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By Pam Ayuba, Amman, Jordan
Pilgrims from Nigeria have started the fourth batch of the 2023 Easter pilgrimage in Jordan which was halted as a result of the rise in the US dollars in April of this year.
The fourth batch, numbering over 350 pilgrims made up of Christians from the Federal Capital Territory,(FCT, ), Abuja, Lagos, Bayelsa, Imo, and Cross Rivers states were received by officials of Tabar Tours and Hajjat Tours and Travel, Wednesday, 20 September 2023, at the Amman International Airport, Jordan.
On the first day of the tour, pilgrims were taken to River Jabok where Jacob wrestled with the Lord demanding to be blessed or he would not leave Him.
God blessed Jacob and changed his name to Israel, marking the total transformation of the Israelites from there forward.
The next point of the visit was at Um Qais, Gedara, an ancient Greco-Roman city of Decarpolis a borderline between Jordan and Syria where Jesus Christ healed two young men who were possessed by demons.
According to the bible account, as recorded in Mark 5:7, the demons were cast out into a swine of pigs and died thereafter at a river in the valley of Gedara.
Pilgrims were also taken to Tall Mar Elias, believed to be former Tishbi, close to the ruins of a village known as Listib said to be associated with the birthplace of the Prophet Elija.
According to the biblical history of the people of the Ancient Near East,(ANE), Elija was a native of Gilias in Transjordan as recorded in the book of 2 Kings 17:1. Recent archaeological discoveries were said to have substantiated this theory following the two churches that were built on the Tall (Hilltop) at the end of the Byzantine era.
Jesus was said to have passed through this trade route with His disciples to Syria and adjoining villages to preach.
In all the sites visited, Nigerian Christians prayed for continued unity of the country seeking the face of God for the new administration of President Bola Tinubu to succeed. They prayed for peace and development of the land and that governments at all levels should fear God and deliver dividends of democracy and reduced poverty. Prayers were also offered for the sick and the remaining electoral cases at the various election petition tribunals nationwide.
The Pilgrims will continue Friday, 22 September 202y visits to other Holy sites including Mount Nebo and Mukawir.
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