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Nigerian Christians Begin Lent With Ash Wednesday

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Nigerian Christians have joined their counterparts around the world to celebrate Ash Wednesday which officially heralds the commencement of the Lenten season.

Lent is one of the most significant periods in the Christian liturgical calendar. The 40-day season, excluding Sundays, is dedicated to penance, fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, leading up to the celebration of Easter on April 20.

The duration of Lent reflects the 40 days Jesus Christ spent fasting in the desert, a period marked by reflection, sacrifice, and spiritual preparation.

It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares Christians for Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday.

During the six weeks of self-examination and reflection, Christians who observe Lent typically commit to fast, or to give up something—a habit, like smoking, watching TV, swearing, or a food or drink, such as sweets, chocolate, or coffee. Some Christians also take on a Lenten discipline, like reading the Bible and spending more time in prayer to draw nearer to God.

Strict observers of Lent do not eat meat on Fridays, often opting for fish instead. The goal of these spiritual disciplines is to strengthen the faith of the observer and develop a closer relationship with God.

In the Catholic Church, ashes are distributed as a mark to remind the faithfuls that they are dust and unto dust they shall return.

Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of blessing ashes made from palm branches blessed on the previous year’s palm Sunday, and placing them on the foreheads of participants.

According to the canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus Christ spent 40 days fasting in the desert, where he endured temptation, Lent, therefore originated as a mirroring of this, fasting 40 days as preparation for Easter.

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Kingdom Blast

Foluke Adeboye Shares Story of Sacrifice After Giving Life to Christ

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Foluke Adeboye, wife of Enoch Adeboye, has opened up about a profound act of personal sacrifice she made after becoming a born-again Christian, revealing that she once disposed of her valuable gold jewelry as part of her commitment to her faith.

Speaking during a recent interview, the respected minister recounted how her lifestyle changed dramatically when she joined the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). At the time, certain forms of adornment, including earrings, were discouraged within the church.

Reflecting on that season, she explained that her love for fashion gave way to a deeper desire to live in alignment with her newfound beliefs.

“Every woman loves fashion. The moment we were born again then in RCCG, it was a taboo for you to have earrings. So everything, I dropped it in the lagoon,” she said.

According to her, the decision was not made lightly, as some of the jewelry had been set aside for her child. However, she remained resolute in her conviction, choosing spiritual obedience over material value.

She also recalled how a family acquaintance questioned her actions, suggesting she could have given the items to her mother to sell instead. In response, she emphasized her firm belief that anything she considered spiritually unsuitable for herself should not be passed on to others.

“Whatever is not good for me is not good for my mother,” she stated.

Despite the magnitude of the sacrifice, Mrs. Adeboye expressed peace and contentment with her decision, adding that she harbors no regrets.

“I don’t miss anything, not much,” she affirmed.

Her testimony serves as a reflection of the transformative impact of faith and the personal sacrifices many believers make in their walk with Christ.

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Christians in Jos Demonstrate Christ’s Love by Sharing Meals with Muslims During Ramadan

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In a powerful expression of Christian compassion and unity, believers in Jos have reached across religious lines to share food with their Muslim neighbors during the holy month of Ramadan.

Christian residents across Jos North Local Government Area and Jos South Local Government Area have been preparing and distributing meals to Muslim faithful in communities and mosques, helping them break their fast. This act of kindness, sustained since the beginning of Ramadan, reflects a growing commitment among believers to live out the love of Christ in practical ways.

One of the coordinators, Alexander Pious, emphasized the importance of humanity above all differences. He shared that before identifying as Christians or Muslims, we are first human beings created by God, and that love should be extended to all without discrimination. According to him, such acts are necessary for the betterment of society and a true reflection of godly love.

Another supporter, Kehinde Ronke, said she was inspired by the initiative and felt compelled to join in blessing others regardless of their background. She noted that kindness sown today can return as help in times of need, encouraging others to embrace generosity as a way of life.

Members of the Muslim community have warmly received the gesture, expressing gratitude for the genuine love shown to them. Jafaru Ango described the initiative as impactful, especially for the less privileged, while Musa Ibrahim highlighted that such acts prove that true believers are not the source of division, but rather instruments of peace.

Despite the history of ethno-religious tensions in Plateau State, this initiative stands as a testament to the healing power of love and unity. Both givers and recipients believe that such efforts can bridge divides, promote peace, and strengthen mutual respect among diverse communities.

As Scripture reminds us, “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18). The Christians in Jos are living out this truth, shining as lights in their communities and demonstrating the heart of Christ through selfless giving.

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Becky Enenche Empowers Widows, Youths, and Orphanages 

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Dr Becky Enenche
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The wife of the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Becky Enenche, has extended her humanitarian outreach to several orphanages, widows, and youths across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as part of activities marking her 55th birthday celebration.

Speaking during the event on Sunday, Enenche said the empowerment initiative was an expression of her passion for evangelism and community development, particularly in reaching out to less privileged children along the Airport Road corridor.

“We started evangelism about three years ago. In the process, we found many children who were not in school. So, we began enrolling them and paying their school fees. Now, there are about 20 Bible clubs across the route, and the number of children on scholarship keeps growing each term,” she told journalists.

According to her, the scholarships awarded under her personal outreach are distinct from those sponsored by her husband, Dr. Paul Enenche, or the church itself.

“At the beginning of every term, my evangelism team brings me the list of children, and I just release the money. They liaise with the schools and ensure the fees are paid directly,” she explained.

The birthday celebration featured the distribution of welfare packages, food items, school materials, and relief support to widows and orphanages within the FCT.

One of the beneficiaries, a student, Praise Adekunle, expressed heartfelt appreciation, saying, “I want to thank mummy so much for giving me hope. She placed me on scholarship, and I pray God continues to bless and protect her.”

Another beneficiary, an SS1 student, Peter Oche, also testified: “Without mummy paying my school fees, I don’t think I would have any hope in life. My life has a meaning and is taking shape now.”

Visibly moved by the testimonies, Dr. Enenche said she was deeply touched by the impact of the initiative. “I’m so touched you interviewed them. This is why we do what we do — to change lives,” she said.

The Head of the Welfare Department, Engineer David Abu Ozigi, disclosed that over 30 orphanages benefited from the empowerment outreach.

“This is not unusual; it’s something our Mummy has done consistently. The Bible teaches that pure religion is to care for widows and orphans in their distress. She’s simply obeying that divine instruction,” Ozigi remarked.

He added that the gesture underscores the Dunamis Church’s continued commitment to humanitarian service and spiritual compassion.

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