HOW WILL THEY KNOW

Rev. Fr. Uchechukwu Obodoechina, Executive Secretary and CEO of Caritas Nigeria, during his valedictory speech at the end of a training we facilitated, asked the staff, “How will the facilities we support know that Caritas is on the ground? What would be the difference?”

This profound question at the beginning of his speech made me reflect on my own life and contributions in the places where I have the opportunity to serve.

During his speech, he highlighted the work of previous organisations that managed the health facilities where Caritas Nigeria now serves. Many of those NGOs were secular organisations with similar humanitarian visions. While these organisations may have performed their duties admirably, he reminded us that Caritas Nigeria, as a Christian organisation, has a higher calling. Our vision is to contribute to a harmonious society where everyone enjoys the fullness of life.

Fr. Uche emphasised that because we are Christians, our service should be exemplary, making people grateful that Caritas Nigeria is involved. Anything less than excellence in service provision, he declared, is unacceptable.

His speech reminded me of Nehemiah 5, when Nehemiah was appointed governor in Judah. Nehemiah said, “Governors before me placed a heavy burden on the people and took money from them in addition to food and wine, but out of reverence for God, we will not act like that.” Nehemiah’s primary concern was to lighten the people’s burdens, in stark contrast to many contemporary leaders who often add to them.

Many of us profess to be Christians, Muslims, or followers of other religions with excellent principles, yet these principles are not always reflected in the quality of our work.

Since hearing Fr. Uche’s speech and deeply understanding Nehemiah 5, I often ask myself, “How will they know that Chuka is here?” You should also ask yourself, “How will they know I work in this organisation? How will they know I live in this estate?”

Selah.