By LYDIA CHIGOZIE-NGWAKWE

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Prosperity Assembly, in Okeafa, Isolo, Lagos, on Sunday, held its second community outreach, with gift items shared to residents of the state.

The outreach tagged “Jesus Market,” is focused on free distribution of food items to residents.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, held at the church’s premises, attracted members and community members, who received free food as well household essentials.

Speaking during the outreach, resident Pastor, Bisi Folahan, said that the second edition focuses on expressing the love of Christ through giving.

“This particular edition focuses on the love of Christ, unlike the first edition where we sold items at very low prices, this time we decided to give out most of the items free of charge,” he said.

According to him, each family that attended received a package containing food items such as rice, beans and garri.

“We want to show the love of Christ; Jesus came as a gift to the world, and if He is a gift, then we should also give gifts to people freely,” he said.

Folahan said that the outreach was supported by corporate organisations and foundations, alongside individual church members.

“These partners sent items which we distributed free of charge; the resources we put together for this edition runs into millions of naira,” he said.

He added that the church’s plan is to sustain the initiative in spite of economic challenges.

“This is God’s project, and for every project of God, provision will always be made; We are already receiving support from organisations and individuals, and by God’s grace, we will continue to do this twice every year,” he said.

Meanwhile, he disclosed plans to expand future editions to include medical outreach, scholarships and other social interventions.

Also speaking, the Minister in charge of the church’s Welfare, Pastor Mercy Oloworoporoku, said that the programme was not limited to church members alone, but opened to all.

“We welcome people from the community; Our goal is to put smiles on as many faces as possible,” she said.

Similarly, the Assistant Pastor in charge of the church’s Area 12, Seun Folahan, said that the event emphasises the importance of giving.

“This season is about giving; as we give, God will also give back to us,” she said.

On her part, Head of the Welfare Department, Mrs Faith Okoduwa-Ilembiluan, urged the church to organise more editions going forward.

According to her, 120 Christmas food boxes were distributed to families, while additional food items supplied by an NGO, were given to members of the public.

In reaction, a beneficiary, Ms Victoria Ernest, described the programme as timely, adding that the Jesus Market has been amazing with the extension of low-cost food items.

NAN reports that organisers have also assured that future editions of the outreach, will be expanded to people within and outside the community. (NAN)