By Innocent Phinan The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rev. Tor Uja, has disclosed that the flag off of 2016 Youth/Family pilgrimage to Israel would take place on 27th August, 2016 at the Pilgrims’ Terminal, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the head of the media unit of the commission, Celestine Oguguo, made available to our correspondent noted that the NCPC boss disclosed this in Abuja while playing host to the Chaplaincy Committee for the National Christian Centre for the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) headquarters who were in his office on a courtesy visit.
The NCPC boss assured the clergy that they would be key participants in the activities of the commission. He thanked them for their purpose visit to pray for the commission, the statement said.
He stated that the problem facing the nation today was only temporary adding that “God wants to heal our personality and to heal our manpower.” He said: “I want us to labour to mature this country beginning from the church.
He affirmed that “NCPC is more than pilgrimage; it has been raised by God to help stimulate the church”.
Rev. Uja further said that the commission would ensure that everyone who goes on pilgrimage will come back a better person.
He further charged the church to take the ownership of pilgrimage in Nigeria. According to him, “we will like all the churches to take over the ownership of NCPC and Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria”.
He appealed to the church leaders to begin the process of healing by forgiving each other and minister to those who are wounded. He further called on church leaders who have pending cases in court to withdraw it for the progress of the church.
Rev. Uja also hinted that NCPC was planning a church leaders’ conference in Jerusalem this year. He also stressed that the commission would make pilgrimage a holistic exercise diminishing viewing of sight and upholding spirituality.
Earlier, the Coordinating Chaplain for the National Christian Centre, who also was the leader of the delegation, RT. Rev. Peter Ogwumuyiwa, described the appointment of Rev. Tor Uja as a well deserved one.
He affirmed that CAN as a body had been working in tandem with the NCPC for some time now and would continue to synergize with the NCPC boss to ensure he has a successful tenure, the statement added.
