•Says, Nigerian economy‘ll blossom with self-reliance
By Gilbert Ekezie
The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints (LDS), Lagos, Agege Stake, recently held her 2nd Annual Conference. The programme, among other things focused on need for strong spiritually and self reliance. It also touched on the need for patience, prayerfulness and obedience to the precepts of God. The event was graced by members of the nine wards of the church’s stake which included: Abule Egba, Akute, Alakuko, Ifako, Iju, Iyana Ipaja, Ogba, Orile Agege and Sango, and guests who came to listen to words of exhortations and amazing testimonies of unique favours granted by God. There were also musical renditions by the Agege Stake adult and primary choirs.
In a message, the Agege Stake President, Mr. Christian Chigbundu, explained that the conference was held bi-annual for the church to gather and listen to sustaining words that would make them strong and able to carry out their responsibilities as servants of God.
He assured that the way out of the present economic recession was not only through faith and hope in Jesus Christ, but self-reliance and hard work. He pointed out that with self reliance, the economic challenge in the country would be effectively tackled.
Chigbundu explained that the church encouraged her members and non-members alike to be self reliant in order to survive hard times and advised everyone to engage themselves in meaningful things that would honour God and help their families. “In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we are always prepared to face recession. We teach our members how to grow their businesses and gain promotion in all we do. So, let every Nigerian try to be self-reliant by learning one trade or the other and not wait for the government to solve all their problems. We should learn to do things that will put food on our tables.”
Chigbundu pointed out that if every Nigerian produced some good or the other, the country would cease to rely on imported goods. “If we are more productive, we will have more to export, and by so doing, we will get out of the present economic recession. Notwithstanding, it is obvious that the government should provide the enabling environment for self reliance so that businesses can strive.”
The Agege Stake leader also admonished Christians to turn to God in all they did and never allowed circumstances to discourage them from being spiritually strong. He also advised them not to be afraid of standing for the truth or be ashamed of being servants God despite ridicules, frustrations and intimidation.
He noted that it was very expedient that people were patient enough for the things they expected from God because He does not do things in haste. “God does his own things at his own right time. He needs patience from us. He does things at His own time. When we are impatient, we go against the will of God. We have challenges today because we live in a world full of atrocities, isolation, neglect and fear. But when these happen, we turn to God in prayer, who is our constant source of strength. During the prayer, let your request be made known to God who knows all problems from the beginning.”
Chigbundu also explained that partaking in the body and blood of Jesus Christ was very important because God commanded every Christian to do so. “Partaking in the sacraments and obeying the Lord’s commandments are very important for everyone who believes in Jesus Christ. Those who do not observe the sacraments, may have their reasons, but are those reasons in line with the commandment of Jesus Christ?”
The cleric called on all to learn how to ask, so that they would know the value of what God’s grace to humanity. “We should not wait till we have challenges before we pray; we need to pray always with faith and trust that God will do all things. We should also study the scriptures to experience the secret mystery of the spirit to the soul.”
In his comments, the Church’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr Ikpe George Nkanang, stressed the need for every individual, no matter their status to learn at least one trade which they would fall back to in times of misfortune. “I have also tried to learn something so that I will not depend on my salary; I want to be an employer of labour,” he stated.