FOR many Christians, the doctrine for Lenten season is woven around three main observances: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. This rings true, not just for Orthodox Christians but for the Pentecostal folk as well. However, in the light of the current economic recession, TribuneChurch spoke with Christians on how their Lenten observances have been affected.
According to Mrs Yetunde Olanrewaju, “Recession should not stop you from observing the Lenten season. All you need to do is to give according to your financial strength and ability.”
A pastor of one of Nigeria’s very popular churches, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, while noting that from reports he had received, not many Christians were fasting or in true sober reflection.
“Who can blame the people? Even the current recession is enough to make one be in a sober reflection. Things have been really hard for the people and same is telling on the church. With the billions of naira dished out daily as being amassed by corrupt officials, even the nation should be in sober reflection. Although, people have been trying to fast, I can tell you that the church is now saddled, in many cases, with the responsibility of giving, not just to the poor but to others, whom one wouldn’t really classify as poor. People are owed salaries; things are so expensive, and you want to force people to fast and give alms? That would be bothering on the insensitive. However, the fact Christ is our hope is enough for us. One has to understand what the people are going through and offer as much encouragement as possible.”
Evangelist Frank Okhueleigbe, in his opinion, while noting that the economic situation shouldn’t necessarily affect Lenten observances, stated that “You are expected to deny yourself food and other pleasures, which will, in turn, save you from spending. But when it comes to the aspect of almsgiving as required of Christians, one needs to do that as part of the observances. Giving should be a thing embedded in the Christian life; it shouldn’t be forced. For instance, if you have N1,000 and you are unable to give N100, even if such a person has N1 million, he/she would still find it difficult to give. However, one is expected to do what is within one’s ability.”
Shepherd in charge of the Celestial Church of Christ, Cele-Ayo, Ugbe-Akoko, Ondo State, Prophet Michael Molehin, stated that the Lenten season was an opportunity to pray for development of the economy.
“Fasting gives us the opportunity to be closer to God through prayer and holiness. It is important to note that when the country is doing well, the citizens will do well. Therefore, with the current recession in the country, it is an opportunity for us, through fasting and prayer, to raise our voices to God for His intervention. We are citizens of this nation and it is important that we pray for the good of this country,” Molehin stated.
Mr Adeoti Adedotun Gbadebo, who noted the effects of the recession on Lenten observances, said: “It has seriously affected virtually all the areas mentioned; it’s not easy to fast when you have no hope of what you are going to eat after the fasting is over. On almsgiving, it has not been very easy because it is believed one cannot give what he doesn’t have.”
As Christians across Nigeria, and the world in general, prepare to celebrate Christ’s resurrection in a matter of days, following the conclusion of 40 days of fast in line with Jesus Christ’s fasting for 40 days and 40 nights, there is no doubt that the Lenten season has had its effects and it is only hoped that as clerics have suggested, Nigerians will take the opportunity of the season to set the country on the path of development with prayers, fasting and sober reflection.
Additional report by Daniel Akeju
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