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Tag: Christ

  • ‘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.

  • Our pains, Christ’s gain

    Our pains, Christ’s gain

    …stories of Nigerians in mission field

    Many Nigerian missionaries have continued from where the Europeans missionaries stopped. In the days of yore, the missionaries were sent from their headquarters in Europe to Africa, to preach the gospel of Christ Jesus to the Africans. In many instances, they encountered a plethora of challenges, to the extent of losing their lives. Though they left many years ago, some Nigerians have taken up the task of getting Christ to the innermost part of the hinterlands. Though  mission work has continued, with Nigerian at the saddle, the challenges and frustrations continue. In a rare encounter, three missionaries share their experiences and struggles to continue their spiritual journey in underserved communities with ADEOLA OGUNLADE

    ‘Many churches are not doing enough for the Mission’

    Director of Mission and Development, Osun Baptist Conference, James Olawale Olarinre, becoming a missionary was the last thing he wanted to do because he had his dream profession, “but I actually became interested when I finally accepted the calling of God into it,” he disclosed

    Olarinre has spent decades on the mission. His background must have played a major role in his decision to become a missionary.

     Born into a religious home, joined the religiosity, and never thought of any necessity for a personal encounter with Jesus. But by the time he gained admission into the Unity School, he knew God intentionally planted in his then Fine Art teacher, Mr John Oladapo(we called him Bro John then, now Bishop John) to aid his Christian journey. “He was the one God used to open the eyes of many of us, led us to Christ, and discipled us. In fact, the revelation of what God intended to do with my life started showing up from there but I was resisting and binding the messages as evil. After some time, I was called to lead the student fellowship, and that I did till I graduated to the glory of God,” Olarinre disclosed about his journey into the mission field.

    He said the journey would have been more difficult if not for the help God sent to him through his son, Bro John, “by giving us a strong foundation, discipline when necessary, and encouragement as well. That secondary school experience cannot be forgotten because it played a significant role in my life and ministry.”

    Olarinre said that becoming a missionary was the last thing he would ever think of because he had a dream profession, but he became interested in the Christian work when he finally accepted the calling of God into it. ”So the interest came when I discovered there is nothing I could do to escape the call and as long as that is where God says my fulfillment lies; I had no choice but to get interested and the interest keeps growing even now,” he said.

    Olarinre explained that challenges facing mission work in the north is the inability of the church to pray and care for Missions, and Missionaries. “It is the duty of the church to send out missionaries looking at the New Testament times, unfortunately a larger percentage of the church seems to be too busy to pray let alone send or even care for those on the field. And by the time there is no expected support for the soldiers on the field, they are exposed and vulnerable to different challenges.

    “I hope this will also be another wake-up call for our churches and church leaders to wake up to their God-given responsibilities. The above challenge gave birth to the insecurity challenge. Several missionaries have lost their lives and properties, many kidnapped and ransom paid even as I am talking to you now; some of our fields are being attacked by these kidnappers and the villagers have to abandon the villages for safety at a time when they are supposed to be harvesting what they have labored on. And the last one is the availability of view committed missionaries who are ready to go.”

    On the costs of discipleship in the North, especially in Muslim-dominated areas, the clergyman said the cost of making disciples in the North is not child’s play but because it is not its responsibility to convert and raise them up in the way of the Lord, “we are just to obey the command to go and preach. But as challenging as it is, God has been faithful in raising disciples for himself to his glory.”

    On whether the church has been supportive of the mission work in Nigeria, Olarinre noted that many churches engage in Missions in their words and not in action. “Some churches don’t even know what Missions are, and that is why they think buying buses or building blocks is Mission. They are parts of the Mission (without “s”) of the church but Missions ( with “S”) occur when sinners outside your culture are confronted with the gospel of Jesus. So answering the question, many churches are not doing well and I don’t think the master will be happy with us. We have neglected evangelism (confronting sinners in our culture with the gospel) and Missions ( outside our culture) and turned both of them into programs. This should be the primary focus of the church.”

    He praised those churches who are still keeping the flag flying.

     Wanted: More support for missionaries

    Pastor Akinola Allen Gbenga is a lecturer/missionary, and has been to many  West African countries on a missionary journey.

    According to the missionary/ lecturer, his voyage into missionary started in the early 90s when he was part of the team under the Victory Christian Church that visited Cameroon for evangelical outreaches.

    Gbenga, who studied at The Time Institute of Journalism established by Daily Times, said that after studying at the Time Institute, he went to work with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria as a broadcast journalist. He had to quit mainstream journalism during the reign of the Former Head of State, General Sani Abacha who was adverse to free press.

    Gbenga said that he ended up working with some Tabloid and Christian magazines. “My original idea of full-time ministry was still strong in my mind. I began to lecture in Bible Colleges in Lagos. 12 years ago, some missionaries came from New Life Temple Bible College to Lagos with the intention of reaching out to souls in West African countries.

     “They visited some Bible Schools for support. They usually handpick some of us as escorts but my background as a teacher made me exclusive to them. Most times, when they visited some West African countries, they gathered the converts and handed them over to me as my major job was to teach basic elementary principles of Christianity. I teach them, they are taking for Baptism and I take them in discipleship class and I will move on to another station or come back to Nigeria”.

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    “I gladly jumped into the offer when the missionaries came and that was how we moved from Benin Republic to Monrovia, Sierra Leone, Togo, Liberia, and spending months doing crusades and disciplining the people”.

    He described missionary as a journey, “I am enjoying it extremely. I am having the drive to go and evangelize Jesus to different parts of East Africa,” he said.

     On the challenges missionaries face on the field, he said that the challenge of sponsorship.

    The lecturer disclosed that most Nigerian churches are not interested in missionaries who are not in their denomination or their church, adding that  “Churches should be able to support missionaries irrespective of their denomination. Missionaries do not necessarily have to carry the toga of a church. Most churches want you to carry the toga of their churches and stay in location permanently. Sponsorship and churches prefer to carry the toga of their church which some missionaries don’t like. 

    The cost of doing missions in unknown territories is huge. “We have been taught to do our background check on the people, their culture, customs, language, likes, and dislikes before going on missions so that the impact will be awesome. Thankfully, some of the communities in West Africa speak Yoruba language and that makes my job easy. When I get to a community where I don’t understand their language, I look for an interpreter.

    “I was in a community in Ghana recently but before we went we had studied the psychology of the people, their likes, and how they react to visitors. We most of the time do some training before heading to such territories,” Gbenga said.

    He called for more support for missionaries on the field, saying there is little missionaries can do if there is paucity of funds. “It is sad that many churches are not supporting missionaries especially missionaries who are not from their denomination and the work is suffering.”

    Missionaries contend with rejection, others

    President of Anointed Fire World Outreach, Evangelist Adeniran Anointing said: “In 1986, I followed my sister for a crusade in Ajara Tupa in Badagry. I was a young boy.  I was in Primary five. I saw the people walking barefoot. She took me somewhere and said that that was the first-story building in Nigeria. We also visited the museum where we found the various shackles that were used to enslave Africa. We also visited the Point of No Return”

    This visit by Evangelist Anointing over three decades ago inspired him.

    “All these experiences ignited the passion for evangelism in me as a child. My father who was also a missionary before he became blind taught me how to hear from God”.

    “At 15 years old, I was in a church where they had a leadership crisis and some part of the leaders broke away and I joined the splintered group, not too long ago they had a crisis. I then went to the Lord in prayer to ask for directions on what to do next and God told me to go to a mountain in  Edo State, on the mountain God told me that I should go to Kogi State.

    “My experience in Kogi State, Niger, and another state in the north was a different kettle of fish. In Kogi, I went as the Lord led me and as a civil engineer, I was introduced to work at a construction site. I did not wear the toga of a missionary, but my life showed godly examples that in a few months of my stay, we had established five fellowship centres.

    “I always monitor the fellowship centres through the trucks we were using in the sites. As the trucks were moving, I went with the truck, came back with the truck. The contractor who was not from Nigeria spotted me and converted me from a casual worker to a full staff,” he said.

    On the challenges on the mission field, he said there had been several attacks on his life, and “I have bent my knees because of the attacks I got. My home in Niger State has been attacked and burgled because I started three schools where we use the medium to teach the children about Christ. I always teach the children to rhyme such as Jesus Love the little children when Jesus is in the boat, I can smile at the storm, among others angered some residents in the communities.

    “They came to attack the school on Thursday and kidnapped some of them, I had a premonition by the Holy Spirit that I should leave the community and close the school till further notice, and the attackers came on Friday and found no one. I have four houses in the north where our mission work exists”.

    He pointed out several challenges facing the missionaries which include rejection, persecution, and sometimes death, stressing that Paul in the scriptures has said that to live is Christ and to die is vain.

    “I cannot die and I have not seen anyone that can kill him until my time is up”, he said.

    He advised that while missionaries are expected to be as gentle as a dove, he must also be smart as a serpent. “We most of the time smuggle new converts out of their villages and for some we use different names and move into communities as farmers, traders, and artisans so we can reach the unreached Christ died for”.

    While the North needs Jesus, he also posited that the missionaries must go with the Bible in their hands and possible welfare programme , to help the converts. “We must see them as friends and that it is the devil that is behind what they are doing.”

  • Unveiling our heritage in Christ from the word!

    Welcome to another exciting week. I hope you were blessed by last week’s teaching. May God engrace us to access the required keys to divine direction in Jesus’ name! Today, we shall focus on Unveiling Our Heritage in Christ from the Word!

    It is important to understand that God’s plan for the redeemed is a robust heritage in Christ which is written in the Bible; the Word of God.

    From scriptures, we discover that God’s Word is a spiritual mirror that reveals who we are in God’s perspective in redemption and when we walk in that light; we will obviously, walk in liberty. For it is written: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed (James 1:22-25). Also, God’s Word is likened to water that shows us who we are, what we carry and what we can do. It is written: As in water face [answereth] to face, so the heart of man to man(Proverbs 27:19; Ephesians 5: 26; Isaiah 55:1/11).

    Furthermore, the Word says: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father(John 14:12). This connotes, we have a most elastic destiny in Christ, which empowers us to keep making progress.

    What, then, is the Word Saying about Us?

    • Everyone that is Born again is Redeemed to Enjoy Health and Vitality: The Bible says: Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed(Isaiah 53:4-5: see also Matthew 8:17). Thus, redemption entitles us to live a sickness and pain -free life. The same way He took the place of Barabbas in death and he walked home free is the same way He took our place in sickness and disease; so we can walk free from them for life.
    • We have been Redeemed to Live the Overcomer’s Life: As it is written: For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (1 John 5:4). This means, we have been redeemed to live the overcomer’s life through the instrumentality of faith which has capacity to crush every gang up of hell against our lives. It is written: Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (Ephesians 6:16). Never assume faith; consciously cultivate it because faith comes by hearing and understanding the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Remember, we do not overcome because we are born again; we overcome because our faith is actively alive. However, our victory is guaranteed if we are born again and we engage with the Word of faith. So, we are not just free because we are born again, we are free because we take responsibility to build our faith against the gang ups of hell on our lives(2 Corinthians 2:14).
    • We have been Redeemed as the Light of the World for Dominion: We have been redeemed as light in the world of darkness, that means we have been redeemed a pacesetter, a pathfinder and a trailblazer (Matthew 5:13-15; Isaiah 60:1/3). So, every child of God is redeemed a light to the world and can only remain lighted by the Word. For it is written:In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth (John 1:1/9/14).

    In summary, you can only access your heritage in Christ from the Word if you are born again. Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You Jesus, for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”

    For further reading, please get my books: In pursuit of Vision, Following The Path Of The Eagle, The Breakthrough Power of Vision and Understanding Divine Direction. I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have five services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:20 p.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org; Face book: www.facebook.com/davidoyedepoministries/;  Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin

  • The night Lagos got lit for Christ

    The Berger end of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway is always busy road for human and vehicular movement because of its strategic place in trade facilitation across Nigeria from the Lagos port.

    However, it witnessed exceptional congestion throughout last week, especially on Sunday due to the farewell Gospel Crusade by Christ for all Nation (CfaN) led by German evangelist, Reinhard Bonnke.

    On Sunday, the entire crowd lit the night for Christ with torchlight from their mobile phones, a moment that created an extraordinary atmosphere suggesting by uniting in faith, Christians can depopulate the kingdom of darkness.

    That atmosphere was also supported by soul lifting songs from the mass choir, gospel music maestro Kunle Ajayi and Nathaniel Bassey who led participants into praise and worship. Daniel Kolenda, the lead evangelist for CfaN who took over the leadership of the ministry from Reinhard Bonnke, said the act was to light up the kingdom of darkness for Christ.

    “If you have a mobile phone, bring it out and put on the torchlight to light up the kingdom of darkness for the kingdom of Christ,” Kolenda said to the participants.

    Bonnke, in his last message on crusade ground in Nigeria and Africa, took some time to pray for the nation as he prophesied. He assured Nigerians of god- fearing leaders, more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and prayed against the spirit of poverty and corruption.

    “Nigeria will soon be free from every form of destruction and corruption. When we sent the devil out and Jesus will come in. If Jesus could have compassion on the pain of the sick, he will have compassion on the pain of the poor and take Nigerians out of poverty,” Bonnke declared.

    “I see so much suffering, drug addiction, adultery, immorality, and idol worship which many people go through in the hands of the devil,” he went on, stressing that no individual, communities or nation can survive the onslaught of the devil without accepting Jesus into their lives.

    In bringing the night to an end, Bonnke added that the river of living waters will flow across Lagos and God will thrash all the powers of the devil challenging the state’s progress as he express his optimism of a greater Nigeria emerging out of the trying times that we currently passing through.

    Several individuals with occult powers and charms surrendered their weapons by giving their lives to Christ, while the surrendered weapons and charms were set ablaze on the final night of the crusade.  Two drums were strategically positioned in front of the podiums for people to drop their occult items and charms in repentance.

    “A lot of people brought witchcraft items. They said they have received Jesus into their lives. They would never go back to their manmade God,” John Dakur, the African Director of CfaN said in his remarks before the items were set ablaze.

    Several of the participants testified to the wonders of God’s power through the various miracles they received, which confirmed the words of Bonnke that Jesus is the only remedy to the distractions of the devil as He protects his own from the devil.

    Some of testimonies included a Priest who testified of how he was able to graduate after years of academic stagnancy while others testified of receiving healing from ulcer, sickle cell anemia, lump in the breast, childlessness.

  • Kumuyi urges members, others to conquer with Christ

    Kumuyi urges members, others to conquer with Christ

    The General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Folorunsho Kumuyi, has said would-be participants at the church’s national Easter retreat of God’s special empowerment should conquer life’s challenges in these perilous times.

    Pastor Kumuyi, who expressed optimism that the power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead will liberate participants from bondage, announced that the event with the theme, ‘Conquering with the Crucified King’ will  take place from Thursday, April 23 to Sunday, April 26, 2017 at the Deeper Life Conference Centre (DLCC) on KM 48, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    According to the cleric, the programme will take place simultaneously in all the states, regions and local government camp grounds within Nigeria, other locations in Africa and beyond.

    In a statement signed by him, the General Superintendent promised that just as Christ conquered death and all his enemies when he declared “it is finished” on the cross of Calvary, even so shall all participants have their life challenges torn asunder and uprooted at the retreat.

    “We live in perilous times, when societies are filled with cries of agony, stories of anguish, terror, sadness and of hopelessness; when frustration is driving many people to take their own lives; when people are having their expectations and hopes dashed; miseries and confusion have become the order of the day, and governments of many countries have come to a crossroads.

    “It has become clear to many people that there is no solution from man. We hear about cases of kidnapping, assassinations, bare-faced wickedness, even as many experience insecurity and extreme poverty. The world at best is in turmoil. These are the fulfillments of the scriptures. But we are not alarmed because, Christ our mighty Captain declared with a loud voice on the cross of Calvary that ‘it is finished’. We have nothing to fear,” Pastor Kumuyi further added.

    According to him, “the theme of this year’s Easter Retreat, like others before it, has been carefully thought through, given the goings on around the globe. What this retreat means to us as members of the church is to take a break from the prevailing hustling and bustling  for spiritual rearmament and refocusing . This is because, no one can be triumphant in this sin-filled and challenging world without divine empowerment. Again, for visitors, the retreat will help them to discover themselves and then realise that by strength shall no man prevail. The retreat promises to be a time of refreshing for both old and new, members and non-members alike.”

    He urged Nigerians to “look up to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith”, particularly at a time when the country is ploughing through one of its worst epochs since Independence.

    “The point at which we are in the country demands divine intervention. That may not be quick in coming unless we all intercede for Nigeria and resolve to do things in a better, different way.”

  • Alumni seek summit to reposition Christ’s School

    The alumni association of Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti is seeking a stakeholders’summit to reposition the school to its place of excellence in academic performance.

    The members, who said a visit to the school, would show that things were not the way they once were, added that the summit became imperative to proffer solutions on how the school could regain its lead in education.

    The 88/93 set President, Dr Kayode Arogundade, spoke at a lecture entitled: “Christ’s School, Ado Ekiti: The evergreen memories of yesteryears, our supine attitude of today and the need to wake up from our slumber” during the homecoming of the 88/93 set and its fourth yearly scholarship award series.

    Arogundade said: “Those legacies, those catalysts often provided by old students, the spirited efforts of the ever-dedicated teachers, and the concentration of Christ’s School Alumni at making the school number one in Africa are all gone.”

    “We (alumni) have to wake from our slumber, pick the crumbs and shackles of the school and get more alert to our responsibilities,” he added. Arogundade, who said the school had produced distinguished individuals, lamented that all it had got from many of them were “failed promises, lips services and manipulation of the school for personal gain.”

    The occasion also featured presentation of scholarships tagged: ‘Chief Olusola Bayode yearly scholarship scheme’. Cash and relevant subjects textbooks were presented to six pupils. Textbooks were also donated to the school library.

    The set Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the Scholarship Scheme Dr Omolade Adeleke, said over the last four years, the set has committed about N1.8 million to the scholarship, named after their former principal, Chief Olusola Bayode.

    Adeleke said: “Again, we have incorporated into the scheme a monitoring programme to assess and monitor the academic and career progress of awardees. This is to enable us ascertain the extent to which their academic performances and general career achievements have been influenced since the award of scholarship.”

    Chief Bayode, who was being honoured by his former students, said the set demonstrated the need for old students to be part of the development of their former school.

    He advised pupils and recipients of the scholarships to be hardworking as well as take advantage of the set’s collaboration with the government to get the best for the school.

     

  • FOLLOW IN HIS STEPS (4)

    FOLLOW IN HIS STEPS (4)
    When Jesus set free the adulterous woman he told her ‘go and sin no more’, the crowd must have thought how impossible it will be for such a woman (known for her immoral lifestyle) to go and sin no more. Jesus immediately told the crowd what will make it possible. He said to them, “I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the Light of life.” Jesus is the Light, if the woman follows Jesus’ teachings and ways she will never walk in darkness/sin anymore and she will be a light. So also anyone willing to give up his/her sinful ways to truly follow Jesus the Light will sin no more- such will be made to be like Jesus as he follows continually, I am a living testimony; where I am today isn’t where I was when I first started following the Light; it’s getting better by the day and my light is shining brighter and brighter day by day.

    Yes, when you follow Jesus you will be a light and your light is meant to shine. Jesus told his followers, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” Light cannot be hidden so is anyone who is a light, your lifestyle will show that you are a light. You are to live godly lifestyle that will attract the world (sinners) to the Light; thereby delivering them from darkness.

    One who is light produces these godly lifestyles:
    – Love: loves God and neighbours; loves God with all his heart, soul and strength- lives a life that is pleasing to Him. Loves his fellow human being especially the one who doesn’t deserve to be loved; shows unmerited/unconditional love. And will do no harm to anybody.
    – Joy: joyful in spite of affliction, persecution, trial, sorrow etc., not in pretense but real joy. This makes one different and people want to know the source of such strength.
    – Peace: Peaceful in times of quarrels, conflicts, distress, fighting. A peace maker.
    – Longsuffering: bears very long with another without giving up; long patience even when offended.
    – Kindness: in spite of hatred, meanness, unkindness.
    – Goodness: to all especially the wicked and undeserving.
    – Faithfulness: steadfast in good works.
    – Gentleness: tender, respectful, polite, descent, friendly, in spite of antagonism and harshness
    – Self-Control: discipline in difficult times; with emotions and desires in check.
    Willingness to follow Jesus will make these lifestyles possible, bringing glory to God.

    Imagine what this nation will be like if we all live this way. If only 50% in Nigeria live thus, many will come to the Light and our nation will be great because righteousness exalts a nation but sin diminishes a nation.

    For the Nigerian motto: UNITY AND FAITH, PEACE AND PROGRESS to be- let your light shine!

    SONG: “TRY A LITTLE KINDNESS”
    If you see your brother standing by the road
    with a heavy load from the seeds he’s sowed
    and if you see your sister falling by the way
    just stop and say, you’re going the wrong way

    You got to try a little kindness
    Yes show a little kindness
    Just shine your light for everyone to see
    and if you try a little kindness
    then you’ll overlook the blindness
    of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets

    Don’t walk around the down and out
    Lend a helping hand instead of doubt
    and the kindness that you show every day
    will help someone along their way. Song Writers: Bobby Austin, Curt Sapaugh

    Text: Mathew 5:14, John8:12, Galatians 5:22-23.
    From: Faith Nwachukwu

  • Emulate Christ, group urges leaders

    A group, The Christian Conscience, has enjoined politicians to emulate Jesus Christ, who during his life was an embodiment of love, peace and integrity.

    According to the group, until these virtues are emulated, our political leaders will continue to depend on their own strength rather than allowing Christ to lead them aright.

    In a goodwill message to Christians and political leaders at Easter, the group admonished leaders to allow Christ to always direct their affairs by loving one another.

    A statement by its National Chairman Chief Enock Ajiboso, and the Publicity Secretary, Tunji Oguntuase, yesterday said: “When we emulate Christ, there will be peace, integrity and love, rather than the politically-induced senseless killings. Rather than allow Christ to anoint them for leadership roles, political leaders are forcing themselves on the people and have made politics a do-or-die affair, forgetting that only God anoints leaders.”

    The statement called on Nigerians to support the Buhari-Osinbajo government more than before to fulfill their campaign promises.

  • Winning souls for Christ

    Winning souls for Christ

    Members of the Apostolic Faith Campus Fellowship (AFCF) at the Delta State Polytechnic in Otefe-Oghara marked Easter with songs of praise to win souls for Jesus Christ. PHILIP OKORODUDU (Graduating student of Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering, Delta State University) was there.

    Their sonorous voices lifted the congregation. Members of the Apostolic Faith Campus Fellowship (AFCF) at the Delta State Polytechnic in Otefe-Oghara entertained staff and students of the institution at an Easter concert to mark the resurrection of Jesus.

    The fellowship is the youth wing of the Apostolic Faith Church. The students sang classical gospel songs and played musical instruments.

    The concert, held in the expansive hall of the Applied Sciences Department, was attended by lecturers and non-academic staff, including the Head of Office and Technology Management Department, Dr Steve Osakwe; Director of Weekend Programmes, Dr Jacob Ighere; and an administrative secretary, Mrs Hope Egere, among others.

    Students were led by the president of the Joint Christian Campus Fellowship (JCCF), Philip Atete, an HND II Business Administration student, and Vice President of the World of Life Campus Fellowship, Celestina Anazie.

    The first rendition titled: Get all excited attracted passers-by.

    Musical instruments, such as the violin, viola, clarinet, flute, baritone, trombone and keyboard were played by the orchestra. The congregation was surprised by the choir’s performance.

    Some of the songs sang by the orchestra included Because He Lives, The Old Sentinel March and Spring of living water, among others.

    There was also a violin solo of I have got my mind made up, performed by Joy Apare, an ND II student of the College of Education in Warri. Daniel Omonoba, a graduate of Computer Science, rendered a special trumpet solo titled: Trumpet voluntary.

    Some students, who spoke with CAMPUSLLIFE after the event, said they were excited by the performance, praising the fellowship for organising the event.

    Lucas Emasaruome, HND 1 Statistics, described the concert as divinely-ordained.

    “I felt that heaven was on earth throughout the concert. This was a feeling I never had and I will say ‘thank you’ to the organisers for putting up such a divinely-ordained concert,” he said.

    Maureen Akpene, an ND 1 Science Laboratory Technology student, urged the organisers to hold the event “regularly” to redeem more souls for God. Maureen described the song ministration as unique, adding that the concert would bring people closer to God.

    Osakwe said the management supported the concert because it was a way of taking students away from vices and bringing them to the “true religion of peace”.

    The highpoint of the event was a drama, which depicted how a life without Christ could lead to shattered dreams.

    The president of the fellowship, Philomena Okoh, HND II Computer Engineering, was elated by the large turnout of students.

    She said the aim of the event was to strengthen people’s faith in God, thanking the choristers for the “brilliant performance”.

  • 50 prison inmates give life to Christ

    Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese, Right Reverend Dr Alexander Chibuzor Ibezim, yesterday performed the sacrament of confirmation on more than 50 prison inmates in the Federal Prison, Amawbia, assuring them of God’s salvation if they are steadfast in upholding God’s glory, having repented of their sins.

    Ibezim admitted 10 others into the father’s fellowship at the Chapel of Compassion, Federal prisons.

    In his sermon, Bishop Ibezim observed that God destined the youths and all men to succeed in a godly way rather than through foul means.

    “So, they need to live a life of integrity as their future lies in the hand of God,” he said.

    The clergy further informed that most great men like Joseph, Peter, Apostle Paul and Silas, as was recorded in the Holy Bible, had been to prison.