Bawku(UER), Jan. 01, GNA - Christians in the Bawku Municipality ushered in the New Year with night vigil services at various churches to herald a new dawn of hope for the nation.

The theme that ran through most of the sermons centred on the need for true reconciliation and commitment to promises made to relatives, friends and nation.

This way, most of the religious leaders explained, would be the bedrock to propel the nation to achieve stability for the successful implementation of all human endeavours for the growth of society. They pointed out that faithfulness to promises and fellow love for one another would eliminate all forms of stress associated with failed relationships in the society.

At the New Life Assemblies of God Church, Pastor Gamson Kanton, exhorted Christians to use the New Year as a rallying point to anchor true reconciliation and love for one another in order for the nation to be healed of all social vices.

According to him, as God reconciled the world through His only Son Jesus Christ, there was the need for leaders in all political and social positions to extend a hand to one another and eschew selfish tendencies for a prosperous nation.

He asked Christians to use the New Year for sober reflections of the state of affairs in the country as she prepared towards the Golden Jubilee celebrations as well as finding a resolute antidote to challenges facing it.

Preaching at the Pentecost Central Church, Reverend James Okoe Barnor, urged Christians to use the period to heal wounds and forged ahead as a nation, adding 'The birth of every thing should mark the beginning of joy, love and peace."

He called on Ghanaians to rededicate their lives at their various work places to increase productivity and move the nation forward to attain her vision for the people.

Rev. Barnor said with Government's determination to increase salaries, it behoves employees, especially Christians, to double their efforts to merit the increases.

Reverend Lamisi Martin of Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, in his sermon, called on Christians to honour promises made to their colleagues and friends.

He said the non-fulfilment of promises made had resulted in most hardships confronting the world.

"When young men break promises made to young women and vice versa, hearts are broken which had led to unstable mental conditions confronting the youth of today," he added.

Rev. Martin appealed to the youth to honour their promises at the dawn of a new year to ensure a secured world of peace and joy. Rev. Francis Sabiga, Overseer of Bawku Ebenezer Methodist Church, said it was high time Christians lived by promises made in any relationship to rid the streets of insane persons.

He said most people were found not to go by whatever promises made and said this did not augur well for people who professed their faith in Jesus Christ.

Rev. Sabiga called on Christians to review their actions and be guided by the principles of Jesus Christ in order not to hurt other human beings.