HICC gives N10m in medical support to needy

The Harvesters International Christian Centre (HICC), Gbagada Campus, Lagos, yesterday, gave out financial support worth N10 million to 22 persons. The church noted that support for communities should not be limited to prayers and spiritual matters but should include financial help, distribution of food items, medical support, and meeting of the needs of homeless persons.

HICC also donated food items through its Hopemart programme, spearheaded by its Benevolence Department.

Speaking after the presentation of cheques, one of the beneficiaries, Christen Godfrey, said: “I had a fibroid and the church came to my rescue. I was happy I came to church for the thanksgiving service. I never knew I would get financial support. I was given N450,000.”

Another beneficiary, Oluwadunni Afolabi, who was given N800,000 in medical aid, said: “I was billed to do laminectomy and laminoplasty surgery. I was surprised that the church came to my aid because I know how huge the cost is.

“I saw the broadcast about the programme on the screen, calling on people that needed financial support for medical reasons. I decided to try. I was struggling to raise money for the procedure; I was told that I would need to buy medication worth N300,000, apart from the surgery. A private hospital had asked me to pay N1 million.”

Kufre Umoren, a beneficiary, said: “The church helped me to clear my bills and I am happy for this. I had an issue with one of my eyes and I was told to pay N65,000 for glasses and others. I didn’t have the money. But on Sunday, December 3, 2023, the Campus Pastor, Mayowa Agboade, asked people who could not afford medical bills to come forward. I registered and I was picked. The church came to my help.”

Speaking on why the church rendered the support, Head of Spiritual Progress and Development at HICC, Andrew Arobi, who spoke on behalf of Agboade, said: “This is one of our programmes to reach out to the people. We are a church that loves giving. Harvesters clocked 20 years on December 15, 2023. So, this medical support is one of our major events to celebrate the church and God’s grace.

“This medical support is part of our event, tagged ‘December of Mercy and Kindness’. We chose to help those in need, who could not afford medical bills and food to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones; single mothers; widows and widowers.

“We gave over N10 million in medical support to 22 people. The December package has taken over N20 million. It’s the season for giving in our church. We appreciate our lead pastor, Bolaji Idowu, for this support. We are giving more to support people and our doors will always be open to meet needs.”