LOCAL NEWS
2018 “Light The World” Launched in Lagos
The annual worldwide act-of-service initiative, “Light the World”—now in its third year—was launched by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Nigeria, on December 1, 2018. The 2018 Light the World focuses on serving and giving globally, as Jesus Christ, “the light of the world” (John 8:12) did.
“This initiative is designed to touch the lives of people out there; the prophet [of the Church] and his associates have prayerfully packaged this initiative. It is expected to put a smile on someone’s face,” said Elder Akinbo, the presiding officer at the launching of Light the World in Lagos, Nigeria.
Ven. (Dr.) Francis O. Falako, a lecturer at the University of Lagos and an ordained minister of the Anglican Church of Nigeria, stated in his keynote address that “light is life.” He said, “The responsibility of Christians is to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and give service not just to man but to God.” He then cautioned, “Not all needy around you are lazy; so give and make a difference in someone’s life.“
In a video clip presented at the launching, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was quoted, saying that the Church’s welfare program “is not just good ideas but principles revealed by God.” The Light the World program is a revealed way from God for participants to serve others this Christmas season.
Mrs. Alonge Olaolu, Deputy Director, Administration, Nigerian Television Authority, commended the efforts of the Church in playing a leading role in giving back to the society in the true Christlike spirit. She encouraged the Public Affairs Department of the Church to engage the public more through publicity in order to “shine the light” more.
Cornelius Tay, President of the Nigeria Lagos Mission of the Church, stated that, as part of this initiative, full-time missionaries of the Church in Lagos have been engaged in rendering services at the Ikoyi prison with inmates, Little Saints Orphanage, and various police station, via singing of hymns and sharing scriptures. He said, “The theme of all the Church’s activities is that the gospel will roll forth throughout all the earth.
“When anyone receives the gospel, he receives light,” President Tay concluded.
When asked in an interview with the NTA Lagos Television station if the Light the World initiative will come to an end, Elder Akinbo told the press that “it will continue until God tells us what to do next.”
Annually, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participate in service activities during the Christmas season to celebrate the selfless life of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.