THE annual 14-day fasting and prayer of Olorunsogo Baptist Church Mushin, Lagos holds from November 17-30.
The venue of the service with the theme my father, my destiny is 11, Okesanya street Mushin, Lagos.
Some of the invited ministers, according to a statement by the host, Rev Dr Steve Akande, include Rev Jonathan Babawale, Prophet Joshua Adeleke, Rev Samuel Ogunmodele and Rev Olugbenga Fabayo, among others.
THE 19th edition of National and international convention of Dominion Family Church Incorporated also known as Vineyard of Love holds from November 18-24th.
The theme is “the dawn of a new era” while venue is 66, Eyiniogun Street off Mofoluku Road, Oshodi, Lagos.
The hosts, Rev. Dr. & Pastor (Mrs.) Kennedy Ogu, said the convention will usher participants into awesome encounters with God.
Some of the expected guests include: Archbishop John Osa-Oni (Vineyard Christian Ministries); Bishop Matthew Egwowa; Rev. Dr. Sunday Akingbelure; Rev Charles Chijioke; Apostle Remy O. Remy among others.
WORRIED by avoidable deaths caused by improper medi care, Nigerians have been advised to take proper care of their health to live long.
The General Leader Cherubim & Seraphim (Ayo Ni o), Surulere District, Lagos, Special Apostle Sunday Korede, gave the advice during the kick-off of the Family Health Days at the church’s headquarters in Sanya.
It was sponsored by the church’s Joy Welfare &Charity Ministry, in partnership with Rotary International (RI) District 9110.
The General Leader, who was represented by the Deputy Secretary of the District, Special Apostle Benjamin O. Alaka, said: ’’Timely health check is s preventive measure and it is hereby being made available for our benefit as a humanitarian gesture.’’
He advised Nigerians to avail themselves of the opportunity. By so doing, he said, many lives would be saved, adding that ignorance of certain illnesses is the cause of many sudden deaths.”
He noted that God is the ultimate healer and medical personnel merely provide care, urging Nigerians not to neglect such care.
Special Mother Agbeke Ogunsanwo said the medical outreach took place in three main branches simultaneously.
She corrected the impression that the church was neglecting divine healing, adding that both divine healing and medical treatment are vital.
‘’Our leaders preach divine healing. But they also encourage medicare. Both the physical and spiritual are okay. They should not be mixed. That ignorance is being addressed by the church,’’ she said.
The church’s Head of Logistics Mrs. Bukky Aigbokhai said the event was the third and that 10,000 members and non-members were expected to benefit from it. She said the programme cost about N5million.
She thanked Rotary International for partnering the church and looked to the sustenance of the event.
‘’We appreciate Rotary for helping to save lives and boosting assurance for hope for the hopeless,’’ she said.
WHEN did you give your life to Christ?
I was born into a Christian family of C&S Zion denomination over fifty years ago and I have always been an active member. However, I gave my life to Christ fully in 1986.
After being baptised and underwent a six-month theological training in the church, I was then ordained as the General Cherub of Agbo Igbala Zion Church of Christ Ketu, Lagos in September 1986. I became the spiritual head of the church on November 27, 2011.
How have you been coping as a cleric?
Combining the job of a spiritual head of a Pentecostal denomination and other things is really very tasking. It explains why most church heads or general overseers are into it fully.
At my own end, the other thing I do is purely on a part-time basis. There is no incentive that can make me combine a full-time job with my spiritual calling.
Can you tell us about your church?
Agbo Igbala Zion Church was established six decades ago by the Most Rt. Rev. Dr. Ernest Akinbulu, who was the first King Zion of the denomination. The church was formerly located in Bariga, Lagos, where God used the founder to perform many miracles in the 60s and 70s.
What makes this year’s anniversary different from others?
This year’s anniversary held on October 6 was special because it was our Golden Jubilee. This year’s theme was ‘Liberty Proclamation, ‘ as we believe that anything a church does that cannot be substantiated biblically should be discarded.
We consider the fiftieth years of the official registration of the church as a year of freedom from oppression, freedom from repression, freedom from satanic manipulation, freedom from ignorance and freedom from ungodly ways of life.
Are you satisfied with the growth of your church?
Physically, it is below expectation because many members have pulled out to establish their own churches. But spiritually, the church is growing.
There is no doubt that there is a geometrical proliferation of churches in Nigeria. There was a circular in 1985 from government directing existing churches to unite, instead of establishing new churches. Our founder was a signatory. But little has been done about this.
My concern, however, is – are these churches really serving God in truth and faith or are they business centres disguising as churches? That is a question we all need to answer.
What have been the challenges?
More people are more interested in materialistic things, instead of serving God. People cannot separate between denominations with genuine intention to do the will of God and those that are using churches as commercial centres. All indicators suggest that we are indeed in a perilous time and it is a big challenge for the church.
Do you think the church is doing enough in terms of nation-building?
I must confess, I am not satisfied with the role of the church in Nigeria. I am not happy with the way pastors get into controversies and the spread of fake prophesies on national and international issues.
Also, pastors now run after material things and look away when it is obvious that politicians are sucking the country dry to the detriment of the masses that form the nucleus of the church. But I am not surprised because what we are seeing today has been written in the Bible as signs of the end time.
How can the church help resolve political and socio-economic challenges?
Churches have a vital role to play in resolving our political and socio-economic challenges only if they wake up to their responsibilities.
Politically, the church needs to educate the congregation that it is ungodly to sell votes as it is not different from selling one’s birthright.
The moment you sell your vote, you have traded your liberty and the politician who pays for your vote is no longer accountable to you. You don’t even have any moral justification to query him if he doesn’t perform well in the office.
Moreover, collecting money in exchange for vote amount to taking bribe and the Bible says whosoever takes bribe cannot dwell in the house of God.
The Bible actually condemned all the political vices that are endemic in our political system. The church should, therefore, be emphasising this to both the leaders and followers.
Also, the get rich syndrome culture in the country today should be condemned by the church. The Bible teaches us that those who want to become rich fast fall into many temptations, traps and into many foolish and harmful desires.
On the economic challenges facing the country, the church can always organise vocational training and workshops as well as assist members to acquire marketable skills. The church can even give members soft loans.
It makes no sense for pastors to be flying around the globe in private jets and church members are in abject poverty. If the church and mosque play a major role, the society will become a better place.
For instance, it was the missionaries that brought in the education we are all proud of today. Then, why are today’s churches doing things differently if truly we are serving the same God?
Do you have faith in the Buhari-led administration?
This is a big question. I want to believe Buhari means well but this is democracy, unlike the military regime where the head rules by decree. A tree does not make a forest. In other words, 10 of Buhari cannot change our politicians because they are extremely self-centered.
I saw a vision, which I shared with my church congregation two years ago that Buhari’s second term would spell hardship for Nigerians. Unfortunately, I cannot find a better alternative.
I sincerely believe that governance in the 21st century has gone digital but we are still running on analog and our chance of economic breakthrough is very narrow.
A government that still imports refined petrol and a government that cannot guarantee a stable power supply after three years in office is a failure.
What’s your biggest fear for Nigeria?
The present political equation cannot and will not take us to the Promised Land. Unless we restructure and practice true federalism, we will just be moving in a circle without any meaningful progress.
Federalism gives autonomy to the different units such that each unit develops at its own pace with its own regional police and certain financial contribution to the centre to take care of armed forces and external affairs. The unitary constitution imposed on us by the military will not take us anywhere.
Virtually every region is crying marginalization; so, who is marginalising who? But if you use a good percentage of what you have in your region for development in the region, nobody will complain of marginalisation.
As a matter of fact, it will foster healthy competition among the geo-political zones and every Nigerian will be better for it. But I am afraid the political elite that is benefiting from the status quo will not work for a change for a better Nigeria.
Do you see yourself venturing into politics?
I am not a politician and I don’t think I can be one because politics in Nigeria is about backbiting, blackmailing, character assassination and more. When a politician says good morning, please check your wristwatch before answering.
More importantly, politics will make me derail from my calling; so, I can’t be a politician. If you ask people I have worked with in the past, they will tell you I cannot be a politician. When I say yes, I mean yes and it is not political.
How can we unite Muslims and Christians?
The Muslims and Christians will unite if each practices its religion as it is embedded in the Bible and Quran. Islam is a religion of peace and Christianity is not a violent religion; so, why the enmity between the two if not for human selfish interest?
Agency Reporter
Popular cleric, Bishop Sam Zuga of House of Joy Ministry, has re-emphasized on the need of building unity between Christians and Muslims being in peace with each other irrespective of their religious background.
The cleric made this statement during his visit to the king of Ejule Land in Kogi State where he gifted the Muslim King a Lincoln Navigator SUV.
Although a Muslim, the Onu/District head of Ejule Chief; Alhaji Abdullahi Amanabo was so happy to receive Bishop Sam Zuga in Kogi again, as well as accepted the beautiful car gift, after the man of God prayed for him and the entire land.
It would be recalled that few weeks ago Bishop Sam Zuga launched his free medical treatment program in Attah Igala land.
In addition, the Bishop also promises to give one thousand (1000) cars to Nigerians in 2020.
The Presiding Bishop of Rhema Christian Church and Towers Ota, Ogun State, Bishop Taiwo Akinola, has appealed to the federal government to reduce the high costs of governance by cutting down on the salaries and allowances of public office holders.
He also called for reduction in the number of special advisers and aides approved for political appointees.
These, according to him, would be more beneficial than passing on the increasing costs of governance to Nigerians in the form of higher Value Added Tax (VAT) and return of toll gates to federal roads.
Akinola said Nigerians were already struggling under the heavy burden of taxes and charges.
He spoke last week ahead of the 28th convention of the church, which kicks off today at its Ota International headquarters.
The 2019 Rhema World Convention with the theme “Total victory in Christ Jesus” is expected to attract participants from USA, UK, Canada, South Africa, Ghana and Kenya where the church has branches.
On why federal government should not add to the burden of Nigerians, Akinola said: “The government is piling up taxes and charges on the people without considering the negative impacts such trends are having on the people governed.
“We are of the opinion that it’s rather better to cut down on the huge cost of governance than passing the burdens onto the ordinary citizens who are just struggling to hold up their heads above the murky economic waters.
“However, to our greatest chagrin, what we see is that government is rather increasing the number of cabinet ministers and advisers.
“We strongly feel that this development is not in the interests of our nation’s economic development, and should be looked into both critically and urgently by government, and readdressed without further delay.”
He appealed for urgent actions to fix the huge infrastructural deficiencies in the nation as well as the worsening unemployment rate, which he said could set the nation on fire.
The cleric further called for tough measures against insecurity and corruption, saying Nigerians deserved to enjoy much more than they do.
On the proposed City of Zion at Moluferin, Wasimi along the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway, Akinola informed works have commenced.
When completed, he stated the multi-hectare property will boast of Zion Sanctuary, International peace and freedom centre, hospitals, Old Peoples’ Home, schools, empowerment centres, shopping mall and recreation parks.
He said the convention, which ends next Sunday, will feature three sessions daily and free medical tests for all participants.
The Organisation of African Instituted Church (OAIC), one of the five blocs of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has passed a resolution against the election of any polygamous leader to steer its affairs.
This was the highlight at the Regional Executive Committee (REC) meeting of OAIC last week in Lagos, presided by Elder (Dr.) Napo Emuchay, the Regional President.
The resolution was informed by a lecture delivered by the Prelate of Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide (MCCSW), Baba Aladura Elder (Dr) Israel Akinadewo at the meeting.
Akinadewo had lamented the emergence of polygamous leaders at the bloc, stating it was making others to look down on OAIC.
In the lecture titled: “celibacy, marriage and the future of OAIC in the contemporary Nigerian church,” the certified forensic auditor insisted monogamy was the original plan of God.
Polygamy, he stated, was introduced by Lamech, a development he said amount to deviation from divine counsel.
Akinadewo pointed out God, through Jesus, restored monogamy as the standard requirement for marriage to foster fidelity, commitment and godliness.
Looking at how the five blocs of CAN perceive marriage, he pointed out only OAIC churches still have polygamists as leaders, a development he described as counter-productive.
According to him: “There are still priests of the OAIC churches today that are polygamists, and this is well pronounced from the churches that operate all congregational priesthood.
OAIC, he said, will never play prominent roles in CAN leadership because of the situation, lamenting other blocs consider OAIC leaders as “nominal Christians.”
He stated polygamy has also eroded the respect due to OAIC in CAN as well as hurt the effective church administration and reduce spiritual concentration.
Akinadewo appealed to OAIC leaders to embrace monogamy for the bloc to regain its lost glories.
Sequel to the lecture, leaders of the bloc resolved never to allow polygamous members hold leadership positions.
Akinadewo, whose lecture was well-received, was later elected unopposed as National 1st Vice President of OAIC.
OAIC National President, Elder (Dr) Napo Emuchay, said Akinadewo has demonstrated his leadership acumen within and beyond the bloc, saying his experience would be vital to take OAIC to the desired place of prominence.
International Restoration Crusade has concluded plans to stage a one day seminar to celebrate the life and missionary exploits of late Bishop Ajayi Crowther.
The convener, Pastor Tosin Onayiga, informed the seminar holds on November 9 at Peakan International School, New ILeshan road, Ikenne, Ogun State.
According to him: “The programme is aimed at highlighting the missionary activities of late Bishop Crowther and his contributions to the development of the Christian faith in Nigeria.”
He said the sterling roles of the deceased Bishop in producing the Yoruba bible and ground- breaking works in Igboland as well as evangelisation in Mende, Bayelsa and the Niger Delta region, which set new standards for later African translations, were unprecedented.
He added that Bishop Crowther’s visit to Britain in 1851 influenced government, church, and public opinion about Africa.
Onayiga said: “Everyone recognised Crowther’s personal stature and godliness; his place in the history of translation and evangelization needs to be celebrated.
“So, we should learn from him so that we can do greater exploits for the Lord in our time.”
Onayiga, who just concluded lkenne 40- day prayer and fasting argued: “The deliverance of Nigeria is not in the hands of The President but in the hands of God who loves Nigeria and is concerned about its wellbeing.”
Welcome to November! I believe everyone of us has secured our total health covenant certificate in the course of the month of October, 2019 and just like my own encounter which turned forty years last month, I pray that each of us will keep telling the story of our own diverse encounters this season for life in Jesus name! This week, we shall focus on: Unveiling The Enemies Of Praise!
We discover from scriptures that praise is one of the most powerful spiritual weapons that provoke the acts of God, yet, many are not aware of its potency. On the other hand, those who know are yet to experience the benefit embedded in it. We must understand that while there are several wonders in praise, there are also enemies of praise which stops the acts of God in our lives. This is because it is acceptable praise that works!
Erroneously, many people sing without actually praising God. They sing for different reasons and with different motives, which make their songs of no effect. Thus, it is one thing to engage in praise and another for our praises to be acceptable. To experience the wonders of praise, we must understand what it takes to make it acceptable. Thus, it is important to note certain hindrances to praise which we must watch against.
What Then Are The Enemies Of Praise?
In conclusion, the Spirit of the Lord exchanges our heaviness with the garment of praise. He releases us into a life of continuous, endless praise that brings us into union with God. However, you must be born again. Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me! Now, I know I am born again! For further reading, please get my books: Understanding the Power of Praise and Wonders of Praise. I invite you to fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280, or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org, Facebook: David Oyedepo Ministries International, Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin.
The annual Excellence in Leadership Conference of Daystar Christian Centre holds from Thursday November 7- Friday November 8 in Lagos.
The conference, with the theme the great leadership, is intended to help participants expand their capacity to initiate and influence change by stretching their ingenuity and renewing their minds for more efficiency and effectiveness in life.
The conveners, Dr Sam & Nike Adeyemi, will facilitate the sessions with Dr Sam Chand a Pastor, College President, Chancellor and now serves as President Emeritus of Beulah Heights University; Dr Joe Abah DAI’s Country Director for Nigeria.
Others include comedian Ali Baba; Oluseun Onigbinde, co-founder and Director of BudgIT and Udo Maryanne Okonjo, a distinguished Chevening Scholar and member of the Oxford Real Estate Society.
She is Chief Executive Officer/Vice Chairman of Fine and Country West Africa.