The Nation Newspaper

Category: Worship

  • Ekankar preaches tolerance, love

    Tolerance is the key to development and the growth of a country, President of the Ekankar religion in Nigeria, Prof. Henry Alapiki, has said.

    He urged Nigerians to have peace, love and respect for each other, having the love of service as key to spiritual freedom.

    Alapiki spoke last weekend at this year’s ECK Regional Seminar at the National Theatre, Iganmu Lagos.

    It was with the theme: Living the Spiritual Life, which was according to the organisers about bringing the message of spiritual freedom.

    According to the president, the only religion in the world is the religion of the heart and love and God is love.

    He added that Nigerians should love their neighbours as themselves to bring about peace and a mutual respect and understanding so that the country can experience development.

    He urged that all should show care and attention to the others so that we can pool resources to develop as that is the only way to live in harmony.

    To him, such service is the key to spiritual freedom.

    “Whatever is happening now is temporary and will come to pass; only when we are patient and be there standing shoulder to shoulder with the government, knowing God is behind all things,” Alapiki stated.

    The president declined reporters any political comments on the position of the religion on the unrest in the country.

    Regional Vahana Team Leader for Nigeria, Momah Wilson, added that the seminar will teach its youth to serve, as a gift of love they can give to themselves, which will eventually radiate in the society.

    He decried the fact that other religions have forgotten the key components of God, which is light and sound; the bedrock of the belief of the Ekankar sect.

  • Badejo seeks review of curriculum

    The Wilson Badejo Foundation (WBF) has called on government to urgently review the nation’s education policies to eradicate poverty.

    Its founder, Rev. Wilson Badejo, made the appeal while speaking with reporters on the forthcoming 7th edition of the group’s annual lecture in Lagos.

    He said the basic panacea to poverty eradication in the country is functional educational system.

    According to Badejo, functional educational system will help develop all the capacities in the individuals that will enable him control his environment and fulfill his possibilities in the society.

    He said knowledge generated through education, especially at the tertiary level, has become important for economic development and poverty eradication.

    Badejo stated that the inability of government to bring about sustainable development in the education sector through adequate funding has led to the proliferation of illegal and substandard private institutions.

    He lamented it has also led to migration of youth to Ghana and Republic of Benin in search of better education.

    According to the former general overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church, some youths who cannot afford the high fees have remained frustrated, becoming tools in the hands of mischievous politicians.

    He pointed out the foundation has provided succour to several youths by giving them the means to acquire the required education.

    Over 150 indigent brilliant students, Badejo added, have been given supports by the foundation.

    Not less than thirty scholarships, he disclosed, would be given out to brilliant indigent students of various higher institutions at this year’s lecture.

    The lecture holds on May 21 at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island Lagos with the theme: Nigerian limited education access for the underprivileged and the escalation of the incidence of mass poverty: An initiative for positive change.

  • Seminar on church office management

    Hundreds of church administrators and leaders will gather next week to learn and update skills on effective office management.

    The three-day training tagged church office management is organised by Church Management Consult (CMC).

    A statement by CMC’s Chief Responsibility Officer (CRO), Pastor Seyi Oladimeji, said: “Running a church takes more than a call or desire to help people. It takes organisational skills, communication skills and managerial skills.”

    He added that the training is packaged to “empower the pastoral and church office staff to succeed at operating an effective organisation that caters for the needs of the members and the community.”

    Some of the subjects that will be treated, he explained, include personal effectiveness, data and file management, team work and workplace conflict management.

    According to Oladimeji, churches and para-ministry organisations generate so much data that must be stored and organised properly for corporate success.

    Oladimeji, who has over 20 years’ experience in church administration and management, is the lead facilitator.

    The training holds from May 22-24 at CMC Training Centre, 26 Adeboye Solanke Street, off Allen Avenue Lagos.

  • Groups distribute Bible to women

    A non-governmental organisation, Bible For All Mission, in conjunction with Project Alert, has distributed about 200 copies of the Bible to women in Iju Ishaga area of Lagos State.

    It also sensitised them on how to prevent violence from men and be of relevance in the society.

    The event was part of activities of the NGO in assisting women in the society.

    The theme was ‘inspiring change’.

    Distributing the Bibles to women at the taxi park garage in Iju Ishaga round about, the Head sponsorship of Bible For All Mission, Mrs. Kome Felix, said the gesture was to enable women to study the Bible, fight violence and inspire change in their environment.

    “The Bible is against all forms of violence and Jesus Christ models the power of non-violence.

    “This is why we are distributing Bible today because we believe that its study would affect lives and also keep away violence.”

    Programme officer, Project Alert, Miss. Oluwatobi Asekun, noted that violence against women can only end if women voice out and take responsibilities in the society.

    “We need more women representation and participation in business, religion, politics and general decision making.

    “Beating of women, rape and abuses on women must come to an end. Our government can inspire change by passing into law equitable laws which will ensure women and girls can access justice when needed,” she said.

  • Christian women protest abduction of girls

    The women wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kano State chapter last week protested the abduction of 237 female students in Chibok, Borno State.

    They called on Boko Haram to release the girls, which they insisted were innocent of whatever the agitation of the insurgents could be.

    The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as ‘’Chibok girls are innocent, release them’, ‘we want our girls back’, ‘Listen to the voice of Women, We will continue to be in pain until they are released’, ‘what are the offence of Chibok girls?’

    Most of the women could not hide their emotion.

    They cried and rolled on the ground, calling on the abductors to stop persecuting the innocent girls for no just cause.

    Reading the protest letter at the state CAN’s secretariat, Kano, the chairperson, Mrs. Ann West, said: “As  mothers, we are here to draw the attention of our President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the governor of Kano State , Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the entire global community on the callous abduction of the Chibok girls.

    “We are demanding for the immediate release of our girls to us, their mothers and in fact to their parents without further delay. We also demand that these wicked people, the abductors be brought to book.”

    While handing over the letter to Bello, Mrs. West stated that they appreciate the efforts made so far by the government of the country and other numerous individuals.

    Bello said: “We are in support of your crusade just as we have been and still feeling the pain of what happened.

    “The abduction is condemnable in all ramifications. We are against the people who use religion as a cover up to commit evil in this country.”

  • Methodist church preaches patriotism

    Nigerians have been charged to be patriotic and put the interest of the nation above other considerations.

    Bishops of The Methodist Church of Nigeria stated this at the end of their 32nd council meeting at the Norcross Memorial Methodist Cathedral Otukpo, Benue State.

    The council pleaded with all Nigerians to be tolerant of one another to ensure a peaceful co-existence.

    It urged every citizen to avoid do-or-die politics, adopt all elements of righteousness such as love, honesty, transparency, probity and practice patriotism at all times.

    It noted that kidnapping, armed robbery and the Boko Haram menace as well as child and other forms of human trafficking are alien to our culture.

    The Bishops urged all Nigerians to close ranks and ensure that these obnoxious developments are tackled head long and brought to an end.

    On the abducted school girls at Chibok, Borno State, the council stated that the federal government should seek the support of countries that have tackled terrorism such as Israel, United State of America and France.

    It urged President Goodluck Jonathan to remain focused and refuse to be diverted in his programmes.

  • Rosicrucian order calls for single religion

    The Lagos zone of Rosicrucian order, AMORC, has called for one religion for global peace and integration.

    It said this will reduce the religious tensions and crises across the globe.

    The group stated this last week at a symposium with the theme one world religion: is it attainable?

    The event is a continuation of AMORC’s serialised annual public seminars and symposia aimed at advancing the course of humanity’s progress through individual and group tolerance, national integration for world peace, security, stability and progress of mankind.

    The Grand Administrator and Director Supreme Board of AMORC, Dr Kenneth Idiodi, said the basic doctrines of theology are the same in all religions.

    He said: “If we all could appreciate this, there will be unification of all religions.

    “But as we know, this is not so. We have many religions, each has its God. Each prophet, who professes to be divinely inspired and bequeathed their followers an ideal of God, obtained through direct communion. The ideals clash.”

    He added: “We are all living witnesses of the chaos and anarchy, the violence and terrorism prevalent in today’s world. Many government’s establishments, traditional institutions, education bodies and societies seem to be inept, inflexible, inefficient and corrupt.”

    Other speakers included Associate Professor, Department of Philosophy, University of Lagos, Dr. Douglas Anele; Professor Sophie Oluwole of the School of Communication, Lagos State University and Master interfaith Network Project,  Mr. R.T B Akinbile.

    They dwelt on the common boundaries in different religions as well as their origins.

    Anele said the spiritual essence of main religions like Christianity and Islam in Nigeria has been so perverted that self-indulgent materialism is the dominant orientation nationwide.

    “It is interesting to note that Nigerians are trooping to churches and mosques seeking divine solutions to mostly man-made problems, immorality in its diverse manifestation.”

  • ‘At 50, I want to take fewer, calculated risks’

    ‘At 50, I want to take fewer, calculated risks’

    The Senior Pastor of The Still Waters Church, Ikorodu, Rev. Sola Odubiyi, spoke with Sunday Oguntola on his life, ministry and family at 50. Excerpts:  

    They say life at 50 is golden. So how golden has your life been?

    Well, it’s been quite golden. In the first place, I am amazed and surprised that I am 50. When was I born? When did I go to secondary school and higher institution? I remember my childhood and boom; one is just 50 like that. So, I am grateful for God and all He has done for me.

    There were certain places you saw yourself at 50 as a child. Are you anywhere close by there now or very far off?

    I saw myself becoming a military officer or a politician

    Why?

    Maybe it is just the way I am wired. I love adventurous and tough tasks. I actually went to the NDA; I pursued the military option to an extent but then I left that.

    Why did you leave?

    It’s a long story but I just knew that it was not for me. I heard God telling me I was destined for the ministry.

    Were you already a Christian when you went to the NDA then?

    Yes, I was. I was even the leader of a campus fellowship then. I realised it was not for me. I started pursuing politics but then God told me again I was not meant for that. So, I left those options and received the call to the ministry. So, when I look at when I should have been if I had done those ones and where I am now in the ministry, I think I have surpassed my targets and goals.

    I saw the physical and spiritual resources around me and I thank God. Lives have been turned around and destinies have been transformed. God has wrought wonders through His works among us. So, I am fulfilled and I have no regrets.

    You are fulfilled?

    Yes, I am considering what God has achieved through me. I was a Baptist and if I look at the Baptist Student Fellowship (BSF) that we pioneered, I give God praise. Many lives have come to the kingdom and many testimonies recorded. My pocket might not be large but lives have been touched.

    Look, my wife was converted through me. I invited her to attend the campus fellowship. We wanted everyone to be born again and it was in the process of inviting people that we met. Marriage was the last thing on our mind then but lives. So, when I look at all these, I can’t but be grateful to God at 50.

    At 50, it won’t be out of place to draw up new goals. Have you had time to consider what would be the next level for you?

    Yes, I have. I am going on vacation for another two to three weeks to finalise some of these things. For example, I am going to slow down in some areas. I am going to be more patient. I want to be more mature and maybe I am going to take fewer risks because by nature I am a risk taker. It was by risks that we entered BSF and made it what it became. Some of us were excommunicated from the Baptist Church for that but we were not deterred. When speaking in tongues was not popular, we stood by it.

    So, I have been taking risks since I was young but now I am going to reduce them so that one can live longer. I will take calculated and over-calculated risks henceforth.

    But won’t that slow you down considering that you have come this far because of the risks that you took?

    I don’t think so. You know when a plane is about to take off, after it has attained a certain altitude, it just keeps flying and gets to its destination. There is no need to take unnecessary risks again. If there is a storm, I can dive down or around to maintain a steady course. There is no need to now take unnecessary risks again. I love flying a lot and I believe I will still get Private Pilot License (PPL).

    There is a way an experienced pilot avoids turbulence but a younger person won’t avoid it. He would just plunge into it. When you are experienced, it’s better to avoid crisis and not manage it. That is one of my cardinal goals as I clock 50. I want to just listen more and talk less.

    What came on you to champion charismatic revival in an orthodox set-up like the Baptist Church in the early 80s?

    It was just fire. I had a discovery and deep understanding that we were missing something in the church. We were somewhere praying one day and someone who we just prayed for started prophesying that the campus fellowship would buy a particular vehicle on a particular time. He just received salvation and what he said happened.

    We saw the Baptist church and were shocked many were not born again there. During our first camp meeting, the Baptist pastor who was our coordinator was opposed to it. He came to the camp to disrupt it but got born again during a session. The preacher made an altar call and our coordinator responded. He was a Rev who had been preaching for years and baptising people yet he was not born again. Such were the results we got that fired us up.

    There were deliverances and our youth were fired up. The church leadership was not happy because they could not understand what we were doing. They considered it as juvenile delinquency.

    So, why did you leave despite those wondrous acts?

    I left because I was excommunicated. I never wanted to leave but then they sent me packing. That was how I became a Pentecostal. They sent people from the Nigerian Baptist Convention in Ibadan that three or four of us were the ones shattering the church. They met with my father. They alleged we were changing their doctrines. But you know what? My father, who is about 85-86 years now, replied them that since I was not smoking or womanising, they should just leave me alone.

    He doesn’t speak in tongues but that was the answer he gave them. When I saw that the persecutions were too much, I just left. I started fellowshipping with the Pentecostals and have remained till date.

    I still love the Baptist Church. I believe it is a perfect church. One of my life goals is to build a Baptist Church in Lagos and another one in my town.

    Would you allow your children take some of the risks you took as a young person?

    I don’t think so.

    Why?

    One, they are girls. I got three girls and I don’t want them to go that way. In retrospect, those were very dangerous risks. I won’t allow them. We are guiding them with the word of God. One said she wanted to enter the Armed Forces but I said no. I just want them to be civilians and lead normal lives. Then they are females so they shouldn’t take risks.

    Do you mind that you don’t have boys?

    I do mind and that is the truth but as I am saying this now, somebody does not have a child. How will he or she feel? Our children will have boys and they would be fine. But I really wished I had boys because there are many things in me I wish I could pour into them.

    I am trying to bring up boys but they do not respond and I am bothered. It is paining me and reminds me I don’t have boys but what can one do? I believe I am in the will of God.

    Does it all bother you that your wife is also more popular than you?

    Not at all. I believe in the priesthood of every believer like the Baptist Church. I allow her to be herself and I am not threatened in any way.

    You have all girls. So how will it feel with the Chibok girls now?

    It is very sad indeed. You know the parents said they wanted to go search for them in the forests. If they were my girls, I would have joined them too. The only persons I could give my life to in exchange are my girls. As a father, I could give my life for them.

    Having been in the orthodox and Pentecostal settings, what would you say is different?

    In the Pentecostal setting, we could be lousy and we are more spontaneous to the gospel. But people might not be deep and could easily change churches. They are fluffy and could leave at the slightest provocation.

    In the orthodox, people are more committed and hardly leave, except by geographical relocation. They emphasise character as against success and wealth in the Pentecostal. They preach total gospel while we only emphasise one area at the expense of others.

    If God allows you to determine how long you want to live, how many more years would you ask for?

    I will like to live up to 91 or 92.

  • Group mobilises for creative evangelism

    Every Home for Christ, in collaboration with Global Outreach, a global evangelical ministry, has unveiled a special programme designed to take the gospel to every home in Nigeria.

    The National Coordinator, Every Home for Christ, Lanre Da Silva, said the vision is to endanger peace and love through spiritual renewal.

    The vision, he stated, is sequel to the Global Outreach Day on June 14 set aside for Christians to share the gospel in varied ways.

    Da Silva lamented spiritual slumber among Christians, stating that many have lost the zeal to evangelise.

    The International President, Global Outreach, Evangelist Werner Nachtigal, stressed that evangelising should be an everyday practice for Christians.

    He explained that June 14 was just set aside to sensitise believers on the need for evangelism.

  • Be agents of change, Adeboye tells youth

    A TWENTY-FIVE- year- old graduate of Human Anatomy from the University of Ilorin, Lekan Oyekan, has emerged the 2014 Ambassador of the Lagos Shift Talent Hunt organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

    The exercise, with the theme innovation personified, attractedover 30,000 youth and held simultaneously in Lagos and Abuja.

    It featured comedy, dance expression and music.

    The final 10 contestants emerged from auditions in seven centres across the nation.

    The General Overseer of the church, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, said the initiative was aimed at harnessing the gifts of today’s youth toward a brighter future.

    Adeboye, who was represented by His Special Adviser on Personnel and Administration, Pastor Johnson Odesola, said that the anomaly in today’s world can be corrected by the youthful generation blessed with enormous abilities, vigour, talents and skills.

    He urged them to channel these talents to godly use, attributing the spate of insurgency in the nation to years of neglect of youth.

    According to him: “Records have shown that between the ages of 15-17 years, boys are being used by members of the Boko Haram sect in the name of Almajiris to foment mayhem and bloodshed on innocent lives because government and other stakeholders failed to catch them young”.

    He challenged churches and the nation to engage youths productively and channel their energies to good use.

    The Lagos State deputy governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, challenged Christian youths to remain focused, resilient and committed to excellence.

    She said: “Greatness is a matter of choice. We are a royal priesthood, peculiar people and a holy nation and as such we must not the circumstance around us deter us from fulfilling our divine purpose.”