My Vision Is To Uplift Lives And Strengthen The Social Fabric Says Pastor Christopher Olaiya Sule
In an exclusive interview with the Chronicle Media, Pastor Christopher Olaiya Sule the Pastor in Charge of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Ondo Province 11, Akure is also the founder of the Christopher Rose and Mary Community Support Initiative. He shared insightful perspectives on the motivations behind establishing his initiative.
Pastor Olaiya Sule has dedicated a significant portion of his life to pastoral work, accumulating years of experience and deep understanding of the numerous challenges that individuals and families encounter within the community.
His observations have not only highlighted the struggles faced by many but also ignited a passion within him to address these issues proactively. Through his initiative, he aims to provide support and resources to those in need, fostering a sense of hope and empowerment among community members. By combining his pastoral duties with community outreach, Pastor Olaiya Sule envisions creating a lasting impact that uplifts lives and strengthens the social fabric of Akure.
Can you please tell us the secret behind the Christopher Rose and Mary Community Support Initiative?
The inspiration for the Christopher Rose and Mary Community Support Initiative came after I attended two pre-retirement lectures organized by the Redeemed Christian Church of God. These sessions encouraged participants to reflect on their contributions and legacy beyond their active professional years. Motivated by this, I began contemplating how I could serve our community in meaningful ways during the period between my eventual retirement and the time that the Lord calls me home.
Having worked as a pastor for many years, I have gained a deep understanding of many social issues that plague our society. I have observed that numerous individuals suffer silently, grappling with various problems but refraining from discussing them with their pastors due to fears of judgment or being talked about from the pulpit. This realization was a catalyst for establishing this non-governmental organization, with a strong focus on counseling.
One area of concern that stands out is the alarming rate of marital issues. I believe strongly in the importance of guidance for couples at various stages of their relationships. To this end, we offer free counseling sessions for both pre-marital and post-marital couples. Our pre-marital counseling sessions aim to prepare singles for the realities of married life, educating them about the potential challenges they may encounter. We emphasize that a successful marriage is contingent upon both partners understanding and fulfilling their respective roles, which is often overlooked as couples focus solely on planning their wedding rather than preparing for a lifelong commitment which is the marriage proper.
In our post-marital counseling, we stress that marriage is an ongoing journey that begins with the wedding ceremony. It is unique in that individuals receive their certification upon entry, but the real work begins afterwards. We also extend our counseling services to undergraduate students, assisting them with course selection and helping them discover and unlock their potential to become valuable contributors to society.
In addition, we hold conflict resolution management sessions aimed at addressing disputes among siblings, particularly concerning the inheritance of parental property following the passing of a parent. Maintaining unity among siblings is crucial for their collective progress. We also act as mediators in community disputes, as conflicts over land often arise and require careful resolution to maintain harmony.
As part of our family support program, we aim to collaborate with the Ministry of Women Affairs to enhance our services to those in need. Our advocacy extends to underage offenders, for whom we hope to facilitate counseling sessions prior to their being placed in juvenile facilities. We believe that through guided discussions, these individuals can develop a sense of remorse for their actions and a desire to change.
Furthermore, we work with couples contemplating divorce, offering them counseling to help them reassess their decisions and explore possibilities for reconciliation.
Another significant initiative of ours is the establishment of an elderly center dedicated to retirees seeking relaxation and social interaction. Instead of staying isolated at home, retirees can visit the center to engage in activities such as reading newspapers, playing indoor games, forming new friendships, and enjoying a more vibrant social life. Our belief is that many can leave happier and healthier lives by fostering connections within the community.
Sir, how do you intend to source funds to run this program?
We are immensely thankful for the support we have already provided to vulnerable groups, such as widows and mothers, by distributing gifts in hospitals. However, to sustain and expand our initiatives, we are actively seeking assistance from both government sources and individuals who recognize and resonate with our genuine commitment to enhancing the lives of those in need.
What is your final message to the general public regarding this initiative?
I would like to emphasize that any support rendered, whether through financial aid, resources, or volunteer efforts, will significantly impact the lives of the less privileged in our society, extending across educational, familial, and church-related levels. Together, we can make a meaningful difference and uplift those who are struggling, fostering a sense of community and hope in our beloved society.
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