Writing By Daniel Karlmax, Editing By Godwin Duru
Faith-based organizations have been encouraged to periodically organize talent hunts to discover and harness the gifts and potentials within their worship communities, as a means of promoting socio-economic growth and development.
The District Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church, Kaduna District, Reverend Paul Adim gave the charge during a talent-hunt musical concert held at the Assemblies of God Church, Nasarawa Road, Kaduna.
Rev. Adim, who also serves as the Senior Pastor of the church, explained that the programme aims to discover talents—particularly among young people and provide them with platforms for growth.
He noted that many individuals are gifted yet remain undiscovered, adding that without proper support their potentials risk being wasted.
According to him, the initiative has over the past two years, continued to identify various talents within the church and provide opportunities to nurture them.
He emphasized that every individual carries a unique gift deposited by God, stressing the importance of creating avenues for these gifts to be discovered, promoted, and celebrated.
He lamented that many people fail to fulfil their potential because no one has taken the time to identify the gifts within them.
Rev. Adim called for partnerships with government agencies, corporate bodies, and well-meaning individuals to sustain the programme, citing the huge financial requirements involved.
Forms of partnership, he said, may include promotion of discovered talents, financial and material support, and publicity.
He reiterated that talent development is a capital-intensive process, but with strong partnerships, the initiative can achieve greater success.
The clergyman encouraged young people to believe in themselves, reminding them that they carry divine gifts, as God created everyone in His likeness.
He also urged parents to support their children, describing them as future leaders who need platforms to shine.
Rev. Adim noted that many of the young participants were unaware of their abilities until they were given the opportunity through the talent-hunt programme.
“What we are doing is presenting them under the light of discovery,” he said.
In a message during the event, Pastor Onochi Okeke of Dominion City, Kaduna, said that talents and gifts serve as platforms to promote the kingdom of God through good works that reflect His nature.
He added that discovering and nurturing talents helps reduce crime and social vices.
A worship leader, Evangelist Helen Akor, described praise as a potent weapon for overcoming life’s challenges.
She encouraged Christians to continually praise God regardless of circumstances.
Some of the youth participants, including Love Daniel and Glory Henry, expressed appreciation to the church for creating the opportunity for them to showcase their abilities.
Earlier, Rev. Adim explained that the programme was introduced to address the challenge of numerous wasted or undiscovered talents.
He warned that misdirected talents could be used negatively or fall into the hands of individuals who exploit young people for selfish interests.
The talent hunt, he said, ensures that discovered gifts are connected to the right promoters.
Daniel Karlmax
