The convener of the Lay Institute, Pastor David Adesina has said the institute is working towards eradicating religious fanaticism and poverty apart from its primary goal of reaching Muslims with the gospel.
He gave the hint at the 2024 edition of the conference of the institute which took place at the West Africa Theological Seminary, Lagos
The Lay Institute was established about 10 years ago to train Christians to reach out to Muslims with the love of Jesus Christ.
As part of its plans to eradicate poverty, the 2024 edition featured two great lectures on how to become millionaires through transportation business and also a lecture on rabbit rearing, a practical skill that many found invaluable.
Adesina said, “The eyes of participants have been opened. We discussed where money is hiding and emphasised that as Christians, we have no business with poverty, as the principles of our faith show that following the scriptures leads us away from poverty,”
A Decade of Transformation
Reflecting on the past ten years, Adesina noted the significant progress and impact the Lay Institute has had.
He said many participants have advanced their studies at the West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS), with some pursuing master’s programmes and others completing undergraduate degrees.
“They are now doing better in their ministries, engaging in evangelism, especially among Muslims,” he said.
One notable story involves an Alhaja and her husband, who were ministered to by a trainee and have since been disciples.
“We have trained participants from the north who are now our representatives, training others. The impact of this program over the past decade is immeasurable,” he added.
Funding Challenges
Despite the programme’s success, funding remains a challenge. Pastor Adesina, who also lectures at the West Africa Theological Seminary revealed that there is a challenge getting people to support the project. ‘
So far we have only had one consistent donor, two other people have joined including myself. But we hope that we can get more people to support us so that we can make more impact.” he said
Pastor Adesina’s commitment to the institute is evident. Despite the financial challenges, he remains dedicated to the cause. “The support from our donors, though limited, has been invaluable. We continue to seek more sponsors to expand our reach and impact,” he said.
Addressing the Greatest Omission
Adesina noted that the institute however remains committed to reaching out to Muslims. According to him, evangelism to Muslims is the greatest omission in the great commission.
He said, “Our outreach is primarily aimed at Muslims. They are the most vulnerable group causing havoc in the world. He explained that the focus on poverty eradication this year was a strategic move to equip participants with practical skills to improve their economic status.
“By addressing both religious fanaticism and poverty, we are making a holistic impact on our community,” Adesina emphasised.
Future Prospects
Adesina is optimistic about the future of the Lay Institute. He envisions further expansion and greater impact as more sponsors come on board.
“Our goal is to continue addressing the needs of the most vulnerable, equipping them with the tools to overcome both religious fanaticism and poverty,” he concluded.
The 10th-anniversary edition of the Lay Institute marks a significant milestone, showcasing the transformative power of the faith-based organisation.
Participants were elated after being equipped at the two-week training that also offered feeding and accommodation to enable total concentration.