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No Matter the Condition:The Storm Must Obey God — Pastor Yomi Fatimehin
Christians have been called upon to resist whatever storm that may stand contrary to the plan of God in their lives.
The message is contained in a sermon delivered by a Pentecostal Pastor, Pastor Yomi Fatimehin during the visit of the fourth batch of Nigerian Pilgrims to Israel, on Tuesday at the Sea of Galilee.
In the powerful message presented, the Pastor admonished Christians not to allow any distractions to hinder them from focusing on God as even “the storm must obey God”.
According to Pastor Yomi, the power Jesus demonstrated in calming the storm is the same power that has been deposited in us by God and as Christians, we must not allow any demonic storm to divert our attention as a church or as a nation.
At the Sea of Galilee, prayers were offered for the peace and unity of the country and our leaders especially President Tinubu and other government officials not to pray but remain still as the Lord will soon take away our burden as a nation.
The Sea of Galilee is an important destination for Christian pilgrims, as it’s where Jesus is said to have performed many miracles, including walking on water and calming a storm.
Pilgrims also paid a visit at Capernaum which was a significant town in the life of Jesus and his ministry. Located on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum was the base of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. It’s where Jesus performed many miracles, including the healing of the paralytic and the feeding of the 5,000. Peter and Andrew also had their home in Capernaum, and it’s where Jesus taught in the synagogue and declared, “The kingdom of God is at hand.”
At Tabgha, a small area located on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, not far from Capernaum, the pilgrims were told the significance associated with two of Jesus’ miracles: the feeding of the 5,000 and the appearance of Jesus after his resurrection. The Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes, also known as the Church of the Fish and the Net, is located in Tabgha.
According to the bible account, this church was built on the traditional site where Jesus performed the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish.
Mount Tabor, known as the Mount of Transfiguration, is located at Lower Galilee, just south of the Sea of Galilee. It’s most famously associated with the Transfiguration of Jesus, a pivotal event described in three of the synopsis Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
According to these accounts, Jesus was transfigured into a radiant form before the disciples Peter, James, and John, revealing his divine nature. The Church of the Transfiguration, a Franciscan basilica, is located on Mount Tabor today.
In Jordan, pilgrims visited the famous modern city of Madaba, located just southwest of the capital, Amman. In the context of the Bible, Madaba is referred to as being famous for its mosaic map that’s located in the city.
According to historians, the Madaba Map, known as the Madaba Mosaic Map or the Map of Palestine, is a 6th-century Byzantine mosaic depicting the Holy Land and its cities. The map was said to have been rediscovered in 1884 and is one of the oldest surviving maps of the region. It’s a significant piece of history and a valuable resource for understanding the geography of the Bible.
Also, pilgrims were taken to the Church of Saint George in Madaba. According to historians, Saint George is a Greek Orthodox church located in the heart of Madaba, and it’s one of the city’s most important landmarks. The church is named after Saint George, the patron saint of Madaba, and it was built in the 6th century AD. One of the major attractions of the Church is its mosaic floor, which depicts scenes from the life of Saint George and other saints.
The mosaic, according to history is considered one of the finest examples of Byzantine art in Jordan.
Pilgrims also visited the Madaba Institute of Mosaic Art and Restoration, an institution said to be one of its kind in the entire Middle East region, dedicated to the study, preservation, and restoration of mosaic art. The institute was founded in 2004 and is affiliated with the University of Jordan. It offers training programs in mosaic art, as well as workshops, exhibitions, and educational activities.
It’s also known for its work in restoring ancient mosaics, including those at the Church of Saint George and other sites in Madaba. It has so far trained over 130 students.
The last point of the visit was to Amman Citadel, a historic site located in the center of Amman, the capital of Jordan. It’s also known as Jabal al-Qal’a, which means “Hill of the Citadel” in Arabic.
According to history, the citadel dates back to the Bronze Age, and it’s home to several ancient ruins, including the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace, and the Byzantine Church.
The Amman citadel is one of the most important historical sites in Jordan, and it’s a popular tourist destination. The citadel offers stunning views of Amman and the surrounding area, and it’s also home to several museums and archaeological excavations.
The Nigerian electricity sector slowed in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024), with the electricity production index declining by 1.64% year-on-year (y-o-y).
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says this marks a reversal from the 5.55% growth recorded in the third quarter of 2024 (Q3 2024).
Average estimated electricity generation rose by 2.34% to 4,206.50 megawatts per hour (MW/h) from 4,110.47 MW/h in Q3 2024.
Similarly, electricity consumption saw a modest increase of 2.63%, reaching 4,105.66 MW/h from 4,000.24 MW/h in the preceding quarter.
This is as the Nigerian economy witnessed widespread expansion in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024), with 21 out of 22 subsectors recording positive growth.
On a quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) basis, however, the subsector showed signs of recovery, as the index rose by 22.50% compared to a significant decline of 49.46% in the previous quarter.
The broad-based economic expansion in Q4 2024 can be attributed to several factors, including improved business confidence, increased consumer spending, and enhanced performance in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and telecommunications.
The government’s fiscal and monetary policies, aimed at stabilising inflation and boosting investment, also contributed to the positive momentum.
According to the CBN, the improvement was largely attributed to enhanced gas supply to thermal power stations and the continued implementation of the Siemens Power Project, which has positively impacted power generation, transmission, and distribution networks.
Notably, the oil and gas sector benefited from relatively stable crude oil prices and improved domestic production, which provided a boost to overall economic output.
The data also stated that the non-oil sector, particularly fintech and digital services, also played a significant role in driving economic activities.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara speaking when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups in Port Harcourt.
Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that the ongoing political crisis in the state will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them.
Fubara made this statement when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his private residence in Port Harcourt during an Eid-El-Fitr Sallah visit.
Addressing the delegation, Governor Fubara urged them and his supporters to trust in God’s process, saying: “This season is one of love, sharing, and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers. As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose.”
He acknowledged that the current political tension might leave many feeling depressed but emphasised that supernatural forces may be at play beyond human understanding.
“No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that in the end, we will emerge stronger,” he added.
He reaffirmed his commitment to justice and equality, stressing that his administration envisions a society where no one is oppressed.
“We believe in egalitarianism, and if our beliefs bring us some pain, so be it. The most important thing is that we stand on the side of truth and righteousness,” he stated.
He regretted that he was unable to formally reach out to the Muslim community during their celebrations but promised that the relationship between religious groups and the government would be strengthened once the current uncertainties are resolved.
He also assured the leaders that their pending requests would be addressed after the crisis subsides.
Urging patience and perseverance, Governor Fubara drew an analogy from religious history, saying, “If God could be patient with Noah to allow even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains an essential virtue in our struggle.”
He also cautioned against falling prey to those who want engineer violence by fanning provocative acts, warning his supporters and Rivers people to avoid certain elements who sought to destabilize the state.
“Their goal is to create problems and deny people their means of livelihood. We will not allow that. We will continue to operate peacefully and respect constitutional authority to ensure that our state remains a model for others in Nigeria,” he concluded.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the Muslim community, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, declared their solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, assuring him of their prayers and support as he navigates the state’s current political challenges.
Alhaji Uhor stated that the majority of Muslims in Rivers State stand with Governor Fubara due to his inclusive approach to governance and his recognition of the Islamic faith.
He noted that unlike the previous administration that declared Rivers a 100% Christian state, Governor Fubara, upon assuming office, acknowledged the state as Christian majority while allowing room for inclusiveness.
Encouraging the governor to remain steadfast, Uhor reminded him of the Islamic belief that Allah rewards patience.
He said the present challenges align with the teachings of Islam, where the Creator tests His people through wealth, power, and authority.
He further called on President Bola Tinubu to review the emergency rule in Rivers State and restore Governor Fubara’s full authority, emphasizing that the governor has been performing effectively despite the crisis.
During the visit, prayers were offered for suspended Governor Fubara, his family, Rivers State, and Nigeria as a whole.
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) comprising junta-led Mali, Niger Republic, and Burkina Faso have imposed a 0.5 percent import duty on goods from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member nations.
The move further strains relations between the three junta-led nations and the ECOWAS, which they withdrew from earlier this year following a series of military coups and economic sanctions.
The AES, which began as a security pact between the military rulers of the three countries in 2023, has now metamorphosed into an aspiring economic union with plans for biometric passports and closer economic and military ties.
In a joint statement last week, the AES said the levy aims to generate revenue to fund the alliance’s activities.
The tax, which came into effect on Friday, applies to all imports from ECOWAS countries, except humanitarian aid.
The taxes also disrupt the free trade once enjoyed by all countries in the West African region.
The economic implications could be severe, leading to higher consumer prices, supply chain disruptions, and strained regional economic stability.
While it may provide short-term revenue for the junta-led governments, it risks other long-term consequences, including weakened regional integration.
ECOWAS has maintained that it will keep diplomatic channels open with the junta-led states until July, despite announcing their permanent expulsion from the bloc earlier this year.