CHURCHES CAN’T AFFORD TO BE COMPLACENT WITH COVID-19
As the world faces a new wave of the deadly coronavirus, Churches in Rivers State have been urged to continue to observe COVID-19 protocols.
The Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Engineer Emeka Woke, said resurgence of COVID-19 in Europe is becoming a cause for concern around the world, and the people of the State cannot afford to be complacent.
Woke gave this advise today during the Adults Harvest Thanksgiving service at Ebenezer Anglican Church, Rumuowha, Eneka Deanery in Obio- Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State
“I want to reiterate what Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike had said, let us not relax and assumed that Covid-19 is gone, Covid-19 is not gone yet. For those watching international news, you will notice that there is almost a second wave in European countries. So let us not relax”, he said.
The Chief of State appealed to the leadership of the Church in Rumuowha and the entire State, to enforce Covid-19 prevention protocols. He also enjoined the congregants to always put on facemask, observe social distancing guidelines and other protocols of Covid-19.
“This year 2020, the numbers of persons who have died of Covid-19 is very alarming. People use to think Covid-19 infection is only for the wealthy, but, look at the numbers of persons who have died from March to date. But we are here and alive. What else can you give to God than thanksgiving”, he said.
Woke noted that the period of thanksgiving is a period to appreciate God for his steadfast love and grace.
“As Christians, we know that God values thanksgivings. That’s why His Son, Jesus Christ after healing ten lepers, took cognisance of the only one who came back to say thank you. Jesus had asked, were there not ten lepers that were healed? How comes it is only you that has come to give thanks? If Jesus does not care about thanksgiving , He wouldn’t have asked that question”.
He further continued: ” So let’s not see harvest like a normal ritual without any significance. For me, the period of thanksgiving is not a period of show off, it is not a period of how much I have, such perceptions are wrong. The concept of thanksgiving is the period of giving back. It’s a time to say God thank you for the gift of life and all you have done for me”.
He pledge to support the church to advance God’s work here on earth. According to him: “we will continue to contribute to the growth of the church”.
KELVIN EBIRI
Special Assistant (Media) to the Governor.
November 08, 2020.
