Chairman, Anambra State Christian Welfare Board, Dr. Levi Monanu, has called on intending pilgrims to Israel to pick up their forms, on sale from today at the rate of N3,500, saying that this year’s pilgrimage will extend beyond Israel. The board is under the management of the office the deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Nkem Okeke.

Dr. Monanu made the disclosure yesterday at Uga during the farewell salute organised by the Uga Corp of Salvation Army Church for Major Stephen Ezechukwu, who is on transfer to Kano State.

According to Monanu, this year’s pilgrimage will also include a visit to Rome and Greece. He said that the trip would enable pilgrims get a first-hand experience of where Jesus preached, died and resurrected before his ascension to heaven.

“Grab this chance; take it with both hands it is a life changing opportunity,” Monanu said.

While describing Ezechukwu as a man that has love for doing God’s work, Monanu, who was also the preacher at the occasion, said he had known him for many years in the course of serving God.

He said: “I appointed him Chaplin of the Board because of his spiritual life and he did not disappoint me all through in the Board. He has also served God in various states like Jos, Calabar, Lagos and Anambra, among others.”

He urged Ezechukwu not to entertain any fear because of the turbulence in the North, having served God in peaceful areas in the past.

Muonanu said: “Put on the amour of Christ and be assured that God will go before you in Kano and keep watch over you.

“Many policemen in Anambra posted to the northern side of the country resigned their position in fear of uncertainty but the Lord will go with you and make way for you where seems to be no way.”

Responding, Ezechukwu assured that he would not relent or fear serving the Lord wherever he finds himself. “The Lord who called me in his vineyard would uphold me till my call is fulfilled in him,” he said.

Ezechukwu further called on all Salvation Army faithful in the country to be worthy solders of Christ anywhere they are, adding that Christians of the old worked in more difficult circumstances but God saw them through all tribulations. He expressed optimistism that the gospel will not die this time.

Ezechukwu, the outgoing Commanding Officer of Uga Corp of Salvation Army and Chaplain of Anambra Pilgrims Board in 2013, expressed his gratitude to the faithful in Uga and people that God used to make his stewardship memorable for the past two years.

The event was also used to present Mr. Ikechukwu Umeh, an APGA state lawmaker representing Aguata 1 Constituency, with a Certificate of Jerusalem Pilgrim as he did not receive his certificate in Israel due to a mistake in writing his name on the certificate.

Speaking at the occasion, Umeh said that patience is a virtue and advised that Christians should exercise patience in all their dealings.

“I got my certificate in God’s house. Though I felt bad when others collected theirs in Jerusalem, today I’m happier because I received mine in God’s house,” Umeh said.

He said that the present Pilgrims Board had being optimal in their service to the state and commended the Chairman of the Board for his efficiency and transparency in managing the affairs of the Board.

Umeh, the Chief Whip of Anambra State House of Assembly and a member of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, urged all Christians to avail themselves the opportunity of going to the Holy Land in order to develop a closer relationship with God.

•Photo shows a cross section of Nigerian pilgrims worshipping in a church in Israel during a previous pilgrimage.

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