Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Lagos Chapter has expressed its deepest appreciation to all the church leaders in the five blocs of CAN in Lagos State for their patience, understanding and ceaseless prayers, during the lock down of their churches by the Lagos state government over COVID-19 in the past four months.
This was contained in a news release issued by the Lagos state CAN chairman, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola on the reopening of churches in Lagos state by the state government from Sunday August 7, 2020. It will be recalled that the Lagos state government had in the last four months shut down churches in the state as one of the measures of curbing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the state.
In the release, Apostle Bamgbola officially announced to all Lagos churches the reopening of their worship centres by the Lagos state government. “On behalf of State EXCO and Heads of the five Blocs of the Christian Association of Nigeria (C.A.N.), Lagos State. On August 1, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor and Incident Commander on Coronavirus Pandemic in Lagos State, announced a relaxation of the lock down on worship Centres in Lagos State with effect from August 7, 2020.
“According to the governor, the encouraging trend of the COVID-19 in our dear state facilitated this decision. We must therefore, give thanks and glory to God for answering our prayers. We must also thank our Lord God Jehovah for giving our dear governor the strength, wisdom, understanding and guidance since the beginning of this dark period in our state and nation,” the Lagos CAN chairman stated.
Apostle Bamgbola expressed that with the partial relaxation of the lock down, the state government was putting a great responsibility upon the Church in the state. He urged all the churches in the state to recognize that the coronavirus pandemic is still lingering in the state, and implored all church leaders and congregations in the state to ensure that they intensify prayer and intercession in ensuring that God totally destroys the pandemic and flush it rapidly of the state and the nation. Bamgbola further enjoined all churches to cooperate fully with the state government by complying with the agreed protocols in their own interest and that of the entire populace of Lagos State. He encouraged all Christian worship centers in the state to be fully prepared and in full compliance before Sunday August 9 2020.
“There must be proper monitoring and supervision by each denomination to ensure and ascertain full compliance of the agreed protocols. This is to avoid any embarrassment of sanctions by Lagos State government authorities. We The Lord’s Church in Lagos State continues to be the Light in this State, living and doing the Word of God as instructed in Romans 13:1&2; 1 Peter 2:13-15 and 1 Timothy 2:1-3, so that we may continue to “lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty” the Lagos Christian leader explained.
Apostle Alexander Bamgbola finally expressed confidence that Jesus Christ would continue to build his Church by the reason of his infallible word of covenant, and the gate of hell shall not be able to prevail against his Church. He prayed that God would continue to defend the Church, fight its battle and give total victory in Jesus name. “May it continue to be well with us in Lagos State and Nigeria at large in Jesus name. Our victory over this evil pandemic shall be permanent in Jesus name,” he prayed.
