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Sen. Gyunka receives CAN Golden Jubilee award
Senator Philip Aruwa Gyunka, was among notable Nigerians honoured by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at its Golden Jubilee celebration in Abuja.
Gyunka, who represented Nasarawa North Senatorial District in the 8th Senate was honoured with the “Ambassador for Christ Award” for his unwavering commitment to the service of God and his contribution to the Christian community.
Speaking to newsmen, the former lawmaker, who also recently received the Mada National Merit Award, from Mada Development Association, expressed delight for the honour done him by CAN.
While dedicating the award to God and all who have contributed to the spread of the gospel over the years, Gyunka urged all Christians to continue in the service of God, adding that no labour would go unrewarded.
Speaking on the CAN anniversary theme, “Walking Together in Faith, Gyunka, who currently serves as Chairman Campaign Council for the A.A Sule Senatorial bid, called for unity among Christians irrespective of doctrinal differences.
“It is an honour that I was recognised by the apex Christian body in the country for the contributions we make for the advancement of the Kingdom here on earth.
“We will continue to stand firm in what we believe in and we will not relent in speaking against anything that would bring ridicule or put undue pressure on the body of Christ.
“I remember how some of us stood firm back then in the defence of the faith during issues relating to religious bodies paying tax under the Company and Allied Matters (CAMA) Act.
“About 12 of us called the 12 disciples came together with Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN) as our Chairman to defend the faith and to the glory of God that case was settled, “he said.
On the diversity in the awards by CAN, the former lawmaker commended the association for recognising contributions made by not only fathers and mothers of faith but other Nigerians including the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, governors among numerous others.
“The diversity in the nature of award given by CAN to celebrate those who have contributed in one way or the other to the advancement of the gospel of Christ is highly commendable’ he said.
He further commended the level of unity experienced among the different blocs that form CAN, calling on all Christians to avoid division in the house of God.
In his homily at the award service, CAN Vice President, Rev. Dr. Stephen Panya Baba said the theme of the celebration reflected the need for all Christians to walk together in spite of their differences.
While taking his reflection from Ephesians 4:4-6, Baba said the will of God for Christians was to remain united no matter the circumstance.
He emphasised the need for the body of Christ to continue to promote justice, equity and fairness.
The clergy acknowledged that the 50 years of the association was not a smooth sail, adding that it had faced challenges ranging from internal disputes, interregious tension, public criticisms and misinformation.
He, however, noted that in spite of all challenges, CAN had grown from strength to strength.
“Let us look to the future with the belief that God’s plan for Nigeria is for good”he said.
CAN was established in August 1976 by church leaders who felt the need for a united Christian body in Nigeria.
The association is made up of different blocs including the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN),
TEKAN/ECWA, the Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria/Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN/PFN), the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) among others.