The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Youth Province 9 Headquarters (Palace of Praise) in Ado Ekiti has launched a ‘Jesus Market’ where foodstuffs and other items are sold to members at reduced prices.
While talking about the market, the pastor-in-charge of the church, Pastor Anthony Obinna-Ibe, said it was designed as part of efforts to cushion the harsh economy on members and it would be open for transactions two or three times a year.
The Pastor said this during the launch of the Jesus Market on the church premises in Ado Ekiti.
He said: “Things are quite challenging; people don’t have enough money to feed and clothe themselves. We decided to do what we call the Christian Social Responsibility to give back to the people.
“People out there in society who are well-to-do should please remember the poor, remember those who may not have enough to eat because there are several people who are hungry. This is the time to also remember them. Like this time, Easter, is all about sacrifice.”
Church members bought goods and food items at subsidized prices at the market as a measure of garri worth N1,000 was sold for N400; five tubers of yam worth N9,000 were sold at N3,000; a carton of spaghetti was sold at N5,000; a litre of groundnut oil worth N2,500 was sold for N700 and a measure of rice worth N2,500 was sold at N1,000.
As for clothing items, a skirt worth N3,000 was sold for N500; a suit was sold at N1,000; a Kampala fabric was sold at N1,000; a T-shirt worth 7,000 went for N1,000; a polo shirt was sold at N500 and shoes and gown worth N28,000 and N7,000, respectively, were sold at N1,000.
While speaking on the initiative, the pastor said: “Just like in the Bible, Jesus Christ did not just feed the people with the word of God, he also gave them bread and fish. We decided that let’s help the people so that the hunger in the land will minimize and we could assist where we can, particularly this period.
“Why we decided to add a little price is that people can have a sense of responsibility. A separate account is being opened where people can donate and pay a little money. It is something we will do continuously.
“I had to get some money, get some clothes that I have used and some that I have not even used. I gave it out so that people may have something to wear. It is something that we will be doing constantly. Maybe, two or three times in a year.”
