…highlights impact, expansion of Lay Institute’s 10th anniversary

Pastor David Adesina, the convener of the Lay Institute, an annual event focusing on training Christians to reach out to Muslims with the love of Jesus Christ has shared his thoughts on the 2024 edition which was concluded at the West Africa Theological Seminary, Lagos.

The edition that marked the 10th year of the institute focused on two crucial areas: the eradication of religious fanaticism and poverty. For the first time, the program incorporated a comprehensive Eradicating Fanaticism, Poverty Our Focus In Lay Institute As We Enter 11th Year-
Pastor Adesina segment on poverty eradication.

“We had two great lecturers who enlightened us on using transportation as a means to become millionaires in our environment,” Adesina said.

Additionally, participants received training on rabbit rearing, a practical skill that many found invaluable. “Their eyes 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,” he explained.

A Decade of Transformation

Reflecting on the past ten years, Adesina noted the significant progress and impact the Lay Institute has had. Many participants have advanced their studies at the West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS), with some pursuing master’s programs 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 discipled. “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 program’s success, funding remains a challenge. Pastor Adesina, who also lectures at the West Africa Theological Seminary revealed that they have had only one consistent donor, Engineer Ajayi, since the inception of the institute.

He also said, recently, Pastor Akinola from the West Africa Theological Seminary’s Governing Council also started contributing, with donations of N20,000 this year and N50,000 last year. “We have only two sponsors, plus myself, making three,” he noted.

Addressing the Greatest Omission

The main theme of the Lay Institute remains focused on addressing what Pastor Adesina calls “the greatest omission in the great commission.” He explained that their outreach is primarily aimed at Muslims, who he describes as the most vulnerable group causing havoc in the world. “Last year, we specifically addressed these objectives. This year, we shifted slightly to include poverty eradication,” he said.

Expanding Horizons

This year’s focus on poverty eradication 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.

According to Adesina, the introduction of sessions on transportation business and rabbit rearing provided participants with tangible ways to achieve financial stability.

Training and Empowerment

The institute’s training sessions have not only imparted knowledge but also empowered participants to become trainers themselves. “Those we trained are now training others, especially in the northern regions. This ripple effect is crucial for sustainable change,” Adesina said. He stressed the importance of continuing this cycle of training to ensure the institute’s mission reaches even more people.

Personal Sacrifice and Commitment

Pastor Adesina’s personal 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. His unwavering dedication highlights the importance of individual contributions to the success of such initiatives.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, 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 faith-based education and empowerment.

Participants were elated after being equipped at the two weeks training that also offered feeding and accomodation to enable total concentration.