By Francis Onoiribholo/Benin
Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has admonished the 2013 pilgrims to the Holyland of Jerusalem to conduct themselves as Christians with holiness of mind in all ramifications.
He gave the admonition during a farewell ceremony for the 2013 pilgrims to Jerusalem at Government House in Benin City.
Oshiomhole, who was represented by the Head of Service (H.O.S), Edo State, Mr. Jerry Obazele, said, ‘the visit is purely Christianly, stressing that it should not be taken as opportunity for tourism.’’
According to him, “it is a holy mission for you and your family and for Edo State,” maintaining that “it is the hope of government that you go in that spirit and return in that same spirit.”
Also, the Chairman, Edo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Rev. Andrew Obiyan, said the pilgrims for this year 2013 to Holyland is restricted to Greece and Israel only.
He said that members would spend two nights in Greece before going to Israel, stressing that pilgrims would not be allowed to visit Mount Sinai because of security report.
Obiyan however said that “we remind you again on the purpose of this exercise. First and foremost is to see for yourselves what you have read from the Bible and to see the journey as opportunity to witness the atmosphere of the environment to pray for yourselves and the state.”
This year’s pilgrimage to Jerusalem has as its theme, “Pilgrimage as a tool for Spiritual\ Rural Transformation and Rebirth.” About 70 pilgrims of Edo State origin are participating in the 2013 pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
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