In an effort to show love of Christ Jesus to mankind and humanity irrespective of religion, race or tribe, a foundation by a renowned clergy, Prophet Ade Ologbonyo has catered for over 600 widows by donating relief materials to them and awarded 40 scholarships to students who have graduated 15 years ago alongside 30 students who are still on scholarships.
However, the foundation has trained many young widows and orphans in many vocations at various level of apprenticeship with provision of necessary equipment such has sewing machine (both manual and industrial), grinding machines, shoe making machines, generating set and so on, which were gifted to assist the beneficiaries.
Ade Ologbonyo’s Foundation started in April 4, 2008 through a divine instruction given to him by God. The renowned prophet of the gospel, Prophet Joseph Ade Ologbonyo had recieved two Bible verses to embark on the exercise. The Bible verses are James 1 verse 27 which says “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” and the other which is Exodus 22 verse 22 to 24, says “You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child. If you afflict them in any way, and they cry to Me, I will surely hear their cry; and My wrath will become hot, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.”
Prophet Ologbonyo in an interview, said God told him that widows and orphans are suffering and He (God) has given him the mandate and assignment to cater for them.
The Prophet revealed that it was not easy in the beginning because they didn’t have any financial support for over eight years.
“Sometimes, we would have to borrow to meet up as the population kept increasing, but to God be the glory for how far He has brought us. Some people see what we are doing as a show to get people’s attention but I have said this times without number that if giving our all for evangelism is show, I wish we can all join this show, as long as souls are saved for Jesus.
Most people think that being happy is about having more money, more power or control over things or people, but these make a person unhappy when they get obsessed with such,” he noted.
Prophet Ologbonyo further explained that the real happiness comes through benevolence to others, such as caring for people and doing things to help others etc, which according to him, leads to fulfillment and happiness.
He added that; “I’m much more happier and fulfilled whenever I’m privileged to put a smile on people’s face or solve problems. The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is one that caters for the needy. It mustn’t be during Christmas or festive period alone. It should be done time to time, especially when the grace to do so is available. Jesus Christ preached and practiced one gospel which is love all His life (Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37).”
While quoting Mark chapter 12 verse 30 to 31 which says “you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength, this is the first commandment, the highly revered man of God noted that empowerment scheme should revolve around lovely giving and assistance.
“The second is this, you shall love your neighbours as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than this. We must spread love among one another in line with the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
According to him, it is high time for everyone irrespective of the religious and tribal differences to show love to one another genuinely, saying where there is genuine love, there will be progress, unity and peace.
“Let the spirit of love form the foundation of our existence and according the scripture be our watchword. People who genuinely love and care for others are happier than haters. Whatever we sow will shall reap, and whatever we push around will come back to us in folds. Rather than spreading hatred, let us sow the seed of love, and we shall reap peace, unity and progress,” he added.
The Ade Ologbonyo foundation has contributed immensely humanity and is still contributing to the well being of Nigerians, especially the people of Ekiti State and its environs, through provision of free health services, food items, and clothing materials, payment of school fees, giving out tools such as sewing machines, grinding machines, shoe making machines, etc to widows and orphans.
Happiness, hope, joy and excitement are the expressions seen in the lives of widows and orphans who have benefited from the scheme and gestures of the foundation. The foundation is non governmental, non religious, non profit making but touching the lives of people especially the needy in positive ways, and that is the foundation’s priority.
