A 2-day Crusade organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) South-South tagged “The Peace and Unity Crusade of Bayelsa State” with the theme "Thy Kingdom Come", held from Thursday, 30th March to Friday, 31st March, 2017. Hosted by the Chairman CAN Bayelsa State, Archbishop Jacob Akpiri (J. P.), the crusade took place at the Ecumenical Centre, Igbogene-Epie, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The crusade was graced with the presence of some notable dignitaries such as his Excellency, Rt. Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson (Executive Governor of Bayelsa State), Archbishop Dr. Goddowell O. Avwomakpa (Chairman CAN South-South), Pastor Isaac V. Olori (International Director GEWC), Apostle Prince David Zilly Aggrey (Chairman CAN Rivers State), Archbishop Jacob Akpiri (J. P.), Pst. Dotimi Amatari amongst others.
Presenting his opening speech, Archbishop Dr. Goddowell O. Avwomakpa (Chairman CAN South-South) revealed that the crusade in Bayelsa was the first in a series of crusades to be held in all the states in the South-South. He ended his speech with a most reassuring statement “The church in Bayelsa is here to stay and nothing will move them”.
Pastor Isaac V. Olori (Int’l Director, GEWC) gave a sermon titled “An Encounter with Jesus” (John 3:1) focusing on Nicodemus’ encounter with Jesus. He told the congregation that when the disciples walked the earth after the death of Jesus, the Jews testified that they had been with Jesus. Therefore, whenever a man encounters Jesus, there is a mark.
Excerpts below:
Nicodemus was described as a Scribe, even a Sanhedrin - which was the highest class among all offices in the Jewish system. Although he was one of the rich men in Jerusalem at the time but with all his wealth and fame and position, there was a space that needed to be filled. No matter what we possess in this world it cannot fill the void Jesus is meant to fill in our lives. Today we see signs and wonders and think it is a manifestation of the presence of Jesus, but it is not always so, as the devil also works signs. We must instead look out for what is more important - salvation. Nicodemus came to Jesus, and Jesus did not hesitate to hit the nail on the head - the question of his salvation. Of all encounters, the greatest encounter is that of salvation. Paul says if any man be in Christ, old things are passed away and all things are become new. This is the experience of salvation, the evidence of newness.
Concluding, he illustrated the new birth as described in The Butterfly Christian by Apostle Numbere and urged everyone who was unsure of his/her salvation to receive Jesus Christ, be born again and receive the assurance of salvation.
