Established nine years ago, the Friends of Jesus (FOJ), a charitable organisation with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), is staying true to its vision: To contribute towards meeting the basic needs of the less privileged in society within Redemption City, its immediate environs and cross Nigeria.

This was evidenced in the testimonies shared by the numerous beneficiaries of its programmes and outreaches during its ninth Thanksgiving and 2025 Operations and Financial Report held at Redemption Resort, Redemption City, Ogun State.

The testifiers comprised people whose medical, accommodation, education and business challenges, as well as welfare needs were addressed by the group, relieving their pains and giving them fresh opportunities to rebuild their lives.

A widow, Mrs. Olubukola Elizabeth Williams, shared how FOJ has helped to sustain her son in the university.

“I have been a widow for many years and I try to take care of my children by selling foodstuff. My son is in university and he has been doing well in his studies. When it was time to pay his fees, I did not know how to manage it. I wanted him to continue but the money was too much for me. FOJ helped us so that he could remain in school. This has brought peace to my heart. I am thankful because my son can keep moving forward, and I believe God will bless them for standing with us,” she said.

Another woman, Mrs. Ajani Rukayat, said: “I am taking care of my five children alone. My youngest baby was born without an opening to pass faeces. She only takes milk and water, and generally light food. The doctors said she must undergo surgery to create the opening, but the cost was too high for me. FOJ gave me support so that the surgery could be done. I am very thankful for their kindness.”

On his part, Mr. David Idemudia said: “My family had an accident, and we spent all our money on treatment. After that, our rent expired and we had no funds to renew, so we had nowhere to stay after we were evicted. A family gave us space for some months, but we later had to leave. With our four children, it was very hard. FOJ helped us to get an apartment. Now we have a roof over our heads, and we can begin to rebuild our lives. I thank God for this help.”

Speaking at the event, the Visionary Founder of FOJ, Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye, said her heart was filled with joy to see God’s love at work – transforming lives, restoring hope and shinning His light in places of need.

She thanked members of the group and partners for their prayers, encouragement, time and generous resources, noting that they have been invaluable.

“As we embrace this new year, let us press forward with renewed strength, serving others with compassion and joy,” she charged.

The Director of FOJ, Pastor Olugbenga Omojola, also expressed immense joy on the achievements of the group so far, declaring: “The Lord has indeed been gracious to us.”

Omojola also thanked God for the visionary founder of the group, Pastor (Mrs.) Adeboye, “for sharing the vision with us and granting us the privilege to work with her.”

Speaking further, Omojola stated that the achievements of FOJ over the years from the clothes bank, where the group gives out clothes to those who do not have; to the food bank, where it gives out food items; and then to those that it dispenses funds to either by paying rent, hospital bills or school fees were made possible by God.

“I thank God that He’s able to help us to do that, and the contributors that have been supporting us,” he said.

He disclosed that the group surpassed its target last year, adding that “we are looking to even double what we did last year.”

He stated that FOJ disbursed N6,574,550 on medical support last year, N3,600,000 on accommodation, N3,932,800 on education, N1,660,000 on business and N8,869,875 on welfare, adding that it has set a target to impact over 5,000 families through its food bank initiative in 2026.

He also stated that FOJ hopes to onboard 10 new corporate partners and 50 new individual partners this year.

He urged members of the public to support FOJ’s activities “because we really are in the trenches, taking care of the needy in our environment; taking care of those that really need sustenance for life; and God has been helping us.”

Omojola stressed that God values giving and rewards givers, declaring: “I’m a living testimony for that. There’s nothing I’ve given up that God has not multiplied to me in millions of ways.”

Reminiscing on the activities of the group in the last nine years, the Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Mrs. Uche Aderibigbe, said FOJ has been an extension of the hand of Jesus.

Her words: “You know, the Bible taught us that everywhere Jesus went, he was doing good. And the Bible also told us to walk in his steps. So, if we see people who need to be helped, automatically it’s one of our first ministries to help the needy. And the needy will always be amongst us. I think helping the needy around us should be one of our general prayers as Christians, because everybody needs help – one way or the other.”