🌌 Midnight Call Reflection
Why Believers Should Share with the Needy
Beloved, one of the clearest marks of true faith is generosity. The Bible reminds us:
“Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” (Luke 3:11)
In a world where wars, disasters, and economic pressures leave many in want, the call to believers is urgent. News today is filled with reports of poverty, displacement, and persecution. Families lose homes in conflict, churches are razed, children go hungry. Against such realities, the Church must be more than a place of worship—it must be a sanctuary of compassion.
Why should believers share with the needy?
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Because it reflects the heart of Christ.
Jesus fed the hungry, healed the sick, and identified Himself with “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). To love Him is to love those who cannot repay us. -
Because giving is worship.
Every act of generosity is a sacrifice that rises as a sweet aroma before God (Philippians 4:18). It is not charity alone—it is holy service. -
Because it breaks the grip of greed.
In giving, we declare that our lives are not ruled by possessions but by God’s kingdom. Sharing frees us from self-centered living. -
Because it sustains the witness of the Church.
The early believers had “everything in common” (Acts 2:44–45), and their unity and generosity drew many to the Lord. A generous Church is a powerful testimony in a divided world. -
Because it secures eternal treasure.
Earthly wealth fades, but generosity lays up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19–20). What we release for God’s sake is never lost.
Beloved, tonight’s call is simple but profound: Do not close your heart to the cries around you. Look for the needy neighbor, the struggling family, the persecuted brethren, and be the hands of Christ to them. For in giving, we do not diminish—we multiply grace, hope, and love.
🙏 Prayer:
Lord, teach us to hold lightly to what we own and to open our hands freely. May our love be evident in deeds, not words only. Use us to lift the weary, feed the hungry, and heal the broken. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
🌍 Global / General Highlights
- World leaders (Macron, Starmer, etc.) are preparing for high dramas at the upcoming UN General Assembly, especially around potential recognition of a Palestinian state.
- A partial solar eclipse (“Surya Grahan”) is expected on 21 September, visible in parts of the Southern Hemisphere. Observers are being reminded to use safe solar viewing methods.
- The 2025 UCI Road World Championships kick off in Kigali, Rwanda (21-28 September) — the first time this major cycling event is held in Africa. The courses are expected to be very demanding.
🇳🇬 Nigeria Highlights
- Nigeria Customs Service has earmarked ₦48 million for the 2025 Volleyball Premier League. Half (₦24 million) is set aside for the first phase of the competition, with another ₦24 million for the final phase. Player and team incentives have been increased.
- South Africa faces FIFA investigation after fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during a World Cup qualifier. If found guilty, South Africa could forfeit their 2-0 win over Lesotho and face further disciplinary sanctions — a development that could affect Nigeria’s hopes in the qualifying group.
- A special report on Nigeria’s participation at the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships highlights that despite flashes of brilliance (including one silver medal), there are lingering questions about preparation, depth, and support for athletes.
⚽ Sports Highlights
- Falconets’ Captain Joy Igbokwe has laid out the steps the team plans to take to secure another victory over Rwanda in their upcoming match.
- Rivers United managed a goalless draw in their CAF Champions League opener away at Les Aigles du Congo, opening their continental campaign with a point.
✝️ Religious Highlights (Nigeria)
- The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has approved the creation of 15 new dioceses, raising the total from 161 to 176. Five are full-fledged dioceses and ten are missionary dioceses.
- The Anglican Communion also elected bishops to fill one vacant see and leadership of the newly created dioceses.
- The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) is calling for radical change in the country to address pervasive issues of corruption, insecurity, bad governance. They warn the nation may collapse if challenges like kidnapping, poverty, and moral decay persist.
- According to a report by Intersociety, about 1,200 churches are razed annually in Nigeria since the 2009 Boko Haram uprising. That averages to around 100 churches attacked monthly, underscoring serious threats to Christian communities.
- The CBCN’s Second Plenary Meeting communiqué emphasizes pilgrimage and spiritual renewal. It also notes the death of Bishop Emeritus Francis Ogbonna Okobo of Nsukka, whose funeral will take place on 23 September.
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