By Isaac Daniel
Bothered by the incredible level of suffering among the poor, Pastor Dolapo Kwapowe, fondly known as Pastor Dee did the unthinkable on her birthday.
Pastor Dee and well wishers at her birthday
She and her Church, Elim Chapel, used it as an opportunity to distribute palliatives to the less privileged.
She compelled all her friends, relatives, associates and well-wishers to turn their birthday gifts to relief items.
As planned the program was held on her birthday. The turnout was massive and there was the excellent distribution of palliatives, relief foods and essential household items, both for adults, youths and children.
The distribution was directly supervised by Pastor Dee, who was present from the beginning to the end. Most impacting aspects of the event was Pastor Dee’s insistence that everyone must get their palliatives and face masks before leaving the programme which was tagged “COVID-19 WELFARE SMILES.”
Addressing the mammoth crowd that came from within and outside Lagos, she asserted that the vision for the programme was to alleviate the hardship and poverty being faced by the people.
Pastor Dee, explained in a later interview with this reporter that her Church has been involved in charitable projects as required of a Christian before the government asked people to assist the downtrodden.
“We have our annual ” Easter Smiles” and “Christmas Smiles”, which are charitable projects held for the needy in our Community. The programmes are inspired by the scriptures in the book of Matthew 25:35-45.
” God instructed us, Christians to give to the poor and needy around us. He first gave for our salvation and well-being. By the grace of God, we have been obeying this instruction and will continue to do so, as long as we live.”
She said further that the programme was held in obedience to God and the Government’s instruction. Pastor Dee admonished them to thank God who inspired and empowered the palliative project. The elated beneficiaries thanked and praised God for remembering them through her. They also prayed for her and wish her happy birthday.
One of the beneficiaries, simply called Mummy Samuel, who poured her heart openly with singing and dancing and appreciation to God and Pastor Dee, said she could not believe that her family would be visited by God at this tough time.
“We have been hearing of Government palliatives, but I don’t have the connection to get them. But God brought His own palliatives to us through Pastor Dee and Elim Chapel, without knowing anybody, praise the Lord”, she joyfully sang with other beneficiaries.
A known community leader in Kosofe LGA and Ketu CDA leader, Chief (Mrs.) Adeolu, aka Mama Ketu, openly appreciated Pastor Dee and her Church for assisting the poor in their community at this critical time with palliatives and free facemasks. when many people can’t afford to feed, talk less of buying facemasks to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
She noted, “it was an exemplary gesture and we appreciate it and Pastor Dee, tremendously”
