By Chike Ifedi
ONITSHA/Nigeria: In a continuous display of gratitude for God’s boundless goodness and mercy, the largest gathering of Catholic faithful in Nigeria, known as Unusual Praise, is set to host its highly anticipated 2023 praise night at the esteemed Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity in November. This event, now in its third installment in the state, aims to draw more souls to God through powerful praise and worship.
Agustina Igbokwe, the coordinator for the Onitsha Region, spoke passionately about the group’s mission during a Sunday mass. She emphasized the importance of creating awareness and inviting others to experience the transformative power of praising God. The forthcoming event will showcase an array of top gospel artists, including renowned names like Chioma Jesus, Chinyere Udoma, Gozie Okeke, Evangelist James Arum, and the Nkwa group.
The lead evangelist further disclosed the group’s primary objective, which is to continually praise God, spread the good news, and win souls for the kingdom. Drawing inspiration from biblical teachings, she reminded Christians of their duty to be their brothers’ keepers and encouraged them to invite their entire families and neighbors to this epoch event.
“The Unusual Praise began 14 years ago as a small gathering within the family at the Catholic Church of Divine Mercy in Lekki, Lagos State,” she explained, highlighting its humble beginnings. “Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged evangelical outreach, touching the lives of countless individuals.”
Quoting from the scriptures, she referenced Matthew, where Jesus Christ urged his followers to go into the world and make disciples of all nations. She also drew inspiration from the story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16:19-31, where their unwavering faith and praise led to their miraculous liberation from prison.
Speaking to journalists after the Mass, the counsel expressed the expectation that people from all corners of the country would gather to appreciate and praise God during the Unusual Praise event. “We are encouraging our people to bear fruits. We want people to experience joy and remain steadfast in their evangelization efforts as we follow in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus to reach out to the needy,” she conveyed.
Furthermore, she highlighted the Unusual Praise Entrepreneur platform, which offers loans ranging from ₦150,000 to ₦1 million to empower young individuals to start their own businesses. Through this initiative, Unusual Praise seeks to uplift and support the entrepreneurial aspirations of the youth.
With the Unusual Praise 2023 event on the horizon, the faithful anticipate a night of unparalleled worship and spiritual encounters, united in their shared devotion and celebration of God’s grace and love.
