The usual sentiment was that places of worship were getting rich off their congregation while the poor among and around them remained the same.

Now, Christians can proudly say that this story is finally changing thanks to churches like The Tribe, for instance.

The Tribe

The Tribe Lagos could be described as a non-denominational church. It is a place of worship with a difference. This difference is that they care about helping out just as much as they care about the preaching the word.

In the words of The Tribe’s Pastor Ferdy Adimefe, “At the core of the gospel is good news, a good news of hope, healing and salvation for all. It is essentially about a message of love, not just in words but also in deeds.

“God wants to love the world through us and the world needs to experience God’s love through us. Love is our propelling force, love is our heartbeat, it powers every move, every action and inaction. Love is the express reflection of God’s heart.”

How The Tribe helps

According to him, this is exactly why the church started a Charity initiative called Sozo Life Foundation. The sole purpose of this is to show God’s love by helping the less fortunate.

So far, the church has adopted a community in Itedo, an urban slum in Lekki, Lagos. This particular community was chosen because of the poor families living in terrible conditions right in the middle of this high brew area.

The church was there on Saturday, November 25, 2017, to share some supplies to the children and adults. Over 45 women were also offered free breast cancer awareness and screenings.

Now, the church is currently on #A Thousand Smiles Campaign in order to ensure that everyone ends the year on a good note.

The goal is to distribute 1000 special Christmas gifts to at least a thousand underprivileged children around Lagos.

[No available link text]

The Tribe is not alone in its concern for others

Like The Tribe, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Apapa Family, also has an initiative called ‘Excel Charity Foundation’.

Just like Sozo, RCCG’s foundation offers “a dynamic environment in our communities across the regions by embarking on several social impact projects through our initiatives in health, education, drug rehabilitation and well-being.”

The foundation also hopes to “ensure social reform in Nigeria, Africa and around the world.”

ALSO READ: Living Faith's Bishop David Oyedepo does something remarkable for his secondary school

Why is to so important for Churches to be charitable?

Pastor Adimefe explains it best saying, “Lagos is intriguing for me in many ways, a paradox of poverty and plenty. Next to an edifice lies a slum.

“I think we are privileged to have those in need right at our doorsteps, they could easily be neglected, because everyone thinks someone else will get it done. Let’s not forget these urban slums are the breeding ground for many ills."

“The many urban slums are meant to be the first beneficiaries of our gospel that brings unprecedented renewal to our city. The social realities of many of these people are far from ideal. We can shape better social realities and help the world experience the love of our father.”

Charity is not just for churches

Christianity is more than claiming to be saved or going around preaching the word. It is also about revealing the true nature of God in how we relate to others, particularly the less fortunate.

Hence, it is important that we do not just wait for religious bodies but that we also help out in any way that we can.

Let us all, churches and individuals, do our part in spreading God’s love by helping the less privileged around us.