Bishop Lauds Amaechi Over Pilgrimage

The Bishop of Christ Healing Church of Nigeria, Port Harcourt/Ikot Abasi Diocese, Rt. Rev. (Dr) Benjamin Obomanu (JP), has commended the Rivers State governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for his commitment to the spiritual growth of Christians in the state through the sponsorship of the annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

Obomanu, who made this known in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt, Sunday, said that as more Christians perform the pilgrimage, they would be influenced by good Christian virtues to impact positively on society.

He, therefore, charged Christians intending to perform the 2009 pilgrimage to exhibit the fear of God and shun the temptation to indulge in dirty practices, including absconding from the Holy and which could tarnish the image of the state and Nigeria.

The man of God stated that it was imperative for intending pilgrims to prepare themselves spiritually and not see the pilgrimage as a jamboree or look for any other benefits from it outside spiritual blessings.

“The sites to be visited are holy places that require enough spiritual preparations from intending pilgrims,” he said.

In answer to a question, the Bishop said it was necessary for intending pilgrims under the banner of the various churches to be screened and prepared for the exercise.

He lauded past pilgrims from the state for conducting themselves well during the exercise in the Holy Land and called for prayers for the success of this year’s pilgrimage.