The Kwara Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board has organized a welcome and thanksgiving service to honor those who went on a holy pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
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The event took place at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Heavens Gate Parish in Ilorin on Sunday.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of the state, Mr. Kayode Alabi, thanked God for taking the pilgrims to the Holy Land and back, describing it as a rare privilege.
Alabi charged them on preserving the gospel of light and comporting themselves with decorum and spiritual maturity.
“It is no doubt a thing of joy and success that out of those in Kwara state who desire this golden opportunity, God has counted you worthy of seeing the land of the chosen people, the land of the Holy Bible, the cradle of Christianity.
“You should, therefore, celebrate the rare privilege of being among the pilgrims.
“Let me remind you of the responsibility of the preservation of the gospel of light, your life must be worthy of emulation.
“Learn to comport yourself with decorum and with a sense of spiritual maturity as ambassadors of Christ and indeed Nigeria,” he admonished.
The deputy governor appreciated Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his continued support for the Christian Pilgrims.
“The state government is indeed very proud of your conduct while in the Holy Land.
“I do hope that you will sustain that opportunity in your day to day activities,” he urged.
In his sermon, Pastor Jonathan Olaade of the Redeemed Christian Church, Heavens Gate parish, said that going to the holy land is part of the benefits of God that the pilgrims had enjoyed.
Olaade said that giving thanks should become a lifestyle for the new pilgrims, adding that it will open doors and provoke favor their way.
The Executive Secretary of the State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. Anthony Gana, appreciated God and the government for the support given to the board and the pilgrims while they were in the holy land.
Gana commended the pilgrims for their good behavior while on pilgrimage.
He announced that registration for the 2020 pilgrimage has commenced, adding that the Easter Pilgrimage will be in April, while the Family Pilgrimage will be in August and the General Pilgrimage will be in December.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that among those present at the event was the Special Adviser to the Governor on Christian religion, Rev. Samuel Adedayo.