by Mfon Uyeh Â
The show of love to inmates in some orphanages across the state by the Akwa Ibom government is highly commendable and worthy of sustenance.
As at the last count, over ten orphanages have drawn from the milk of kindness of the present administration while others are patiently waiting for their turn.
In carrying out this very important assignment, the religious Affairs unit of the Government House, headed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters, Reverend Daniel Akwatang, had secured the endorsement and inspiration from the state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, to visit orphanages and put smiles on the faces of inmates.
Some hospitals, homes for mentally deranged persons, widows, elderly persons, and other vulnerable individuals are not left out in the humanitarian gesture.
At every pot of call, food items, beverages, detergent and cash are given for the upkeep of the less privilege in those homes.
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At this point, it is important to note that the numerous gifts and cash donations to the inmate are from offerings made by the Governor, his wife and other top functionaries during worship sessions in the Later House Chapel of the Government House.
Apart from the expression of love with actions, the religious affairs unit and the government House prayer committee, at all times, leave their hosts with words of prayers and exhortation.
Such visitations, especially the exhortation and prayers segments, perhaps provide assurances of eventual escape from poverty to the inmates.
On the whole, reaching out to the poor, whether by governments or individuals, clearly demonstrates adherence to God’s commandment.
In other words, giving to the poor is an important responsibility God has given to us.
In the bible, God speaks often about the poor and the needy. According to First John chapter three, verse seventeen, if anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?
The poor, the Bible insists, will always be amongst us and that whoever is kind to the needy, honours God.
What an opportunity for followers of Christ in this generation to honour God by showing kindness to the needy.
A glance at Proverbs chapter twenty eight verse twenty seven explains that those who give to the poor will lack nothing.
More so, the Holy Book tells us that generosity yields an amazing outcome because when we refresh others through giving, we are refreshed ourselves.
It is heartwarming that the Religious Affairs Unit of the government house has decided not to ignore the plight of the needy children in orphanages but to draw nearer to them with generosity.
Government alone cannot bear this burden as the poor and needy are everywhere. So the example of the Religious Affairs Unit should challenge groups and individuals to emulate and most importantly, sustain the gesture.
