As churches and other social organizations in the country fashion out ways of ameliorating the situation following restrictions imposed by the government over the threatening coronavirus pandemic, members of the Gateway International Church (GIC), Port Harcourt have continued to make good use of the mass media to hold awe-inspiring Bible Studies and Sunday Services.
Applying what is akin to the proverbial resort to flying without perching (since hunters have learnt to shoot without missing), the church for two weeks running, has remained strictly observance to the government’s directive on social distancing, running all church activities via the social media, notably on Facebook and YouTube platforms.
Pastor Izunwa has remained resolute in his conviction that the church will march on and that the ‘gates of hell’ would not triumph against her.
“Coronavirus or not, we will worship God with passion again. There will be outpouring of the Holy Spirit everywhere. No devil can stop church because we carry church everywhere we are”, he declared as yours truly and family members stayed glued in ‘worship’ as the mercurial voice of the Lead Pastor oozed out of the radio delivering the first service on Nigeria Info radio 10.00 am Sunday, April 5, 2020.
“Anywhere the presence of God meets with us is holy ground and that includes our homes”, he intoned and charged the GIC family to turn their homes into a ‘Mini Gateway’ as long as the restrictions last.
Pastor Izunwa urged the church to be intentional so as to get the most from all the services, adding that the Christians should not be limited by location and should gather in their homes and be expectant.
His words, “During service, stop every other activity and focus on God as if you are physically in church. Always tune in 10mins before the service so you don’t forget; use a big screen if you can to turn your social media to TV; also watch on TV while still tuned to the radio and if you are listening on radio, please make sure the volume is reasonable”.
He went on: “Sing along and aloud while worship is going on. Dance and worship (our Maker & Saviour is watching!); declare aloud the covenant confession; follow the directions of the pastor (stand, raise hands etc when asked to) and take notes during the teaching”.
