*Church feeds over 1,500 to mark end of 40 days fasting and prayers
By AYO OJEDOKUN Lagos
The General Superintendent of Christ Redemption Bible Church,(CRBC) worldwide, Prophet John Oluwadare, has assured that Nigeria is to witness a new transformation before the end of last quarter of, year, 2024.
He made this statement shortly after a free feeding programme for over 1,500 residents of Christ Redemption Avenue and its environs in Ikosi-ketu, Lagos to mark the end the 40 days fasting and prayer of the church.
The man of God, who described the economic hardship in the country as pathetic and frustrating, however, said that it is the responsibility of the church to collaborate the feeding system of government in feeding the poor and the needy in the community, especially at this period of our nation,according to teaching of Christ Jesus.
According to him, governments at various levels, federal, states and the local government areas, have rolled out different palliatives to ameliorate the food crisis facing the country and by extension, the church in its wisdom, has decided to key into the meal per day of the Lagos state Government.
“Besides soul winning and other spiritual activities, which the ministry is known for, it’s also a duty to it immediate environment, hence, the corporate social responsibility of the ministry must reflex in the community where it is located’.
For the Mission National Secretary of the church, Pastor Tokunbo Ogundipe, he commended the ministry for the novel and a philanthropic gesture.
“It is the first time in the history of the ministry.
“Apart from the church involvement in the community services, the ministry at this time, has showed love and compassion towards the plight of the residents and the adjoining community in particular.
“The church is, however, delighted to have impacted the lives of the people through a free meal programme considering the throng of people into the church,” he said.
Also, another minister, Evangelist Caroline John, attributed the success of the programme to adherence to the instructions of God.
She described Prophet John Oluwadare as a man who fears the Lord, and is always ready to carryout any instructions given to him.
“It is a huge task, however, that the church would undertake to feed and to relieve Nigerians who could not afford a meal to have benefited from this laudable plan and arrangement,” he added.
Meanwhile, some of the beneficiaries of the free feeding programme lauded Christ Redemption Bible Church for this boldness and for the wonderful step to safes a life, which hitherto, would have died of hunger.
They moreso, extolled the the General Superintendent, prophet John Oluwadare, for his large heart and the attitude of giving to the less privileged in the society.
One of them, Mrs. Ibukun Olajuyi (widow), lamented how feeding has been difficult for her three children and herself in the last three days.
She noted her ordeal to affordable feeding since the prices of foodstuff skyrocketed, especially staples food such as garri, rice and pepper.
She said that the food package would serve the family before the next meal.
Another beneficiary, who is not a resident of the community (anonymous), decried how the economic hardship has led to sudden disappearance of her husband from the home, due to lack of job, thereby abandoning her alone to fend for their two children.
She however, appreciated the church for coming to the aid of the people, now that Nigerians find it hard to feed, at least, a square meal a day.
” My husband left me and two children, because no one called him for a job.
“So when I heard of the free feeding programme on television, I decided to come with my children,” she revealed.
Moreover, Mr Stephen, a resident in the community, could not hold his thought.
He said he never imagined he could have food to eat.
He lauded the church contribution to the growth and the development of the community.
“Not only that, the ministry does not discriminate,” he said.
He further expressed his experience being the first time in the congregation, as commendable, adding that such action would go a long way to provide succour to individuals who perhaps may have lack of what to eat.
In addition, Prophet John Oluwadare, who prophesied 2024 as a year of remembrance of the Lord, urged religious leaders, especially the Christian community, to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu through prayers.
He therefore, appealed to Nigerians to be more patient with the president.
As for the president, Oluwadare, he charged President Bola Tinubu to fast track necessary economic plans that will make life comfortable for all Nigerians.
