- by Deborah Longe
- March 31, 2026
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The following is a transcription of On the Lord’s Side Podcast presented on GospelBellsRadio on March 31, 2026 by Olufemi Oguntokun. It may not fully match with the audio, but represents a near perfect transcription of the broadcast.
On Xenophobic Tensions in Eastern Cape, South Africa
The issue in Eastern Cape, South Africa, regarding the installation of a king is not about imposing authority over others. The man to be installed is not a king over South Africans but a king within his own community, the Igbo community.
Reactions from Nigerians have been mixed. Some have condemned what they describe as xenophobic behavior by black South Africans, while others question the decision of the Igbo community to proceed with such an installation, knowing the existing tensions.
Xenophobia is defined as the irrational fear, distrust, or hatred of foreigners or anything perceived as foreign. Unfortunately, this term has become closely associated with black South Africans in recent times.
From a Christian perspective, this is ultimately a matter of the heart. If there is hatred or fear, it must be examined in light of what is godly, noble, and of good report.
While some attempt to justify this behavior by referencing the history of apartheid, such actions do not glorify God. The Christian church in South Africa must rise to condemn xenophobia just as it once stood firmly against apartheid.
Christians are called to pursue peace and resolve conflicts through lawful and godly means, not violence or destruction.
On the Disruption at St. David’s Anglican Church, Akure
A troubling incident occurred at St. David’s Anglican Church during a Palm Sunday service, where angry members disrupted worship, demanding the removal of the vicar.
They accused him of mismanaging church funds and awarding contracts without consulting the church committee. The congregation insisted that worship would not continue until action was taken.
The scene was chaotic, members left their seats, approached the altar, and confronted church leaders, leading to pandemonium.
While the allegations may be serious, such actions are deeply concerning. Regardless of provocation, Christians are not called to take matters into their own hands in ways that dishonor God.
There is a thin line between standing for righteousness and falling into unrighteousness through improper reactions.
On Taking Matters into Our Own Hands
In both the South African unrest and the church incident in Akure, a common theme emerges, people choosing to act instead of waiting for due process or divine intervention.
Scripture teaches otherwise.
Christians are called to trust God, to wait on Him, and to seek peaceful resolutions. Taking matters into one’s own hands often leads to greater wrongdoing.
Examples from the Bible, Saul, Abraham and Sarah, and King Uzziah remind us of the dangers of stepping outside God’s will due to impatience.
“Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.”
God fights for those who trust Him.
On the Power of Prayer and Waiting on God
Many conflicts could be resolved without chaos if Christians truly embraced the power of prayer.
There are testimonies of churches that faced similar issues but resolved them peacefully through prayer and patience.
When provoked, the right response is not retaliation but surrender to God.
If our intentions are truly pure, we must trust God enough to act on our behalf.
On a Miracle After 25 Years of Waiting
In a heartwarming story, a Nigerian couple welcomed a baby after 25 years of waiting.
Their thanksgiving and dedication service took place on Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Warri, Delta State.
This testimony reminds us that God makes all things beautiful in His time.
Waiting on the Lord is never in vain. While some choose to act out of impatience, others who remain steadfast in faith experience His promises fulfilled.
I want to thank you for staying with us this morning on On the Lord’s Side, Christian perspectives on news and current events.
I hope to be with you again tomorrow, by God’s grace.
Whatever you do today, please remain firmly on the Lord’s side.
God bless you.