More churches in Nigeria have announced the adjustment of their service schedules in response to state authorities suspending social and religious gatherings of over 50 persons to curtail the spread of COVID-19.
The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) and Daystar Christian Centre, both in Lagos, are two megachurches which Thursday adjusted their service schedules.
Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal church, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), had on Wednesday night altered its service times.
The Lagos State Government on Wednesday announced the suspension of social and religious gatherings of over 50 people as part of the measures to curtail the COVID-19 pandemic.
Of the 12 confirmed cases of the disease in Nigeria, 11 were recorded in Lagos while the remaining one was recorded in Ekiti State.
In a memo titled: “Interim arrangement for ministerial services in Lagos and Ogun states MFM Regions” by its Assistant General Overseer (Administration), Pastor Obesan Adebambo, the MFM said it had cancelled all services in all its parishes in Lagos and the neigbouring Ogun State.
The church, which is led by Pastor Daniel Olukoya, also directed that all house fellowship meetings at any centre be postponed until further notice.
“No services including deliverance ministrations must hold in any of MFM branches at all levels in the Region under your supervision until further notice.
“Likewise, all house fellowship meetings at any of the centres are postponed till further notice.
“All members are to engage in 30 days Personal Prayer Retreat, beginning from Sunday 22nd March 2020 to Monday 20th April 2020 and the prayer booklet would be made available free.
“Church premises should not be opened to members/worshippers for services. However, pastors/ministers must be positioned at the church entrance gates to attend to the uniformed members, anoint them and hand Personal Prayer Retreat booklet over to them.
“Personal Prayer Retreat prayer points can also be downloaded from MFM website.”
Pastor Obesan also said in the interim ministration on video would be streamed live from the international headquarters of the church and enjoined members to hook up to an online page: htt://mountainoffire.org/message.
He also provided other online platforms to include MFM YouTube, streaming faith player, azure and audio-only player, MFM Facebook channel and MFM television.
On its part, Daystar Christian Centre headed by Rev. Sam Adeyemi, in a circular on Thursday, suspended physical services and adopted online services.
It said “from the 21st of March, 2020, the church will not hold physical gathering for worshippers in the following branches – Oregun, Lekki, Ikorodu and Badagry till further notice.”
The church said service would henceforth be held online on designated platforms on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays.
It also announced the suspension of launch of a satellite centre that was planned to be held this weekend and that a new date for the event would be announced.
“Following the directive of the Lagos State government to restrict public gathering for religious activities with more than 50 worshippers over the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken some measures to comply for the safety of all while maintaining our unique experience,” the statement said.
“From the weekend of March 21st, Daystar Christian Centre will not hold physical gathering for worshippers of our locations in Oregun, Lekki, Ikorodu abd Badagry centres till further notice. The Daystar experience will henceforth hold online on Saturday (6pm_Sundays (7am, 8:45am, 10:30am, 12:15pm) and Wednesday (6pm) only online.
“Christ, Our Passover, has been sacrificed for us (I Corinthians 5:7) As the blood of the lamb activated God’s covenant protecting his people. God’s mercy through the blood of Christ will cause this plague to pass over our families.”
Founder, Synagogue of All Nations, SCOAN, Prophet T.B. Joshua, enjoined church members to adhere to the instructions of the government, saying government was appointed by God and therefore should be obeyed.
The statement made available on the Church’s Facebook page read: “Viewers, listen to your government and obey the instructions given to you. For example, instructions concerning gathering at this time.
“They are authorities established by God (Romans 13). A good Christian is a good citizen. Whatever life brings, you are not alone. We are on our knees praying for you and your nation.
“God bless you as you obey. Jesus is Lord!”