2014 Christian Pilgrimage set to kick start – NCPC

By Evelyn Okakwu The Executive secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission John Kennedy Opara has stated that all is now set for the 2014 Christian pilgrimage to fully commence. Kennedy, who made the statement, while receiving pilgrims who returned from the family pilgrimage to Israel, recently added that with the successful signing of the peace accord, by the government of Israel and Gaza peace had finally returned to the region and hence the continuation of pilgrimage activities, as planned. “I want to thank God for using them to return peace to Israel, remember the day they were living, there were a lot of uncertainties, but fortunately peace has returned to Israel and we can now continue our activities as planned”. He advised the pilgrims to make good use of the lessons learnt during the period of the pilgrimage exercise. “My advice to you is that as you go back to your various offices, please be the Christ you want to see in others”. Speaking to journalists on the effect of the pilgrimage, the Federal commissioner of the commissions’ North central zone, Mrs. Hellen Unku Ugoro said the happenings in Israel during the period of the exercise showed that God does answer prayers.  “We went there to pray for Nigeria and for Israel and we know that God answered our prayers cause there was no threat to the lives of any of us, and peace has returned to the region so we give God thanks. And we pray that it remains like that from now onward.” Also speaking at the event, the Federal Commissioner South East zone of the commission, Rev. Dr Zion Solomon said the pilgrimage had positive impact on both countries. We left hear while there was still rocket being flown, but we prayed hear in Nigeria that there should be peace restored to the region. And shortly after our arrival, there was an end to the hostilities peace returned and the pilgrims visited all expected places without any hindrance”. A total of 156 pilgrims embarked upon this year’s family pilgrimage