Preach against vices, Gombe deputy governor urges clerics
The Gombe State deputy governor, Mr Manassah Jatau, has enjoined Christian clerics to preach against social vices to make the society a better place for all.
Jatau made the call during the sent-forth service in honour of Gabriel Wayas, the outgoing pastor-in-charge of Gombe Province, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), on Sunday.
He said that with the spate of social vices there was the need for clerics to consistently preach against societal ills in their sermons to shape the society into what would be beneficial to all citizens.
He linked the happenings in contemporary times to what Timothy in the Bible described as “perilous times”, hence the need for not just prayers rather consistent preaching against the “evil” happenings in the society.
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“I am impressed that the overall desire of RCCG is to make sure that churches are planted five minutes away from your house and I am praying that God in His mercy will make that to be done.
“It has to be done because we are seeing more evil than before, and it means that pastors are challenged to preach without ceasing.
“Initially; we are told to pray without ceasing but this time, we must preach without ceasing.
“This is because the evil in the world, what we are seeing that Timothy in the Bible said that these are the perilous times; this is where we are.
“To the extent that people will tell you; I have no pleasure in this world, that is why sociologists, statisticians will tell you that there is no social being in Nigeria today.
“People are committing suicide amongst other things which were not happening to this degree in those days, therefore, you need to preach more and more,” he said.
Jatau, however, noted that Gombe has remained relatively peaceful and prosperous in spite of challenges bedevilling some states in the country.
According to him, Gombe State is experiencing development and peaceful coexistence by God’s grace in spite of the little revenue it is receiving from the federation account.
“For those of us here in Gombe would know that some of the things Gombe is attaining or achieving is by God’s grace.
“That Gombe is free from the serious insecurity is a testimony that God is in Gombe.
“That we have that religious harmony between the Christians and the Muslims is still God’s goodness.”
The deputy governor further described Wayas as diligent and hard working cleric, who delivered his mandate in the state in the past five years.
He said that Wayas had done well while in Gombe State, and urged him to continue to give his best in his new posting.
On his part, Wayas thanked Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of RCCG for all his supports to the church in Gombe State.
He also commended Gov. Inuwa Yahaya for administering the state in a manner that promotes religious harmony and peaceful coexistence amongst the residents.
According to him, Gombe State is a blessing to all residents of the state in view of the way Christians and Muslims are living in peace and harmony.
The cleric also thanked Jatau for always availing himself for any programme in spite of his busy schedules, “for this I appreciate him and thank him for all his supports.”
Also speaking, Julius Olalekan, Pastor-in-charge of personnel, RCCG, commended Jatau for his support to the church in the State.
“He played a key role during the Light Up Gombe programme as he personally received our Father-in-Lord pastor Enoch Adeboye; for this, we celebrate you Sir,” he said.
