Segun Babatunde, Bauchi
A cleric and Administrator of Bauchi Catholic Diocese, Very Reverend Father Raphael Agbata has urged Christians in Nigeria to unite, come together and have a common purpose on how to squarely tackle the challenges militating against the expansion of Christianity.
The charge was made by the Administrator of Bauchi Catholic Diocese, Very Rev Father Raphael Agbata while speaking at the dedication and launching of the maiden almanac /calendar of Bauchi State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) held on Sunday, at Bishara Baptist Church, Bauchi.
Taking his reading from 2Samuel 7:2-17, the Clergyman lamented that Christians are suffering today because of the lack of unity and togetherness among the Christian faith.
He stressed that, for there to be progress and development in the propagation of the Gospel, Christians must relate devoid of denominational sentiments and dichotomy.
On the CAN in Bauchi state, he stressed that it is only when there is unity of purpose that the set objectives can be realised lamenting that the CAN Secretariat has remained uncompleted for years due to the lack of unity and understanding.
He stressed that, just as David strived to build a house for God, Christians in Bauchi must wake up, pull resources together in order to complete the project at least to redeem the image of Christianity in the state.
Raphael Agbata also called for joining hands with the CAN leadership in the state in order to be able to provide effective and efficient leadership without which, things will not move.
He stressed that, “We should know that there is a positive reward from God when we give cheerfully. God does not look down on givers no matter how little the gift is. When you give cheerfully, we will receive in many folds.”
The Clergyman added that, “Time has come when we, as Christians must give from our hearts. We must emulate the spirits of David as King of Israel who desired to build a befitting house for God. Though he did not, he received the blessing of God for the desire to do.”
Earlier, the CAN Chairman in Bauchi state, Rev Dr Abraham Damina Dimeus lamented that Christians in the state are always shying away from supporting the expansion of the Kingdom of God through sincere heart of giving.
He further lamented that all the efforts by his leadership to get the abandoned Secretariat completed has proved abortive due to lack of unity among the members divided along the denominational lines.
The CAN Chairman however stressed that he will not be discouraged but will continue to strive with other members of the EXCO to do their best and leave the rest for God to complete.
Abraham Damina Dimeus said that the idea of the almanac/calendar was conceived with the aim of raising funds for the effective and efficient running of the affairs of CAN.
He also said that he will not be moved by the poor turnout of people for the programme neither will he be deterred from going on with the focus of EXCO in moving CAN forward in the state.
