By Mary Mama Gana

Over the last three years, the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), has been organising a one day prayer and fasting session for Christians in Israel tagged “A Day With Jesus in Israel”,  where all the Christians from Nigeria come together to offer prayer for the peace and development of Nigeria and pray for themselves as well.
Last year, during the programme: A Day with Jesus for Nigerians in Israel, the Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, John Kennedy Opara declared that 25th October, 2015, would be a day set aside for all Christians in Nigeria to come together for a thanksgiving service to God for his mercies and faithfulness upon Nigeria.
Indeed, 25th October this year (2015), A Day with Jesus in Israel was led by no less a personality than the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, alongside some Governors: Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Simon Lalong of Plateau, David Umahi of Ebonyi, Darius Ishaku of Taraba State, Deputy Governors, Senators of the Federal Republic, Members of the House of Representatives, the Clergy and others.
Speaking during the event, Rt. Hon. Yakabu Dogara urged Christians to take ownership of Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria, according to him, “that is the only way we can secure its future”.
He commended Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission for creating a platform for Christians to come and pray for Nigeria in Israel.
Dogara stressed the need for prayers for the nation and individuals.
In his words, “Prayer is the only way we can seek God’s intervention in the situation of our country.
He emphasised the need for Christians to become change agents when they return to Nigeria; affirming that: “you have a role to play in helping the present administration to bring change to our nation”.
He added that Leaders should seek the face of God in ruling the country and not lean on their own wisdom.
In his remarks, the Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose also applauded the Executive Secretary of NCPC for bringing Christians together to pray for the Nation. He encouraged Christians to trust in God at all times because “God is always faithful to keep whatever he says”.

The Executive Governor of Benue of Dr. Samuel Ortom, testified to how God changed the story of his life through prayers. He urged Christians to pray fervently because “the prayer of the righteous availeth much”.  He stressed the need for NCPC to continue to present a platform for Christians to come and pray for Nigeria.

The Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, the Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong and Darius Ishaku of Taraba State led sessions of prayers for Nigeria, Families and individuals.

FROM LEFT, Gov. Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State in a warm handshake
with the Speaker House of Representatives, RT. Hon. Yakubu Dogara
(middle) while Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benuel state watches with keen
interest during A DAY with Jesus for Nigerians in Israel organised by
NCPC in Jerusalem recently.

In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), John Kennedy Opara stressed the need for Nigerians to be thankful to God for the unity, peace and progress Nigerians have enjoyed over the years. According to him, “we have come and show gratitude to God for all he has done for us as a Nation”. 

He urged Christians not to be discouraged with the challenges in the country, but contribute positively to the development and growth of the nation, adding that gradually Nigeria would attain the height God wants it to attain.

In his exhortation, the Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Port Harcourt, Pastor David Ibioyeme urged Christians to live an impactful life and strive to leave a good legacy for posterity, he urged leaders to be selfless and shun corruption.

 He further charged Pilgrims to contribute their quota to National development, adding that it is the only way we can achieve change in Nigeria.

During the event, thanksgiving and praises were offered to God for His mercies in Nigeria over the years, for the growth and expansion of the church in Nigeria, prayers were also offered for security, peace and national development.

There were great testimonies from pilgrims of God’s miraculous visitation upon their lives during the pilgrimage exercise. Some described the pilgrimage experience as “one in a life time experience” and desired an opportunity to visit the Holy land again. About 1000 pilgrims converged at the International Conference Centre in Jerusalem Venue of the prayer and fasting session with high-profile Christians leaders to intercede for the nation.

The special delegations were also decorated with their JP Certificate, after the prayer and fasting session in a well-organized JP Ceremony in Jerusalem.

The Dignitaries visited the Wailing Wall, which is in the old City of Jerusalem where prayers were offered for the leadership of Nigeria and also for the peace of the Nation, Mount Olives where David’s son Absalom wrested control of Jerusalem, David and his loyal followers fled the city via an eastern route, Gethsemane the place where Jesus prayed before his crucifixion, Zion Gate Capernaum and the House of Kefas, among others.

Mary Mama Gana is a staff of NCPC, Media Unit.