The bishops, who were speaking during their first annual plenary meeting at Maria Assumpta Pastoral Centre in Owerri, criticised the violent acts adding that there is “a climate of fear and mistrust” in the country.

In their communiqué signed by Archbishop of Owerri, Anthony Obinna and Bishop of Orlu, Augustine Ukwuoma, the clergy called on government to act “decisively and urgently in bringing to book the sponsors and perpetrators of this evil, as well as reassure the people on the security of their lives and property.”

“We share the pains of the victims of the recent bombings and killings by the Boko Haram sect. Our hearts reach out to them and their families,” the bishops said.

“We appeal for more transparency and enjoin every citizen of Nigeria to endeavour to be credible in all dealings. We should trust and make ourselves trustworthy. We should all work together to breakdown the structures of corruption and mistrust in our society,” the bishops appealed.

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“I visited Japan for the first time, when I was invited to minister at a summer camp,” the Pastor began. “You know, I always thought that Japanese people are very virgin and pure, but I was shocked by what I saw. I saw how people worshiped scary gentile gods and that they were serious doing so. I understood that they were in need of the Gospel, so when I returned to Korea my heart was burnt with desire to go their again. Then our Church decided to send a missionary to Japan.”

Pastor Seung-gil Ryu said that it is very hard and serious work to be a missionary and it needs considerable preparation. One should understand that he will go to another country which has its own customs and mentality. One should learn its language, culture, traditions and be ready to adapt.

“Six months later after my arrival to Japan, I was already able to preach in Japanese,” remembered missionary. “After nine months, I interpreted Dr. Jaerock Lee’s message during the Gospel crusade in Japan. Even now, when I listen to the record from that service, I find that I managed the task. I studied Japanese for two hours every evening. Then I went to the streets, spoke with people and preached the Gospel. I practiced my knowledge. Sometimes I felt as if my tongue spoke for me. I know that it was the work of the Holy Spirit.”

Seung-gil Ryu noted that it is very difficult to preach about God when people have another view on spirituality, church and gods. According to him, it is hard for Japanese people to understand what church is and, because of that, it is hard for them to attend churches.

“I watched the lives and interests of Japanese people, and we created some clubs or study groups according to them,” said Pastor. “Usually people go to church, but in this country church should go to people. We have Kimchi club (traditional Korean food), flower club, English classes, dance club, singing club and even Gospel club. We invite nonbelievers to these clubs and spoke with them about God. Every Sunday nearly 120 people visit our Church. It is quite a big Church for Japan.”

The Pastor also underlined that the people of Japan start to believe when they see real miracles – healings, deliverance and so on. “When they come to Church, God heals them,” shared Seung-gil Ryu. “They also prayed with Dr. Laerock Lee online or by phone. God answers them. Many people receive healings of their souls. We can say that we have a revival here. People come and receive answers to their prayers, and then they tell their friends and relatives about it. We have already opened 14 affiliated Manmin churches across Japan. Such kinds of revivals is a rarity here.”

Numbers on the electoral rolls are increasing by well over two per cent every year, while some churches have seen truly dramatic rises in numbers, according to Peter Oborne, writing for the Daily Telegraph newspaper www.telegraph.co.uk.

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