The Lagos State Government has urged intending Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem and Rome to shun all vices capable of bringing disrepute to the image of the State and Nigeria while in the Holy Land.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Toyin Awoseyi gave the advice during the Y2017 Dedication Service for Intending Pilgrims to Jerusalem and Rome themed "Proclaiming Christ By Serving The Nation", held at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa Ikeja, Lagos.
Awoseyi counselled the pilgrims to pray for the sustenance of peace and unity in the country, portray the image of Lagos State positively and resolve to be good ambassadors of the State and the country at large.
While praying for journey mercies for the pilgrims, Awoseyi advised them to embark on the pilgrimage with the intention of achieving spiritual rebirth by focusing on the spiritual aspect of the exercise.
The Permanent Secretary added that the only way the intending pilgrims could have powerful and life-changing testimonies after the pilgrimage is by making adequate preparations before embarking on the journey, stressing that holy pilgrimage started from the day the decision to embark on the journey was conceived.
The Acting Presiding Chaplain of the Chapel, Very Reverend Ayo Olu Oyadotun, in his sermon, stressed the need for the intending pilgrims to have truthful intention as they embark on the journey with the objective of experiencing a genuine encounter with God.
Reverend Oyadotun further advised the pilgrims to be mindful of their conduct while on the pilgrimage and desist from all acts that could make their journey to Jerusalem and Rome a wasted effort.
”You should have a genuine concern for God and make the decision to become better persons and citizens after the whole pilgrimage exercise,” he said.
The Board Secretary of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mrs. Yetunde Gbafe, counselled the intending pilgrims on the appropriate diet, the kind of clothing suitable for the journey and the expected general conduct before, during and after the Holy pilgrimage.
She highlighted other necessary details relating to feeding, sight visit in Jerusalem and Rome as well as the history and culture of the people.
