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I don’t allow myself to be disheartened when the younger generation refers to me as ‘Old School’. I understand that today’s world is vastly different from when I first embraced my faith. There are areas where they excel and areas where perhaps we had stronger practices.
Let me take you back to the late seventies when a knock on Bro. Dike’s door in Festac Town marked the beginning of a memorable encounter. A stranger stood before him, seeking stickers to identify fellow believers, an earnest quest that led him to Dike’s doorstep. With urgency, he requested a car for a Christian brother’s wedding in Lekki. Dike’s swift response, offering his car keys, speaks volumes about the spirit of generosity and trust that prevailed in those times. Christian stickers, proudly displayed on homes and cars, served as unmistakable badges of faith, sparking joy and fellowship among believers.
In those days, lending a car wasn’t merely a transaction; it was an expression of communal care and solidarity. Whether it was for a wedding in Ibadan or a journey to the Eastern States, the willingness to share resources was coupled with a genuine concern for the spiritual well-being of fellow believers. The emphasis wasn’t solely on material assistance but also on nurturing a contented spirit and fostering genuine connections within the faith community.
Reflecting on personal encounters, such as welcoming strangers into our home seeking job opportunities, underscores the deep sense of kinship within the Christian Union of the University of Nigeria. Our home became a sanctuary where members of the faith could find refuge and support, embodying the essence of ‘the church in my house.
The anecdotes from Ify’s travels and the challenges she faced highlight the protective and caring nature of believers towards one another, even in the face of adversity. The incident with Uncle serves as a poignant reminder of the solidarity and prayers that characterised Christian communities in the seventies, where concern for others eclipsed personal comfort.
Moreover, interactions within the faith community were characterised by fidelity and accountability. Whether it was sharing intimate issues or standing together in worship, there was a sense of collective responsibility towards one another’s spiritual growth and well-being.
In contrast to today’s emphasis on entertainment and superficiality, our worship was steeped in reverence and solemnity, with choruses and songs serving as vehicles for delivering the gospel message and urging sinners to repent.
Looking back, the church one attended was secondary to the sincerity of one’s faith and commitment to spiritual growth. Inter-church gatherings provided opportunities for collective edification and support, transcending denominational boundaries.
Our relationships with unbelievers were marked by a clear delineation, yet our doors remained open to those who sought refuge or shared our faith. The distinction between worldly luxuries and spiritual values was stark, with an emphasis on simplicity and humility.
In essence, what is needed today is a harmonious blend of old-fashioned values and contemporary sensibilities, drawing upon the strengths of each era to navigate the complexities of modern life.
For further comment, Please contact: Osondu Anyalechi: 0802 3002-471; [email protected]
