AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Beautiful Temple of God International Ministries has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to compassion and community service with the successful hosting of its 2025 Christmas Empowerment Outreach, a large-scale feeding and food donation programme held at Lakin Adigun Street, Ajadi area, Ologuneru, Ibadan.
The outreach, organised under the leadership of the General Overseer, Evangelist Shekina Ayodele Ogunjale, attracted hundreds of beneficiaries from Ologuneru and neighbouring communities. These included widows, elderly persons, children, low-income families and other vulnerable residents.
The event formed part of the church’s annual Christmas humanitarian initiatives aimed at alleviating hunger, spreading love and restoring hope during the festive season.
From the early hours of the day, the venue was abuzz with activities as church members, volunteers and partners worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth, orderly and transparent distribution process. Children were served nutritious meals, while other beneficiaries received food items such as rice, noodles, cooking oil, beans, garri and other essential household staples, enabling families to celebrate Christmas with dignity.
Speaking at the event, Evangelist Ogunjale described the outreach as a practical expression of Christian love and a fulfilment of the ministry’s mandate to serve humanity beyond the pulpit.
According to her, the programme catered for 457 elderly persons, 300 children and 150 teenagers, noting that the outreach has been sustained over the years by the grace of God.
“Christmas is not only about celebration; it is about compassion, sharing and touching lives. This outreach is our way of ensuring that no one around us goes hungry during this season. We believe that when we feed the body, we also open doors to heal the soul and restore hope,” she said.
She further emphasised that the empowerment outreach aligns with the ministry’s long-term vision of community development, social responsibility and spiritual upliftment, adding that the church remains committed to supporting the less privileged, especially in challenging economic times.
Several beneficiaries expressed joy and gratitude, describing the initiative as timely and life-changing amid rising food costs.
One of the beneficiaries said, “This food will really help my family this Christmas. I am grateful to the church and the General Overseer for remembering people like us.”
Another resident praised the orderly conduct and inclusiveness of the programme, noting that all beneficiaries were treated with dignity and respect, regardless of background or religious affiliation.
Beyond food distribution, the outreach featured soul-lifting gospel ministration by Evangelist Bose Adeiwa, short exhortations from Pastor David Ige, and prayers led by Pastor Olawoyin Capstone for peace, unity and prosperity of the people and the nation.
The church’s welfare and outreach team, alongside officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), ensured effective crowd control while health and safety measures were strictly observed throughout the programme.
Also speaking, Evangelist Olakanmi Mary, an associate member of the ministry, commended Beautiful Temple of God International Ministries for its consistency in community-based interventions, describing the 2025 Christmas Empowerment Outreach as a shining example of faith-driven social impact.
As the event drew to a close, organisers reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the initiative annually and expanding its reach in subsequent years to accommodate more beneficiaries across Ibadan and beyond.
The success of the 2025 Christmas Empowerment Outreach has once again positioned Beautiful Temple of God International Ministries as a beacon of hope, compassion and practical Christianity, reinforcing the true spirit of Christmas—love, giving and service to humanity.
