Religion
FOLLOWING growing concerns on the COVID-19 pandemic, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Eastern Nigeria will observe a national day of prayer for Nigeria.
Pastor Bassey Udoh, President, Eastern Nigeria Union Mission (ENUC) of the church, made the disclosure in a statement on Wednesday in Enugu.
Udoh said the period would be used for members and the public to intercede for victims and others affected by the scourge.
He called on Nigerians irrespective of religious and cultural backgrounds to respect government regulations to stem the spread of the scourge.
Udoh also appealed to Nigerians to use the opportunity of the outbreak and locked down by the government to promote God’s natural remedies for healthy living and a strong immune system.
“Do your best to observe and promote God’s natural remedies to boost your immune system and promote healthy living – good nutrition, exercise, water, sunlight, temperance, and air,” he said.
The clergy further appealed to Nigerians to rest through adequate sleep and relaxation and to trust in God,
On measures put in place to safeguard members of the church during worship, Udoh advised all Adventist faithful to adhere to the social distance protocol of 1-2 meters.
“To achieve this, churches are to arrange to have multiple services in their auditorium. The number of sessions should be determined by any numerical restriction placed by the government.
“Compulsory hand washing and use of hand sanitizers shall be enforced at the entrances of all churches. Churches that can afford infrared thermometers and testing equipment are encouraged to purchase them.
“Seats, tables and other surfaces subject to human touch during worship shall be disinfected before and every church activity,” he said
Udoh noted that the church cannot out-rightly ban ceremonies like funerals, weddings, and others but would be guided by government regulations in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said that each field in ENUC, comprising of states in South East and four states in South-South regions would designate two to three COVID-19 coordinators at various levels.
“While we pray for God to preserve and protect our members, we encourage churches to prepare response plans for a situation where one or more members test positive to COVID-19.
“As we go through this pandemic, encourage our members not to fear or worry because God is still in charge.
“Pestilences and diseases obey His command and testimonies abound of how He protected His own in the past. He will do it again,” Udoh said.
It would be recalled that most state governments in the area have banned social gatherings and restricted religious worships to a number not exceeding 50 at a time. (NAN)
– Mar. 25, 2020 @ 11:15 GMT |
Tags: COVID-19: Seventh Day Adventist Church to observe day of prayer
