Bible Base Miracle Assembly, Nkpor, Idemili North LGA of Anambra State, yesterday, fed over 2,000 members of the church with assorted delicacies. The church also supported 27 indigent members with certain amount of money to start up small scale businesses.
These are parts of activities to mark the end of a weeklong programme of the church tagged, “Bye Bye To Poverty.”
The church also offered full scholarship to an indigent member, Akachukwu Osulo, 13, from JS1-SS3, so that he can pursue her education without hitches.
Speaking during the programme, the Senior Pastor of the church, Rev. Jerry Nwachukwu, recalled how he got the vision, which he said, aims at restoring hope to the downtrodden, and making the beneficiaries active members of the society.
“About 9 years ago, the inspiration came that certain period of the year should be set aside for having a programme like this. In this programme, we enlighten the people to understand that a Christian, without compromise, and doing the right thing, can actually be successful in life without commiting crimes.
“This is also a time to teach members the scriptural principles of prosperity, and the things they can do to be successful, and prosperous. We also let our members know that God is a farmer. Jesus worked; Adam worked, and Abraham worked. Therefore, it is unscriptural to be idle. God hates idleness.
“During a programme like this, we do organiser a seminar, where we invite professionals from different fields to educate members on skills and handiworks. We also train some people on trade and artisanship; after which the church gives them money to start their own businesses.
“This year, as you can see, we empower 27 members, among whom are barrow pushers and petty traders.
“We’ve been doing this over the years, and there have been testimonies. We observe that the programme is working well for us; so, we decided to continue,” he said.
Rev. Nwachukwu, who urged the beneficiaries to invest wisely, also told the faithful to apply certain principles such as being disciplined, having the ability to save money; as well as practicing the principles of tithing, and giving to the poor.
“A river that does not flow is a dead sea that does not flow to anything. If you don’t give out, you can’t get any in return,” he concluded.
Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke to newsmen during the event, expressed their happiness over the event, which they said, has been an annual ritual, and which they said, has been a blessing to many.