The General Oversees of the Redeemed Christian church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye has wondered if the monstrous covid-19 virus attacks people only in the night while recalling government directives in some states that churches should not hold cross overnight.
He made the observation during the Church’s special thanksgiving service on Sunday, January 3 at the church’s Headquarters in Ebute Meta, Lagos.
Adeboye who took time to share banters with the congregation said he was wondering if Covid-19 walks in the night stating however that it was important for the church to obey government orders.
He said, ‘nobody is yet to tell us coronavirus attacks people in the night because I find it funny that there was a directive that we should not hold cross-over night. When the directive came that we should not exceed 10 pm, I wonder what kind of cross over is that. That will be cross over to 2020. So that is why we decided to encourage people to stay at home and do the cross over there.’
The RCCG General Overseer observed that what is killing people most is fear. ‘There is fear in the air. Fear is a killer. Some people will die of hypertension because they are afraid. Coronavirus may not come near them at all, but fear can kill them’ he said.
While commending government for doing a great job in curtailing the spread of the virus he said, ‘When you ask a man to do a job only God can do, don’t blame him if he makes mistakes. When I heard they closed down some restaurants, I was wondering. What about those of us who go to buka (roadside eateries) how many bukas are you going to close? What are you going to do about people like me who eat boli. (roasted plantain)’
He urged his listeners not to be afraid declaring that God would take care of His own.
Adeboye however warned, ‘I do not say be careless. Wear your mask. We are particular about hygiene. Keep watching your hands. Do social distancing as much as possible. Obey the government. Wash your hands.’
He said however that he would not allow social distancing to stop him from laying hands on the sick adding that ‘The Lord told me loud and clear RCCG is my Church I can take care of my own. I will not be afraid. My God will take care of me.’
Adeboye further urged his listeners to be grateful to God for what he has done so he could do more. ‘If you’re ungrateful he can withdraw what he has done. Sooner or later you will need God again so be grateful.
Making copious reference to the Bible, he noted that Samson did not spare time to thank God after many of his battles but that the children of Israel gave God praise when God gave them victory over their enemies at the red sea such that when they got to Mara, God turned the bitter water to sweet.’
He assured that ‘any calamity that comes we will survive. God is the one who rules in the affairs of men. He can turn human wisdom to foolishness’
He said, ‘When I read that it will take 10 years to vaccinate people in the US, I wonder when will the vaccine come to Nigeria? We have no money. We have no resources but we have God. They expected us to be dying like that, but we have a God who says he that dwells in the secret place will be under the shadow of the almighty.”
