By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Archbishop, Province of the Niger, Anglican Communion and Bishop of Awka Anglican Diocese, Bishop Alexander Ibezim, has charged priests in the diocese not to abandon members of their congratulations as the COVID-19 pandemic persisted.

He said their parishioners needed their care and prayers now, more than ever, while noting that “Coronavirus as well as hunger, isolation and poverty are not unto death,” stressing that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

Delivering his sermon in a special broadcast message titled ‘This sickness is not unto death,’ the cleric regretted the level of hunger and starvation the lockdown had exposed the citizens to.

He said: “The timetable of your life is not in your enemies’ hands. If there was any time the parishioners should be catered for, it is now. Our priests and pastors should keep praying for their people, at the same time assisting them with foodstuffs to ensure they don’t die of hunger.”

The cleric urged Christians not to relent in their faith in God in the midst of the ravaging Coronavirus pandemic, saying that it would soon be over.

Drawing reference from the story of Lazarus as recorded in John 11:1ff, Ibezim noted that even though the bible was not specific on the nature of sickness he suffered, Lazarus resurrection to live was a proof to God's power over sickness and death.

He added: “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 and 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.

“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.”

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