Ayodeji Ake
The Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) yesterday disclosed plans to distribute over 100, 000 bags of food items, free medical surgeries, drugs worth N150 million among others to Lagos indigents.
The distribution will be done through its non-profit foundation, Christ Compassion to the Rural World (CCRW) during its forthcoming six days crusade themed: ‘Christ Compassion Crusade’ that will hold from November 6 to 11, at Igbogbo Stadium, Ikorodu, Lagos State.
Addressing journalists during a press conference in Lagos, the Senior Pastor, KICC, Mattew Ashimolowo, who also doubles as the Founder and Initiator of CCRW, revealed he had, over the years, learnt in Ghana during his visitation and ministerial assignments, the act of combining companionship with crusade, especially in this trying time of economic hardship in
Africa.
The senior pastor said although, he has over the years, made it a norm, gifting youths and widows, both materials and food items, as part of his annual programme in Osun State, but the forthcoming crusade is special and will be an annual programme that may come up twice a year or minimum of once a year to help the indigents in the rural areas.
He said: “I want to appreciate the media specially for the great Job and support. I got the vision of the crusade I have always dreamt of in Ghana about 10 years ago. Afterwards, I kept joining them every year visiting villages to share food items in their rural areas. It’s really made sense to me. The Bible mentioned doing good and act of charity which awakened my consciousness that the church could have combined compassion to what it has been doing.
“Through their crusades, I have been able to visit a number of villages and I was studying them. I told them that Nigerians needs tan times of whatever they are doing which calls for proper planning and I continued to study the process. That gave the vision of Christ Compassion to the World. Although, we have an annual programme in Osun State where thousands of youths and widows benefits from.
“When I wanted to start, I began praying on where to start the crusade and I don’t want the usual Osun State. I have the mission to run this programme twice a year or minimum of once a year.”
Ashimolowo explained that he was directed by the Holy Spirit to take the crusade to Ikorodu after praying for direction.
“Three years ago, I was in my Lekki home when I heard the message that where I have been praying for is next to me and I should look at my left. I did and it was Ikorodu. I got the message.
“We have been to the local chiefs and traditional rulers for them to be aware of the programme and lot of planning has been ongoing. We have met with the Oba’s in Ikorodu and Igbogbo. I have met with the governor of Lagos State twice to share the programme with him and they are enthusiastically accepted,” he said.
Speaking further, the cleric said the crusade had been designed to feature over 200 churches in Ikorodu not only KICC.
“The vision is to bring all the churches together. We are not discriminating. Over 200 churches in Ikorodu area will be part of the programme.
“Also, we want to help people that are indigents who want to undergo surgeries but can’t afford it. We will be having free health outreach as part of the crusade plans. We will be using Ikorodu General Hospital premises as we have already partnered with the Lagos State government. We have already started screening and there a lot of people benefiting from it including those living outside Lagos.
“ We will only work on surgeries that will enable them get discharged same day. We are doing all these out of the compassion for Christ and the people.
When asked of his message to the government, Ashimolowo said his “message to the governor is that they should lead by example, and cutting off costs. This administration received a system that has been damaged on delivery which is one of the challenges. But they should lead by example.”
Ashimolowo revealed that about a N1billion has been spent so far and still ongoing.
Complimenting what the senior pastor said, the Chief Operating Officer, CCRW, Nasara Katugwa-Washpam, noted the crusade is about demonstrating God’s life and showing compassion.
“The crusade is about the practical life of God. We are distributing food items to those who will be attending. Bringing the media to our warehouse is to show we are fully prepared for the crusade and our food items and other items are ready as well. We have been running adverts in road iOS for people to join the crusade and enjoy the goodness of God,” she said.
