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Category: worship

  • Prosperity preaching is materialism, greed —Olumide Emmanuel

    Prosperity preaching is materialism, greed —Olumide Emmanuel

    Pastor Olumide Emmanuel, founder of Calvary Bible Church, recently celebrated 35 years in ministry. Reflecting on his journey, which began during his university days, he shares how a divine call led him to become a teacher of God’s Word. In an interview with Adeola Ogunlade, he addresses various issues, including his stance on prosperity teachings, tithing, and the spiritual dynamics of life.

    What led you to the Ministry?

    In school in those days, we used to have a mid-week service every Wednesday. It’s normally a fasting and prayer school. Work and lectures used to end at 12 noon to 1p.m, and on one of those days, I heard a voice clearly that “Study more of my word for you need to teach my people.” Like I always say to people, life is only forward but understood backward. As of then, I did not know that it was the call. I didn’t know that that was an encounter, but I later got to know that it was an encounter I had and that it was God calling me to be a teacher of his word. Because from that point, I had this insatiable desire to study the word.

    And every time I read the Bible, I see things that others don’t see. My level of understanding just opened up, expanded, increased, and grew; and I didn’t know that. It was when I started sharing with people all that I knew with others, we started doing a lot of stuff on campus: under the trees, in villages, we were planting 1 or 2 churches. Then, we did a lot of evangelism and stuff.

    Until I came back to make use of those things I knew after graduation and then I became a pastor at 21. I was an assistant pastor in that church for about 3 to 4 years. So, God now called me to pioneer and start a ministry, which gave birth to Calvary Bible Church.

    Some of your critics said you are a ‘prosperity cleric’, what’s your reply to them?

    Everybody’s entitled to their own opinion. I’m not a prosperity cleric. I’m an economic empowerment agent. I don’t preach prosperity, I teach people economic empowerment.

    I teach people how to become value creators and create wealth by offering value, and solving problems and meeting needs. So most of what people call prosperity messages and prosperity preaching is just materialism and greed and covetousness, and that’s not what I do.

    You can be described as a motivational speaker and author of over 30 books. Where do you derive the inspiration and energy to do all these?

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    I have written over 100 books. Well, the inspiration is from God, and the energy is from God because I don’t think that any man or woman can achieve anything without the support of God. It’s just been God all the way.

     I’ve come to realize that even though people think that I’m very, very hardworking, I’m only hardworking in my purpose. As I’m here now, if you tell me to do something that is not in line with my purpose, I’m a lazy man. You tell me to do something that is contrary to my passion. I’m a lazy person.

    But when it comes to my calling, my purpose, my passion; what I am, I can work 24 hours. So, it’s all about being at the centre of the gospel for your life. But like I said, fish do not struggle to swim; birds do not struggle to fly because that’s what they are created to do. So, when you are doing what you are created to do, grace will flow, inspiration will flow.

    Speak on the linkage between the spiritual and the temporal world. Which one guides the other?

    In the world we live in today, the spiritual controls the natural. The spiritual realm is the realm where events are called before they happen. So, before anything has its occurrence in the natural, it has had its occurrence first in the realm of the spirit. So the realm of the spirit is the root.

    The physical realm is the fruit and once you understand the workings of the realm of the spirit, you’ll be able to navigate this in the physical. That’s why I always say to people that you’re either in a secret cult or you’re in a secret place. So, of course, the supernatural is the completion of the spark of the natural.

    I read somewhere where you said you don’t travel to some overseas countries. What were your past global experiences like? Which countries have you barred in your future itinerary?

    In 2001, I was on a global tour, which started in Europe. I toured France, Italy, Spain, and Norway for minister’s conferences and evangelism. I even ended up opening an office in Verona, Italy, where I had staff. But I soon realised prostitution was a major issue. It first hit me one day while I was preaching in Italy and I made altar calls to those who would want to give their lives to Jesus. I had people coming to me, seeking deliverance from HIV and AIDS. There were lots of HIV-positive persons within that congregation. Then I would counsel, how did you contact it and when I got to know it was through sexual immorality, then I would be told that they cannot stop because they have a contract, that they are under a covenant. It sounded so strange to me. Then I started wondering, how do you say you are a born-again Christian and you are a prostitute? I didn’t understand. I couldn’t be judging them, but at the same time, I cannot deny what the Bible says. So, it was a conflict for me. Then the climax was I went to speak at the church, one of the major churches. Then I made an altar call- you ask people to come and give their lives to Jesus. The church population should be close to 1,000; a major church, the choir was amazing. And now after my altar call, for those who wanted to give their lives to Christ should come out. And you know, because of the nature of the message I was preaching about, living a purpose-driven life, living a life to please God, living holiness and all the stuff. Do you know that the whole choir came out, ministers, church workers! I initially thought that maybe the interpreter didn’t interpret very well. I said, come on; sorry, I mean, if you want to give your life to Jesus. How can you then be living as a prostitute? And they are in the choir, ministers, and church workers! And they claim they are born-again and speak in tongues. At the same time know they have a contract, they have entered a covenant and until they finish paying, they are to continue in prostitution! You know, I heard many other funny stories I cannot go into now. At that point, I knew that this place, the people here, have another level of grace and anointing.

    I don’t understand, because I can’t be judging people that they are not saved. At the same time, I cannot claim that people are saved when they are living a life where they are daily sleeping around with different people all in the name of a contract or whatever. My understanding of God, maybe they know God more than me. This shocking realisation discouraged me with missions in some parts of the world.

    The hardship in the country has made Christians and others alike denounce Bible passages like the 1st Timothy 2: 1-4 or Psalm 22:28; What message do you have for people like these?

    The Bible says in the last days, perilous time shall come. Many shall be lovers of themselves, unthankful and unholy. So, they are fulfilling scripture now.

    However, when you are looking up to a man, you will always end up in shame and disappointment. God is our source. Politicians are not our source. The economy of the nation is not our source. Our job is not our source. Once you see God as your source, you look up to Him and you understand the laws and principles that govern the world and do your part, it’s only a matter of time before you will escape the struggles of the world. So, I will just tell people, hang in there. Tough times never last, but tough people do. Just hang in there, and you will end the testimony. Well, the summary is don’t be a hypocrite. Be a true Christian. Live for God. Because what we are practicing mostly in this part of the world is religion, not Christianity. Religion is more dangerous than the devil. Christianity is not a religion; it’s a relationship with your Creator. When you practice Christianity as a religion, you’re going to be a pawn in the hands of charlatans behind the pulpits. You are going to be a victim of the religion, myopic, limited, ignorant, interpretation of scriptures of the people you listen to. So, be a true Christian and be an example of the change that you want to see because if it’s going to happen, it’s up to you and if you are not part of the solution, you are entirely part of the problem. So, I look forward to people being a part of the leadership conference coming up on the 31st of October and the 1st of November at the Marriott Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

    There was a recent commentary by one of the leading pastors on tithes and tithing, what’s your view?

    I don’t have any view on tithes and the tithing in the Bible is my view. I’m a Christian. I am a pastor. The reason why we have diverse opinions concerning many doctrinal issues in the Bible is because a lot of people bring in their own opinions and personal views into the interpretation of scripture.

    So, I don’t do that. I don’t have a personal opinion or personal view about tithing. What the Bible says is what I believe, and that’s what I live by. I believe that everything that we have belongs to God. So, the entire 100% of your income belongs to God, not 10%, not 20, not 30, not 40. 100% of your income belongs to God.

    People give but only a few people give exactly what God asked them to give. Don’t wait for pastors to say bring this, bring that. Pastors give general instructions. But we should ask God for specific instructions. If you follow general instructions, you will get general blessings. God is the owner of everything that you have if you are truly a child of God. Now, as a child of God, if you now understand that God is your source and everything, he has given you belongs to him, whatever He now asks you to give, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100, whatever you can give, you now give. 10% is just like a minimum requirement like an act of what you say. God, thank you for blessing me, I’m bringing this thing as an act of worship, to acknowledge that you are my source and to be able to say have your way. Anybody that is limiting themselves to 10% is actually preaching contrary to the biblical teaching of the Bible. For me, my 100% belongs to God.

  • MFM GMOV holds economic, empowerment seminar Saturday

    MFM GMOV holds economic, empowerment seminar Saturday

    All is set for the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) God’s Men of Valour *(GMOV)* international headquarters, Economic Empowerment, Seminar and Trade Fair programme on Saturday.

    It holds  from 8am to 6pm at the Multipurpose Hall, University of Lagos, Akoka. 

    MFM General Overseer Dr Daniel Olukoya will declare the seminar / trade fair  with the theme ” “Innovative and successful businesses in today’s world” open.  

    The aim is to bring collection of bright minds and most innovative companies under one roof to enhance business growth, provide network opportunities, educate and empower small scale businesses by interacting  with the best professionals from different industries. 

    According to the GMOV  Global Chairman, Pastor  Kunle Adesanya, it is an avenue for the church to impact positively on the members in terms of enriching their business acumen, exposing them to current trends in today’s business world as well as creating a platform for people to showcase their goods, products and services.

    Adesanya also said the programme, which is an  initiative  of Olukoya is for men, women, and youths. 

    There will be a keynote address on the topic Kingdom business by the Vice Chancellor, Mountain Top University, Professor Elijah Ayolabi. 

    This will be followed by two lectures.

    The first lecture is titled Strategies for successful business in today’s world by Mr Oscar Macaulay 

     MD/CEO McDaniel Personal Care Limited  while the second is titled Maximizing your business potential by Pastor (Mrs) Nike Faseun.

  • ‘Spreading Christ’s message in unreached nations, great risk’ 

    ‘Spreading Christ’s message in unreached nations, great risk’ 

    The birth of Kingdom International Outreach: A new model for evangelism

    At the core of Evang Junior’s mission lies the creation of an organization called Kingdom International Outreach. This platform is not just another evangelistic organization but a structure built to support churches in their evangelism efforts worldwide, especially in hard-reach countries. 

    According to Evang Junior, “Evangelism is a lifeline, and we see it in all the churches. We want to emphasize in this new book that evangelism is a lifestyle. It’s not something we do occasionally; it’s who we are.”

    The essence of KIVI lies in its strategic approach to partnering with other organizations. Though many evangelism groups exist, Junior stresses the importance of careful collaboration. “We can’t bring everything in,” he explains. “There are a thousand and one evangelism organizations right now. We have to sit down and see how we can partner and benefit from one another.”

    Junior’s approach to evangelism is holistic, believing that the lifestyle of evangelism should be as natural as breathing for Christians. “Anywhere you find anybody, tell them about Jesus Christ,” he advises.

    For him, this isn’t just a theoretical teaching but a practical way of life.

    This movement, according to Evangelist Junior, isn’t just about the physical expansion of the church or material blessings, but about realigning the church’s purpose to advance the Kingdom of God. “Nigeria will benefit,” he explains, “because we will drive the purpose for which Jesus came: to save the world.”

    Drawing from the story of a friend who built a lavish house but hardly used it, Evangelist Junior challenges the notion that material success equates to spiritual fulfillment. “You built a house, but how many times have you used it? Once a year? Twice? We are going to stand before God, not to display our wealth, but to account for how we stewarded His blessings,” he warns.

    For Evangelist Junior, everything—every possession, every talent—is meant to serve God’s kingdom. “When we talk about evangelism and mission, people think it’s just for pastors and prophets. No! Every Christian has something God has given them to advance the Kingdom.”

    Spreading the gospel at great risk

    Evang Junior’s mission work is not confined to the comfort of familiar territories. His travels to countries like Libya, Bangladesh, and Pakistan—places where Christianity is often met with resistance and hostility—showcase his dedication to his faith. Recounting his time in Bangladesh, where he served as a diplomat, Junior speaks of the personal risk he faced in preaching the gospel. “Bangladesh is 96% Muslim. Once they know you are a Christian, your head can be chopped off,” he recalls. Yet, this didn’t deter him. Despite the security restrictions for diplomats, he ventured outside the safety of his post to share Christ’s message with locals.

    Junior’s story about a Muslim village he visited reveals the extent of his faith. Invited by a local to pray for a deceased woman with people around gathering to mourn the dead, he took the risk, knowing that revealing his faith could cost him his life. “I couldn’t pray out loud. I was full of fear,” he admitted. “I later remember l could speak in tongues to communicate to heaven”. But as he prayed in tongues, something miraculous happened—the woman sneezed and was brought back to life. “Residents in the community started calling me to pray for them. Men and women with all kinds of ailments were prayed for and God indeed glorified himself.

     “When you are available for God, God will use you. Just be available,” he says, humbly acknowledging that it was not his own power but God working through him.

    Need for unity in the body of Christ

    Throughout his global mission work, Junior consistently emphasizes the importance of unity within the Christian community. “For us to be able to achieve more, we need to unite,” he says.

    Drawing from his 45 years in the United Kingdom, he expresses concern over the division he has witnessed among churches. “Not uniting is causing a lot of problems. In the UK, churches are being bought by other religions,” he observes, lamenting the loss of Christian influence in a country that once spearheaded global evangelism.

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    His message is clear: the body of Christ must work together, transcending individual church agendas, to fulfill the Great Commission. “We need the unity of the body of Christ,” he asserts, pointing out that only through collective effort can believers make a meaningful impact.

    Revival and the call to sacrifice

    One of the central themes of Evang Junior’s work is the idea of revival—both in its historical and present-day forms.

    He draws parallels between the revivals that spread Christianity across the globe and the sacrifices made by early missionaries. “When revival hit the UK, they propagated the gospel all over the world. They carried it to Africa, even though many died from malaria. 80% of missionaries were expected to die, but they still went.”

    This same sacrificial spirit is what Junior believes is necessary for today’s evangelists. “Christianity is not about being comfortable. It’s about being ready to die for what you believe in,” he explains.

    His own willingness to face death, not just in Bangladesh but in every mission field he steps into, is a profound example of this belief.

    As a father of four daughters, he shares the deeply personal moment when he explained his mission to his children, telling them that he might not return from one of his dangerous trips. “I told my daughters, “If I die, I die well. Don’t cry for me.’ Every one of us will have to die one day. I gave them three hymns for them to sing at my funeral.

    “I told them that nobody should weep for me because God knows about it. “We are still here because God wants us to fulfill his purpose. When we have done all that he wants us to do. He will call us home.

    “I became emotional when my daughter asked me as l was leaving the house. ‘Dad, can you remind us of the hymns you told us to sing if you did not come back?’ Tears dropped out of my eyes. I am ready to die for the sake of the gospel.”

    His courage is rooted in the conviction that life is to be lived for Christ, and death when it comes, is gain.

    Call to the next generation

    Despite his extensive work across continents, Evang Junior is not content with past achievements. He is deeply invested in raising the next generation of evangelists.

    His current efforts in America are focused on gathering young people from different states and teaching them about the Great Commission. “There has been a lot of error in the past in the church, and we need to look at a way of focusing back on what matters,” he says, stressing that the future of Christianity depends on these young leaders understanding the true essence of the gospel.

    In his view, the focus of every believer must be on souls, not on personal gain or the comforts of life. As he often references, Jesus’ parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin in Luke 15 serve as reminders that every soul is precious and worth the search.

    The simplicity of evangelism

    Evang Junior’s life and work stand as a powerful example of what it means to live for the gospel. Whether he is teaching church leaders through CFS, risking his life in Muslim-majority countries, or mentoring the next generation, his mission remains the same: to share Christ with the world. “What God is looking for is who is going to be available,” he says, urging believers to step out in faith, no matter the cost.

    In a world where many are distracted by material pursuits, Evang Junior’s life reminds us that the heart of Christianity lies in the simple yet profound act of evangelism—the lifeline of the church and the heartbeat of every true believer.

  • Okonkwo, Oyedepo, Ashimolowo, others for Abundant Life Church 40th anniversary

    Okonkwo, Oyedepo, Ashimolowo, others for Abundant Life Church 40th anniversary

    The Founder of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Founder and Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, Global President of Kingsway International Christian Centre, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo and others are billed to attend the 40th anniversary of Abundant Life Gospel Church, Lagos, holding from October 21-27.

    The theme of the event is ‘Next Level’.

    In a statement issued ahead of the anniversary to The Nation yesterday, the General Overseer of Abundant Life Gospel Church, Rev Dr Janet Onaolapo, said the anniversary would have a positive impact on the nation due to the offering of intercessory prayers for Nigeria, as thousands of worshipers from the 20 branches of the church within and outside Nigeria, friends and loved ones were expected to be present.

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    She said: “For the past 40 years, God has constantly fought for us in these battles of life. This is our year of the supernatural and we shall all manifest. Get ready to meet the one who answers prayers, get ready for the next level. For 40 years, we’ve been walking in grace and witnessing great leaps.

    “Join us for a powerful experience with the legendary Fathers of Faith and soul-stirring Gospel music ministers.”

    The anniversary, according to the statement, will be held at the 25,000-seater church’s international headquarters, Peace Cathedral, 69, Iju Road, Agege, Lagos with activities such as impactful words, music concerts, special seminars on business, health talks, trade fair, among others.

  • I didn’t ask Christians to stop tithing – Pastor Adeboye

    I didn’t ask Christians to stop tithing – Pastor Adeboye

    The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has denied claims that he asked Christians to stop paying tithes.

    The cleric had on Thursday apologised for saying in one of his messages that anybody who does not pay tithe will not make heaven.

    However, he said his apology message was misinterpreted, stating how surprised he was by how quickly false reports spread online claiming he had discouraged tithe payment.

    Making clarifications during the church’s October Holy Ghost Service on Saturday at the Redemption City on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State, Adeboye addressed the misrepresentations that have now stirred controversy among social media users.

    Adeboye acknowledged that he had apologised for any previous statements on tithing that may have been misunderstood.

    “The issue of tithing became contentious, and I decided to apologise for anything I might have said wrong. Yet, within an hour, it was being circulated online that I said Christians should stop paying tithes,” Adeboye said.

    He further explained that he encouraged believers to give more than the traditional 10 per cent, referencing an encounter at Kenneth Hagin’s church where a man shared how his financial situation improved after committing to tithe 90% of his income.

    He said: “Today, I’m close to giving 90%, but I am far from 10%. So, I said it is wrong to limit yourself to 10% when God can take you to a higher percentage.

    “As you grow in the Lord, you should grow in praising Him, winning souls, and in giving.

    “I said that for beginners, the minimum is what God calls 10%. I said, from now on, begin to increase what you give.

    “Of all I said, the only thing they put on the internet is that Adeboye apologised, and therefore, people should no longer pay their tithes.

    “I said 10% should be the minimum.”

  • Olukoyede charges religious leaders on anti-corruption fight

    Olukoyede charges religious leaders on anti-corruption fight

    Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ola Olukoyede has challenged religious leaders in the country to show more commitment and  involvement in the anti-corruption fight through preaching the right messages.

    He gave the charge in Abuja when he received a delegation of leaders of The Citizens Church for All Nations at EFCC’s corporate headquarters.

    The chairman who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Commander of the EFCC,  CE Michael Nzekwe, said: “If we do the right things in our littles spaces, Nigeria will be a better place. So, religious leaders, the pastors, the imams, should preach the right messages”.

     He added: “We expect a role from your end and the role we expect is that at our level as preachers, let’s preach the truth to the people. Let’s tell them the truth. Let’s tell them of the dangers of corruption.

    “People in our churches are living above their means and we know them. We must come to that level where we will be able to speak the truth to the powers-that-be in our congregations. Tell them of the dangers of corruption. 

    “We can only get it right in our spaces, from the family to the church and mosques by being able to tell people the truth. Let them hear that they should not steal.  Each and everyone of us must be a participant in the Nigerian project. 

    “So let our voices be loud, let us not cover what is wrong because at the end of all things, each and every one of us will face judgment. God is taking note of the things that you saw and pretended that you never saw them.”

    While cautioning them against perpetration of fraud under the cover of religion or divine grace, he pointed out: “In EFCC,  we acknowledge God in all we do, not just in the Christian faith but also in the Muslim faith. Our Muslim brethren consistently pray for the Commission, our Christian brethren also do the same. It is by the grace of God that we do the things that we do here. We acknowledge that and put it in front”

    Pastor Dickson Iroegbu, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, stated that the visit was motivated by the need to identify with the Commission and express its appreciation of its anti-corruption efforts.

    “We decided to celebrate you for the work you are doing for our nation and also pray with you because we are seeing all the efforts that you put in. We recognize them, but without God we can do nothing.

    ” As a church we recognise that to build this nation, synergy with the spiritual arm is important. Nigerians are watching and we believe that even as the presence of the Lord continually abides with you that you will do more for our nation. We value our image as a nation and we know that this Commission is positioned for protecting our image as a nation. We know that it is not easy but God is with you,” he said.

    The delegation demonstrated its appreciation of the anti-corruption efforts of the EFCC with a presentation of souvenirs to both the Executive Chairman and Commission.

     “On the 25th of last month, we celebrated the military and para-military in our church. The EFCC was not present that day, so we decided to come and hand over to you some of the souvenirs that we should have given to you that day. It is to encourage you on the work that you are doing and to also say that we expect you to do more,” he said.

  • Triumphant Baptist Church to inaugurate new auditorium October 12

    Triumphant Baptist Church to inaugurate new auditorium October 12

    Triumphant Baptist Church, Akowonjo, a member of the Lagos-West Baptist Conference, is set to dedicate its new auditorium and office complex on Saturday, October 12, 2024.

    Established on March 24, 1996, under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Julius Adeniji, former Conference President, Lagos-West Baptist Conference, the new state-of-the-art auditorium and office complex will be inaugurated at the church’s permanent site on Shasha Road, Akowonjo, Lagos.

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    The pastor of the church, Reverend Sunday Oladejo stated that the new complex was a testament to the church’s resilience, growth, and unwavering commitment to its members and the community at large.

    He added that the monumental unveiling marks the culmination of a journey that began when the church moved from its initial location along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway and temporarily used various facilities before securing its current site in 1998.

    The unveiling ceremony will feature a special worship service, guided tours, and a reception.

  • Oyedepo at 70: Akinpelu, others feed 5,000 underprivileged people

    Oyedepo at 70: Akinpelu, others feed 5,000 underprivileged people

    In celebration of the 70th birthday of Bishop David Oyedepo, Founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, senior pastors have donated relief materials to over 5,000 underprivileged individuals in Lagos.

    The initiative, led by Dr. Akin Akinpelu, Senior Pastor of Eden Centre, took place during an event called Legacy of Bishop Oyedepo at 70, held at the National Stadium in Lagos.

    The event, which occurred late Sunday night, was attended by Bishop Oyedepo, Pastor Leke Adeboye (son of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God), the Lagos State Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Rev. Yemi Davids, Senior Pastor of The Covenant Nation, Pastor Poju Oyemade, along with other notable pastors and gospel singers.

    Akinpelu explained that the aim was to honour Oyedepo with a crusade and concert to praise God for His blessings in the life of the Bishop and his family.

    He said: “What we want to do is to preserve the legacy of Bishop Oyedepo. He is a man that cut across generations. Many things would not have happened within the body of Christ if not because of him”.

    “We want to celebrate him because he has touched many lives, and we say that the legacy of Oyedepo lives on.”

    The chairman of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Lagos Chapter, Pastor Yemi David, while speaking with journalists said the programme was aimed at honouring Oyedepo and giving to the needy.

    “This is a collective effort of pastors in Lagos, Pastor Akinpelu was able to galvanise all of us together and it is a laudable effort, and the reason is to honour Bishop Oyedepo.

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    “My job is to have a church where beyond Sunday services they do other things like education like having schools and universities.

    “So, this is an encouragement for our younger generation to do beyond the church, and impact society.

    “Now that Oyedepo is 70 we decided to honour him and use that to be a blessing to those in need.

    Earlier, Oyedepo while addressing everyone was delighted to be celebrated and prayed for the organisers and the guests at the gathering.

    “It is not enough to have Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, but He must be the overall of your life.

    “I have never prayed for a car or house. But I know what I will do that He will add all other things onto me. The Bible says to seek first the kingdom and all the things that others are dying to get shall be added unto you,” he said.

    Notable ministers who graced the occasion were Tope Alabi, Pastor Femi Lazarus, Pastor Sola Osunmakinde, Bidemi Olaoba, and other men of God.

  • Financial expert Adegoke felicitates Oyedepo at 70

    Financial expert Adegoke felicitates Oyedepo at 70

    A financial expert and retired banker, Deacon Gbite Adegoke has fecilitated with the Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church (popularly known as Winners Chapel International), Bishop David Oyedepo on his 70th birthday celebration.

    He hailed Oyedepo’s inspiration and blessing to the world and acknowledged his profound influence on lives of countless individuals and Nations.

    A statement by Adegoke acknowledged Oyedepo’s unwavering commitment to faith and empowerment, which according to him has transformed many lives.

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    According to him, Oyedepo’s teachings and philanthropic efforts have inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams and build a better future.

    He said: “Bishop Oyedepo is not just a spiritual leader he is a visionary who has combined uncommon level of faith with entrepreneurial spirit.

    “As a leading figure in the Christian community, Bishop Oyedepo has not only focused on spiritual growth but also significantly contributed to education, healthcare, and social welfare in Nigeria and beyond through various initiatives under the Living Faith Church umbrella.”

    Adegoke prayed for renewed strength and more blessings for the Bishop as he continue to work in the vineyard.

  • RCCG hosts Int’l shift talent hunt, gifts 10,000,000 cash prize, car

    RCCG hosts Int’l shift talent hunt, gifts 10,000,000 cash prize, car

    The Youth and Young Adults Global Worldwide, part of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has launched the much-anticipated Season 2 of its International Shift Talent Hunt.

    The audition and award event kicked off on September 23 and will continue until October 5, 2024, at Redemption Camp.

    Nollywood actress and judge, Chioma Ifemeludike emphasised the importance of organizing programs like this to discover and nurture talent, urging for a supportive environment to help individuals grow and contribute meaningfully.

    “Programmes like this are important because they help to, firstly, discover the talents and, secondly, create a platform for them, a platform to empower. Because it’s one thing to discover them, it’s another thing to groom them and give them an enabling environment where their talents would be useful to them and the society at large”, she said.

    Pastor of Ambassadors Youth Church, Asaba, Delta State, and aviation security officer with Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Bamigboye Adekoyejo urged the government to invest in talent discovery and development by organizing programs like SHIFT.

    He also advised the contestants to be versatile and leverage the use of social media, noting that it provides greater good to their careers.

    “The importance of social media, especially in this present world where we are so conspicuous cannot be overemphasized, it gets to all the nooks and crannies of the world.

    “As we are just here in the four walls of this building, whatever we do here, they can see it in Papua New Guinea, they can see it in Brazil, they can see it in the U.S., and they can see it everywhere. So, social media is a tool that I think the Holy Spirit himself invented to be used in this modern-day world for the gospel and everything we are doing to be propagated and shown all around the world. So, for us to be known, we must leverage the power of social media.”

    Gospel artist, Paul Nams advised parents to be essential in the talent development of their children, he said today’s parents are more concerned with training their kids to become successful in a particular career neglecting their in-born talents.

    “It’s very, very important for parents to, you know, when raising a child, to know the gifting of the child. And when you know the gifting of the child, it helps you to train the child in the direct direction where the child should go.

    “But today, the parents we have, most of the parents we have, we just want children to become doctors, lawyers, because that is what we feel they’re going to make it in life. But that’s not the truth. When you’re able to discover the passion of a child, channel the child to that very passion, and you discover that not long from then, the child becomes a great child. All right you mentioned earlier that you’re a gospel artist so um this is more of a Christian um congregation where talents have been unlocked.”

    The International Shift Talent Hunt being powered by RCCG Youth is set to identify, harness, and promote dedicated Christians with talents, ensuring dedicated Christians with talent are given a platform.

    Speaking with the International Director for the International Shift Talent Hunt, Engineer Steve Oze, he said the International Shift Talent Hunt season 2 is a part of the Youth Convention-themed Dominion adding that the program.

    “What we do is to bridge the gap of talent and opportunity, there’s this saying that opportunities are all over the place, skills are all over the place but opportunities and skills need to be connected and that’s what we So currently what we are doing right now, this is a vision of the church and to the glory of God this is rebranded, it’s called SHIFT, alright, so this is a rebranded SHIFT.

    Oze further added that the talent hunt has been remodelled and that an academy has been established to train talented Nigerians in different areas of career building and management.

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    “We have converted International SHIFT talent into what we call International SHIFT Academy, for the past six months we’ve been training them, teaching them, not just in music, not just in drama, not just in unusual creativity but on social media, because they need to know the world has gone global, so they need to know how to grow, grow themselves, market their skills digitally, because the world is digital right now.

    The body called on the government, private bodies, and other organizations to support the initiative and bring the realities of these talents into the limelight.

    “We need sponsorships, we need corporate bodies to be part of this, especially the financial sector these people are talented and gifted individuals and it’s important they also become your customers well imagine having over 500 to one thousand one thousand customers base as well so we need sponsorship we need to drive this vision for this youth.

    “I’m calling on the nation I’m calling on everyone people who have a vision to empower the youth please come forward, particularly the dedicated Christians we want this to be we want this international shift to be a successful Christian reality show so that is what we are doing right now these children these youths they are slipping away from the Christian world they are slipping away into the secular but want to give them there is what china best to match up or to get a standard applicable.”