Joy as Christian Community Church Int’l empowers residents, members with skills, food

The Christian Community Church International (CCCI) in Surulere, Lagos recently concluded its annual convention, showcasing its continued commitment to empowering both church members and the wider community.

During the event, CCCI’s founding pastor, Pastor Solomon Aroboto, highlighted the church’s long-standing dedication to improving lives through a combination of food aid and skills training. Founded shortly after his secondary school years, CCCI has become well-known for its “community outreach” efforts, which not only provide immediate food relief but also equip individuals with practical skills for long-term economic empowerment. This dual approach, launched each year during the church’s convention, addresses immediate needs while fostering self-reliance in the community.

Two major initiatives form the core of the church’s outreach: food distribution and empowerment programs. According to Pastor Aroboto, this year, over 400 food packs have been distributed, with plans to reach 800 families. Additionally, in partnership with its diaspora members, the church is providing business tools and financial support to 11 church members, including laptops for those pursuing technology-related businesses.

“We focus on both outreach—feeding the community—and inreach—empowering individuals within the church. This year, we are empowering 11 individuals to grow their business ventures and trades,” Aroboto said.

One recent beneficiary of the soap-making training program has already turned her skills into a sustainable business, securing a contract to supply soap to the church for a year.

Beyond vocational training, CCCI extends its empowerment efforts to education and health by covering school fees for children from low-income families and sponsoring health screenings for conditions such as cervical cancer. These comprehensive programs aim to address both immediate needs and pave the way for long-term independence.

While food aid is essential, Pastor Aroboto stressed that empowerment is the key to overcoming long-term challenges. “Feeding alone isn’t sustainable,” he said. “Once the food is gone, hunger can return. That’s why we emphasize self-sufficiency through training and business support. The real impact comes from teaching a man to fish.”

The church’s programs have already made a difference, with former food-aid recipients now reinvesting in the community. Some non-Christian community members have even joined in these efforts, prompting the church to introduce a Yoruba-language service to accommodate its growing, diverse congregation.

Pastor Aroboto, a Lagos State University alumnus now residing in Europe, emphasized the global support for CCCI’s mission, which strengthens the church’s commitment to providing both spiritual and practical assistance across borders. This year, participants in trades such as sewing, bead-making, and computer skills are expected to graduate, with hopes that they will become mentors to others, further extending the church’s empowerment cycle.

Reflecting on the church’s progress, Aroboto stated, “Our mission goes beyond Sunday services. We’re here to make practical, sustainable impacts on lives.” He underscored the church’s role as both a spiritual and social pillar in the community, saying, “We are here to reveal Christ to our community through compassion and service.”

Resident Pastor Ayodele Abisagboola also shared insights into the church’s outreach efforts, particularly “Operation Feed the Community,” which has benefited numerous local residents. “We are a community-centered church,” Abisagboola said, emphasizing the importance of making a tangible impact.

Addressing concerns about churches purchasing abandoned factories in Lagos, Abisagboola clarified that economic downturns, not churches, are responsible for factory closures. He argued that when churches take over these spaces and contribute by paying taxes, they are, in fact, helping the economy. Using CCCI as an example, he highlighted how the church supports local workers and contributes to the pension scheme, likening the church to a “spiritual factory” that molds individuals capable of contributing back to society.

Looking forward, Pastor Abisagboola expressed his hope that the minds of convention attendees would be transformed. “Change begins with a shift in mindset,” he said. Reflecting on the challenges of pastoring, he acknowledged the financial pressures but emphasized that when the focus is on helping people fulfill God’s purpose, the resources for the work will follow. “When you align your vision with God’s mission, everything else falls into place,” he concluded.