Archbishop Dr. Musa Filibus Praised the Church in Arewa Diocese
The Archbishop visited Arewa
Diocese on the 18th of June 2017. The visit was his first official
visit to any Diocese in LCCN since his assumption of office as the Archbishop
and the President of the Lutheran World Federation.
In his speech to the church at the
cathedral in Kala’a the Archbishop started by bringing Greetings from the headquarters
of the church and the Lutheran Communion in the world. He said this was the
first official visit to any Diocese after he returned from Namibia. He thanked
the Bishop for giving him the opportunity to be visiting with the Diocese even
at short notice.
The Archbishop said the purpose of
the visit was to share in the fellowship and to encourage one other in the
vineyard of God as was instructed to the apostles to continue in fellowship
with one another by visiting and encouraging one another. He said with this
kind of fellowship the church today would be able to bequest a good legacy for
the coming generation. He also said that the visit was to have the opportunity
to discuss other matters with the Bishop as it relates to the progress and
development of the church.
The Archbishop said that he
identify with the church and people of Arewa Diocese for all the pains and
loses they incurred during the days of insurgency. He brought Condolence message
for the church in particular and remembered the families of the children who
were recently killed by an explosive given to them by an unidentified
terrorist. He prayed that the lord will give the families fortitude to bear
such lose. He strongly condemned the act of terrorism in the region and called
on the people to be more watchful and careful as there are still pockets of
terrorist hanging around. He condemned all kinds of bloodshed that included the
killing of innocent children.
He commended the diocese for works
in the church including discipleship and Theological Education by Extension
(TEE). He said in the entire LCCN there is non-yet that has such developed
Distance learning theological curriculum. The Archbishop also praised the
effort of the Arewa Diocese for their engagement in Language preservation
programme where they have continued to develop the Hoba language in publishing
materials in the language.
On the prevalent Unemployment in
the country, the Archbishop called on the parents and the church to join hands
to support the youths to promote entrepreneurial ventures among them. He said
there was no doubt that unemployment is increasing in the country and the
church is the most affected. He mentioned that the youths should not be
discouraged; they should be courageous enough and be resolute to do whatever
they find descent and legal to the best of their ability. He charged the youth
to desist from following those who will lure them with money to do what is not
right. He said they are not for sale. To the young ladies he urged them to be
determined to become useful citizen in the society and they should not let
themselves to be used and their future destroyed.
He called for unity in the body of Christ.
He said there is always need to be grateful to God and be aware of the fact
that Christ had destroyed boundaries of tribal, gender, and social differences.
He encouraged the church to take gathering of the brethren seriously.
The Archbishop called on leaders in
the church at all levels to remain committed to their calling. He asked the leaders
to be careful and do their stewardship faithfully knowing that they will have
to give account of their stewardship. He asked the church to care for her
workers and to support the leaders to make their woks pleasant.
On politics the Archbishop said,
democracy has come to stay in Nigeria therefore, the members of the church must
know their right and embrace their right. “If you did not come out to vote you
have already voted; because you have decided to accept anything as the outcome
of the election.” He particularly called
on the church members to ensure they have registered as voters as the registration
may be closed soon. He called on all Christians from all nooks and crannies to
come out and register. He also reiterated the need for everyone to get enrolled
in the ongoing National Identity Card enrolment exercise. He said they must do
this at the right time and soon.
He concluded by thanking the church
for the prayers, he said no organization will succeed without support of the members.
He thanked God for the Bishops for being ready and willing to give him the needed
support. He asked the members of the congregation and the diocese to do
everything as unto God.
