By Peter Ogbuokwa

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Pastor Samuel Udoh Brown, a member of New Life Amazing Grace Bible Church, Akowonjo, Lagos, and president, Dignity for the Helpless Foundation (DHF), has advised the government to formulate policies that would attract more investments to the country in order to create more employment for the youth. This, he said, would reduce restiveness and other vices  to the barest minimum.
In this chat with The Sun, Pastor Brown, while assessing the state of the economy and need to help the less-privileged in the society, stated that he was always touched whenever he encountered the needy, wallowing in squalor.
Could you tell us a little about your background?
I am Pastor S.U. Brown from Akwa Ibom State. I was born and bred in Lagos. I attended Jubril Martin High School and, thereafter, proceeded to the Obafemi  Awolowo University (OAU), where I studied  business administration. I am presently a pastor with New Life Amazing Grace Bible Church, Akowonjo, Lagos.
Apart from missionary activities, what other things do you do?
Aside from missionary work, I am a gospel artiste, a businessman, motivational speaker, author and a promoter. I am also a philanthropist; I preside over a non-governmental organisation, Dignity for the Helpless Foundation (DHF). It is an organisation that takes care of the needy, among others. The NGO facilitates health care for indigent patients and gives legal support to victims that are helpless. In addition, we are involved in youth empowerment, social development and poverty alleviation, among others. For instance, there is a case we have right now, involving one Tochi Mbonu Gloria, a kidney failure patient, who is presently in India, which we are seeking assistance in whatever form to effect her wellbeing.
 How do you raise funds to execute your charity work?
Some individuals have been greatly supportive to our cause. Honestly speaking, God has really done it for us. We have limited resources to executive our programmes. That is why we always seek support from kind-spirited Nigerians for financial assistance, except for the media that have denied us adequate support. Each time we want to raise funds through them for the indigent or victims, we are confronted with a lot hurdles, maybe for fear of insincerity, which is prevalent in the society today.
What do you think of the proliferation of churches in Nigeria?
It hasn’t started yet and you are talking about too many; more churches are still coming up and, to me, inasmuch as they are doing the will of God, I see nothing wrong in that.
Do you support churches paying taxes to government?
No.
Why?
Church or any religious body is a voluntary thing and it is not a profit-making enterprise. So, from where do you expect them to get money to pay taxes? Or is it from the meagre offerings that members contribute, which are often ploughed back for the wellbeing of indigent members?
Why do you think people no longer trust clerics who seek funds from members of the public to help the needy?
You know, these days, a lot of news is flying around town, both fake and genuine. Everything boils down to trust. Lack of trust is discouraging people from heeding calls for service to humanity. Some of the people who are claiming to be soliciting fund on behalf the needy are not doing so with sincerity and it is rubbing off on the genuine ones. Really, it is one of our banes.  But I will advise anyone out there who wants to help to also take his or her time to visit some of the homes of the needy to ascertain the genuineness of their plight in order to build trust and confidence in them. Everybody can’t be bad at the same time; there are still some good ones to be trusted.
What challenges do you face in your duties?
One of the challenges is lack of funds to take care of the indigent. Look at the case of this Tochi in India, a 29-year-old lady facing health challenges called kidney failure, and many others who come to our office from time to time for one assistance or another. The challenges in helping people like that are dependent on the ability to secure financial help on time. This is my burden, this is my cry and this is my challenge. Seeing the needy in our society wallowing in squalor, especially whenever I visit them in hospitals, villages and rural areas, is always touchy to me.
 How would you assess the economy?
The economy may be tough but with time Nigeria will get out the woods. I still believe in Buhari’s government. I believe in his fight against corruption. I know that one day we shall get it right.
 Has it in any way affected the church?
No, the economy has not affected the church. People still come to church to worship God. Besides, if any church experiences slide in this recession, it shows that its foundation is not rooted in God.
 What is your advice to the government, Christians and churches?
Government should formulate policies that will encourage more investment in the country. In this way, employment will be created for our teeming youths. Although I know this administration is trying, they should do more to deliver on their campaign promises.
Christians should keep praying for the good of the country and church leaders should keep delivering the word undiluted, preaching peace and the love of Christ to all nations of the earth.