ, but can try to be like him. Our Christian leaders whenever they are should strive like Jesus Christ.
On the High Court rulling between the United Methodist Church in Nigeria(UMCN) and the Global Methodist Church GMC, he said:
“In the past especially, the UMCN, has suffered lot of fragmentation due to internal conflict which has to do with leadership.
“When I became a Bishop of the United Methodist Church, I realized that leadership requires humility. So I have to work hard to bring all those factions together through prayers, counselling, dialogue, talking to each other, building relationship and holding listening sessions, God was able to help us to bring almost all different factions together. As I talk with you now, we have one indivisible UMCN.
“The UMCN is the biggest Christian Church in Taraba State, we are the biggest Christian body in the state and with our unity, we will become stronger and bigger – he said.