A Yoruba adage says “Agbajo owo la fin soya, ajeji owo kan ko gbe eru de ori.”
It translates into “We beat the chest with our five fingers jointly and a single hand cannot lift up a heavy luggage to the head or its destination.”
This profound Yoruba adage resonates deeply, reminding us that unity and collaboration hold the key to conquering challenges beyond the might of a solitary effort. It’s a beautiful testament to the significance of teamwork.
Last week marked a chapter of remarkable unity at the Junior Bible School (JBS 2023), graciously hosted by the Living Faith Church in Lagos State, Ota Ogun State, and its surrounding communities. What unfolded before my eyes was a splendid display of harmonious teamwork.
My purpose at JBS was to serve, yet I found myself being profoundly schooled once again in the “gift of men”. Within the walls of my JBS center, were diverse roles – Supervisors, Coordinators, Assistant Coordinators, Facilitators, Volunteers, IT wizards from the Senior Teens class, Security Personnel, and Sanctuary Keepers. A united army, guided by unwavering dedication, commitment, and boundless passion,worked tirelessly.
As the days sped by, amidst the tug of other life obligations, these remarkable individuals continued to serve with relentless zeal, undeterred by bodily constraints.
From the young to the old , a revelation stood out boldly – these men and women were driven not merely by human duty, but by a sacred understanding that their service was an offering, a worship unto God. They were, in every sense, the embodiment of the ‘gift of men’.
And therein lies a profound lesson, one that JBS graciously imparted upon me. The ‘gift of men’ is divinely bestowed, granted when we ask God. Yet, it comes with a precondition: we must first embrace the role of being a gift to others. We are called to extend ourselves – our resources, our time, our talents – in selfless acts of service.
So, let us pause and reflect: “In what ways am I bestowing the gift of myself upon others?” For it is written, “He who would have friends must first show himself friendly.” (Proverbs 18:24)
JBS 2023 has joyfully concluded, yet its impact lingers on. I am confident that destinies have been forever altered, for it was propelled by the presence of these precious ‘gifts of men’.
As we march forward, may our earnest prayer continually be; Dear Lord, send me the gift of men & help me to yield when you prod me to be a gift to others!!!
Amen?
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