The coalition of Sabbath Youths of Nigeria has called on the federal government to stop linking them to groups agitating to be excised from Nigeria because of their attire, saying that Sabbath Day observance has been existing from the creation.
Sabbath Day worshipers are Christian groups that observe their days on Saturday’s instead of Sundays.
The group made the call during their youth combined service and thanksgiving held at the Light of Christ Sabbath Mission, Nnewi, in Nnewi North Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra State.
They also appealed to the government to consider that they had not less than 7 million members across Nigeria by not fixing elections and examinations on Saturdays which happen to be their worship days.
They, however, cited Exodus 20 verse 8 that says “remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy’’.
In a sermon entitled: “Gratitude to God’’, Apostle James Owen enumerated reasons for thanking God, which include God’s benevolence, mercy, healing, deliverances and renewing of His people.
He reminded them about the plan of the devil, which was always to destroy, but God had always frustrated such plans.
In his message of appreciation, the General Overseer of the Light of Christ Sabbath Mission, Nnewi, Rev. Lucky Ufondu thanked God for saving his life from the Coronavirus pandemic in the U.S.
Rev. Ufondu lamented the high level of crime and criminalities in the world, attributing it to economic crises that had put pressure on people to do all kinds of things to survive.
Ufondu, then, prayed for Anambra state and Nigeria in general.
The group later had an interactive session, where professionals in different areas of life brainstormed on ways aimed at empowering their youths from zero level.
Speakers like Mr Emeka Okeke, Prince Nnamso Nwafor-Orizu and Mr Ifeanyi Ivoke, challenged their youths to have a common sense, be creative, believe in God and be confident in themselves to better their lives.
Others, such as Pastor Nonso Onyeagba and Joshua Ikegwuonwu encourage the youths to identify their talents before choosing their careers.
They also urged them to be focused and never to allow anything to frustrate them while trying to establish.
The group used the opportunity to honor the founding fathers of Sabbath Churches.
A participant, Deacon Ifenna Odebeatu thanked those who came in their numbers to express joy that they had learnt how to show gratitude to God and how to be empowered for a better life.