RCCG Distributes Food Items, Clothing to Communities in Abuja

On December 9, 2024, the Everlasting Arms Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Garki, Abuja, distributed food items, shoes, and clothing to approximately 2,000 individuals identified as vulnerable members of the community. This initiative, known as the “Tabitha Tent,” has been conducted annually since its inception in 2007, with the objective of providing support to the impoverished and vulnerable populations through the provision of essential humanitarian materials.

 

Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude and satisfaction with the generosity exhibited by the church and the organizers of the program. Several participants advocated for the government to establish policies and programs akin to the Tabitha Tent initiative to alleviate the hardships faced by the less fortunate.

 

One beneficiary, Mr. Gonet Jato, shared his experience, stating, “I received rice, beans, and other essential materials to support my family during the holiday season. We are grateful to the Redeemed Church for their contributions, and I implore our President to address the challenges that the poor are facing. It is not easy for those of us who are struggling, and the need is evident in the crowd gathered here; without the assistance from the church, our situation would be dire. The provisions received can support my family for one to two weeks. I urge the government to extend their support to us as citizens of this country.”

 

Another beneficiary, Ms. Happiness Jacob, expressed her joy and appreciation, wishing blessings upon those who provided the gifts. She received clothing, biscuits, and rice, and emphasized the urgent need for governmental intervention to assist those in need, particularly during the Christmas season. “Many individuals are suffering and searching for daily sustenance; we are facing hardships, with many people experiencing hunger,” she lamented.

 

Ms. Victoria Ola echoed these sentiments, praying for the church members and their supporters who made the 2024 Tabitha Tent possible. She acknowledged the significant impact of their contributions in uplifting the spirits of those in need during these challenging times. “We pray for those who donated these items; their generosity has brought smiles to the faces of the poor. We received an abundance of goods, including clothing, rice, beans, and garri. I hope that the government will offer its support to these initiatives so that they may reach a wider audience in need,” she articulated.

 

Pastor Everistus Azodo, the parish leader, called upon affluent Nigerians to assist the underprivileged. He noted that one of the critical challenges facing the nation is the absence of an effective social safety net. “In many developed countries, welfare systems exist to provide for the needs of the impoverished, an essential function of the government. In Nigeria, the responsibility of social support often falls on the extended family system, which, in times of widespread struggle, proves inadequate.”

 

Pastor Azodo encouraged citizens to contribute to the welfare of their communities, acknowledging that while the government faces its own challenges, collective efforts are necessary to assist those in need. The Tabitha Tent program, which has been operational for two decades, aims to support individuals regardless of their region, ethnicity, or creed. He highlighted the pressing issue of food insecurity, stressing the imperative to support individuals who are uncertain of their next meal.

 

One of the program coordinators, Mrs. Modupe Ogundimu, expressed appreciation to all donors and supporters who contributed to the success of the initiative, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in addressing the needs of the vulnerable.

 

Read Also: Lagos Shuts RCCG, Celestial Churches Alongside Hotels over Noise Pollution