The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) Wealthy Place Church Iyanaipaja Lagos has intensified efforts to equip children and young people with the character, leadership skills and values needed to make meaningful contributions to society.
Speaking at the church’s annual programme with the theme: ‘Talents for the Master’s Use’ the pastor in charge of the church Rev. Rotimi Adekunle Olukorede said the church places strong emphasis on character, integrity, honesty and leadership as part of its mission to prepare the next generation.
Olukorede explained that the programme was designed to go beyond spiritual instruction by helping young people develop healthy relationships, leadership abilities and strong moral values
According to him, the initiative has been running for several years, with children brought together from different TREM branches and other churches to participate in Bible studies, character-building sessions, leadership training, music, dance, recitation and other activities.
He said the programmes also encourages children to learn tolerance, relationship, forgiveness and teamwork while developing the ability to relate positively with others.
‘We bring them together, and then we try to ensure that they are able to relate with each other, have tolerance for each other and forgive each other,’ he said.
Beyond the annual programmes, Olukorede noted TREM had over the years supported children in its community by helping them pursue further education.
He therefore urged parents to complement the efforts of the church by becoming positive role models for their children.
‘Children learn more from our actions than even from what we say,’ he said, advising parents to demonstrate prayerfulness, honesty, integrity, hard work and responsible living.
Prizes, medals, awards, and trophies were presented to first runner up, second runner up, third runner up, to encourage them.
The Leader of the Women and Children Department and one of the coordinators of the Programme Mrs. Ayodeji Olukorede charged the children to be bold, take control, showcase their talent and not be ashamed of what God has placed in them.
‘This programme is a way of engaging their minds, taking them away from bad influence. Of course, we know we are in a technology-driven society but we are not taking them away from the technology but to bring out the best in them.
‘The talent impacts the society greatly, because developing, bringing them out and showcasing them, not only help to bless the church, but also, wherever they find themselves, are useful to the society. A child that can play the violin, can not only play in the church, but can also play in school, can also play at concerts,’ Olukorede said.
Churches that participated in the programme were TREM Wealthy Place, TREM branches from Ishuti, Oko oba, Ejigbo, Iju, Ambassador Mega Zone, Igando, Ikotun, RCCG Great Expectation, RCCG Ark of God, Christ Gospel Church of Praise,
Go Ye Pentecostal Mission International and Hour of Touch Bible Ministry.
The event featured Bible recitation, dance competition, Bible quiz, music competition,
Bible Sword, among other. TREM Wealthy Place emerged winner in most of the competitions with RCCG Ambassador Mega Zone as first position for Bible Sword competition.