By Nudoiba Ojen
“The gesture exemplifies practical Christianity through acts of kindness, while hoping that the initiative will inspire others to do the same in their neighbourhood within their abilities”
THE Jesus Market at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Youth Province 9 Headquarters (Palace of Praise), Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State on Easter Sunday came as a relief to many members and Christians in Ado Ekiti.
The members were all smiles as they bought foodstuffs, cloths, shoes and other items at subsidized rates.
The pastor in charge of the church, Pastor Anthony Obinna-Ibe, said the Jesus Market initiative, where prices of goods were sold at reduced prices for church members, was part of efforts to cushion the effect of economic hardship in the country.
Obinna-Ibe, who spoke at the launch of the market at the venue of the church in Ado Ekiti on Easter Sunday as part of activities to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, said the market would be open for transactions constantly. maybe, two or three times in a year.
The pastor charged Christians to imbibe the sacrificial act of Jesus Christ on the cross of calvary by extending similar support to those in need around them.
He said, “Things are quite challenging. People don’t have enough money to feed and cloth themselves. We decided to do what we call Christian Social Responsibility to give back to the people”.
At the market, church members were able to buy goods and food items for very subsidised prices; A measure of garri worth N1,000 went for just N400, five tubers of yam worth N9,000 were sold for N3,000, A carton of spaghetti worth 12,800 was sold for N5,000, a litre of groundout oil worth N2,500 was sold for N700, a measure of rice worth N2,500 was sold at N1,000.
Also, clothing items were sold at the market including; skirt worth N3,000 and sold at N500, Suit of N70,000 was sold at N1,000, kampala was sold at N1,000, T-shirt worth 7,000 was sold at N1,000, polo shirt was sold at N500 and shoe and gown worth N28,000 and N7,000 were sold at N1,000 respectively.
Obinna-Ibe, who said the gesture was aimed at encouraging the congregation not to despair with the current economic hardship, said that “the gesture exemplifies practical Christianity through acts of kindness while hoping that the initiative would inspire others to do the same in their neighbourhood within their abilities.
“Just like in the Bible, Jesus Christ did not just feed the people with the word of God, he also gave them bread and fish. We decided that, let’s help the people so that the hunger in the land will minimise and we could assist where we can, particularly this period.
“Why we decided to add a little price is that people can have a sense of responsibility. A separate account is being opened where people can donate and pay a little money. It is something we will do continuously.
“I personally had to get some money, get some clothes that I have used and some that I have not even used. I gave it out so that people may have something to wear. It something that we will be doing constantly. Maybe, two or three times in a year.
“People out there in the society who are well to do should please remember the poor, remember those who may not have enough to eat because there are several people who are hungry. This is the time to also remember them because Easter is all about sacrifice.
“Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for mankind. Everybody should also do everything to show love. Those that have more than enough can also sacrifice some to the people. Whatever they can do to support the poor and less-privileged. It is not just preaching, we should also act and do our preaching,” Obinna-Ibe said.
The Assistant Pastor and Provincial Elder, Pastor Fola Richie-Adewusi, expressed delight that the gesture would help to cushion effect of hardship in the country while calling on government for continued support to the masses.
She said, “The response from the people also showed that they appreciated that gesture. They saw it as something supportive for them to eat.
“We have heard about the government giving palliative through the state government or through the national assembly for them to take it to the grassroots so that they can support people at this period.
“Government I believe is doing something and I can only say they can do more and well-meaning individuals should reach out to people around them. We can be our brothers and sisters keeper,” Richie-Adewusi said.
