Christians urged to live peace and unity.

Accra, Nov. 14, GNA- Reverend Dr. Justice Ofei Akrofi, Anglican Bishop of Accra, at the weekend urged Christians to live peace and unity in order to have a calm mind to listen and obey God's words. He said Christians are agents of peace and therefore have the responsibility to live and speak peace at all times irrespective the situation at hand. Rev. Akrofi made the statement at a thanksgiving service to climax the 75th Anniversary of St.Bartholomew Anglican Church in Accra. The programme was on the theme: "Together we build for Christ in purity". He said life was fragile and that every minute was a gift from God, hence "we need to acknowledge the presence of God by giving thanks to him for his guidance and protection".

Rev. Akrofi said according to Romans 8: 28, God turns evil into good and this gives credence to the first persecution of the church as noted in the book of Acts 8: 1 where Christians were driven out of Jerusalem and in the process preached the gospel everywhere they went. He said the genesis of St. Bartholomew seemed to have followed the holy spirit-led pattern which God turn evil into good. Rev. Akrofi said one may not be prominent but can be bright in a corner where God has placed him or her. He urged Christians to take advantage of where "you are and make the best out of it".

Ms Sherry Ayittey, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, said Christians must cherish the life of saints since they are perceived as people who led exemplary life for others to follow. She urged Christians to respect authorities by obeying rules governing the country in order to live a united society. According to her, "we cannot love God when we hate our friends" and that our actions should win souls for Christ. Ms Ayittey urged all to manage and sustain the environment by keeping it clean.

Reverend Canon Ebenezer Nii Addy Laryea, Vicar of St. Bartholomew Anglican Church, Teshie, said the theme for the occasion offers the church a diamond opportunity to reappraise us as part of the body of Christ. He said as part of the anniversary, the church embarked on a health walk through some selected streets in the vicinity as a fitness exercise, and also to evangelize and raise awareness about certain social issues, such as drug abuse and cyber fraud.

Rev. Laryea said the National Medical Outreach Team offered medical advice on health risks and diseases to members of the community, while screening them for malaria, blood pressure and other basic health related issues. 14 Nov.10