Nigerian Baptist Convention reaches over 100 widows with Christmas food, empowerment support

As part of its annual Christmas outreach, the Social Ministries Department of the Nigerian Baptist Convention has provided free food and empowerment items to more than one hundred widows across the Northern Region.

The event, held at First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja, brought together widows from various communities. Speaking at the programme, the Minister in charge of Unity Baptist Church, Utako Abuja, Reverend Linus Thomas, described the initiative as a welcome development. He emphasized the importance of religious organizations stepping in to “put smiles on the faces of vulnerable and less privileged ones in the society.”

Serving as Guest Speaker, Reverend Linus Thomas also highlighted the difficulties facing many widows and urged government at all levels to respond more effectively to their concerns. He encouraged the beneficiaries to “always put their trust in God” and avoid actions that could “tarnish their image and deny them eternal life.”

In goodwill messages, D’Anna Shotts and Angel Oswood of the International Mission Board praised the Social Ministries Department for sustaining its end-of-year programme nationwide. They noted that the annual initiative has significantly helped give “widows and widowers a sense of belonging in christiandom,” while assuring continued support from the Board to improve the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians.

Earlier, the Director of the Social Ministries Department, Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Aderounmu, explained that the distribution effort aims to ease the burdens widows face during the festive period. She encouraged them to continue praying for a more prosperous Nigeria and announced that similar programmes would hold for the Western Zone at Hebron Baptist Centre, Lasokun, Idi Isin, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday, December 11th, 2025 at 10 a.m., and for the Eastern Zone at First Baptist Church, Boji-Boji, Agbor, Delta State, on Saturday, December 13th, 2025, also at 10 a.m.

According to her, the outreach seeks to lift spirits during the season and “give them a sense of belonging.” Wishing the beneficiaries a Merry Christmas in advance, Rev. Dr. Aderounmu reaffirmed the department’s commitment to programmes that support self-reliance among widows and other vulnerable groups in line with the teachings of the Nigerian Baptist Convention.

Some of the widows who received the items expressed gratitude to the Convention for consistently supporting them during periods of hardship. They also encouraged other religious bodies to emulate the Social Ministries Department in addressing the challenges widows face across the country.

Highlights of the event included free medical screenings, health talks, testimonies, and prayers for the Nigerian Baptist Convention, the nation, and its leadership.