Pic: Ven Chiadikobi Emmanuel and wife
From The Nijasun News Desk
The Vicar of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, DCC Nnewi, Anambra State, Ven. Dr. Chiadikobi Levi-Emmanuel, has revealed that his decision to celebrate his 53rd birthday with more than 1,000 widows was inspired by his own painful experience of poverty and hardship while growing up.
The cleric, who distributed at least one bag of rice to each widow during the celebration, said he could never forget the suffering he endured as a child and therefore considers it a divine responsibility to care for the needy.
‘I Know the Pain of Poverty’
Speaking in an exclusive interview, the vibrant Anglican priest said his difficult upbringing shaped his passion for helping vulnerable people.
“If you have never had a headache, you won’t know how painful it is. Experience, they say, is the best teacher.
“I grew up in a poor environment. My mother died early, and I was raised by my father. At a time, the Enugu State Government could not pay my father, who was a primary school teacher.
That plunged us into severe hardship, humiliation and insults.
“We went from house to house begging for food and looking for shelter. Because I passed through that level of suffering, I know what it means to be afflicted. That is why I cannot forget widows, the needy and the less privileged. I belong to them because I came from among them.”
How God Changed His Story
Narrating how he overcame those difficult years, Ven. Levi-Emmanuel attributed his breakthrough to God and the encouragement of his father.
He recalled that despite his father’s exceptional academic brilliance, circumstances denied him greater opportunities in life.
“My father was a brilliant man with a classical brain. He often said he had no one to help him.
“At one point, I withdrew from my peers and spent time alone in our community primary school. One day, I clearly heard a voice saying, ‘Go to the university and I will sponsor you.’
“I looked around but saw no one. When I told my father, he said it was the voice of God. I prepared for university, and God fulfilled that promise by sending people who sponsored my education.
Eventually, I found myself in the ministry.”
Message of Hope to Widows
The cleric urged widows not to surrender to despair, assuring them that God remains their greatest source of hope.
“My message is ‘God’s Grace After Great Loss.’ They may have lost their husbands and many other things, but they have not lost God.
“They should trust Him completely because He is the Father of the fatherless and the Husband of widows. He can turn their tears into testimonies, “he added.
How Over 1,000 Bags of Rice Were Provided
The birthday celebration reached its climax with the distribution of bags of rice to more than 1,000 widows.
Explaining how such a massive outreach became possible, Ven. Levi-Emmanuel described it as a miracle of divine provision.
“As a man of God, I don’t trade or farm. But whenever God gives an assignment, He also provides sponsors.
“While I was announcing the programme, someone approached me and asked me to stop because they would handle the entire project. I was amazed. I am still trying to know exactly who they are.
“They deliberately chose to remain anonymous, and I pray that God rewards them abundantly.”
‘At 53, Time Is Flying’
Reflecting on turning 53, the priest said the milestone has reminded him that time waits for no one.
“I still feel as strong as I did at 23. But when I look at my wristwatch, it reminds me that I am 53.
“When you compare 53 with 73, you realise life moves very quickly. That tells me I must increase my pace because whatever should be done must be done now. Men grow older; they do not grow younger.”
Tags:
Ven. Dr. Chiadikobi Levi-Emmanuel, Anglican Church, Nnewi, Widows, Charity
