Maduako igbokwe I Sunday, April 19, 2020
ONITSHA, Anambra, Nigeria – Archbishop, Province of the Niger, Anglican Communion, and Bishop of Awka Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Alexander Ibezim has charged priests in the diocese not to abandon members of the congregation as the lockdown brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic has persisted.
He said parishioners needed their care and prayers now more than ever. Delivering his sermon in a special broadcast message titled “This sickness is not unto death”, Archbishop Ibezim regretted the level of hunger and starvation, the lockdown has brought on the citizens.
According to him, there is need for us to show love and support for one another. He said, “If there was any time the parishioners should be catered for, it is now. Our Priests and Pastors should keep praying for the 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.”
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Drawing reference from the story of Lazarus as recorded in John 11: 1, Archbishop Ibezim noted that even though the Holy Bible was not specific on the nature of sickness he suffered, Lazarus’ resurrection to live was proof of God’s power over sickness and death.
According to him “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.
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“There’s still hope for you, your business, career, studies in the midst of adversities. All our 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”, he said.
