RCCG Friends of Jesus marks 9th anniversary with impactful testimonies, renewed hope
Emotional testimonies and renewed calls for compassion took centre stage as the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Friends of Jesus marked its 9th thanksgiving service at the Redemption Resort,
Emotional testimonies and renewed calls for compassion took centre stage as the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Friends of Jesus marked its 9th thanksgiving service at the Redemption Resort, Redemption City, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The event brought together church leaders, captains of industry, counsellors, donors, and beneficiaries, featuring song renditions, Bible readings, testimonies, exhortations, and the presentation of the ministry’s 2025 report alongside projections for 2026.
Two beneficiaries, Mrs. Ajani Rukayat and Mrs. Olubukola Williams, moved the audience to tears as they recounted how the initiative had transformed their lives.
Rukayat narrated how her baby, born without an opening to pass faeces, required urgent surgery she could not afford. “Friends of Jesus gave me support so that the surgery could be done,” she said.
Similarly, Williams, a widow, shared how the intervention of the group enabled her son to remain in the university despite financial challenges. “I try to take care of my children by selling foodstuffs, but paying school fees was a big problem. Friends of Jesus helped us,” she said.
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In her address, the Visionary Founder of Friends of Jesus, Pastor Mrs Folu Adeboye, expressed profound gratitude to partners and supporters for sustaining the initiative over the years.
She noted that the platform had continued to reflect God’s love by restoring hope and transforming lives.
“Together, we have seen God’s love at work, bringing light into places of need. Your prayers, encouragement, and generosity have been invaluable,” she said.
Encouraging members to remain steadfast, she added, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. No matter the burden, we have a friend in Jesus who carries it for us.”
Delivering the keynote address, former Chairman of Intercontinental Bank, Erastus Akingbola, described Friends of Jesus as a divine initiative inspired to meet urgent human needs.
According to him, the group operates on the mandate of Christ as outlined in Matthew 25, providing food for the hungry, clothing for the naked, care for the sick, and support for prisoners and the less privileged.
He urged more Nigerians to join the initiative, describing membership as both a privilege and a responsibility.
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“When you are a friend of Jesus, you are connected to the King of kings. It is a call to action—to serve humanity and reflect His love,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of Friends of Jesus, Pastor Olugbenga Omojola, thanked God for nine years of impactful operations, noting that the ministry had expanded its reach beyond Redemption City to other parts of Nigeria.
He highlighted key interventions, including food banks, clothing distribution, payment of school fees, rent support, and outreach to prisons, hospitals, and vulnerable communities.
“Our target this year is to double our impact. Already, in the first quarter, we are more than halfway toward achieving that goal,” he said.
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Omojola described the level of poverty in the country as “heart-wrenching,” revealing that some Nigerians survive on less than ₦10,000 monthly.
He called on individuals and organisations to support humanitarian efforts, stressing that even small contributions could make a significant difference.
“Little drops of water make an ocean. If you have two shirts, share one. Even a cup of water given in love matters,” he said.
He added that the ministry plans to replicate its food bank initiative across different locations in Nigeria and beyond, ensuring easier access to support for the needy.
The event ended with prayers for the continued growth of the initiative and a renewed commitment by members and partners to expand its outreach and impact in the coming years.
