Congregations recognise the difference between serving God and attending church, dramatically changing their lives when they hear Grace & Light’s message of social righteousness.

Many Nigerians believe their lives are okay because they go to church each Sunday; they assumed this is what God wants of them. Then they hear Grace & Light’s message with its call to live lives that honour God.

“Our message challenges them to commit to serving God, not just attending church,” said international coordinator Tassie Ghata. “It penetrates deeply into their hearts. When we return we are struck by the changes in their lives.

“We find they are more honest at work and say they are now working for God not men, there is less corruption in their lives.”

Grace & Light volunteer teams visit each church at least once a year, focusing on one of our key areas each visit – poverty and wealth, work and corruption, sexual and gender-based violence, and politics of righteousness.

“If the topic is poverty and wealth, when we return we find the congregation is no longer begging. Instead they have work and are saving for their futures,” said Tassie.

“If work and corruption, a year later we find they are behaving honestly with customers and employers.

“If sexual and gender-based violence, we return to find they are treating their spouses and children with respect and honour, neighbours and families are reconciled.

If politics of righteousness, they are voting and participating in politics in ways that honour God, rather than buying and selling votes.”

Nine volunteer teams have been active during 2022. Between them the Jos, Yola, Gombe, Lafia, Zing, Hong, Jalingo, Abuja and Mangu teams visited 96 local churches.

In total these teams shared the gospel of social righteousness with 26,603 people and tested 3,296 for HIV/ AIDS. Only 13 people tested positive and are now receiving ongoing support.

Out of those who tested 3,152 people (96%) chose to be open about their HIV status with family and close friends.

Many stepped into deeper relationships with God. 3,613 people rededicated their lives to Christ and another 417 made first commitments.

The teams are finding fewer people are coming forward for HIV/AIDS screening as most have been tested in the past and know their status.

Prayer Requests

Please pray for:

• Our nine active volunteer teams, that members will be committed to visiting at least one church each month during 2023
• Our non-active volunteer teams will overcome barriers and begin visiting churches in 2023. They are Bauchi, Obudu, Michika, Langtang, Fufore, Zaria, Izzi, Agubia, Echaria, Ndiegu-Azu, Ankpa, Biu, Damaturu and Potiskum
• Church congregations will encourage and support each other as they seek to live lives that honour God
• Pastors and other leaders of the 96 churches will encourage and support their congregations.