Eruku, Kwara State — In a profound demonstration of courage, members of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, Kwara State, gathered for their Sunday service on November 23. This was just about five days after the attack
The church was targeted on November 18 during a praise night session, an assault that tragically resulted in the death of three people and the abduction of 38 others by the assailants.
Despite the recent trauma and fear, approximately forty parishioners showed remarkable courage by attending the service, which was monitored by Church Times in a broadcast online by Sobi FM.
A Message of Courage and Salvation
Pastor Bamidele Lawrence, whose own first son was among the 38 abducted, led the service. Preaching in the Yoruba language, he charged the small, courageous congregation to find strength and face persecution without wavering.
“Don’t be afraid of death. If you don’t deny Christ, the promise for you is that God will take you to a glorious home. That is why Jesus told us not to let our hearts be troubled,” Pastor Lawrence declared.
He described those killed as martyrs for their faith but assured the gathering that God’s judgment awaits their killers. “God is just being patient with the sinners, hoping they will repent. As Christians, we should not be afraid of death. In Christ, whenever death comes, it’s a plus. Don’t be afraid of death,” he stressed.
Pastor Lawrence urged the community to stand firm, be sure of their salvation, and resist the temptation to flee the town out of fear.
”Remove the fear of death. Those who have been kidnapped will regain their freedom by the grace of God. Jesus already talked about the persecution that will come on Christians… We don’t need to panic. We have to preach Christ. The apostles of old did not fear death, so we should not be afraid.”
Church Confirms Abduction Toll
During the service, Church Secretary Michael Agbabiaka formally confirmed to Sobi FM that 38 individuals were abducted, a number that includes three non-members of the church.
Agbabiaka explained that despite the pervasive fear and trauma, church leaders had actively encouraged members to attend the service as a necessary show of faith and resilience.
“As you can see, only a few people are present, but we thank God for life and for strengthening us,” he said. “We also appreciate the government for deploying security operatives who are now patrolling the town and the church.”
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