NAN-H-16
Virtues
By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, Oct. 22, 2016 (NAN) Pastor Emmanuel Famuyide, the Superintendent, District Church Council (DCC) of Christ Apostolic Church(CAC), Ayetoro, Ibadan, has urged world leaders to emulate the virtues of the late South African President, Nelson Mandela.
He made the call on Saturday at the 36th Church Anniversary and Investiture/Consecration
of Deacons and Deaconesses of CAC, Orisun-Ife headquarters, Ibadan.
Famuyide in his sermon on the theme, “Follow the Master, ” said that the late Mandela during his lifetime exhibited great virtues of leadership that was worthy of emulation by world leaders.
“Mandela was an unparalleled world leader who exhibited the heart of forgiveness and love.
“ He was a great leader who did not uphold greed.
“He served a 27-year prison term in the cause of fighting against oppression. After his release from prison, he became the South African President and forgave his enemies,’’ he said.
The cleric, who stated that many African leaders today, were dealers and not leaders urged them to embrace the art of giving and forgiveness.
“We have dealers and not leaders in our society today. In Nigeria, God has began to deal with those leaders who make Nigerians suffer the benefit of our common wealth.
“It is going round and will get to everywhere, including our congregations and places of worship.
“ Any man who fails to embrace the art of giving and forgiving, will not make heaven,” he added.
Famuyide lamented the deplorable state of infrastructure in the country, urging leaders to promote better living standards in the society.
Addressing the newly ordained deacons and deaconesses, he stated that God had ordained man to thread the righteous path, urging them to develop themselves spiritually.
He said Nigerians do not thread the righteous path until overwhelmed by problems, adding that God was not an author of confusion.
“God showers His mercies and blessings on those who see his face and serve Him. You are enjoined to be steadfast and to use your new positions to serve God,’’ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured special prayers for the country, CAC and the congregation.
NAN reports that 25 new deacons and deaconesses were ordained, among whom were 11 deacons and 14 deaconesses
Among the new deacons was Mr Aderogba Adeloye, the Nigerian Pilot Correspondent in Oyo State. (NAN)
TAA/OJO
=======
(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)