THE executive secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Mr. John Kennedy Opara has said that the commission would emphasize on the spiritual re-birth of all pilgrims. He disclosed this in Abuja recently during a courtesy visit by Pastor Andy Cochran of the Bren Wood Bible Society of the United States of America, reports JIMOH BABATUNDE.

He explained that the commission would ensure that Christians who travel on pilgrimage are morally and spiritually transformed so that they could transform the people positively.

Opara said that the NCPC would also ensure that pilgrimage to the Holy Land would be a life time experience, noting that pilgrimage should not be seen as a jamboree, thus the commission is very thorough in the screening exercise for intending pilgrims this year.

Earlier, Pastor Cochran, in his address, said he was in Nigeria to spread the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, adding that he would be ministering in some churches in Abuja, Lagos and Bayelsa State in addition to visits to some orphanage homes.

Meanwhile, the commission has successfully flagged off screening exercise in Port Harcourt, Rivers State for intending pilgrims for the October–December 2012 Christian Pilgrimage exercise.

Federal commissioner for South South, Rev. Robinson Oritsuwa performed the flag-off ceremony on behalf of the executive secretary of NCPC, Mr. Opara and was supported by the Federal Commissioner representing North East Zone, Archbishop Numuel Babba.

In his welcome address, the sole administrator of the Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board (CPWB), Monsignor John Wangbu commended the executive secretary for sending a formidable and credible team for the screening exercise.

He promised that his board would not interfere with the exercise as the decision of the screening panel is final.