Bishop Wale Oke, President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, has called on Nigerians not to be dampened by whatever harrowing experiences, saying the birth of Jesus Christ has brought hope and joy for mankind.
Oke, who is also the President, The Sword of the Spirit Ministries, gave the encouragement in his Christmas and New Year message on Friday in Ibadan.
He said though Nigerians might be going through harrowing experiences, the birth of Jesus Christ offered an opportunity for them to commit their ways to God and be truthful in their earthly service to humanity.
He said: “This season, which celebrates the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ, represents hope and joy for all the people of the earth.
“So, regardless of the situation we find ourselves, this opportunity given to you and I on a silver platter, shows that we should be more than grateful by serving Him, the Almighty, with everything in us.”
The cleric also called on the authorities in the country to, in the spirit of the season, which according to him called for sober reflections, double up efforts in confronting the challenges facing Nigerians in all forms.
Oke said: “Our government at all levels should continue to work relentlessly toward making sure that our security, economic and political challenges, among others, are turned around for the good of the country and its people.
“Our economy should be knocked into shape by revamping it so as to bring down high cost of living in the land.”
On the coming year, 2022, Oke assured Nigerians that it would be filled with abundant blessings and joy for the nation and its people, particularly those who key into the programmes of God.
He said: “Though, 2022 will be a year of abundant joy, this will, however, be for those who totally commit their ways to God by being obedient to His ordinances.
“We must all endeavour to serve God in truth and in spirit.”
While praying for God’s provision and protection of people as the year is coming to an end and the New Year begins, the PFN President urged the populace to always live peaceably among themselves.
He enjoined them not to allow religion, politics or tribal sentiments to cause friction among them.
According to him, it is only in an atmosphere of peace, borne out of mutual love, understanding and respect that people could enjoy all that God has blessed the nation with.
“That also remains the only way to move the nation towards achieving its potentials,” Oke said.
