The Senior pastor of the Awaiting The Second Coming of Christ Ministry, Adewale Giwa, has appealed to religious leaders across the country to support individuals facing economic hardship saying this will go a long way to cushion the effect of economic hardship on the common man.
The cleric who stated this while participating in a radio programme in Akure, ‘Agbami Oselu’ on Fresh FM, said there is nothing wrong in sharing a portion of tithe and church proceeds to the needy because of the economic situation
According to him, religious leaders need to come together in solidarity and commitment to create a more inclusive and compassionate society where the burdens of the marginalised are alleviated, and their voices are heard.
Pastor Giwa charged religious leaders in the country to cultivate the habit of sharing a large portion of tithe and church proceeds to the needy while calling on worshippers not to show lackadaisical attitude towards paying their tithes.
Speaking on the importance of feeding the poor and the needy in society in times of hardship, noted that only government cannot provide for the needs of the people at this critical period.
He said: “We are under obligation to bring 10 per cent of the profit that we make from our business transactions or from the salary we earn. This is contained in the Bible book of Malachi 3:10.
“However, the controversy over the issue of tithes is unnecessary. It is happening now because some of the big-time servants of God have betrayed the gospel and their calling.”
He said, “I am not against tithing. When you see Deuteronomy 14:28-29, it itemises four people whom tithe is meant for. The Levites, foreigners, widows, and the fatherless. So, it is not only pastors that own tithes. However, the way we clerics take it today is what is causing protests by the people.”
Pastor Giwa who attributed the hardship battling Nigerians to the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu, however, appealed to marketers of products to stop hiking price of the commodity so as to lessen the suffering of the masses.
On security threats confronting the country, the cleric said, the poor road network across the country is fuelling insecurity stalling development and making life more difficult for citizens.
“One of the factors contributing to our insecurity is our poor road conditions. You can see that they hide at every bad portion of the road and kidnap their victims”.
