Mission Outreach At Dada Village

These days there are more individuals, organizations, business establishments and others, which express concern about security of life and property.

On radio and television you hear about cases of kidnapping and robbery as if you may be the  next victim. Newspapers also highlight these issues.

It is against this background that the Immanuel College Chapel Mission Team decided to carry a message of peace, an assurance of divine protection, to Dada Village, our July Outreach venue.

The date was Sunday July14. The Team Leader was the Very Revd Dr. William Egbetakin, Dean, Immanuel College of Theology, of which our Chapel is the worship centre.

And the Preacher? The Very Revd Ebenezer Idowu Ariyo. He told the villagers that, as believers, they are not to worry unduly about their security. As the Psalmist says “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”, Psalm 46:1.  Which means God is always there for them, their children and other loved ones. They should not fear about their present or future situation, Isaiah 41:10-13.

But this is not an excuse for elected or appointed officials not to perform their duties. Indeed christians have a special responsibility to make a difference, in and out of office, as God would hold them accountable whether they are local vigilante functionaries or higher security officials.

Very Revd Ariyo however told the village audience that ultimately God is their protective shield. He is the only one who can give them peace, peace at home, peace on the farm, peace in the market, peace wherever they go. They would not come to any harm if they sincerely believe in Him and serve Him.

Which is why Jesus says “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let your heart not be troubled, neither let it be afraid”, John 14:27

You must have faith in God and His ability to deliver and save. Those who go to church and still patronize the shrine cannot claim God’s protection in time of trouble, Ps. 31:5, 16&17.

Unemployment and poverty may be primarily responsible for the current security challenges. Greed too is partly to blame. But these problems are not beyond divine solution. God can empower our leaders in a way that they would devise effective strategies to overcome them.

So, as christians, go on your knees and pray, again and again. Do not submit to fear. After the sermon the Mission Team prayed for the sick, the poor and the needy.  What followed was refreshments for which the villagers, all 30 of them, showed appreciation.