President, Christian Tourism Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CTPAN), Dr. Israel Kristilere, has called on Christians with the wherewithal to embark on pilgrimage, as a way of boosting their faith, especially as they will seethose historical sites recorded in the Bible. He also warned that Christian pilgrimage is not a yardstick toheaven or a guarantee of salvation.

Kristilere gave the admonition during the courtesy visit of members of the Association of Christian Correspondents of Nigeria (ACCoN), led by its President, AdeolaOgunlade to his office at Obanikoro, Lagos.

Kristilere disclosed that until his first visit to Israel 21 year ago, he was one of those that thought Christian pilgrimagewas unnecessary, hinging his idea on the notion that Christians were merely imitating the Muslims.

He stressed that going on Christian pilgrimage is not a yardstick for making heavenor a guarantee of salvation, saying salvationis by genuine repentance and conversion, forsaking all evil ways, believing in Jesus Christ as one’s Lord and Saviour, and to live a holy life through the help of the Holy Ghost.

Listing some of the advantages of going on Christian pilgrimage, he said such ventures could turn the pilgrim’s life around for good, gives him more understanding of the scripture, grants him or her spiritual enrichment that will live with him or her for life and ginger one’s faith to receiving spectacular miracles, among others.

Stressing that the journey is open to born again Christians, Kristilere warned unbelievers keep away from it, vowing that he will turn down the request of any unbeliever irrespective of his or her wealth or position in the society.

He enjoined Christians to continue to interceed for Israel, as many of its citizens do not believe in Jesus Christ, adding that many of the Christians in the country are Arabs.