Category: Worship

For her invaluable contribution to the course of womenhood and mankind, Gospel minister and founder of Gospel Academy, Manelli Hawley has received the prestigious I Am Super Woman award.

The cheerful London based, South African who has contributed positively to the gospel genre as well as mentoring young artistes in not only sharpening their skills but providing an environment of love and spiritual encouragement.

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Though a recipient of many awards, Hawley popularly called Sister Manelli ia grateful for this award and blurted: “I Am a Superwoman is an event that is so beautiful. I am so blessed to be part of it. It was wonderful, I have met so much beautiful women and everybody was amazing. I really felt so blessed to be part of it. I would say a big thanks to Dr. Pauline Long for inviting me. It was like a surprise and to my mentor HRM Florence Okonkwo. I adore them these two women. I am learning a lot from them. They are so amazing in my life. I feel so blessed to have them in my life. It is rare to come across these two people in life.

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I feel great to be called a superwoman. It encourages. At the end of the day we feel empowered knowing that we feel great about what we do.”

The talented musician Manelli Hawley hails from Umlazi, Durban. She was raised in a Christian background and her first experience of gospel music came through her mother’s sisters who were gospel singers. It was that environment, coupled with a fervent desire to know more about God that led Manelli to heed her calling to be a musician from a tender age. This would see her become a member of various gospel groups and eventually decide to leave Durban for Johannesburg to pursue her calling at a higher level. In her journey, she has worked with Ray Phiri and Stimela as backing singer, and also Sharon, Rebecca Malope among others. Later her family relocated to England which led to changes that would culminate in the release of her debut album in 2013.

For Nigeria to attain the dream of its founding fathers, those in positions of authority must re-dedicate themselves to nation-building and shun all forms of corrupt practices.

The Senior Pastor of the Victory Life Bible Church, Apostle Lawrence Achudume made this known in his homily entitled ‘Rebel In Cassock’ at a programme tagged ‘Night Of Praise’ in honour of the late Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Sunday Mbang CON, at the Shelter Afrique Estate, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, on Monday.

According to him, the late Prelate was very passionate about seeing his country develop, noting that he used his radical approach to Christianity to drive home the need for the liberation of the citizens from hardship.

‘Mbang used his radical approach to Christianity to advocate for freedom from the oppressed and social development for the citizens’.

Apostle Achudume who observed that Nigeria hasn’t changed posited that the country needs more of the likes of Mbang to champion the causes of the masses.

The VLBC Senior Pastor while going down memory lane said that the radical nature of  Dr. Mbang actually attracted him to the late Prelate in the 80s, while he served as the President of the Christian Union and NFES.

He added that they both became very close as they maintained a father-son relationship, recalling how he would always tap from Dr. Mbang’s wealth of experience and wisdom each time he visited him from Abeokuta.

Apostle Achudume described late Dr. Mbang as a rebel in the cassock who was very contented, humble and lived a very simple life right till he breathed his last.

‘Mbang was a rebel in the cassock and didn’t seek for fame or wealth but for freedom and liberation of humanity’, adding that his strong desire was to see a one Nigeria.

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Apostle Achudume noted that the late Dr. Mbang was a dogged fighter who had confronted leaders like General Ibrahim Babangida, late General Sanni Abacha and ensured that General Abdulsalami Abubakar conducted elections to usher in democratic government within a year.

He Added that his blunt stance on national issues, and forthrightness brought him into contact with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as they both became very Good friends.

Apostle Achudume while appreciating the children of the deceased eminent cleric led by Sir Ini Mbang, for organising a series of programmes in honour of their father, urged them to continue to uphold his sterling legacies.

Dignitaries present at the event include the Deputy Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Senator. Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, Archbishop Idem Okon, Archbishop Sunday Uko, His Eminence Udo Ekpeyong,Bishop Arabia Umanah, Bishop Imoh Otong, among others.

The New Light Baptist Church (NLBC) has showered encomiums on the former President and Chairman of Council Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), Victor Eburajolo, who retired from Kewalram-Chanrai Group as the Group Deputy Managing Director.

The 110-year-old conglomerate has interests in automobile, pharmaceuticals, agribusiness and agro-allied sectors.

At the retirement ceremony organised by New Light Baptist Church (NLBC) over the weekend, members of the Church described him as a leader par excellence, God-fearing, humble and extremely generous.

They said he is known for his ability to meander at the top and bottom levels, adding that he could be provoked but anger does not last.

According to them, he made a success of the assignment given to him because of his antecedents and character.

The wife described her husband as a wonderful and great supporter of the family, saying that he does not want to see them in problems.

The wife said he does not want to hear someone cannot go to school due to financial incapability.

“He is a wonderful husband, wonderful dad to his children. He supports us very well. 

“He does not want to see us in problems. He can be tough and harsh sometimes. 

“He does not want to hear someone cannot go to school because he cannot pay school fees. He is nice. You have been a wonderful family,” she said. 

The celebrator admonished Nigerian leaders to take their responsibilities more seriously. 

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He explained that the country will be a better place if they prioritize responsibilities over powers to be amassed.

He also urged leaders to take people by the arm to bring about a new generation of leaders.

While differentiating between the boss and leader, Eburajolo said the leader is more concerned about the success of his organisation, taking everybody together but the boss is more interested in his powers.

“If only those who are in positions of leadership now can take their responsibility more seriously than the powers they have, the country will be a better place. 

“Let us take people by the arm to bring them up so that we can bring about the generation of leaders.

“I have tried to differentiate between the boss and the leader. The leader is more concerned about the success of his organisation, taking everybody together. But the boss is more interested in his powers, while the leader is more interested in his responsibilities,” he said.

Ikotun-Egbe, Lagos neighborhood of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) last weekend came alive, as over 30,000 worshippers gathered to partake in the Living Water Service.

The event, which was the second since the passing of the church’s late founder, Prophet TB Joshua, created an electrifying atmosphere within the church’s huge auditorium, the adjoining extensions, and indeed the streets, as it received pilgrims from over 40 countries across the globe.

Living Water Service is usually a sober spiritual moment for a personal encounter with God once on the Altar to fetch the living water in a 50ml improvised cup on the basis of one’s problem as brought before God. It’s neither a moment of laying hands on any worshipper by the pastor nor evangelists, as usually seen during normal deliverance time on Sunday services.

Declaring the Service open, Pastor Evelyn Joshua thanked God for the grace He gave for the event.

And quoting copiously from scriptures on Jesus Cares, the woman of God said: “God is with us in this Arena of Liberty. Jesus cares for you by seeking sinners, the rejected, lost souls, and all that are heavy laden to give them rest and salvation. You are here to have an encounter with Him, to give you freedom, hope, and new direction for the joyful fulfillment of your destinies. Prepare your hearts and sanctify yourselves because today is your day, the day you have long been waiting for…”

According to a worshiper, who gave her name as Ruth, “The crowd you witness today, is a testimony that Papa T B Joshua is alive and that this church is of the Lord.”

Another, Princess Mobolaoluwa Olotu, stated: “A lot of people have seen that God of TB Joshua is still in SCOAN and vigorously alive,” while Angelina Forson, an overseas pilgrim, said, “The moment I rolled my body on the altar of prayer, I felt a healing sensation from my neck downwards and that was the end of my chronic cervical spondylosis that had put me in anguish for years.”

The National Vice President of the Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), South West Zone, Archbishop John Osa-Oni;President of Bishop Abraham Ministry, Bishop Abraham Olaleye; Continental Overseer for Continent 3 (South West, Nigeria & Middle East) in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Johnson  Odesola; Pastor John Oluwadare; The President of Church Growth International, Dr. Francis Akin John,  and others have been billed to speak at God’s Mercy Revival Ministries (GOMERM), ZION 24th 2023 annual power conference holding on August 14-20, at Mercy Revival Centre (MRC), Ikotun, Lagos.

 Tagged ‘The Unlimited God: From Minimum to Maximum,’ will feature prayers, word rendition, and prophetic ministration.

 Speaking with journalists, the General Overseer of God’s Mercy Revival Ministries (GOMERM), Dr. James Akanbi said that the annual power conference has specific purposes in the mind of God. “It is a time of evaluation of our activities and God’s impartation of mercy power. Mercy power is different from ordinary power. Mercy power is where God reaches out to the unqualified; those who do not have enough faith to grasp the things of God. “

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According to the General Overseer of MRC, Mercy is not predicated on anybody’s merit. It is predicated on God’s own merit, adding that the power conference is also a sort of homecoming for the church members from all the branches to come together for a joint thanksgiving and celebration unto the Lord for His faithfulness.

 He lamented the presence of charlatans parading themselves as pastor and coaches in the Christian fold, saying that the need for impactful training for ministers of God is imperative as it will help protect churches from spiritual and health disasters.

“The revelation and the burden that birthed the ministers’ conference are too heavy. Many people calling themselves performers are non-initiates. It is an anathema to call yourself a professional, a performer, or a coach in a field that you know nothing about. You see the unbuilt building people; apprentices calling themselves professionals and experts,” he said.

He stated further that “It is an aberration! And this is the cause of the discordant tune in the work of ministry in Nigeria today. The complications, abuses, and insults that ministers are receiving from the world are a result of the ministers who are not trained but want to reign and train others.

 “They make a mockery of all the ministers of God before the world. The world insults, abuses, ridicules, and rebukes us because of those untrained and charlatan ministers among us. Frankly speaking, the way the untrained ministers do ministry calls for concern,” he said.

 James further said that the participants at the programme should expect the unlimited God reversing irreversible cases. They should expect the unlimited God-reversing health issues that the medical world has written off as incurable; financial issues the financial world has declared bankrupt forever.

“The unlimited God will come forth at this conference for the hopeless, the despair, and those who have completely written themselves off.  This is a time of recovery and restoration. It is a time the hopeless will become hopeful with God coming in a new dimension that is not regular to handle irregular cases.

“We have invited professionals, consultants, and experts in different fields of ministry. In the medical field, it is one thing to graduate in medicine and be called a doctor, it is another thing to move upward in practice to become a consultant.  So, for the speakers at this year’s ministers’ conference, we are talking about specialists in different fields of ministry. They are generals and consultants in their different fields of ministry. They have reached the level that they are recognized as specialists in different areas of ministry.”

Bisshop Mark Anthony has been elected the sixth Metropolitan Archbishop of the North American Genuine Orthodox Church of Antioch by its Synod.

The ceremony was held at St Cyprian Monastery, Sharon PA with Seven Bishops, among others.

Archbishop Mark, whose name is Akinnugba Macfonse Osmond, was raised by devout Roman Catholic parents in Ondo Kingdom. He attended St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Mission Primary School, Ondo, Sacred Heart Minor Seminary, Akure, and St. Joseph College, Ondo.

Between 1993 and 1996, he worked at St Patrick Catholic Church, Ondo, St Mathew’s Catholic Church, and Saint John Bosco Parish of the Salesians in Oke Odunwo, Ondo.

He joined the Brothers of the Christian Schools in 1996 and ministered to the people living in abject poverty, living with HIV/AIDS, those struggling to survive financial constraints, and those whose cases were considered hopeless.

He had worked at Kuwinda and Kibera slums in Kenya. In 2001, the Archbishop was accepted into the Byzantine Seminary in Northridge, California, United States to study Theology.

He also worked with Africa Peace Point (a Non-Governmental Organisation for children’s rights) in Kenya and also in Tanzania before coming to Nigeria. 

In 2009, he completed his master’s in Pastoral Counselling at the California International University of Theology, Los Angeles.

He was ordained a Deacon by Archbishop Peter Tang in Yaounde and later to the priesthood.

He later completed his Doctorate in Divinity, from California International University of Theology, Los Angeles, and was entrusted with the establishment of the Byzantine Catholic Church in Nigeria and coordinated evangelism across the continent of Africa and beyond. +Anthony was consecrated on April 18, 2011, to the Episcopacy of the Byzantine Catholic Church by Archbishop Peter Tang and was co-consecrated by Archbishop Jean Ndjewel of the Byzantine Catholic Church of Our Holy Father Mark of Trachea at the Cathedral of Saint Catherine.

  In April 2012, he was elevated to the rank of Exarch of Africa of the Byzantine Catholic Church.

Millions of worshippers from 196 countries are expected to attend the 71st Convention of the Redeemed Church of God (RCCG), holding at the Redemption City of God, Km 46, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State.

The programme which started August 3 with the ministers’ conference continues today.

The convention tagged: ‘Beyond Expectation,’ holds between the 7th to 13th of August will feature bible teachings, song renditions,  prophetic ministrations, bible Study, business and marriage seminars, ordinations of new assistant pastors, pastors, elders, deacons, deaconess, and the RCCG Bible School graduates, teenager and Pastor Seed Family presentations and others activities.

According to a statement by the church Traffic Mayor, those coming into and exiting the campground should adhere strictly to the regulations to avoid causing undue pain to other motorists.

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A statement by the committee reads: “Access for Lagos worshippers will be through Christ Embassy Gate and Asese Moba roads while Ikorodu worshippers could access the camp through Oloparun/Ogijo Road. Worshippers from other parts of the country could access the camp through either the main gate or the Youth Center gate.

“To guide attendees and minimize congestion, we have strategically placed usage of visible road signs. This sign will provide directions to key venues, parking areas, and exit points.

The committee advised attendees to follow signs and directions”.

To reduce traffic around the convention ground, the church has arranged shuttle buses that will run between remote parking areas and the main venue at regular intervals. “This service will be complimentary, making it convenient for all. All traffic police will be present to control traffic.

“We encourage attendees to carpool or use public transport when possible.”

Also, as a way of encouraging worshippers to attend the programme and help in easing the pains of the high cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), the son of the General Overseer of the church, and who is also the Pastor in charge of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), The Bridge, Ikeja, Lagos, Pastor Leke Adeboye gave fuel to those interested in attending the programme.

According to a statement by the church, “It was an unusual church service on Sunday for many members of the LSC The Bridge: one of the RCCG’s vibrant youth churches led by Pastor Leke Adeboye.

“With the fuel price hike and cost of living crisis hitting hard on many Nigerians, Pastor Leke the Head of Christian Social Responsibility (CSR) for RCCG Youth Province 1 Lagos State came up with a brilliant initiative to support church members this season.

“Over 1000 litres of fuel were contributed to support anyone who came to church on Sunday with their vehicle. This was also a way of empowering young people and private taxi drivers who use their cars for businesses and rely on them for their daily upkeep/expenses.

“After fueling the souls of everyone who attended church service with God’s word, Pastor Leke directed members who drove to church with their cars to the designated filling station.

“More than 1,000 liters of fuel were contributed to support those who attended church with their vehicles. After receiving spiritual nourishment at the church service, members with vehicles were directed to a designated filling station where their tanks were filled with fuel. In addition to fuel, over 500 people were also treated to good food.”

The 2023 RCCG Annual Convention, being both virtual and physical convention, will be streamed live across various media and digital platforms.

Gospel artiste Love Mireille Lasme has immersed herself completely in her latest song “Your Grace.”

The cofounder of the Church of God, believes her songs are her testimony, proof that when we walk faithfully with God; we can overcome any trial and challenges. 

‘With God all things are possible to him who believes,” the mother of three affirmed.

Releasing the soul-stirring single “YOUR GRACE” Mireille explained: “As I reflect on my journey with Christ, my soul overflows with gratitude for one resounding word: “Grace.”

“Indeed, I marvel at the thought, “Where would I be…” if it weren’t for your boundless grace, O Lord.”

This captivating song serves as a poignant testament to God’s incomprehensible love for us, illuminating our path through life’s trials and triumphs.

Mireille launches a highly anticipated album titled “YOU ARE HERE” produced by ace music producer, Manus Akpanke.

“In moments of trial, you are here with me.

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When sickness lingers, you are here with me.

Amidst my joys and happiness, you are here with me.

“Embrace these words within your heart, knowing that trials are stepping stones to blessings, and from them flow our powerful testimonies. Hallelujah!

“God’s unwavering presence accompanies us through every moment and in every place, so let us press on, unwavering in faith, for the best is yet to come.”

“Your Grace” offers a captivating glimpse into the forthcoming album project, “You Are Here,” slated for release in September 2023. 

The Founding Shepherd of Celestial Church of Christ (C.C.C), Overcomers Parish, Ajah, Lagos,  James Aso has revealed why he refused to flee during the attack on his church by an irate mob when a labourer accidentally died in his church while evacuating soakaway.

Aso, speaking to some journalists in Lagos, yesterday, said the resolve not to flee from the scene of the unfortunate accident was to preserve the name of the church and prevent those with sinister motives from taking advantage of the accident.

 The late labourer, popularly known as Dogo in the community, died while working in the church’s premises.

Aso insisted that the church knew nothing about Dogo’s death.

It will be recalled that a few weeks ago, a mob looted and burnt down a branch of CCC Overcomers Parish Ajah in Lagos over the accidental death of Dogo.

In the attack, the shepherd was seriously wounded and it took the intervention of the police to stop the irate mob to stop mob from setting the shepherd ablaze.

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The case is currently being investigated by the police at State CID Panti, Lagos while the  Celestial Church of Christ led by Pastor Mobiyina Oshoffa has insisted on the autopsy of the deceased, and the matter be taken to court for prosecution.

Revealing his ordeal during the encounter with journalists recently, Aso said fleeing away could have caused more damage to his name and the name of the Celestial Church of Christ across the world.

“I’m happy to be alive, my dead body wouldn’t have defended the name of Christ,” said Aso.

“If I had not stayed, the mob could have taken the deceased away and removed his body parts and dumped God knows where.

“Nobody defended me, it was Christ that preserved my life. The mob came to kill and loot the church, apparently, my presence after the death of Dogo didn’t allow them to fulfil their mission.

“We didn’t kill Dogo, and God has shown me mercy to escape death.”

Speaking of several attacks on the Celestial Church of Christ after the incident, the popular shepherd said: “Those attacking CCC are ignorant, Celestial churches don’t do rituals. We have our tenet and doctrine; those involved in such rubbish are not Celestial members. When you practice the doctrine of the church accordingly, you don’t need any diluted powers to be a shepherd or prophet in a Celestial church. “

Aso expressed delight to everyone who stood up against lies over the popularity of the church. “I thank the pastors, and all members of CCC who believe in pure gospel and stand up against lies and evil manipulation against the church. I am glad.

“As for me, I remain the Apostle of God, this will not bring me down, I remain, James Aso, Every Living Soul. Thank you,” the Founding Shepherd of the Celestial Church of Christ (C.C.C), Overcomers Parish said.