By Abasi Ita
The Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Cross River State chapter, Apostle Trinity Ogar, has stepped up mobilisation of Christian leaders and churches across the state ahead of the Christ for All Nations (CfaN) Great Gospel Crusade scheduled to hold in Calabar in November.
Addressing Christian leaders in Calabar during a breakfast meeting with church leaders drawn from various blocs of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ogar urged them to mobilise their congregations for active participation in the evangelistic programme.
“The success of this crusade will depend largely on our collective commitment and mobilisation. I urge every church leader to take the message to the grassroots and encourage our members to participate fully,” Ogar said.
The four day crusade is scheduled to hold from November 12 to 15 at the Calabar International Conference Centre (CICC) grounds, with activities commencing at 4:00 p.m. daily.
Ogar stressed the need for Christian leaders to work together to ensure the success of the programme, urging pastors to take the mobilisation exercise to their churches and communities.
“We must put aside denominational differences and work together as one Christian family. This is an opportunity to promote spiritual renewal and reach more people with the gospel,” he said.
The PFN chairman said effective grassroots mobilisation would be critical to achieving the objectives of the crusade, which is expected to attract Christians, residents and visitors from across the state and neighbouring communities.
The CfaN Executive Africa Director, Rev. John Darku, had earlier announced the Calabar crusade, explaining that the programme was designed to complement the evangelistic and discipleship efforts of churches in Cross River.
Darku said converts from the outreach would be connected with local churches for continued discipleship and spiritual growth.
“The intention is not to compete with the churches. We want to support the churches by reaching people with the gospel and ensuring that those who respond are connected to local congregations for continued discipleship,” Darku said.
He also noted that the influx of visitors could stimulate economic activity in Calabar, with hotels, restaurants, transport operators, traders, artisans and other businesses expected to benefit from increased patronage.
Evangelist Daniel Kolenda,who took over from renowned German Evangelist,Reinhard Boonke as President of CfaN, is expected to minister during the crusade.
As preparations gather momentum, Ogar’s mobilisation drive is expected to strengthen collaboration among Christian leaders and encourage wider participation in the four day gospel outreach.