PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino (PNoy) at the Jesus is Lord (JIL) Church Worldwide’s 33rd anniversary celebration on Friday night said people must be one with the government in turning to God to deal with problems it faces these days.

Aquino urged tens of thousands of people gathered at Quirino Grandstand in Manila to pray hard during these times when the government has so many problems. He also called for “deep faith” in God.

He said the government is striving hard to make the necessary changes in the country, but there would always be people who would stop his administration from reforming the old system.

JIL leader Bro. Eddie Villanueva also called on Filipinos to pray as the President and the government hurdle crises.

The evangelical group leader launched the noontime habit of praying for the country by reciting, “God bless the Philippines.”

The prayer movement, accessible online at www.GodBlessThePhilippines.com, also provides a space for Filipinos to post their prayers for the Philippines thru its Post-A-Prayer feature.

“Prayer is actually joining forces with the unlimited awesome power of God,” Villanueva said just ahead of JILs  anniversary prayer rally in Manila on October 28.

He said he was “shocked” not only by the violence happening in various parts of the globe but more importantly by what is taking place in the Philippines, most recently in Mindanao.

He called Filipinos to support  Aquino’s “Daang Matuwid,” or “straight path,” for good governance. The phrase was Aquino’s campaign slogan during the 2010 elections.

Aquino praised JIL members for their unwavering faith in God. He said his government inherited many problems from the previous administration, especially poverty, due to various irregularities

He expressed confidence that he would not fail with continued support from the people, even with forces blocking government’s efforts.

Aquino thanked the JIL for uniting the people to serve God and for enabling the government to help those in need.

More on this story in the PhilStar and ucanews.com