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Category: worship

  • Why we need hymns back in churches – Umoru

    Why we need hymns back in churches – Umoru

    A Senior Pastor in the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor Andrew Umoru has called for the restoration of gospel hymns in churches as they prime the soul, heart, and mind even before the message.

    Umoru said this at the Sounds Hymnal Strings Concert held recently at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Chapel Annex. It was supported by the Chapel of Christ Our Light, UNILAG.

    It also featured a drama presentation by Free Gift International Drama.

    Umoru sought the return to the hymns because “hymns are very solemn, it goes also beyond praising God,  worshiping Him more deeply. Every doctrine of the Bible is packaged into the hymns.”

    He lamented that “Satan has taken over the songs from us and is now the choirmaster in many places of worship.  So, they package songs that move people away from holiness, sound doctrine, and focus on God.

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    “God is not interested in commercial singing. What he wants is for us to use the hymns to prepare the souls of men for heaven and for things that are sound and profitable and to impact our world and our society.”

    He posited that hymns well presented with prayer and anointing, would lead to the conversion of souls and God will be glorified.

    The Convener of the programme, Mrs. Lydia Enyidiya Eke, said that the essence of this concert was to release the power of hymns. Tell the stories behind hymns and how lives have been impacted through hymns. “We have seen too many noises within the Christendom and we don’t know much about hymns anymore.

    “We find that in moments of crisis, moments of loss when somebody dies, or when terrible things happen, noise does not make it. But hymns will find a place. The coolness and quietness of songs that are spiritual and are breathed by the Spirit, anointed, will touch lives,” she said.

  • Ekunola, Odeyemi, Ajidara, others for CCC youth conference

    Ekunola, Odeyemi, Ajidara, others for CCC youth conference

    The former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, University of Lagos (UNILAG) and General Youth Coordinator of Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Senior Evangelist, (Prof.) Samuel Odeyemi; The Founder of Ekunola Davies Ministry International, Prophetic Evang. Ekunola Davies; Executive Director, University of Lagos Business School (ULBS), Prof. Mike Adebamowo; Gospel artist, Evang. Segun Ajidara, and other ministers have been billed to grace the 3-day annual youth conference of CCC which will be held between Thursday, 22nd to 25th August at Oshoffa Citadel of Prayer Mission, Abule-Oke, Ifo, Ogun.

    Tagged: ‘Manifesting God’s Glory, will bring together thousands of Christian youths from different parts of the country.

    Speaking at a press conference, the Chairman of the Annual Youth Conference 2024, Bro. Elijah Ibiokoro, said that this year’s youth conference with its theme centered on manifesting God’s glory was inspired by the book of Isaiah 58 vs 8 to guide individuals towards demonstrating the presence of God in every aspect of their lives.

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    He added that the programme focuses on spiritual growth, financial management, relationship building, academic guidance, and the well-being of youths.

    He noted that the present challenges facing the country are not palatable but as Christians they should walk by faith, and “we are hopeful that the lives and destiny of Nigeria will turn around for good as they participate actively in this programme.

    “Jesus remains that answer to the problem facing the country and as many youths who will come to Jesus for salvation and regeneration, Nigeria will experience transformation,” he said.

    The National Secretary of Youth CCC, Brother Oluwaseyi Odufuwa, who is optimistic about a hitch-free event, said that adequate provisions had been made for security, transportation, accommodation, and health care personnel are going to be on the ground for the safety and wellbeing of the participants during the conference.

  • Bishop Odeleke celebrates 50 years on pulpit

    Bishop Odeleke celebrates 50 years on pulpit

    Bishop Margaret Bolanle Odeleke will be  standing at the pulpit, between June 17th and 19th 2024 to celebrate her 50 years of preaching the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

    Fifty years had passed since she first began her journey as a young Lady Evangelist. At 74, she will be celebrating a half-century of dedicated service to the Lord.

    As she reflected on her journey, Bishop Odeleke’s mind wandered back to the early days, when she had faced countless challenges and doubts. But her unwavering faith and determination had propelled her forward, and she had gone on to build a thriving ministry that had touched the lives of thousands.

    Over the years, she had baptized countless babies, married numerous couples, and comforted grieving families. She had also founded several schools, maternity homes and community programs, leaving an indelible mark on her community and the entire world. 

    It’s certain that as she will be looking out at the congregation, Bishop Odeleke’s heart will swell with pride and gratitude as she had been called by God to serve, and she had given her life fully to that calling.

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    The service will be a grand celebration, with music, dance, and testimonials from those whose lives she had touched. 

    Prominent clerics, including Bishop David Oyedepo, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Bishop Wale Oke, Apostle Wole Oladiyun and Chairman of Lagos State Christian  Association of Nigeria, Bishop Stephen Adegbite will all be ministering at the  three day event. 

    Bishop Odeleke will  be listening to the heartfelt tributes, with her heart full of joy and thanksgiving.

    As she will be raising her hands in praise, the congregation erupting in applause, cheering and whistling for the beloved Bishop who had given her life to the Lord and to them. 

    It’ll be a moment  etched in their memories forever, a testament to the power of dedication, faith, and service.

    Odeleke’s 50 years on the pulpit were a shining example of what it means to live a life fully surrendered to God, and her legacy would continue to inspire generations to come.

  • How Nigerians, foreigners celebrated TB Joshua’

    How Nigerians, foreigners celebrated TB Joshua’

     The late leader of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Temitope Joshua, touched many lives while he was alive.

    Aside from his generosity, the late cleric was known for his knack for prayer, perseverance, self-discipline, and dedication to the things of God. 

    It is almost an understatement to say that he drew people to God.

    Loved by many, and even in death, they still talk about him in the present. 

    Little wonder, during the third anniversary of his glorious departure from the earth on June 5, 2021, all-night praise and worship were held in his honour at the SCOAN headquarters, Lagos. 

    The event attracted people from all over the world.

     Speaking during the event to honour the late televangelist, his daughter Promise, said: “I’m his favourite daughter, but he loved all of us equally. Yes, indeed. At the very core, Prophet TB Joshua’s life is marked by a virtuous commitment to raising soldiers of Christ, not just locally, but also globally.”

     Joshua, who would have been 61 on June 5, attracted many foreigners to the headquarters of the church in Ikotun-Egbe, a Lagos suburb.

    The SCOAN host community will continue to remember the late cleric for putting the community on a world map. 

    Promise disclosed that her father, Joshua, superintendent a church of all seasons, saying, “A ministry where satanic cages and demonic bondages are broken. Even to the shock and the admiration of even the unbelievers.

     “A ministry that has stood the test of time that continues to stand the test of time, and that will continue to stand the test of time to the glory of God. Yes. But Prophet TB Joshua was not just this global Christian leader and fatherly covering to so many people all around the world.”

     Preaching love, she urged the church to celebrate the values that her father stood for which was love. “Love that sees beyond hatred. That is, when you are hated, you should love. Love that sees beyond intimidation.”

     A South African nationalist and former South African Football Association (SAFA) President, Dr. Kirstan Nematandam, who flew into Nigeria to partake in the solemn night ceremony, described the all-night praise and worship event as “A spiritual high watershed, and a great moment in all continents of the world to thank God for the grace of T.B. Joshua on earth in His ineffable love for mankind and His creation.

     He described T.B. Joshua as a great man of God whose life was Christ-like, living the word and practising the word. “He was the light shining in the darkness, the most humble man you could ever come across who touched the lives of millions, preaching the Word with power and with an extraordinary philanthropy across the universe,” he said.

     Notwithstanding the simultaneous happening of the event in several nations, many still flew into Ikotun-Egbe SCOAN’s headquarters.

    The serenation of the late cleric lit up the Ikotun-Egbe SCOAN’s headquarters with international visitors from many African countries, America, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, filling the cathedral to the brim.

     The atmosphere was ecclesiastically electrifying as people from diverse languages from all walks of life spoke glowingly of the transformational power of God in their lives through their encounters with T.B. Joshua.

     A leading Pastor from Argentina who came to Ikotun Egbe for the event, Pastor Robert Acosta said: “The men of God who impacted lives and transformed generations under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit never die.  The Bible says, ‘Their works with them continue’.

    “The teachings, the example, the impartation continue to live on in our hearts and our lives. Prophet T.B. Joshua, his life, example, and ministry, have been a gift from God to the whole world but in a particular way to my life, my wife and family, and to our church and congregation.

    “He was our pastor, our friend, for five years until he passed on to glory, and we continue to live with the legacy he had left us. The impartation we had received from the Holy Spirit through the life of the man of God, continues to bring healing to the sick, continues to raise cripples, and perform amazing miracles and deliverances; not only should we but we want to honour God for the life of the man of God, that is why we come to Nigeria to exalt God and I believe that just as in the days of Elisha, when he had already departed, there was anointing in his bones, I believe there is still much anointing to continue resurrecting lives and ministries, not by a man that had passed on to glory, but by the Spirit of God that continues to operate.

    “We have come to honour God with joyful activities for this great man of God. He has been for me a father in the Lord, a friend, and a pastor, and has been an honour from heaven to have walked and shared time with him, his teachings, his advice, and his prayers have transformed our lives.

    “Even today, in our radios, discipleships, and meetings his teachings are still alive. God has done it through the man of God.”

    Also paying glowing tributes to the late SCOAN leader, a leading Brazilian cleric, Pastor Sandro Gomes dos Santos, who was happy to be in Nigeria again said:  “I am here to celebrate the birthday of Prophet T.B. Joshua, a unique man, a unique prophet, a great man of God and his legacy remains. It is ageless and cannot be forgotten. The good works he did here on earth are wonderful and cannot be forgotten.

    “Prophet T.B. Joshua impacted my life not only with his ministry of miracles, signs, and wonders but with his love for the Word. When he spoke the Word it went straight into my heart and changed the way I was and the way I thought. His teaching on offence and forgiveness completely changed my heart. With him, I learned how to let go of offence and the importance of having a pure heart.

    “He exemplified everything he taught; his life was a life of excellence. Prophet T.B. Joshua’s legacy is beyond time and will remain forever. He is a special man of God, there is no other like him. The opportunity to be here on this anniversary for me is a gift from God.

    “I come to honour the life of Prophet T.B. Joshua and his legacy. As the Bible says: He who honours a prophet receives a prophet’s reward. This is an opportunity given by God, not man. God in His infinite grace allowed me to come and showed me that

    “His anointing and power continue here in this ministry through Pastor Evelyn Joshua. There is a fresh anointing, something new and extraordinary. The wonders of God continue to work here at SCOAN. God has done great and extraordinary things through Prophet T.B. Joshua and that mantle continues to rest upon Pastor Evelyn Joshua, just as it did with Elisha. I am so grateful to be here to celebrate the life and legacy of Prophet T.B. Joshua”.

    Segun Olanipekun, one of the coordinators of the church, who was full of excitement, disclosed to the vivacious crowd present at the event that the last three years had been of joyful activities and the ministry had greatly expanded. “Some of the programmes that I can remember that have taken place under Pastor Evelyn Joshua’s leadership are: The church was reopened after about two years of lockdown, we had a three-day revival on the prayer mountain,

    Akure branch was reopened frequent weekly charity work in the church, Partners, revival, crusade, and charity meetings in South Africa, Ghana, Lusaka, Zambia, Madrid in Spain, Kenya, France, Germany, UK, USA, Canada and Nigeria.

    “The tempo for these activities has been more reinforced. The church has remained in the precious arms of the Lord. It has been a wonderful three years of God’s tremendous grace for the church.

    “Synagogue Church Of All Nations SCOAN today is the exemplification of the biblical word of Prophet Isaiah: the mills of God grind slowly but they grind exceedingly fine.”

  • Cleric laments decline in values among youths

    Cleric laments decline in values among youths

    A Cleric, Prophet Joseph Ologbonyo, has frowned at sharp decline in societal values among youths, urging them to shun get-rich-quick mentality.

    Ologbonyo, who is the planter, Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) BOANERGES Worldwide, lamented that the spate at which some youths chase illicit wealth has became a concern, stressing that there is an urgent need for moral rebirth. 

    Speaking with journalists in Ise-Ekiti, the cleric cautioned youths to shun all acts of desperation towards making  money.

    According to him, life is a process but youths have been jumping the process that’s why we have many mentally derailed persons.

    He said: “We have some small girls who have formed association of hookups, they will be offering their body to their fathers’ mates for money.

    “We are not in the countries of the whites. Over there, they have been teaching them from primary that a man can decide not to be a man anymore and Vice versa. A man can marry his fellow man, a woman can marry her fellow woman.”

    The clergy, who spoke about his experience with former members, said: “I prayed for someone here few years ago and he went to Malaysia. Within three months, he said he wanted to come home and greet me and he wanted to bring a car home, asking me what he should get for me.

    “I asked him where he got the money from because he told me he was going to school. I told him to get a small camera and he bought it, added money and brought them to me.

    “He showed me the car he just bought and I asked him about the job he was doing. I told him if he didn’t tell me the kind of work he was doing, we will not pray. He didn’t tell me and I said God told me it’s blood money and I will not collect it from you.

    “I told his mother to make him sell the car and distribute the money for the needy and go back to work genuinely. I become an enemy of many youths in this town because of it. 

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    “That is why people who are contended don’t usually have problem but some people die along the line while pursuing their personal quests.

    “That is what the youths are doing too now, going for money ritual, all sorts of things that are diabolical.

    “I said it where I was preaching earlier today that we have destroyed our value system. Parents should scold their kids if they want to exit the house with exposing cloths and propel them to change it.

    “Men are now piercing nose, ears, they are making artificial teeth and we are not talking. He will leave house with trousers torn at every parts and they call it crazy jeans which means he is crazy.

    “A boy of 16 or 17 years  old will come home with a car and they will still bring it to the church for thanksgiving. We are supposed to ask him where he see money to buy that kind of car.”

  • EYN charges Nigerians to support govt

    EYN charges Nigerians to support govt

    The Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (CBN) has charged all Nigerians to support governments at all levels and remain hopeful of a greater country.

    The church denomination, more famously known by its Hausa identity as Ekklesiyar ‘Yan’Uwa A Nigeria (EYN), which started 101 years ago in Adamawa State as an offshoot of the Church of Brethren in America, has long been remodelled as a Nigerian Church with headquarters in Kwarhi and church branches mostly in states across the North East. 

    President of the EYN, Rev Daniel Mbaya, articulated the view of the church during a special inauguration ceremony at the church headquarters in Kwarhi where he and other principal officers elected recently were inaugurated.

    In his inaugural speech, the EYN president said even amidst the prevailing tough economic situation, “we call on our members and all citizens to keep hope in Project Nigeria.”

    He however also charged political leaders to quickly re-examine policies that impact too harshly on the masses.

    He said: “We call on government to appreciate Nigerians for their resilience and patience and address their plight with urgency.”

    Other leaders inaugurated during the special service were the EYN Vice President, Rev Nuhu ; General Secretary, James Musa; Administrative Secretary, Rev Timta Musa. 

    The Inauguration Service of the EYN Principal Officers was attended by Adamawa Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, a practicing Muslim who blended easily into the church atmosphere and whose goodwill message was replete with quotations from the Bible. 

    Advising the new leaders, Fintiri said, “As Apostle Paul recommends in 1 Timothy 5:17: ‘The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honour, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.’ I call on you to live by this biblical injunction and submit wholesomely to the service of God and humanity.”

    Urging the new leaders not to discriminate among people in the course of duty, the governor said, “As the scripture says, ‘God so loved the world — the world meaning men and women of all faiths — ‘that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life’.”

  • How Nigeria can overcome challenges – Olu Alo

    How Nigeria can overcome challenges – Olu Alo

    A renowned cleric, Prophet Sam Olu Alo, has recommended how Nigeria can overcome its current challenges.

    He said for the nation to bounce back, every Nigerian must play their role and contribute towards the progress and development of the country.

    Speaking with newsmen at a programme titled “Exodus” at Adamimogo Jesus City, Lagos, the cleric said government alone can not solve Nigeria’s problem, adding that every Nigerian also has a role to play.

    Alo, who is the Zonal Superintendent, Grace Of Mercy Zone, Essien Region, Nigeria and Overseas, stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should not be blamed for the economic hardship experienced by Nigerians.

    He said the hardship, which according to him, is temporary will end soon if Nigerians can love each other and work in unity.

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    According to him: “Elected government officials must also love those who elected them into power.

    “Well-meaning Nigerians and all those who have benefitted from the nation should cater for the masses particularly the poor, less privileged and downtrodden in the society.

    “Both Christians and Muslims must also love themselves, Nigerians should join hands to bring the nation back on her toes.

    “Nigeria should go back to what it’s known for which was agriculture. What makes Nigeria to be great before was agriculture which has relieved us from hardship before.”

  • Bible Society of Nigeria has achieved a milestone, says cleric

    Bible Society of Nigeria has achieved a milestone, says cleric

    The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) has made remarkable progress in the country since it was founded in February 1966.

    Bishop Elijah Sandy, the controller of BSN in Delta State, made the remark at the 2024 annual conference of the society, which took place at Heroes of Faith Church, Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government.

    Bishop Sandy said the Bible had been translated into 27 languages in Nigeria since the BSN came into being and that many translations have been approved for publication.

    In a statement, the clergyman said that the BSN had succeeded in translating the Bible into Urhobo, Itsekiri and Isoko languages, which are widely spoken in Delta State and that translations into other major languages in the state, including Izon and Okpe are in progress.

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    He said the United Bible Society (UBS), the umbrella body for Bible societies operating in over 240 countries and territories, was facilitating the translation of the book revered by Christians all over the world into various languages, including over 500 Nigerian languages.

    The BSN controller in Delta State added that the translation and printing of the Bible cost about N120 million.

    He said the BSN had concluded plans to build a befitting Bible House Tower at the cost of N2.5 billion in Lagos. Similarly, added that the traditional ruler of Okpe Kingdom, the Orodje of Okpe, has helped to start a Bible House project at Orerokepe, Okpe Local Government Area of the state.

    The guest speaker and the chief host, Bishop Kingsley Enakirerhi urged Christians to delve into the Bible to unravel the secret of practising and living the word as commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ.

    Bishop Kingsley Enakirerhi, who is also the chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), added that the book is not only meant to be kept merely under the pillows as a means of miracles but also to be studied to imbibe the knowledge contained in it.

  • Methodist Church Nigeria hosts Africa Methodist Council Summit

    Methodist Church Nigeria hosts Africa Methodist Council Summit

    A former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; the President, Africa Methodist Council, and the Presiding Bishop, Methodist Church Ghana, The Most Rev Dr Paul Boafo; Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Oliver Ali-Aba,  and others have been billed to grace the 2024 Annual Heads of Conferences Summit and Conference of Africa Methodist Women’s Movement Conference Wing to be hosted by Methodist Church Nigeria in Lagos, Nigeria.

    The five-day event coming up at Methodist Church Nigeria, Wesley Chapel, Lekki, Lagos will begin on Wednesday, May 29th to end on Monday, June 3rd, 2024.

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     Theme for this year’s Summit tagged: ‘A revitalized Methodist Movement for the transformation of Africa’s socio–political and economic landscape,’ will be delivered by the Keynote Speaker, who is the General Secretary, World Methodist Council, Bishop Ivan Abrahams.

    According to the Chairman of the Summit Planning Committee, Rt. Rev. (Dr) Sunday Onuoha, “This year’s Summit is expected to attract notable personalities within and outside the Methodist family all over the World to be led by the President, Africa Methodist Council, Most Revd. (Dr.) Kwabena Boafo and the Chairperson, AMC Women’s Movement, Bishop Purity Malinga amongst others.

  • Adeboye tasks Nigerians on holy living

    Adeboye tasks Nigerians on holy living

    The General Overseer, the Redeemed Church of God (RCCG) Worldwide, Pastor Enoch Adeboye has reminded Nigerians of the need to live an acceptable life before God to draw his favour and protection. 

    Adeboye gave the admonition recently during the monthly thanksgiving service with the theme: “The Shield of Faith,’ where he also prayed for all traders, businessmen and women, sportsmen and women, students, youths and young adults with their families.  The service took place at The RCCG Headquarters, Throne of Grave, Ebute-metta, Lagos.

    Adeboye emphasized that aside from righteousness exalts a nation, constantly living a life of holiness will guarantee unmerited favour and sure protection for Nigerians.

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    “Favour gives you an advantage over others to get what you do not deserve.

    “Favour of God will envelop you when you stay away from sin in the same way Joseph and Peter were specially favoured in the Holy Bible.

    “Sure protection from all forms of danger and attack is also the portion of every Nigerian that loves righteousness and holiness,”’ he said.

    The Pastor in charge of Throne of Grace, Adebayo Adeyemo said the effect of Nigeria being a godly nation is reflected in the peace that is prevalent in the country with God spreading the tentacle of His protection against sicknesses and diseases over Nigerians.

    He called on Nigerians to shun mediocrity, and live righteous and holy life with a view to enjoy the favour of God and more protection.