Gilbert Ekezie
Bishop of Lagos Diocese (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Humphrey Olumakaiye, has called on Christians not to despair, but should continue to trust in God, assuring them that the coronavirus, which is presently ravaging the world will also pass away.
He made the call in Lagos as part of his message to mark the Palm Sunday.
Olumakaiye said in the midst of COVID-19, Palm Sunday told all that the world is in the palms of God, pointing out that although, every beautiful plans of the people may have been altered, God’s plans are never thwarted. “God works through all things for good, including COVID 19 crisis. So, let us trust him that the pandemic will also pass away. Instead of allowing ourselves to be filled with fear, hopelessness, discouragement, dread, negative confession and disappointment, let us love Jesus again with the same kind of desperation, as he was welcomed into Jerusalem.”
Olumakaiye said the coronavirus is not a surprise to God, that the church worshiped him today in an empty Church. “God is in control. He has a plan to use even the worst tragedies to do amazing things.”
The bishop commended the Federal and Lagos State governments for their various roles in fighting the pandemic from escalating. “We commend the Federal and Lagos State governments, for all their efforts at putting a quick end to the disruption of our daily existence. Our special commendation goes to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for all the preventive measures he put in place to wage spread of the pandemic. We also identifies with all the good people who have contributed and continue to contribute towards the alleviation of the sufferings of the weak and the vulnerable in the society.”