Don’t abandon your congregation to hunger, Archbishop tells priests

By EMMA ELEKWA, Onitsha

Archbishop, Province of the Niger, Anglican Communion, and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Rt. Rev. Alexander Ibezim has charged priests in the diocese not to abandon members of their congratulations as the COVID-19 pandemic persisted.

He said their parishioners needed their care and prayers more than ever.

Delivering his sermon in a special broadcast message titled “This sickness is not unto death”, the cleric regretted the level of hunger and starvation the lockdown had exposed the citizens to occasioned by the scourge, stressing the need for the love and support.

He said, “If there is any time the parishioners should be catered for, it is now. Our Priests and Pastors should keep praying for their people, at the same time assisting them with foodstuffs to ensure they don’t die of hunger.

“Christians should continue to have faith in God in the midst of the ravaging coronavirus pandemic. It would soon be over.”

Drawing reference from the story of Lazarus, Ibezim noted that even though the bible was not specific on the nature of sickness he suffered, Lazarus’ resurrection to life was a proof to God’s power over sickness and death.

He added, “Lazarus sickness resulted in physical death. By the time Jesus arrived Bethany, Lazarus had already spent four days in the tomb. It was an impossible situation. Yet Jesus raised him up.

“Most of us are facing similar situations today, hunger, deprivation, isolation, fear. To man, all concerning Lazarus was over. In this time of Covid-19, when there are deaths everywhere, I encourage you not to give up.

“There’s still hope for you, your business, career, studies in the midst of adversities. All your prayers, aspirations and crying to God is not in vain. As Jesus raised Lazarus up, so he will lift you up.

“This sickness of coronavirus, hunger, isolation, poverty is not unto death. There’s light at the end of the tunnel. The timetable of your life is not in your enemies’ hands.” (The Nation)