Get Guardian on GoogleHeal the Church Outreach (HECO), the evangelical arm of Christian Benefits Media Ministry was commissioned recently in Lagos to promote the restoration of the Church to its original purpose through sound doctrine, holiness, accountability, reconciliation and unity among believers.
Held at Mercy Revival Centre, Ikotun, Lagos, during the 26th anniversary celebration of Christian Benefits Magazine, alongside the 2026 Benefits Awards for Missionary Excellence (BAME Awards), organised by Christian Benefits Media Ministry.
The Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the magazine, Dr Wole Olarinde, said HECO was conceived in 2021 and that it had undergone five years of incubation before commissioning.
He explained that HECO was established out of a burden to restore the Church to its original purpose, stressing that the initiative was a response to growing concerns over public condemnation of churches and ministers, including doctrinal controversies on social media, divisions arising from partisan politics, failed prophecies and other issues affecting the credibility of the Christian faith.
Olarinde noted that genuine wrongdoing within the Church must be addressed and handled truthfully and responsibly, with particular attention to victims, the protection of vulnerable persons, accountability and genuine repentance. He maintained that the call for Christian unity should not be used as an excuse to conceal wrongdoing or compromise biblical truth.
“Our burden is not merely to criticise what is wrong but to encourage a return to biblical principles and the original purpose for which Christ established His Church,” he said.
Olarinde, who was consecrated as Minister-in-Charge alongside his wife, Funmi, said the responsibility required humility, discipline, prayer, accountability and total dependence on God’s grace.
He solicited the prayers, counsel and support of Christian leaders, ministers and believers as they undertake what he described as a sacred responsibility.
HECO’s commissioning formed part of activities marking the 26th anniversary of Christian Benefits Magazine, an interdenominational Christian publication established in January 2000.
Reflecting on the magazine’s journey, Olarinde said the publication was founded following his departure from Media Review, describing its establishment as a divine assignment that had been sustained by God’s grace.
He said the magazine had remained committed to its mission of “Spreading the benefits in accepting Jesus Christ and propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ for the salvation of Mankind.”
He added that the publication had spent 26 years informing, inspiring and celebrating God’s work across denominations despite the challenges associated with sustaining an independent Christian media organisation.
He attributed the milestone to God’s faithfulness and the contributions of individuals and organisations that had supported the vision through prayers, encouragement, financial contributions
and partnerships.
Olarinde also disclosed that the Christian Benefits vision had expanded beyond the magazine into several platforms and initiatives aimed at promoting Christian communication, missionary service, advocacy and societal development.
These include IweIrohin AnfaaniKristieni, Christian Benefits Missionary Foundation, the Association of Publishers of Christian Magazines and newspapers, BAME Awards, Christian Benefits Television, Christian Benefits Media Consultancy Services, Campaign Against Paedophilia Africa and HECO Ministry.
The anniversary celebration also featured the 2026 BAME awards, established in 2004 to recognise individuals whose contributions demonstrate excellence in Christian service and missionary work.
Olarinde disclosed that the awards had recognised more than 100 recipients since its inception across seven categories: Christian Service, Christian Mission (Humanitarian), Christian Music, Christian Drama, Christian Literature, Christian Entrepreneur and Gospel Legend.
The 2026 recipients were Pastor Cyril Azobu, recognised for Excellence in Christian Leadership; Pastor Adebayo Funsho Adaramola, for Distinguished Christian Leadership; Rev. Sunday Godwin Ashe, for Distinguished Church-Planting Ministry; and Evangelist Abosede Nihinlola Adewole, for Distinguished Service to the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, and Pastor Femi Adesina, recognised for Distinguished Christian Ambassadorship in Nation-building among others.
The selection process, according to Olarinde, was superintended by the Board of Trustees, with the objective of identifying deserving individuals whose contributions had strengthened the work of the gospel and inspired others.
He described their recognition as a celebration of service, sacrifice and commitment and urged them to remain fruitful in their respective callings and inspire the next generation of Christian workers.
He stated that the ultimate purpose of the anniversary, commissioning of HECO and awards ceremony was not only to celebrate achievements, but to serve God faithfully and advance His Kingdom.
Olarinde expressed appreciation to Christian leaders, ministers, friends, partners and supporters who had contributed to the magazine’s survival and the successful organisation of the anniversary activities.
He particularly acknowledged the support and sacrifices of his wife and family, as well as the leadership and members of Mercy Revival Centre for providing the venue and supporting the gathering.
He also expressed hope that Christian Benefits Magazine would continue to fulfil its mission, while BAME Awards would sustain their role in encouraging excellence in Christian service and missionary endeavour.
