Category: Worship

Independent Hajj Reporters, a civil society organisation that monitors and reports hajj/Umrah activities has constituted a five-man committee to monitor the process of executing Hadaya (animal sacrifice) on behalf of Nigerian pilgrims during this year’s hajj.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by its national coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed and publicity secretary, Abubakar Mahmoud.

It will be recalled that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), had in 2016 appointed Jaiz Bank as the sole collector of Hadaya payment on behalf of Nigeria.

According to the agreement, Jaiz Bank will remit the collection to the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to carry out the rites.  IDB is the only bank authorised to undertake the exercise for all pilgrims.

“In compliance with the transparency policy of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, NAHCON and the various state Muslim pilgrims welfare boards recently presented the breakdown of 2019 hajj fare to the public.

The breakdown contained details of how the N1.5m fare was arrived at,” the statement said.

Because Hadaya is optional, the civil society however, said detailed process of this item was missing in the 2019 template.

Given the above, IHR has written to some selected states Muslim pilgrims welfare boards demanding detailed records of pilgrims who paid for Hadaya in this year’s hajj.

It will be recalled that Nigerian pilgrims paid N38, 000 during the 2017 hajj.

However, IHR observed that the official price posted on the website of the Saudi Project for the utilization of Hajj meat managed by Islamic Development Bank was SR450 (US$ 120), which is equivalent to N49,500 based on N110 to a riyal exchange rate by then… (www.adahi.org).

READ ALSO: Eight things Nigerian pilgrims should expect during 2019 Hajj – NAHCON

NAHCON recently met with Jaiz Bank officials to review the process of Hadaya collection to block loopholes being exploited by racketeers.

A statement signed by the commissions’ head of Public affairs Unit, Fatima Sanda Usara after the meeting, said “intending pilgrims are cautioned against committing their Hadaya charges to any individual apart from Jaiz Bank.

“They are to deposit the fees with any JBN branch closest to them and they should be issued with a receipt confirming payment made. Alternatively, any committee set up by state pilgrim’s welfare boards to collect the said amount, due to the absence of JBN in the area, must remit the collected funds into JBN, the authorized representatives of Islamic Development Bank in Nigeria and thereafter distribute receipts to the clients.”

In addition, IHR has constituted a committee to ensure that states Muslim pilgrims’ boards that collect Hadaya (animal sacrifice) money from pilgrims duly remit to Jaiz Bank or the Hadaya executed transparently.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WELCOME to the concluding part of this teaching. I hope you were blessed by last week teaching. Today, we shall focus on: Exploring Divine Direction Through Vision!

From scriptures, we discover that we owe ourselves the responsibility of ascertaining the genuineness of our vision before launching out in its pursuit. The question on our mind should be ‘how does one determine a genuine vision?’ Let us see what the prophet Habakkuk has to say: I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry (Habakkuk 2:1-3). One major characteristic of a genuine vision is that, it has its source in God. It is God’s revealed plan and has to be traceable to Him. Any vision that does not have its source in God leads to destruction. It might flourish for a while but certain destruction is inevitable. For instance, Absalom, the son of David, had a desire. He wanted so much to be king that he could not even wait for his father to die. His comportment and appearance gained the people’s approval. Being pushed on by his own selfish vision and the people’s, he declared himself king. His vision was not from God. For a while, it was sweet but sudden destruction caught up with him. Remember, every vision not from God leads to destruction. When our vision is of God, He will create a peaceful way out for us in His own time. Every God-given vision is characterised by peace. Vision and peace are covenant partners. Any vision we receive and rest is driven from us should be examined. Abraham was an addicted visionary. For twenty-five years, he held on to his vision –the promise of a son. He was at peace. The Bible records: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform (Romans 4:20-21). A vision which has God as its source has peace as its companion. God will always speak peace to His people (Psalm 85:8).

What, then, are the Characteristics of a Genuine Vision?

• Confirms the Scope: Genuine visions are plain; they clearly state what to do, when to do it, where to do it and how to go about it. As it is written: And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it (Habakkuk 2:2). This is why great men of God today are identified with specific, clear callings. For one man of God, it is salvation, for another, it is faith and healing, yet for another, it is prosperity. God is not an author of confusion. When He calls us, He makes our calling plain.
• Imparts Divine Zeal: A God-given vision always imparts a divine zeal into the beneficiary which drives him/her on to accomplishment. Zeal is that inward excitement that pushes us forward to accomplish our mission. For it is written: For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up… (Psalm 69:9).When the zeal of God consumes us, every other factor becomes subsidiary. God cannot call us to a task without giving us the zeal to perform it.
• The Time Element: Vision from God always has a time element. Timing is very important in God’s programme. There is always the time to take off. John the Baptist was on a divine mission. It had been said of him, even before he was born, that he was going to prepare the way of the Lord. He knew it but he did not go about it immediately until he came to the fullness of age. He waited for God’s time. The Bible says: And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel (Luke 1:80). Jesus also knew of His mission but He waited for thirty years carrying out menial jobs before He finally launched out after receiving John’s baptism and the baptism in the Holy Ghost. The time God calls us to ministry is not necessarily the time for us to step out. Always get God’s appointed time and walk in it. If our vision must be accomplished, we must run and pursue it. Every calling of God culminates in glory but there is a demand to press (Philippians 3:14).
• It Speaks Forth: A genuine vision speaks at the end. For it is written: For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry (Habakkuk 2:3). The source of any vision is made apparent for all to see at the end; it speaks louder than words. A vision is like a seed whose full dignity only emerges at the end. Thus, the source of a vision will not be a hidden secret after its execution. Surely, the vision will speak and not lie.

In conclusion, the prize for every high calling is a crown, which is enthronement. In other words, every genuine vision leads to enthronement. However, accessing God’s plan through heavenly vision cannot be possible until you are 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 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 Vision, Understanding Divine Direction, In Pursuit of Vision and The Breakthrough Power of Vision. 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: www.facebook.com/davidoyedepoministries/,  Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin.

 

The Visioner of Heritage Youth Empowerment Centre (HYEC) Pastor Lawrence Onochie has charged church leaders to invest in activities that will redirect youths toward nation building and national emancipation.

He said this at the 6th edition of Discovery For Youths (D4Y) organised by Heritage Youth Empowerment Centre (HYEC) in Lagos.

The event was tagged Emerging leaders: a wake-up call towards unleashing a deeper sense of action and responsibility towards self and society.

It attracted over 1,500 youths with speakers such as Chief Executive Officer-of Rise Network Toyosi Akerele; comedian, Woli Arole, Iyabo Ojo, former House of Representatives member Bimbo Daramola, Dayo Israel and Ubong King.

Onochie said that the church has a responsibility to evoke the leadership quality resident in young people with a precursor set at influencing positively and initiating a much needed constructive change in the society.

He stated Nigeria needs new crop of leaders towards the emergence of a new nation.

He lamented several promising youths have missed their direction while even more are yet to find any directions at all.

According to him: “Some lost themselves amid the raging moral and societal decadence; giving in to substance abuse, hooliganism/cultism, robbery, prostitution, internet fraud etc. whilst some waddle in sheer ignorance, limited in their thinking.”

Onochie said the essence of Discovery for Youth (D4Y) is to save the day.

“Our mandate is directed at these youths, where they are met at that undefined point of their lives for a complete ‘overhaul’ of mindset.

“The mind remotely controls the entire being and I believe that once the mindset of any individual is altered, a new chapter begins.

“For us, it is a deliberate and intentional journey to usher those from the backside to the front side, and we do not think anyone is beyond redeemable; it might take time but with steady concentration and determination, it’s possible to get transformed,” he stated.

He asserted that based on this premise, the D4Y platform hosts speakers, who themselves have been at their lowest points before, but are leaders.

 

An American Court has awarded punitive damages against breakaway pastors of the Bowie branch of MFM in Maryland, USA, for Breach of Trust and illegally hijacking the branch and Its assets in 2017.

The judgement followed an action filed in 2018 before the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County in Maryland, USA, with suit number CAL16-26532 by the MFM International seeking damages against former resident pastor, Lawrence Adetunji and eleven other members for converting the church properties to their personal use.

The Court, in its ruling, ordered Pastor Adetunji and his co-defendants to pay the sum of $146,916.54 to MFM Ministries as damages for their unlawful action.

This latest judgement is sequel to an earlier ruling in 2018 in which the court upheld the several claims of plaintiff, dismissed the Defendants’ counter claims and ordered the breakaway pastors to promptly surrender to the MFM, the church properties which they had hijacked and illegally converted to themselves.

Although the defendants had complied substantially with the earlier ruling, they nonetheless retained the proceeds of their breach of trust i.e. the funds generated during the period of their insurgency which became the subject of the latest course of action instituted by the MFM.

In granting the full prayers of the MFM, the Court asked the plaintiffs to file a motion for the reimbursement of all legal costs incurred by the MFM to be paid by the defendants.

In 2017, Pastor Adetunji Lawrence connived with eleven other members to fraudulently rename the MFM Bowie branch as Christ the Truth Ministries and proceeded to convert the property and monies entrusted in his care to the new ministry, registered and owned by him, his family and friends.

Counsel to MFM International explained after the ruling that judgement of this nature guaranteed in every society where the rule of law and social justice prevail, will go a long way to deter renegade pastors and ministers who see the church as an avenue for profiteering rather than evangelism which is the original purpose of church propagation

 

WELCOME to another impactful week. I hope you were blessed by last week teaching. Today, we shall focus on: Running with the Vision!

From scriptures, we understand that we do not sleep with vision, we run with it. It is written: I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry (Habakkuk 2:1-3).It is the pursuit of vision that gives value to divine purpose. Many of us have an understanding of God’s plan for our lives but we have difficulties when it comes to fulfilling it. Knowing where we are going is just the beginning of the journey because without motion, we will never get to our destination.

Furthermore, the Bible admonishes us to run with patience the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1-3; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27). Therefore, if we must actualise the destiny that God has ordained for us, we must accept the responsibility of running with the vision. A ‘press’ is the price we pay for a fulfilled destiny because only those who care to press ever get the prize (Philippians 3:13-14). God’s eternal purpose for our lives is to press because nothing of value is ever free. Thus, as the plan of God for our lives unfolds, we must accept the responsibility for its pursuit. Jesus gave us a graphical description of what a press means when He said: I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished (Luke 12:49-50)! Every divine purpose that is not pursued will become a burden. Thus, we must have an understanding of the principle of starting from the beginning and from the place where we are in order to fulfil God’s plan for our lives.

What Must We Do to See God’s Vision Fulfilled in Our Lives?

• We Must Believe in It: The vision we don’t believe in will never be actualised. Why? We are only empowered to become what we believe. For it is written: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name (John 1:12). Thus, if we don’t believe in the vision God gave to us, we can never be empowered to achieve it.
• We Must Plan Towards It: Every purpose delivers on sound planning. As it is commonly said, ‘Failing to plan is planning to fail’. When God gives us His plan and defines His purpose for our lives, we must plan towards the delivery of that purpose. The Bible says: Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety (Proverbs 24:3-6). The appropriate placement of facts is what we call planning in the pursuit of God’s vision for our lives.
• We Must Programme Our Actions: This suggests that we put our plans into segments with time slots. In other words, we need to allocate a specific timeline to set goals as we seek God’s approval at every stage. As it is written: To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven …He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end (Ecclesiastes 3:1-11; see also Proverbs 3:5-6). Consequently, when we involve God in the planning of His vision for our lives, our vision will not be similar to the ordinary man in the corporate world because it is orchestrated by divine directives. Therefore, as we programme our actions and receive our timings through God’s directives, we will arrive at the topmost top.
• We Must Pursue the Plan: The pursuit of a vision is simply the execution of the programme of actions. It is not enough to have a plan and a programme; we must be ready to hit the ground running. The statement, ‘write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it’, in Habakkuk 2:1-3, connotes programming God’s vision and then running to accomplish it. Just as hunters do not wait on the road for animals to come but go after them in the forests, we too must pursue God’s purpose for our lives until it is accomplished.
• Never Quit: The vision we are running with may look as though it is being delayed but we must wait for it; for it shall surely come to pass as we keep running with it. It is written: For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry (Habakkuk 2:3). We must refuse to quit until we have accomplished it(Galatians 6:9).

In summary, if we want to make the most of any divine plan, we must run with it tirelessly and sacrificially until it delivers (2 Peter 1:10; 2 Timothy 2:3-5). Also, we understand from scriptures that Jesus operated at the centre of divine plan all through His earthly ministry (John 5:30). However, all these will not manifest until you are 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 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 Vision, Understanding Divine Direction, In Pursuit of Vision and The Breakthrough Power of Vision. 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: www.facebook.com/davidoyedepoministries/, Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin.

 

Visually impaired gospel artiste, Simeon Fujamade, has called on church leaders to support the industry to bring the best out of them.

Fujamade, who leads the Simi Fuja Band, made this call at a recent outreach his band carried out in Lagos.

According to him, the aim of the concert was to showcase the band and preach the gospel.

“The aim as to showcase my talent and also preach the gospel and tell the world there is ability in disability. It is also something to advertise the band,” he said.

On how he learnt the guitar, Fujamade said it was nothing but the grace of God.

“It was the grace of God. When I started, I was afraid but today God has made it possible.

Read Also: Gospel artiste launches album, magazine

“There is nothing easy in this life. Even learning keyboard is not bread and butter. Anybody that can keep at it will succeed.

“What you start dropping will leave you, if you can stay with it for 24 hours every time you will master it,” he said.

He also talked about the support he got from his mother, Mama Fujamade.

“Mummy has tried a lot. She was there for me and gave me all the support I needed to grow my skills as a gospel artiste.”

He hoped to feature more at concerts even as he calls for support to hold them more frequently.

“If we can do it once a month, God can do it and expose us. I just tell people if you are learning anything, it is not easy it is individual that will determine.

‘When I started with box guitar it was not easy at first you’ll make mistakes but with determination you will get it,” he said.