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With Funsho Arogundade
There is no gainsaying that Lagos-based cleric, Bishop Dr Edward Onabeje Benson’s ministry is rooted in empowerment and sustainability, reflecting a belief that evangelism success must translate into social impact. To the lead pastor of Holy Fire Evangelical Church, HOFEC Ogudu, Lagos, he believes in sharing good news with his followers in word and deed, and to serve them according to their needs.
The Delta State-born Benson, in his early 60s, is deeply concerned by the gross economic inequality from which the people suffer and the diverse economic systems which cause and perpetuate it. That is why at his architectural design Cathedral in Lagos, there is no dull moment especially on Tuesdays and Sundays, particularly during this Lent period. Benson always throws open the doors to his HOPEC Sanctuary to the downtrodden in the society, including widows, the indigent, and vulnerable people where he feeds them with cooked food, doles out cash, pays medical bills, and shares foodstuffs and other edibles as takeaways.
Though ordained as a preacher, Benson believes no influence makes people more human than the gospel does, nevertheless, in addition to evangelisation, the people of God should become deeply involved in relief, aid, development and the quest for justice and peace.
The clergy, who is also into real estate and building construction, said as much as he is committed to saving many souls, also he’s determined to wipe away tears of many that come his way.
