News Release

2018 “Light The World” Launched in Lagos

Church celebrates Christmas with humanitarian Services

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 1st, 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 year's initiative, with the theme “Give as He gave”, has been divided into four weekly parts in the month of December. In week one, titled “Light the World”, participants are encouraged to serve those in need around the world. During the second week, “light Your Community” focuses on serving in communities. Families are the focus on the third week tagged “Light Your Family”. Participants are invited to show gratitude to loved ones by having a family prayer, calling their parents, spending one-on-one time with children or other activities. In week four, “Light Your Faith”, participants are urged to build their faith in Jesus Christ through scripture study, prayer, and visiting religious sites. On Sunday, 23rd, the public is then invited to a one-hour sacrament meeting in any of the Church's local meetinghouses in their locality.

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. Utchdorf 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”

By visiting lighttheworld.org daily, participants can learn new ways to participate. Shareable contents are being posted on the Church’s social media pages, such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google+, and Pinterest. Social media users can share their experiences by using the hashtag #LightTheWorld.

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.

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