The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • Daystar Christian Centre: Undying passion for humanity

    Daystar Christian Centre: Undying passion for humanity

    Joshua, a Junior Secondary School student in one of the public schools in Lagos, looks forward to every September with great relish. It has nothing to do with the annual, long school vacation that usually falls into the period.
    Joshua loves holidays. But he loves a seemingly insignificant gathering somewhere in Oregun more. He has been part of it in the last three years and it remains that gives him the greatest thrill of his life.
    Back-to-school initiative
    It has to do with a special outreach by Daystar Christian Centre, one of the fastest growing churches in the nation. Tagged Back-to-school initiative, the gathering has become a great source of joy to students and their parents in the last two decades.
    “Every time I come here, I am very excited. I go back home with bag, reading materials and exercise books. My parents are not too rich but this programme allows me to have all I need for the session,” the brilliant lad stated.
    His father, Olatilo James, said: “This is the third time my son is being provided for by this ministry. The quality of the books, bags usually last him for the whole academic session. I don’t have to buy these items again. I am again grateful and pray more blessing for leadership of this ministry.”
    Joshua is one of the over 25,000 students that have benefitted from the Back-to-school initiative of Daystar Christian Centre conceived to offer free educational items and school materials to children towards resumption for another school session.
    Senior Pastor of the church, Sam Adeyemi, said the initiative is a strategic intervention for the redemption of the educational sector. According to him: “We believe government alone cannot fix the societal problems; we recognise the big need in our society and God is helping us to meet it.
    “If our nation must advance economically, the educational system must be restored with quality teaching materials, which have been lacking in our government schools. We believe the church is the hope of this nation and Daystar Christian Centre is playing this role today.”
    Head Benevolence unit of the church, Akinwande Ademosu, said the project is an outlet for members to express love to a needy world. According to him: “Our church is socially responsible; in the last 20 years, we discover the need to make lives easier for school children and students in secondary schools.
    “Our members are committed followers of Christ’s teaching on giving and we are here today again to practically demonstrate it. We have done this since the ministry started and we will continue until no child or student goes to school without quality materials.”
    Ultra-modern school toilet
    Daystar’s special love for the education sector is also expressed in the rehabilitation of many projects in several public schools across Lagos. On Friday, October 25, 2013, the District 4 arm of the church commissioned an ultra-modern toilet block built for Ajao Estate Junior High School at Anthony village. The project took off after an innocuous remark by a staff during donation of exercise books to students a few months earlier.
    For years, the only pit latrine in the school was abandoned to avoid human disaster. Mrs. Apata, a former principal of the school, painted the horrible state of the facility.
    According to her: “The school used to have a dilapidated pit latrine which, overtime, became very dangerous to the students, mandating the school authority to close it up, due to deteriorating effects caused by erosion.
    “Since then, the students and staff have nowhere to use as toilet facility until we took it to the attention of Daystar Christian Centre.”
    Daystar stepped in and built a 10-cubicle toilet with special designs for physically challenged users. The excellence trademark of the church was evident on the facility. Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, the then Commissioner of Education in Lagos, said of the facility: “This toilet standard is world-class and I implore the school authority to maintain it well.”
    Lifting school for the deaf
    Touched by the dilapidated state of Brighter Future School for the Deaf in Meiran, the caring hearts arm of the church moved in on Saturday June 22nd, 2013 for a felicitation. But they didn’t go empty-handed. They went with water-pumping machine, full plumbing system with tank, desk and chairs, laptop, printer and several food items.
    The church also did the overall renovation of the school’s building, installation of gates and general paintings. Proprietress of the school, Mrs. Adedoyin Beyioku-Alase, expressed shock over the generosity of the church. She said the heart of giving was unparralled.
    Beyioku-Alase, founder/President of the Deaf Women Association of Nigeria who also doubles as Chairman of Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities in Lagos State, said: “You have lifted a big burden. You have touched us where it is most necessary. We are overwhelmed and ask God to reward you for us.”

    Free skills acquisition training
    Daystar Skills Acquisition Programme (DSAP) began in 2009 with the desire to impact passionate members and non-members with vocational skills for self-reliance and economic empowerment. No fewer than 2,000 students have graduated from the 10-day intensive training delivered completely free.
    Some of the areas covered by competent, proven lecturers include: fashion design, bead and jewelry making, event management, photography, websites development, graphic design, cake making and psaltery, shoe making, generators repairs and others. The trainings run in February, June and October every year.
    The training is carried out with the conviction that not everyone is cut out for paid jobs as well as the realisation that white collar jobs are fast disappearing. Those who participate in the training are encouraged to set up ventures around their core competence instead of searching for elusive paid employments.
    Toye Adekoya, who graduated in June 2014, said: “I came here not knowing anything about Graphics, but now I can design so many things as I’ve learnt a lot. After this two -week training, I can now go out there and confidently work on any design brief. I intend to take this to the next level and I’d love to say a big thank you to Pastor Sam Adeyemi for this great opportunity.”
    Many of the graduates have gone on to start their own businesses, thereby reducing the rate of unemployment in the nation. The success principles taught by Pastor Adeyemi every Sunday further spur them to great heights in the challenging world of self-run businesses.

    Free breast and cervical screening
    At the last count, no fewer than 3,000 ladies and women have been undergone free breast and cervical screening. The periodic screening takes place within the church’s premises. It is carried out by the Women of Destiny Group under the able leadership of Pastor Nike Adeyemi, the Deputy Senior Pastor.
    Mrs. Oluwatoyin Soneye, a representative of the group, hinted the screenings have been assisting women who could not afford the cost of checkup for common diseases. We are conducting this exercise to assist women undertake screening for common ailment like breast and cervical cancer, cholesterol level and so on.
    “Today we are conducting breast examination, cervical screening; blood pressure and sugar level. As you can see, a seminar is also holding on stress management, treatment of infertility, child spacing, weight management and dealing with menopause. The programme is not only for church members but as many people as turned up.”
    56-year old retiree, Mrs. Franka Porbeni, is one of the many beneficiaries. She said the exercise afforded her and her daughter the opportunity of knowing their health status free of charge.
    She praised the organisers, saying the church is proving to be raising good ambassadors of Christ indeed with its many laudable humanitarian activities.
    Another beneficiary, Mrs. Feyi Oyerinde, a caterer, said the screening was a major relief for a medical concern she has been battling with. “I was suspicious of a growth on my breast. But after the screening, I came out clean and my mind is fully at rest now. If there was nothing like this, I wouldn’t have been able to afford check-up.”
    The health fair for women also involves free treatment with specialists on grounds to attend to medical issues diagnosed among the participating women drawn from different parts of the city.

    December and Easter Benevolence

    Every December, the church makes it a point of duty to extend the hands of love to the needy in the society. Its Ikosi road premises always swarm with sea of people in securing the benevolent packages of Daystar Christian Centre.
    Two weeks back, the social media was awash with pictures of massive people trooping to the church for the exercise. This has been a recurrent development every December and Easter.
    The packs of foodstuffs and edibles ensure that most of the needy around get to have a relieving bite during the festive period. It also helps with criminal tendencies to beat the hunger trap during the highly volatile periods.
    The food items are packed in specially customised bags to give beneficiaries a good feeling in line with the church’s constant desire to communicate empathy and respect for humanity. It is common sight for delirious beneficiaries dancing round after being presented with the items.
    Isaac Olorundare, a visually impaired beneficiary, said: “I’ve always heard about Daystar on television but a friend of mine informed me that food items would be given out today. I stay at Shagamu Road, Ikorodu and had to set out around 5am.
    “Despite being blind, I work hard to sustain my family but still don’t have enough. A lot of us don’t have what to eat, not to talk of celebrating Christmas so this will go a long way in changing things for my family this Christmas season.
    “If I didn’t live so far away and if I had money, I would be a member of Daystar. I don’t even know what to say. I’m just very grateful and I pray the good Lord will keep blessing Daystar as a whole.”

    Community impacts

    Those residing with the church’s environs also beam with smile every December and Easter. They are sure the church will have something to share with them. This has created a positive impression for the church in the community. Femi Ayodele, who lives close to the church said: “I have never seen a church like this.

     

  • Unveiling the blessedness of prayer and fasting!

    Unveiling the blessedness of prayer and fasting!

    PRAyer and fasting are assets of inestimable value in fulfilling God’s agenda for our lives. As such, it is a non-negotiable requirement, ordained by God for us to experience specific benefits in our lives, as contained in scriptures (Isaiah 58:6-12).

    As we all know, every of God’s agenda is a spiritual open door which usually attracts oppositions from hell and this is why we are called to engage in prayer and fasting in dealing with such spiritual strongholds.

    No wonder Jesus said: Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21; See also 1 Corinthians 16:9; 1 Timothy 1:18).

    The above scripture helps us to know that some resistances will continue to get stronger without prayer and fasting. In order words, the siege sitting over any aspect of our lives may never move except by engaging the force of faith coupled with prayer and fasting. Remember, there is no other higher kind recognised in the Bible, other than prayer and fasting. We must, therefore, beware of selling our glorious destiny to the belly like Esau, who for a morsel of bread sold his birthright (Genesis 25:29-34).

    However, to make the most of our fasting expedition, we must engage some profitable approaches to fasting, which include:

    • Approaching the Throne of God with Boldness: God is not a task master, He is our heavenly Father. Therefore, we must come boldly, not beggarly to approach Him. As it is written: Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
    • Engagement of our hearts in prayers: It is important to know that God looks into our hearts to deliver answers to our prayers. Thus, we must engage our hearts in prayers, not just our mouths, to reach out to heaven. This is because only those who engage their hearts end up with testimonies.

    For instance, Hannah prayed her heart out and received her desire from the Lord. As it is written: Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken (1 Samuel 1:13, 15; See also Jeremiah 30:21).

    • Give a priority place to the Kingdom: From scriptures, Jesus admonished us to pray thus: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:9-10).

    One of the most profitable approaches to prayer and fasting is to give a priority place to the Kingdom matters. These include praying for the church, pastors, brethren, etc. When we do this, God won’t wait for us to ask for our needs to be met before He supplies them. As it is written:

    But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).

    It is important to note that engaging in Kingdom advancement prayers advances our destiny. This is because when we make for God first, He meets our needs next (1 Kings 17:8-16).

    • We must not be offended in God or men: For instance, John the Baptist was offended in Christ and asked if He (Christ) was the Messiah or they should wait for another. As a result, he was beheaded. No wonder Jesus speaking to His disciples said: …Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me (Matthew 11:6).

    Unfortunately, there are many defeated Christians today, who being offended in God would say, “I have done everything, but nothing seems to be working.” That is a lie; if you have truly done everything, then you would have gotten results. You have done many things, but you are yet to do the right things. Many years ago, I discovered that God is never to be blamed. He is always right and He is not my problem but my solution provider. He is not my challenge; He is my deliverer (Job 34:10).

    Therefore, we must refuse to be offended in God or we would be stranded in life. Remember, Jesus speaking to His disciples in another verse of scripture says: It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! (Luke 17: 1).

    Having established some profitable approaches to fasting, we must recognise that prayer and fasting is a type of ‘spiritual suffering’ that leads to an eternal and exceeding weight of glory. As it is written: For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17; see also Mark 4:30-33; John 12:23-24).

    Therefore, as you engage the mystery of prayer and fasting coupled with the profitable approaches stated above, I see God changing your levels supernaturally in Jesus’ name!

    Are you born again? If you are not, you can say this prayer and you will be born again: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”

    For further reading, please get my books: Winning Prayers, satan Get Lost and Born To Win. I will continue this teaching next week

    I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have five services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:20 p.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  

  • New parish vows to change Nigeria

    New parish vows to change Nigeria

    Nothing looked unusual initially. The congregation sang and danced. The usual church activities took place. But the unusual started the moment the general overseer mounted the podium to preach.

    Looking straight into eyes at the service, Rev. Ladi Thompson declared: “This is a parish with a difference. It is not just another church or assembly.”

    He told the over 100 high-level professionals drawn from different sectors that they were about to embark on a journey to redeem and reform the nation.

    This was at the inaugural service of the Living Waters Unlimited Church in Lekki last Sunday.

    Thompson said the nation was at a crossroads and needs people of their faith and professional backgrounds to get out of the woods.

    He lamented the deep corruption across all facets as well as the dehumanisation of Nigerians at an alarming proportion.

    He pointed out that when Great Britain was faced with a graver situation in the sixteen century, it took the resolve of a small assembly of affluent Christians derisively referred to as Clapham saints to show the way out.

    Thompson, who runs the popular Macedonian Initiatives (MI) for persecuted Christians in the north, said what Nigeria needs is the Clapham model responsible for the abolition of slave trade in Great Britain.

    The Clapham saints, a group of social reformers in the Church of England, operated from a tiny community in London from 1790-1830 with William Wilberforce as the spearhead.

    The group of wealthy Anglican evangelicals campaigned and mobilised against slave trade until it was abolished in 1807, leading to the passage of the Slave Abolition Act in 1833.

    Thompson said: “You can just imagine what would have happened to Britain if the Clapham sect had not arisen to combat the corruption of human slave trade

    “The future of Great Britain was hanging in the balance when the government, the business community, the Church of England and the scientific community ganged up to approve the corruption of human slave trade.

    “Armed with nothing more than prayers and the will to reform Britain, the famous Clapham sect met and worked together until slave trade was abolished.

    “Today, Nigeria is exactly at that same point and God directed us to start a parish in Lekki that would serve as a nesting and training ground for the Nigerian equivalents of William Wilberforce, Zachary Macauly, Fowell Buxton, Hannah Moore and other affluent families that chose to lift the banner of God’s word instead of joining in the extreme profits of the immoral human slave trade.”

    Thompson said the parish christened Lekki Clapham is poised to have the same effect in the polity of the nation.

    As he unveiled the unique identity of the parish, many members, most of them professionals, enlisted in the campaign.

    Dr Adejumobi Otekunrin, a pastor in the church, lamented that the health sector has been crippled by lack of value for human lives.

    He pointed out that it was callous and inhuman to still have laws that require medical workers to obtain police permit before treating gunshots victims.

    Otekunrin said: “Even if they are criminals, humanity demands that they are saved first then brought to justice. But if we just leave them to die, it shows we are of the devil because Jesus saves, not kill.”

    Tunji Osinulu, an associate pastor and a real estate consultant who was instructed by God to return to Nigeria four years ago from the United States of America,  could not hide his disgust at the degeneration in the society and the seeming apathy of church goers to the gradual meltdown of society.

    “The peculiar gospel of the kingdom of God preached by Jesus Christ is the only known solution to the type of darkness in Nigeria and it is only those who seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness that can understand the first principles of the oracles of God,” he stated.

    A past president of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Deaconess Bunmi Oke, said women and children are the most affected by the corruption virus.

    With tears welling from her eyes, Oke  noted that God would need to raise a people with renewed conscience for the nation to be reformed.

    Thompson said the parish will be a breeding ground for training and equipment of thorough, sound Christian professionals committed to charting a better future for the nation.

    He assured, “few years from now, many of those who receive their biblical spiritual education here will be in positions of authority in Nigeria.”

  • Encounter with the power of his resurrection! (2)

    Happy Easter Sunday to you in the name of Jesus Christ! May the reasons for Christ’s resurrection continually speak in your life and in those of your loved ones in Jesus’ name! (Revelation 5:12).Have a Happy and Glorious Easter Celebration!In this week’s edition, we shall conclude this teaching series by examine the Virtues in the Power of Christ’s Resurrection, which include:

    • Resurrection is a demonstration of the exceeding greatness of God’s plan: The Bible says: And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all (Acts 4:33; Ephesians 1:19-20).
    • It is the gateway to the restoration of man’s dominion:Jesus said to His disciples, “…All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth,” and “As My Father hath sent Me, even so send I, you.” This implies that in the power of Christ’s resurrection lies our dominion (Matthew 28:18; John 20:21; See also Genesis 1:28; Psalms 82:6; Acts 14:11).
    • It is our access to the deep things of God: Remember, before Resurrection, no one could enter into the holy of holies of the temple without the Blood. However, after Resurrection which was at the cost of the Blood, the veil covering the temple was torn into two and we were translated into realms of revelation (Hebrew 9:1-4 Matthew 27:51;Colossians 1:13; Hosea 4:6; Isaiah 5:13; John 8:32; Isaiah 61:1-3, 8, 22).
    • It is our access to peace that passes all knowledge: After Resurrection the Bible records that: …After eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you (John 20:26; See also Exodus 14:14; Psalms 46:10; Mark 4:37-39).
    • It is our access to strength, health, vitality and longevity: Remember that man is a product of God’s breath. This is because after God created man, He breathed into him and man became a living soul. This implies that every organ in man was created by God’s breath. Again, it is important to know that after Jesus resurrected, He breathed on His disciples the resurrection breath and said, “Receive ye the Holy Spirit.” That breath is what quickens (empowers) our mortal bodies with strength, vigour and vitality (Genesis 2:7; John 20:21-22; Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 15:45; Proverbs 18:14; John 14:19).
    • Itempowers our access to Visions: The power of Resurrectiongrants us access to God’s divine visions, plans and purposes for our lives. It also releases men into their destinies. For Instance, after Christ’s resurrection, He said to Peter, thrice, “…Feed My sheep.”(John 21:15-17; See also Joel 2:1-11;Acts 4:33).
    • This power establishes our supernatural change of position: As it is written:And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6; See also Luke 24:5-6).

    Furthermore, the Bible admonishes us:Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son (Colossians 1:12-13).

    However, it is important for us to know that the Resurrection power translates us from:

    Filthiness to Holiness: While writing on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Apostle Paul declared that sin shall no longer have dominion over us, because of the Power of the Resurrected Christ at work in us. Therefore, when we engage the Resurrection power, we are translated from filthiness to holiness (Romans 1:4, 6:4, 14).

    Captivity to Liberty: The Bible says: Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many (Matthew 27:50-53).

    Sickness to Health: The Bible states that: But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you( Romans 8:11).

    Defeat to Triumph: Resurrection is the seal of our triumph.  This is because by the act of Resurrection, we are ordained for unquestionable triumph all through our journeys in life (Colossians 2:15; Ephesians 1:20-21, 2:6).

    Struggles to Breakthroughs: When Jesus Appeared to His disciples after His Resurrection, He said to them, “…Children, have ye any meat?” They answered Him, “No.” Then He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the ship and ye shall find.” When they did, the Bible records that they drew in multitude of fishes (John 21:5-6).

    Shame to Glory: As it is written: So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power (1 Corinthians 15:42-43; See also Isaiah 61:1, 7).

    Death to Life: As believers, the Resurrection power restored our dominion over death (John 14:19; Hebrews 2:14-15; Revelation 1:18; Matthew 27:51-53; Acts 14:19-20).

    In conclusion, the Bible records that after Resurrection, Jesus …shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God (Acts 1:3).

    Furthermore, Jesus said to His disciples after His resurrection:Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost… (John 20:21-23).

    From the above scriptures, God said to me, “Tell My people to get set for my ‘Resurrection Breath’ and this will be made manifest in various dimensions in the next 40 days.”

    Therefore, in this post Resurrection season, we must be spiritually alert and properly positioned to experience these diverse manifestations of the Resurrection power of Christ. It shall indeed be a celebration of testimonies in every aspect of our lives in the name of the Resurrected Christ.

    Is Jesus your Saviour and Lord? Are you born again? If you are not, you can say this prayer and you will be born again: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”

    For further reading, please get my books: Possessing Your Possession, Walking In The Newness Of Life, Exploring The Riches Of Redemption and All You Need To Have All Your Needs Met.

    I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have five services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:20 p.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

     

  • Olawuyi: Christians must see evangelism as way of life

    The Bishop, Diocese of Lagos Mainland, Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Isaac Olawuyi, has urged Christians to spread the word of God through every available means.

    He spoke at the SYNOD 2016 of the City Mission Methodist Church, Surulere, Diocese of Lagos Mainland with the theme “Chosen to bear fruit.”

    He said that the theme was chosen to bring to the fore the fact that Methodist Church is a living church that has borne several fruits through its numerous evangelism.

    “Chosen to bear fruit according to John 15-16, Jesus said we didn’t choose you but I choose you that you may go and bear fruit that your fruit may abide.”

    Speaking further, Olawuyi said Christians must see evangelism as a way of life, adding that propagating the gospel must be tantamount in every Christian’s life.

    He said for every soul a Christian brings to Christ, it is registered as a fruit.

    Preaching at the occasion, Sir Gbolahan Olayomi said that Christians must put God first in all things for their prayers to be answered quickly.

    He further said that the priests should not joke with the Holy Communion, adding that it is a vital issue that empowers Christians to propagate the gospels.

    “Holy Communion opens your eyes to who Jesus is and also reveals the eyes of understanding, it also changes lives and destiny, if well prepared and administered.

    Olayomi advised members of the church to devote more time and energy on Bible study in order not to miss completely the essence of the word.

    The Lay President of Lagos Mainland Diocese, Mr. Bolaji Onabadejo, stated that everybody is chosen to bear fruit.

    He said any Christian that choses not to bear fruits in the area of evangelism has not observed a vital tenet and commandment of the Lord Jesus Christ which says “Go ye into the word and preach the gospel’

    Bearing good fruits, according to Onabadejo must also be seen in Christian’s lifestyles that’s worth emulating by others, and therefore draws them to Christ.

    “We must permanently bear fruit and the fruit we are talking about is things that people will see and they will know that the Lord is rolling in your life.”

  • Cleric unveils 308 hymns

    Nigerian cleric, Reverend Apostle Samson Albert (Arojah), has broken the world record of composed hymns with 308 collections.

    Titled Arojah Hymnal, all the hymns were composed and arranged solely by Albert, popularly called Arojah.

    In the history of church music, no other composers have more than 100 hymns to their credits

    The hymnal presented in Yoruba took Albert over two decades to put together.

    Albert, who spoke at the unveiling of the collections last week in Lagos, said a group of distinguished academia is working with him to translate the hymns to English Language.

    He said the second edition will have additional hymns with the English translation.

    He disclosed that he is also compiling over 1000 Christian praise and worship songs from his manuscript.

    He said: “Arojah Hymnal is released for spiritual growth and development of the peoples of the world.

    “The hymns are divinely inspired musical composition that enhances open heavens for all it users.”

    He said the hymns will soon be recorded in CDs to allow more Christians enjoy them.

    Albert, who is also the Primate and Spiritual Head of St. Peter’s Cherubim and Seraphim Band with headquarters in Iwopin Ogun Waterside local government area with branches in Lagos and overseas, said he, is constructing a digital recording studio for his musical works.

  • Easter: Hard work, sacrifice will see Nigeria through, says Ajimobi

    Nigeria is capable of overcoming the current economic precipice through selflessness, hard work and patriotism irrespective of social stratification, Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has stated.

    In an Easter message by his Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, the governor said these were the sterling attributes that distinguished Jesus Christ for which his death and resurrection had become an annual celebration among the Christians.

    The governor felicitated with the people, particularly Christians, on the occasion of this year’s Easter, a period he said was meant for sacrifice and forgiveness as exemplified by the life and times of Jesus Christ.

    Harping on hard work, the governor said that no country could survive if its working-age population relies heavily on the government for survival instead of getting actively engaged in profitable ventures to eke out a living.

    Ajimobi urged citizens of the state, particularly those in the public service to be more dedicated and committed to the vision of his administration towards reinventing the state economy through the agriculture value chain.

    In the spirit of collective responsibility, the governor said that citizens of the state should make sacrifices and be prepared to embrace and contribute to the programmes, policies and activities of the government as they unfold.

    Ajimobi said: “We can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs. This is the time for us to start breaking the eggs. Without pains, there will be no gains.

    “The Bible even supports this by saying that ‘in all labour there is profit but mere talk leads only to poverty.

    “The current economic situation does not provide room for laggards and lazy ones. You must sacrifice your time and enjoyment in order for this state and the country to move forward.”

  • ‘Music is soothing to soul’

    A gospel artiste, Daniel George, who recently launched his first complete album, titled ‘The greatest name’ at the main auditorium of the Divine Glory Christian Church, Ikeja, has described music as a soothing sound for the spirit that refreshees the soul and body.

    Daniel George, a 2007 graduate from the University of Ibadan, said God has been faithful to him.

    He said he understands the impact of music in the society because he grew up in a music-inclined family.

    “Music is beyond just the combination of sounds that are pleasing to the ears, it is beyond the rhymes and rhythm.

    “Better put, music is beyond the way the song sounds or singer is packaged; though that is equally very important. Music is a soothing sound for the spirit that refreshes the soul and body,” George stressed.

    Unveiling the 8-track album, Senior Pastor of Divine Glory Christian Church, Pastor Femi Fadeyi, who was elated by the wonderful works, said majority of artistes in the country are into gospel music because of money.

    He said: “Some sing worship songs because of how much they will make and not because they necessarily want to impact spiritual foods through their songs into the lives of the listeners.”

    Fadeyi, however, commended Daniel George for his commitment and dedication in the Lord’s vineyard, adding that every Christian home needs the album to glorify God in their lives.

  • Rape: Fresh undergraduates get safety skills

    One in every five female first year student has been raped, Pastor Bimbo Odukoya Foundation (PBO), has declared.

    Its executive director, Mrs. Osasu Paul-Azino, stated this recently at the launch of PROJECT S.H.A.R.P.4.U, an initiative to tackle sexual harassment and rape prevention.

    The initiative was launched in partnership with the Lagos State Government’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team.

    Over 5,000 fresh students attended the orientation programme which attracted the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Olanrewaju Fagbohun.

    Paul-Azino highlighted the long term impacts of rape on young women, lamenting many rape cases in universities go unreported.

    She said a recent survey of 295 female students from Ebonyi State University Abakaliki in Southeast showed 36.7 percent had experienced sexual harassment/victimisation at least once on campus.

    Of this, she said 32.4 percent had been raped.

    She, however, said: “PROJECT S.H.A.R.P4.U will also focus on training first-year female undergraduates on how to avoid rape, a measure that has proven effective in substantially lowering the risk of being sexually assaulted.”

    Deputy Director and member of the Ministry of Justice Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT), Mrs. Ibidun Ladapo, revealed a survey by the ministry showed 80 percent of men cannot control themselves with ladies and women.

    41 percent of men, she stated, attribute this to alcohol and drugs while others blamed it on indecent dressing.

    Ladapo said rape was inexcusable, saying the team has been involved in serious advocacy, policy formation and quick dispensation of justice.

    She advised students to stay alert at all times, avoid secluded places, walk in groups at nights and take advantage of counsellors and lecturers when pressured by anybody.

    In the event of abuse, she advised to look for a safe place, go to the nearest police station for report, get medical attention, call a friend or family member and seek counselling.

  • James canvasses practical Christianity

    Christians have a responsibility to model simplicity, love, generosity and forgiveness, the founding pastor of Glory Christian Ministries Int’l, Dr. Iruofagha James, has stated.

    He spoke at the annual summit of the church founded 24 years ago.

    James said responsible Christianity is all about service to God and humanity.

    He berated some self-styled Christians who do not understand and respect the grace of God in communities they belong to.

    The cleric said corruption was responsible for the current economic plights and insecurity in the country.

    He said it was regrettable that some criminally- minded individuals took undue advantage of their leadership positions to loot the treasury and corruptly enriched themselves.

    Despite the meltdown, James however said Nigeria was on the way to greatness.

    He appealed to the church leaders to build and disciple practical and responsible Christians “who will show forth the incorruptible glory of God in the society and effect the desired change we long for.”