COVID 19 LESSONS FOR THE CHURCH…  Christians in Africa speak

Corona Virus sneaked in like a snake and coiled in a strategic place waiting to strike. The world saw it coming from Wuhan China but did nothing until it hit, and the hit was devastating on humanity. The whole world, including the Church, came to a standstill. A commentator wrote: “The pandemic caught the world, and more sadly, the Church flat-footed. The contemporary Church was unable to respond to a disease Jesus has given them the power to deal with. Covid 19 visited the Church, and the Church ran away! The contemporary spiritual leaders have raised spiritually ignorant members, gullible hero worshippers who trust their G.Os more than Jesus. No wonder they are now cringing at the mercy of a disease they could have easily commanded to walk out of planet Earth.”
Bola Adewara, editor of E-life speaks to a cross-section of Christians in some countries of the world on Covid 19 Lesson for the Church. Do they agree with the commentator? Excerpts from their responses.

WE PROVED OURSELVES A FANTABULOUS FAILURE! – Lanre Adenekan  (Nigeria)
God hasn’t spoken to or shown me anything about COVID-19. To my mind is just one of the pestilences (note plural) that Jesus foretold. Several have come over the centuries and gone. Epidemics are just one aspect of the signs of the end. This one has attracted so much attention because it hit the Western world more than anywhere else. Other recent ones haven’t overwhelmed them this. If it had been mainly in Africa, the noise would not have been this much. To date, we still have the HIV epidemic with us but no more noise. Other aspects of the end time signs include warped value systems, crazy liberalism, power to children, etc.

* Lanre Adenekan

On the second question, I agree, say 75% with the observer. Jesus was manifested to destroy all the works of the devil. And as the Father sent Him, so He sent us. In other words, the Church is supposed to police the devil. In this case, we proved ourselves fantabulous failure! Yes, some of us worship the GO’s, but my opinion is that the percentage isn’t that high. It’s just that those in such a category that we come across are so very bad at it that they leave us in shock- creating an impression of utter helplessness.
Lanre Adenekan,
Senior Pastor, Victory Chapel, Sagamu, Ogun State.

* Prof. Ezra Aniebue

CHURCH HAD NO INFLUENCE HENCE CATEGORISED AS A “NON ESSENTIAL SERVICE,” WORLDWIDE – Prof Ezra Aniebue (USA)
This particular pandemic is different because it appears to have several underpinnings of legal, political, economics, journalism and social impacts. No doubt, but this pandemic exposed the lack of strategic leadership and relevant influence of Church leaders in the areas of mass media, politics, economics and above all in the adequate knowledge and understanding of the Bible. For instance, the Church had no influence and was easily categorised as a “non-essential service,” worldwide. Pastors who disobeyed the instructions were simply arrested while their fellow pastors ran and did nothing. There were no Christian scientists, political heavyweights, multi-billionaires, legislatures, judges that stood up to help direct the governments and preserve the rights of the people.
In the United States, everyone knew it’s more than a virus, but most felt unprepared to handle the machinery that was attached to the illness. Emotional relief started among some pastors when a Christian in top government leadership stated he would take court actions against governors on how they are treating the rights of Churches… This perhaps added impetus to some pastors to start going to court and now few Christian governors in the US are stepping up to say, wait, the Church is an essential service.
Christians must start thinking about rulership and leadership….the world hates Christians and is looking for opportunities to get rid of the Church to stop people from worshipping God.
Prof. Ezra Aniebue,
University of Leadership and Sound Doctrine, Dallas USA.

COVID 19 IS RELATED TO SOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGY CALLED 5G
– Stella Okoronkwo (Cote d’Ivoire)
I do not buy the opinion that COVID 19 took all Christians unawares. A good number of pastors and individual Christians received the revelation that a disease will break out in 2020 and some of them shared it with their congregations and communities.
Books were already written about the disease many years ago but it seems those authors are from the kingdom of darkness. Some were mediums, witches or wizards or members of secret societies. I saw some of those books. The perpetrators have also been talking about the depopulation of the world. So I wouldn’t say we were taken unawares. It is clear that this attack was prepared by the devil and his agents and their network is usually a very organised one.

* Stella Okoronkwo

I believe this COVID 19 was to happen before now (possibly in 2012) but the prayers of Christians prevented them from carrying it out. I think that is why they added a strategy of social distancing so that Christians will not meet to pray collectively. This is because corporate or collective prayer carries a lot of spiritual power and energy like a bomb-shell that disturbs the Kingdom of darkness.
This is a disease that is not natural but related to sophisticated technology called 5G (fifth generation) that is ten times more powerful and faster than 4G. The Church cannot stop this. But many Christians prayed and fasted consistently for those who were impacted. Some risked their lives by going to pray for the sick in hospitals and they died in the process. This happened in Italy. In UK, a Christian cleaner prayed for a sick person and he recovered.
In China, a church whose members were all infected prayed fervently  and all of them became healed. Police people began to go them for advice. The church volunteered to do errands for those who could not come out to get supplies. All over the world, including the USA, UK and in Ivory Coast where I live, the Church is distributing food and medical supplies to the hungry. Without the Church and her prayers, the impact of COVID 19 would have been more disastrous.
Pastor Stella Okoronkwo
House of Restoration. Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

* Wale Adefuye

NOT ALL CHURCHES WERE CAUGHT UNAWARE – Wale Adefuye (UK)
What makes this pandemic deadlier than any in modern history, as far as I understand is the nature of its infection. A Covid-19 infection is generally mild, and many people don’t even notice they have got a virus and so go around their work, homes and supermarkets infecting others. The existence of the virus in its host without noticeable symptoms makes it a dangerous and formidable enemy. I have heard some claims that this is a judgement from God. I see no validity for such a claim in the New Testament.
Second question: one may have to look beyond the local terrain to realise it was not the whole Church that was caught unaware. Segments of the Church on earth are still busy fulfilling the mandate of Jesus to “heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”
Wale Adefuye,
UK.

* Dele Johnson

IF THE PANDEMIC AND GLOBAL LOCKDOWN TAUGHT YOU NOTHING, YOU ARE LOST LIKE THE PROVERBIAL DOG … – Dele Johnson (Nigeria)
God’s strength is in the clouds or airwaves. The enemy may operate in the air, but God controls the heavenly. The church is yet to take maximal advantage of the digital world, this the next move of God for His church.
Humans tend to derail from the most important things when we are most comfortable. In adversity, we become sober and closer to God. The Devil can orchestrate a massive evil, but God can turn it around for good and glory. In a global war against an invisible enemy or amid afflictions, those who put their trust in God always laugh last. Those who talk the talk but can’t walk the talk shouldn’t be taken seriously. At the centre of all these cacophonies is man’s inhumanity to man.
Finally, if this pandemic and global lockdown have taught you nothing, then you are entirely lost like a proverbial dog that cannot hear the whistle of the owner.
Dele Johnson,
Jesus Liberation Ministry, Lagos Nigeria.

* Afolabi Coker

THE CHURCH HAS BEEN SLUMBERING – Afolabi Coker (Nigeria)
I see the need for resetting of believers’ minds and the need for adequate preparation of the Church to meet with God, without spot or wrinkle.
Second question: to a certain extent, I think the Church has been slumbering. For leaders, let us dwell more on the word of God, preach that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. To the Christians, please awake unto righteousness, focus on the word of God, review your lifestyle and your priorities, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. To the Church, let us cry out for worldwide Holy Ghost revival of salvation, soul-winning, healing, deliverance, signs, wonders and miracles. As you are building your faith add to it the ingredients in 2 Peter1:2-11.
Afolabi Samuel Coker,
Settle Me, O Lord! Prophetic Outreach, Ilupeju, Lagos.

* Rev Upendo M. Likondi

CHRISTIAN LEADERS WHO SHOULD ENCOURAGE MEMBERS WERE THE FIRST TO CLOSE CHURCHES – Rev Upendo M. Likondi (Tanzania)
Here in my country Tanzania, the Church has played a functional role in encouraging members with sound scriptures, sharing with them literature on the history of pandemics. Our President, His Excellency John Pombe Magufuli said that: ‘’The government will not shut down places of worship over the Corona Virus pandemic because that is where true healing is found. Covid-19 virus is Satanic and cannot survive in the blood of Christ’’. This shows a leader who has the fear of God, who trust God. In other way, he has dedicated the nation to God.
Later, he went further, addressed the nation to take three days of prayers from 17-19^th April, regardless to their religious variations. On the 22^nd April 2020, the Ministry of Health called for national Prayers. The guest of honour was the Prime Minister, Honourable Majaliwa Kassim Majaliwa. Also, President Uhuru Kenyata of Kenya has called the Kenyan to prayers. They met in one of their national stadium for prayers. This is a real lesson to the world that there are leaders who love God and who trust God.
It is not true that the Church has failed to provide the answers. God revealed this pandemic to so many people before it happened, prophets like Emmanuel Makandiwa from Zimbabwe has prophesied in 2016/2017 on it. Maybe people ignored it. The contemporary Church is playing a positive role in combating with Covid19. Many Churches have organised programs of prayers, insisting the Church members to follow the scientific instructions because the solution to Covid-19 comes only from two sides, God almighty or laboratory.
Rev Upendo M. Likondi,
United Methodist Church, Dar el Salam, Tanzania. +255 620 392 390.

DISEASE AND DEATH ARE CONSEQUENCE OF HUMANITY’S REBELLION 
– Joan Campbell (South Africa)
I have seen a few Christian leaders saying that this pandemic is a specific judgement from God. I do not think we need to explain it as such. We know that disease and death are a consequence of humanity’s rebellion against God at the fall. Isaiah 45:7 says that God creates well-being and calamity, reminding me that He is in control of this situation and will ultimately bring good out of it.

* Joan Campbell

On the second question: I don’t agree with this comment. To say that the Church has ‘power over this disease’ and ‘should have dealt with it’ doesn’t make sense to me. As I’ve already said, Jesus has the ultimate victory over this disease and the death it brings, but we are still living in the fallen world, where we have to face the painful consequences of suffering through this pandemic. But as Christians, we do have the power of the Holy Spirit in us, so that we can face this with hope and grace and in a way that shines God’s love into the suffering around us. I have seen Churches and Christians respond in beautiful ways to the needs that this pandemic has created. Rays of Hope, a ministry at our Church put out a financial appeal, and the response was overwhelming. This allowed them to put together food parcels that will feed about 4,000 vulnerable families for a month! The Light of the World is definitely at work in the hearts of Christians, and that light is shining into the darkness of these days, drawing the lost to Jesus.
Joan Campbell,
Author, blogger, South Africa.

* Annette Kwashie

THE LORD HAS BEEN CALLING HIS CHURCH TO REPENT FROM THE LOVE OF MONEY THAT LED TO EXTORTION FROM THE FLOCK RATHER THAN FEEDING THE FLOCK – Annette Kwashie (Ghana)
Covid 19 has indeed shaken the world. Nobody has any clue to stopping it and the effect on nations, economies and every ‘vain and abominable’ things that men created for themselves and trusted in, has been shaken. Several times, the Lord has called His church to repent from the waywardness and the love of money that led to extortion from the flock rather than feeding the flock.
Church leaders are now doing everything to feed their flock with the word by all means and ways devoid of the constant reminders and sermons of monies to pay. The true church is now giving the message of hope and reflecting the love of Jesus to the world.  Indeed the earth has been shaken once again, and Christians are now thanking God for giving us a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Indeed, there is a REVIVAL, and things will not be the same again in the Church after Covid 19.
I agree with the commentator. We have been ‘given the power to trample upon scorpions and snakes and all the power of the enemy’. Wherever Covid 19 came from, has God not given us power over it already? But because only spiritually ignorant ‘sheep’ have been raised by ‘the shepherds’, Christians do not know what they possess, and we are all at the mercy of the world.
Annette Kwashie,
Hopespring Foundation, Accra Ghana.

ONLY GOD HAS THE FINAL SAY ON THE PANDEMIC. NOT THE PASTORS OR PROPHETS – Kolade Olurotimi Oseayo (Mali)
It is quite unfortunate that the world has contaminated the Church with fear, ignorance and uncertainties, and the declarations of the so-called believers revealed their naivety in acts and reasons. The mystery of the Scriptures and the power of the gospel can only be hidden to the heathens while the sons of Issachar will always discern the times and the season.
In Biblical days, pestilences and sicknesses have always been a sign of God’s anger and fury. He uses it to convince the sons of men of their limitations and foolishness to bring them to reasons. He also used it to affirm His sovereignty and authority over His creation because He is our maker.

* Kolade Olurotimi Oseayo

Covid-19 is a manifested finger of God that is postulating His wrath. It is a great sign for the Church and a chastising hand for the world. It reminds the Church that the world is not her home because Jesus will soon come to take her home. It is a fulfilment of an end-time prophecy in line with the second coming of Christ.
On the second question: I disagree entirely with the observer that believed that the Church is in the position to fix the issue of Covid-19 because God has given the healing power to the Church. Though Covid-19 has been used to scandalise the efficacy of the power of healing in Christ especially when some so-called prophets gave precise dates for its eradication, it does not erase the fact that the pandemic is Gods handwriting. It means that it is God that has the final say on it and not the Pastors or Prophets.
The world has not correctly understood that ” Nobody Heals but God “. It is God that decides who to heal at a particular time based on His perfect will.
When pestilences struck Egypt, the people of God were indoor. There are times God expects His people to stay indoors especially when He is manifesting His wrath and Judgement. In this situation, He decides who goes into it and who comes out of it.
Kolade Olurotimi Oseayo,
Missionary in Mali.

* Bola Caroline Aderele

I AM SURE NO DELIVERANCE PASTOR IS READY TO LAY HANDS ON ANY CHURCH MEMBER NOW – Bola Caroline Aderele (USA)
As an evangelist, I see this Covid-19 as a wicked spirit from the pit hell to oppress our world. Biblically, it is also part of the signs of end-time according Matthew 24:22.  I am not moved and I believe every elect should not be moved as well. I also see it as a wakeup call for believer. Going by the lockdown of everywhere and social distancing including Churches, this is to show that it is no longer business as usual for us. Gone are the days when Church is a place of refuge where you run to for protection. This is the time to be more committed to the kingdom business.
To the Christians who cannot lift their hands until their pastors or GOs speaks: this is the time for them to know their God and begin to do exploit. Your level of exploit depends on how much you know about your God. The kingdom of God is within us, so we have to do exploit within. I am sure no deliverance pastor is ready to lay hands on any Church member now. If you call him for deliverance, I assure you the response will be let us pray on the phone because of social distancing. But guess what, there is a great Shepherd that cannot be limited by any social distance. You better hold on to Him and know Him.
My message for the Church: This is the time for the Church to give back to its members especially the less privileged. Out of their little income, they have been tithing, donating and giving offerings. The Church should identify them and reach out to them. I wouldn’t say the Church has failed in its responsibilities. Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou has left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and repent and do the first work or else I will come unto thee quickly and will remove thy candlestick out of his place except thou repent. A word is enough for the wise my fellow elects.

SPIRITUAL DIMENSIONS OF COVID 19: Five questions for the Church

HOW TO SUCCEED WITHOUT CUTTING CORNERS

IT’S NOT RIGHT TO PREACH TITHES AND OFFERINGS DURING PANDEMIC – Brenda Ademoroti (Nigeria)
Since last year I had this severe stirring in my spirit that something was going to happen, but I couldn’t fathom what. In his yearly prophecy, Pastor Adeboye told us God is angry. I now knew why I had that

* Brenda Ademoroti

fear. God wants the world to know that He remains God forever. Most of us Christians are very fast asleep; we are not in touch with God. We don’t know how to interpret God’s moves and actions.
Covid19 is a great lesson for us all to know that before God, we are accountable whether we are high and mighty or very lowly. It’s time to know and acknowledge God’s supremacy. It can’t be compromised. We should all get on our knees and cry to God for mercy.
My message to the Church is that it’s also not right to preach about tithes and offerings in these serious times and moments. We should be able to reach out to our members and put a smile on their faces so that after the pandemic, their faith would be gingered to know that it pays to serve Jesus.
Brenda Ademoroti,
Pastor, RCCG Parish, Lagos.

* Olasoji Olaoye

IT BEATS ME HOLLOW THAT NONE OF THE CELEBRATED CHURCH FATHERS HAS A CLUE TO THE IMBROGLIO – Olasoji Olaoye (Nigeria)
Covid-19 is a divine whip of sorts upon the errant world. It vividly underscores the apparent limitation of man’s control on this terrestrial ball. It is also an undeniable pointer to the sovereignty and supremacy of God, the Creator. It is a humbling phenomenon that deflates one’s ego and makes nonsense of the arrogance of man. It shows how nonsensical and foolhardy it is to relegate the Almighty God to the background and to make the rat-race of the pursuit of vanity and filthy lucre one’s ultimate goal in life.
On the second question: it beats me hollow that none of the highly revered and celebrated Church founders and fathers, especially the renowned and so-called ‘great prophets’ of God has a clue to the imbroglio. They were equally caught unawares by the pandemic. They did not catch the wind of its impending destructiveness; neither could they speak the word of power that would stop it at its incipient stage.
For Christians, especially ministers of the Gospel, this is a humbling experience.  As it was during the time of Prophet Elijah who called fire down and stopped the rain from falling for three and a half years, shouldn’t we have an Elijah of our time who could speak a word of power to stop the Coronavirus? Unfortunately, many of us have lost ministerial focus. The craving for vainglory, the love of human adulation and the pursuit of filthy lucre has become our priority.
However, the Scripture says the secret things belong unto God. If God decides to punish humanity because of our wickedness, He might choose not to reveal His reprimanding tool to anyone, including the prophets. In the light of 2 Chron 7:14.
In conclusion, I think Covid19 and other end-to-end signs should make us feel more about death and eternity. The pandemic should make us draw closer to God and make us take the pursuit of righteousness and godly living our topmost priority.
Olasoji Olaoye,
The Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), Lagos Nigeria.

* Babajamu Adenike

LISTEN TO LESS NEGATIVE NEWS TO INCREASE YOUR FAITH – Adenike Babajamu (Nigeria)
In the early days of the pandemic, I spent some time in my quiet time to seek God’s face, because of the confusion and fear that came with it and secondly because I had a family member in one of the hottest countries. So I will just share a few of God’s words of comfort with me.
God’s Word to His children in this season of utmost fear is… be not afraid because rescue is certainly not just for my family members but for the nations of the world. He reminded me that I need a prophet over my life at such a time like this. What is killing the world now is not Corona Virus, not hunger virus but a fear virus, and until we feed our faith, fear will continue to hold us in bondage.
My family and I included special prayer time since the locked down began, and the more we prayed, the more my faith increased, and the more hopeful I became. Each time a person tested negative or is discharged, we would celebrate as we knew them. Then I added some thanksgiving to my prayer. I would thank God for the ones that tested negative, the many people walking about without the virus, or those being discharged from the hospitals.
I also encourage us to listen to less news. I listen to one news a day. And honestly what I hear in the report is more of who and who has been discharged. I, however, take statistics of the increases so I can remind God of them.
Babajamu Adenike,
Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

* Rev John Joseph Hayab

MANY CHURCHES BECAME LEARNERS IN HOLDING SERVICES ONLINE –  Joseph Hayab
The pandemic has impacted in a series of ways on Church:
It exposed Churches that are not online. Many Churches became learners in holding services online, collection of tithes and offerings, mobilising support for less privileged, Bible class, helping the less privileged and keeping constant touch with their members without a necessary meeting under one roof. Christians do not assemble only to give offerings, but the Bible tells us to come together to worship and appreciate God. Churches that have truly taught their members God’s words had no cause for alarm about their finances and spiritual growth during this challenging era.
Covid 19 has increased the number of cells, Bible study and prayers groups in many neighbourhoods since we discouraged large gatherings. Throughout Church history, the Church has always grown faster during the tribulation. Covid-19 may just be another blessing coming to the Church very soon.
On Evangelism, the Church is winning more souls now because some people who don’t go to Church before now are beginning to acknowledge the supremacy of God. Many of them joined small prayer cell groups in their neighbourhood to pray and draw near to God. A critical responsibility of the Church is that of caring for the brethren. Many Churches are taking this responsibility seriously more than before. They are now providing food support. Many of them are also encouraging members and neighbours who are living in fear because of the curfew and negative stories they hear about the virus.
However, Covid-19 brought a serious challenge to Church whereby many interrogated the Church leadership about their genuine love for the flocks over some preachers calling for offerings and tithes during the pandemic. Many people saying this do not have information about what many Churches are doing for their members.
Rev John Joseph Hayab,
Chairman, CAN Kaduna State, Nigeria.

* James O Ogbaji

WE HAVE REALISED THAT THE TEMPLE OF WORSHIP IS THE HUMAN BEING, NOT THE PHYSICAL BUILDINGS – James O Ogbaji
Some discovered their hidden gifts while others developed their scripts, book and other contents. Some dust their abandoned files and or projects while others used the period to work on their excess weight and saw the need to engage in regular exercise. Some moved their businesses, Churches, and or organizations online as others gave to charity and discovered their calling in that regard. Also, some troubled homes have embraced peace.
Importantly, Christ was preached across the globe on the same platform some people thought the devil brought to distract the body of Christ. Also, the government of nations discovered their bankruptcy. In Nigeria, we now know how useless our data are with NCC, National Identify Management Commission, INEC and other agencies. We now see the value of education plus a sound health system.
Some have realised that when the worst comes, the most important people in their life are the people they are locked down with and not necessarily all the crowd in the form of colleagues, Church members, mates, peer group, friends, etc.
Above all, we have realised that the temple of worship is us. We are the Church, not the physical buildings. The exotic cars, the monumental houses, quality clothes, expensive jewellery, etc. won’t matter one day… Only Jesus will.
James O Ogbaji,
President and Founder at TATIM DRAMA, Lafia, Nasarrawa Nigeria.

* Chris Kasiari

MANY GOS WERE NOT HAPPY WITH THE LOCKDOWN BECAUSE THEIR SOURCES OF LIVELIHOOD WAS THREATENED – Chris Kasiari
1. World powers became powerless. Corrupt governments and persons saw it as an avenue to get rich. More Churches were forced to embark on humanitarian services, something some would ordinarily not do. Many Churches and GOs were caught napping and were not happy with the lockdown not because they love God that much, but their source of livelihood was threatened.
Second question: I don’t see this as a threat or challenge to our faith or that the Church is unable to respond to the disease. Some of the survival of this virus could have been as a result of prayers by their families, friends and even Pastors. I have seen persons on their dying bed where their sickness defiled all drugs and treatment, but after a series of prayers, they began to respond positively and came out eventually. I have seen cases where a diagnosis could not even be made until voices were lifted up to God. But come to think of it, is the works of healing and performing miracles restricted to Pastors alone?
This brings me to the realisation that many Christians are just Church goers, and many Pastors have failed to groom their members to be as the Christians in the Bible. Obviously many Pastors have made their members believe that only they can heal and do miracles, so their members see them as talk and do. Any member of the body of Christ can receive the anointing without being a pastor.
Furthermore, this pandemic has exposed the GO’s who have zero financial discipline and intelligence. They blow the money as it comes in, no investment for the Church. Now the Church has closed for over five weeks, many of them have no money even to assist the vulnerable in their respective assemblies.
Chris Kasiari,
Grace Chapel, Ikeja, Lagos Nigeria.

* Bunmi Oke

THE SPEED OF CHANGES IN THE WORLD SHOWS THAT WE MUST HUMBLE OURSELVES BEFORE GOD – Bunmi Oke
There is a time and season for everything. There is a time for GOs to lead their congregations to the Lord and a time for the congregation to be weaned off milk and start to eat meat. Just like parents and children, there is a time for self-accountability as adults. All mature Christians should be ready to be self-accountable for their faith in Christ as individuals. There is no tabernacle or cloak to hide under.
Besides, men of God are still men, with mortal bodies, prone to sin. Yet, God sent them with messages, but Christians have elevated and equated the “messengers” with “the message”. May God give us the spirit of discernment. These Church buildings have their time and purpose, and now, God who owns everything on earth is “re-setting” how these “Tabernacles” will be used post-Covid 19.
My message to Christians is that this is a time for us to renew our faith in God. The speed, with which the world is being reset with nobody being able to predict the future of the world order after Covid 19, shows that man must humble himself to the real creator of the Heavens and the Earth.
Bunmi Oke,
CEO/Lead Consultant, Ladybird Limited, Lagos Nigeria.

* Oluwasina Olumuyiwa

THE CHURCH IS CAPABLE OF HEALING, BUT NO ONE CAN STOP PESTILENCES IN THESE LAST DAYS BECAUSE MORE ARE STILL COMING – Oluwasina Olumuyiwa
Covid 19 is a sign of the end-time and warning on the last days (Mt 24:3, 7-8) The fact that a similar pandemic occurred around 1918 notwithstanding, that was a warning just as Covid 19 is a warning because a thousand years is just a day with God (2 Peter 3:8).
Secondly, God is using it to punish the nations for their sinful acts and thirdly, to break the pride of the countries who thought technology and science could do all things and that there is nothing the world cannot invent or achieve without the living God. When men or nations become proud, God can strike them with pestilence in His wrath, and no mortal can find a solution to it until they cry to God who will stop the pestilence once His wrath is pacified, once men become sober and repentant as in the case of David, Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar.
Africa is spared somehow because Africa is nearer and closer to God and more prayerful and does not allow immorality and not full of pride like the developed nations.
The person whom you quoted only knows God but does not know His ways and acts. The Church cannot heal all people with the pandemic by going to isolation centres. Jesus never healed that way; neither did the apostles. It is those that need healing and believes in the power of Christ to heal that brings the sick for healing.
They brought many to Jesus for healing, even when there were multitudes, only a woman with the issue of blood was healed. There were many sick folks at the pool; Jesus healed just one and left; they brought many sick people out and lay them on the shadow of Peter for healing. There were many lepers in Israel, yet only Naaman came from a foreign country (Syria) for healing. Elisha could heal leprosy, but he didn’t go out and start healing every one of them. Those who want healing must come, and they will be healed.
There are still true men of God. God is still healing people today, and anyone infected with coronavirus can be healed but not all but only those who have faith. The Church is capable and ready, but no one can stop pestilences in these last days because more are still coming.
Dr. Oluwasina Olumuyiwa,
Jesus Proclaimers Intl Ministries, Ikorodu, Lagos Nigeria.

* Sam Uka

COVID-19 TAUGHT ME LESSONS AND HUMBLED ME: DO NOT RELY ON GOD-FATHERS IN MINISTRY – Sam Uka
Covid-19 taught me a lot of lessons and humbled me the more. One of the lessons I learnt is not to rely on God-fatherism in ministry but trust GOD for everything; this does not mean that we should hate any man of God but to always remember that faithfulness to God and relying on His Word is better than any man. Through the pandemic lockdown, I saw that our faith as a people, is not deep enough to die for the Gospel and until we get to that level, Christians will never come together both in Nigeria and the world at large.I disagree with the commentator. Some gifted believers can challenge Covid19 in my Church, not to talk of me. The government did not allow us to face the problem with them because they feel money and technology will handle it. Unfortunately for them, they have come to realise GOD is the only in every situation. By the Grace of God, many Pastors and believers can cure Covid-19 in the name of Jesus Christ.
Sam Uka,
Fresh Fire Evangelical Mission, Ikorodu, Lagos Nigeria.

* Kayode Popoola

I CAN’T CRITICISE ANY PASTOR FOR HIS TEACHING. I CAN CHALLENGE THE WORSHIPERS FOR NOT SEARCHING THEIR BIBLES – Kayode Popoola
The Coronavirus experience is something that shook the world to its foundation. Be that as it may, the Lord knows about it, for it has been predicted as parts of the events of the end time, Mathew 24.
The word of God is vast, and His calling on each preacher is different, therefore I can’t criticise any pastor for his teaching. That is left for God. However, I can challenge the worshipers for not searching their Bibles to confirm what the preacher is preaching. Many of them are lazy or dull. For some, the devil is working in their lives so that they will not grow in faith. That is why many Churchgoers today believed in their pastors than our Lord Jesus Christ that redeemed them.
Kayode Popoola,
Senior Pastor, Triple Grace Assembly, Ketu Lagos.

* Kola Ojeniran Adex

TEACH MEMBERS TO PLAN FOR THEIR FUTURES, EVEN AS THEY GIVE TO THE WORKS OF GOD, THEY SHOULD KNOW HOW TO GIVE TO THEIR FUTURE – Kola Ojeniran Adex
One thing would be certain when the coronavirus is over: the Church won’t be the same entity that walked in it. I suspect this is what the pandemic is all about. Some of the lessons Church authority should learn are …
To build more of hospitals, encourage and sponsor brilliant science students. When Churches were closed, no denomination was mentioned yet every Church closed down. This means that we don’t need this division in the Church; no one Church is more unique than the other. Corona Virus joined Churches together in fate and faith. People of God came together in fasting and prayer, seeking divine intervention from one God that they once divided before Covid 19.  How beautiful would it be if this spirit could be sustained after the pandemic?
Churches should teach members to plan for their futures. Even as they give to the works of God, they should know how to give to their future. Don’t eat with the ten fingers. Members should be able to stand on their feet, in prayer, Bible studies and build their relationship with God in the absence of pastors. Though we worship God in spirit, yet we walk in the flesh. We must live on earth before joining the hosts of heaven at the end of the ages. So we should understand how to live in this world profitably and be a blessing as the body of Christ.
Lastly, I come to understand that God’s way remains the same, both in times of peace and times of war. God demands our faithfulness to Him alone, even unto death. It is pertinent to revive the home cells, rekindle the family altar, family reunion.
Kola Ojeniran Adex,
Apostolic Divine Church of Ghana, Accra Ghana.

* Segun Akanbi

WORSHIPING GOD SHOULD NOT BE ATTACHED TO A BUILDING – Segun Akanbi
I want to start by saying that nothing happens without the knowledge of God. Whether it was invented or it’s was a natural phenomenon, par adventure a disaster orchestrated by Satan to afflict the earth, this is a terrible mistake, for God has begun to use it for His purpose. (Rom: 8:28). It’s going to work together for the good of the world, don’t forget God loves the world. I don’t have the statistic, but I’m persuaded that many people have turned to God now that everything on earth has failed.
On the second question, I partially agreed with the statement. If I wholeheartedly agreed, I will be denying the fact that we still have faithful believers. Though they are very few, they still exist. The closure of Churches has not diminished God or believers, it has only boosted our fellowship with God, and it has enlarged the coast of the Church.  Worshipping God should not be attached to a building.
The Church remains the light of the world. Whosoever needs help must throw away pride and seek help; if the world turns to God for deliverance from this deadly disease, God will heal. The Bible says “come to me all you that labour. The helpless is to approach the helper. If Jesus is approached for healing and deliverance, He will surely do.
On my message to the Church, it is written in John:14:1 “Let not your heart be troubled, just keep believing God” (emphasis mine). Take off your eyes from this storm, keep looking unto Jesus, this will soon pass away. Hold on, be strong, don’t give up, help is near. Let your attitude be as written in Hab:3:17-19; no matter the situation, rejoice in the Lord for He is your strength.
Segun Akanbi,
Priest in Anglican Church, Lagos Nigeria.

* Mojisola Awaye

COVID 19: CHURCH LEADERS THROWN OFF-BALANCE  – Mojisola Awaye
Covid 19 makes me realise that being close to God is gain. Nothing in this world is worth holding tight to except God. My job, my status … all these fail to give meaning. It is only when you abide under the shadow of God that you are safe. I have seen the vanity of life when the rich could not save themselves with all the wealth they acquired.
Also, I am quite sure the congregation now know that they must worship God all by themselves. It’s now about you and God.
Second question: it’s quite revealing that the Church leaders did not expect this, but it came. It’s a lesson learnt. I am quite sure in their closets, they are praying that where they have failed, God should send help. They were thrown off balance because it was not expected.
Third question: my message is simple: Worship God in truth and spirit… Show your congregation the true God, not the motivational sermons because you have sinister motives. Finance is not enough to get people to heaven. Teach the congregation the true God and how to reach Him in any situation.
Moji Awaye,
Insurance Staff, Surulere, Lagos Nigeria.

* Bishop John Baptist Amoah

CHURCH WAS TAKEN OUT BY THE WORLD GOVERNMENT BECAUSE…  – Bishop John Amoah
Corona virus is a man-made disease backed by Satan. The Church was taken out of the scene by the world government because Satan wants to portray the Church as powerless. The grand design of the devil has been achieved but he should remember the Lord Jesus said He will build His Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail.
Bishop John Baptist Amoah,
Day spring Ministries, Asante Mampong, Kumasi Ghana.

* Dijies Oma Isaac

GOD SHUT THE WORLD DOWN TO LET US KNOW HE IS NOT JOKING ABOUT HIS WORD – Dijies Oma Isaac
With COVID 19, God was just testing the microphone online in real-time. He has spoken to you through the Scriptures and you did not listen. Matthew 24 talks about the perilous times and times of the end, but people who call themselves Christians do not listen. And so God has to shut the world down to let you know He is not joking about His Word because He watches over His Word to perform it. Though it may tarry, it will soon come to pass. Lots of people in life are now being humbled to know that scientific jargons are all rubbish. With all of your advancements in science and technology, up to this moment, nobody has a cure Covid 19. That is my takeaway from Covid 19.
On the second question: Covid-19 did not catch the Church flat-footed because God has already forewarned her about the events of the end time in Matthew 24 and Revelation. However, it is true that the Church has shifted its focus from God unto material things, they are more focused on prosperity, properties, and structures more than Scripture. The Church is not reading the good Book to learn anything, no longer sensitive to the things of the spirit, they are more concerned with my building is bigger than yours, my aircraft is better than yours. If you don’t drive a certain car, you have no anointing or God is not with you. Covid-19 is a wake-up call to the Church, leaders and members, to shift their paradigm from the things of the world to the things of God. I hope they’re taking note, I hope they don’t go back to business as usual after this time.
Dijies Oma Isaac,
Beatitudes Christian Centre, Sango Lagos Nigeria.

* Wilson Idemudia

HOSPITALS OPENED, CHURCHES CLOSED. NO WONDER FIGURES KEEP SOARING – Pastor Wilson Idemudia
This is a time of total reset for the whole world. Only those built on the Word can weather the storms of life and come out of this plague. An end has come to the apotheosis and deification of Church leaders.
On the second Question: I do not agree with the commentator. If anything, the Church as a body was shut out of the solution to this plague. Those who opened Churches at the beginning of the lockdown were called names and mocked. Hospitals are opened, and Churches were closed, no wonder the figures keep soaring. There are testimonies of people who were removed from hospitals to Churches after medicine and science failed and received their healing.
Pastor Wilson Idemudia,
Assistant Senior Pastor, Joy Commeth Ministry, Lagos Nigeria.