YEHUDAH MMPRAISE Magazine
March 2020
Our story The Church and the Riches of this World Global Economic Outlook of the New Decade
CELEBRATING 78 YEARS OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS The amazing story of a village boy-turned scholar and one of the greatest leaders of the age
Content
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04/ Pastor Oluwadamilare Adeboye 06/ Preview Of The Groundbreaking 78 Hours Marathon Messiah’s Praise 12/ Fireside Chat with Pastor Kunle Ajayi 14/ The Project: Marathon Messiah’s Praise 28/ SOTERIA
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YEHUDAH Team Editor-in-Chief Oluwadamilare Adeboye Publishing Director Oluwafemi Oyetunde Administrative Manager Oluwafemi Akinwale Project Manager & Content Director Olatujoye Olawale Associate Editor
18/ Testimonies from past events.
Olalekan Adesina Features Manager Dare Akinyemi Project Communications Manager Seyi Mafolabomi
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NATHANIEL BASSEY ...78,000 Notable Miracles In This Year’s Marathon Messiah’s Praise.
30/ Global Economic Outlook of the New Decade: Africa and its Biggest Economy in View 42/ The Realities of Climate Change
Digital Manager Mayowa Emmanuel Human Resource Manager Adudu Victory Assistant Content Manager Nkechi Ezinne Ibukunoluwa Oyedeji Contributing writers Ayomide Oluwatusin Olumide Ibikunle Oluwatosin Asala Oluseyi Mafolabomi All correspondence to
38/ AKOBI: THE STORY OF THE LAMB WHO WAS SLAIN
admin@mmpraise.org
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Pastor Oluwadamilare Adeboye Editor-in-Chief
I
am delighted to introduce to you the f irst edition of Marathon Messiah’s Praise magazine. This magazine offers you the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself into the Marathon Messiah’s Praise story among other revealing
and engaging content. As piercing and immersive as our story is, we didn’t intend to set a record at the inception. We only did set out to create an avenue for youths to worship God for His Grace and Mercy over the life of a man who He promoted from nothing and projected to not just global stardom, but eternal relevance. We have equally been overwhelmed by that grace as the pace at which we have grown in the past 8 years is far beyond our imagination. From what seemed to be an event that would happen once and we all go home, we are here today anticipating the 9th edition with multiple stages across different parts of the
world. This magazine also offers you a handson opportunity to know how the journey has been so far and where we are with respect to our vision of Marathon Messiah’s Praise. Going forward, we have created an opportunity to expound the excellent reach of the event, the signif icant impact, and surpassed expectations we have witnessed over the years since the inception of this great move in 2012. As you will see, each year reveals her own note-worthy experiences that spell the extravagant love of God and unique blend of
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service, sacrifice, teamwork, synergy, energy, time, resources and many more you can think of in putting such a great event together. All of these coalesce into the Marathon Messiah’s Praise story As we aim to connect you to our story, we also bring you many insightful contents that will surely add value to you. From global and domestic perspectives, we take you a step further into issues that affect our day-to-day living including economy, politics, governance, and technology. Beyond creating a reference and revealing materials about us, I am personally convinced that you will be blessed and enlightened by the spirit and letters of this magazine. Thank you.
This magazine is a publication of Marathon Messiah’s Praise. It chronicles our pulsating story including the essence, the journey and how we are redefining the pattern of worship of our Almighty God in His majestic grandeur and eternal awesomeness.
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PREVIEW
78
Hours Marathon
opportunities with faith.
participating in 78 Hours
Messiah’s Praise
Themed Jesus The Lamb of God,
Marathon Messiah’s Praise shows
is the 9th edition
78 Hours Marathon Messiah’s
Kenya, South Africa, Malaysia, UAE,
of the annual non-stop gospel
Praise will be held at the Prayer
England, Spain, Sweden, Scotland,
musical event that has touched
Foyer of the 3X3 Km Auditorium
Canada, USA, Australia, Ìreland,
many nations of the world and
(New Arena), Redemption camp,
Cameroon, Netherlands (Belgium),
hosted hundreds of music
where over 20,000 people would
Ukraine, Zambia, Ghana, New
ministers. Initially conceived as a
be in attendance. Over 6,000
Zealand, Philippine. Over 200
one-off event, 8 successful editions
volunteers will be working in
worship ministers and groups
have been held with millions of
various units including Soteria
would be ministering in songs
souls transformed across the
(Prayer,
across the countries during the
world. Just like the first edition,
Evangelism), Welfare, Sanitation,
the 9th edition is presented with
Volunteer Praise Team, Medical
a new challenge - a new venue,
and Media, to ensure a successful
bigger and demanding than the
event.
old. With this challenge, we see
A checklist of the other countries
Counselling
and
event.
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Meet 2020
Worship Leaders
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MMPRAISE Diaspora England
RCCG Victory House, London. 5 Congreve Street, Old Kent Road, London, SE17 1TJ, United ngdom.
Sweden
Citykyrkan Stockholm Adolf Frediks Kyrkogata 10 111 37 Stockholm.
Zambia
Bread of Life Church International, Blessing Centre Lusaka, Zambia.
Malaysia
RCCG Power House, No. 10, Jala 5/118C, Desa Tun Razak, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Ukraine
Nivki Hall Peremohy Avenue, 84, Kyiv, Ukraine.
Country
RCCG Breakthrough Santuary, Ghana Province 1 Headquarters, Kasapreko Road, CocaCola Roudabout Spintex Accra, Ghana.
Spain
Av. De la Universidad, 28911 7, Leganes, Madrid
New Zealand
RCCG Victory House, 14H Clemway Place, Henderson, Auckland, New Zealand
Scotland
Fountain of love church, Aberdeen. 29 - 31 Palmerston Road Aberdeen AB11 5QP.
Netherlands
RCCG House EMQ, Hettenheuvelweg 18, 1101 BN Amsterdam Zuidoost
Philippines
RCCG Building, Narra Street, Cardil Village, San Pablo City, Philippines., Launa
United Arab Emirates
Canada
RCCG Grace Chapel – 608th Street New Westminster, Vancouver BC V3M3P1 Canada
South Africa
RCCG Master’s Place, SA 2 Regional Headquarters. 4 Commercial Avenue, Strijddom Park, Randburg, Johannesburg.
Australia
Gateway Baptist Church and Community Centre. 6 Jervois St., Albert Park South Australia 5014.
USA
RCCG Christ Throne – 1610 E Bethany Dr, Allen, TX 75002.
Ireland
RCCG RHQ Jesus Centre Dublin, Unit 119A JFK Industrial Estate, Bluebell Avenue, Dublin 12, D12 XV24, Ireland
Cameroon
RCCG Halleluyah Church@ Grand Excelsior, Al Mateena Street, Deira Dubai.
RCCG, House of His Glory, Behind Oilibya Filling Station Bonaloka, Douala- Cameroon. RCCG Jesus House Parish, Beside Mansel Yaounde-Cameroon
Kenya
Brazil
Rccg Jesus House, 4th Floor, Piedmont Plaza, Ngong Road, Nairobi, Kenya
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Fireside Chat with
Pastor Kunle Ajayi
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As the Director, RCCG Directorate of Music, leading the RCCG Mass Choir, what has your experience been leading such diverse groups of people to minister consistently at Holy Ghost Services, Conventions and Congresses of the Redeemed Christian Church of God..
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Marathon Messiah’s Praise is going into its 9th edition now, you have not just been a consistent Minister, you have been one of the stakeholders who have nursed this idea, to execution and the stature in which it stands today. What impact would you say it has had within RCCG and outside the mission.?
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be all about worship unto Jesus NON-STOP. Not giving room for people who would not be able to sing until they have talked about all they want to sing. It’s a flow and we are committed to keeping it so..
Looking at projects like the Marathon Messiah’s Praise, what is the future of the Gospel Music Scene in Nigeria?
Well, you called me a Director, I am not. I am only assisting
The impact is well noted
someone – Daddy G.O. Pastor E.A.
amongst the brethren and music
Adeboye is the Director of Music,
community. A lot of participants
all I do is assist him. Whatever he
prepare diligently for it for as
asks me to do is what I do and my
long as two years seeking the
work is made easy in that I have
face of God in prayers and having
someone telling me what to do
rehearsals. People polish their
and even suggesting songs to me.
skills and craft in preparation just
With the experience, with people
to honour God even as the Bible
from diverse background, each
admonishes us to play skillfully
day and gathering is a learning
unto The Lord. The Marathon
process for me amongst the Mass
Messiah’s Praise has changed
Choir of The Redeemed Christian
the forms of praise and worship
Church of God but since I have
both in RCCG and outside the
someone who is a true leader and
mission – the mode of worship,
teacher who gives me a scheme
the type of songs. We have learned
of work which is what I diligently
a thing or two from it over the
follow, it goes on smoothly for
years like you don’t just go in and
me..
start introducing and running monologues. We have seen it to
I was born on June 16, 1964, I lived in Idi-Oro, Mushin, I went to Eko Boys High School. I attended Idi Oro LA School (Mushin Town Council School), I also attended Lagos State College of Education where I studied Music Education as a Double Major. When I had the opportunity to travel outside Nigeria, I went to the Royal School of Music, London, England where I took professional examinations in Saxophones and General Musicianship. I also had my Masters in Business Administration at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology with specialization in Human Resources
The future for music in Nigeria, especially Gospel Music is great. With the kind of strides and steps Marathon Messiah’s Praise is taking – the stage setup, the technical sides, the rehearsals and commitments etc. has inspired so many music acts such that they do not want to do anything lesser or substandard. You see the composition of music and how it is evolving, you see the songs being deliberately written to express the will of God etc. It has compelled more people in the Christian Body to look for, look forward to and execute in excellence.
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The Project All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. Psalm 86:9
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astor Enoch
children in the Lord sought an
A d e j a r e
avenue to celebrate this landmark
Adeboye is a
in the best way possible such that
The Effect
blessing indeed.
God is truly glorified and his vessel,
The inaugural edition of The Marathon
A blessing to
the celebrant is encouraged, this
Messiah’s Praise was an eye-opening
individuals,
birthed the 70 hours Marathon
success; one that broke limits and
organizations,
Messiah’s Praise – a 70-hour
opened up boundaries of expression of
ministries, nations and generations
non-stop concert of praises and
gratitude with diverse music ministers
beyond his own reach. So timeless
worship unto God, celebrating His
bringing various music genres and
is the impact of a man with the
faithfulness in the life of Pastor E.A
cultures together to present a beautiful
humblest of beginnings that today
Adeboye.
offering of thanksgiving, praise and
thousands of people anticipate and
alone could do kept us going..
worship to God Almighty. So incredible
of God in his life as he celebrates
The Project and the leap of faith:
his birthday. Birthdays are quite a
From a place of seeming
Marathon Praise, Pastor E.A. Adeboye
special occasion to celebrate and
impossibility, the Marathon
declared that the project is carried out
reflect on.
Messiah’s Praise Project was born.
yearly to glorify God whose mercies
Like a city indeed set upon a hill,
To gather the young and old, male
endures forever.
several things about the man
and female in one place to worship
Today, regardless of the time of the year,
Pastor E.A. Adeboye cannot
the Almighty God for 70 hours with
several parishes, churches, fellowships,
be hidden; one of which is his
each hour representing a year in
Christian organizations and individuals
conscious awareness of his
the life of His vessel, Pastor E.A.
have one way or the other adopted the
human limitations and the need
Adeboye. Ideas are like dreams
model of the Marathon Messiah’s Praise
to absolutely credit God for
but execution opens the book of
in celebrating and giving glory to God
everything he has achieved no
realities and this was no different
for His unfailing faithfulness, thus the
matter how great, small, ordinary
with the 70 Hours Marathon
lifestyle of praise is gradually becoming
or extraordinary. This has brought
Messiah’s Praise. Seeing that
the main feature of this age and time
a mind-shift to the generations he
such a project had never been
with a new pattern of worship taking
leads, that to celebrate a man who
undertaken before, the pressure of
the centre stage for this dispensation.
is so greatly used of God, is to go
novelty was undeniable but with
all out to celebrate, worship and
the glaring impact of the ministry
The Strive For Excellence
honour the God who has and is
of Pastor E.A. Adeboye, music
If you decide to strive for excellence,
using him – a practical
ministers and service volunteers
there is no limit to what God will or can
within and beyond the Redeemed
do through you”
Christian Church of God were soon
- Pastor Mensah Otabil
gather to celebrate the faithfulness
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” Matthew 5:16
the age of 70 in 2012, some of his
upon visiting the venue of the 70 hours
gathered at the Youth Centre on Redemption Camp, setting the stage for a praise event that will touch all the nations and spark the revolution of a new pattern of worship in our age. When it seemed like we were biting more than we could chew and retreat
As Pastor E.A. Adeboye approached
was the atmosphere of praise that
appeared the most viable option, only faith in God and what God
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these
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things.” Philippians 4:8
M AG A Z IN E
live worshippers across the next
77-hour Messiah’s Praise had
three editions (71, 72, and 73 hours
stages raised across 5 Continents
Marathon Messiah’s Praise). With
and 19 countries.
A 70-hour non-stop run of anything
increased participation came an
A global participation and
is bound to inspire awe and
increased desire from more people
audience has become a mainstay
applause at its end just as it is
all over the world who sought to
through the use of technology
expected to raise questions and
be involved.
which has enabled the project
concerns before it begins. The
In preparation for the 74-hours
scale obstacles and bridge gaps
Marathon Messiah’s Praise Project
Marathon Messiah’s Praise, latest
that would have otherwise denied
was no different. Even at the
broadcast and connectivity
several individuals the experience
ideation stage, it was glaring that
technology was explored and
of the beauty of raising corporate
this wasn’t a run-of-the-mill praise
as a result, the United Kingdom
undiluted praises to the Almighty
program and as such, it became
and South Africa joined Nigeria
God.
pertinent to go from deploying the
in the 74-hours of praise. This was
available to sourcing the best of
such that at a certain time, live
varying fields with a steady charge
Collaboration
worshippers in Nigeria connected
The astonishing global reach of
and challenge to do better than
to the livestream in the United
Marathon Messiah’s Praise within
the last outing. In a world where
Kingdom and while this was on,
such a short period of time took a
the thirst for excellence is near
the United Kingdom stage was
great deal of faith. That exercise of
insatiable, celebrating our God, the
the focus of the transmission
faith and not luck also came with
Author of Excellence must be done
globally. After a specified number
favour that has enabled healthy
in the most excellent way possible.
of hours, the focus returned to
collaboration. With a commitment
Nigeria where live worshippers
to innovation and excellence in
Technology
remained in the atmosphere of
execution, partnerships with the
All through history, news of
praise as the baton was handed
best players in the mainstream
greatness spreads primarily by
over to the Nigerian stage, this
industries have always ensured
word of mouth; as the awareness
process was repeated for the South
that Marathon Messiah’s Praise
of greatness increases, so does
African stage and at the end of
got the best of resources and
the desire to see, be involved
the 74-hour Marathon Messiah’s
amplification in terms of power,
and participate in and get more
Praise, praises had been offered
sound, lighting, broadcast, digital,
knowledge of this greatness. While
in 2 continents and 3 countries
TV and Radio transmission. Some
distance has mostly proven to be
namely, Nigeria, United Kingdom
of the organizations we have
an obstacle to the fulfilment of
and South Africa - a feat that could
enjoyed healthy collaborations
this desire, technology has steadily
have been unimaginable a century
with are listed.
proffered solutions.
ago. The success of this use of
Kicking off at the Redemption
technology was so profound that
Camp, Mowe, Ogun State, the
tens of thousands of live and online
70-Hours Marathon Messiah’s
worshippers were recorded for the
Praise
74-hour edition. Now the desire
had
par ticipants,
worshippers and ministers
was even greater.
primarily f rom within the
By the 75-hour edition of the
Redemption Camp and the
project, connectivity was already
SouthWest Nigerian Region. As
being optimized across 8 countries
the project grew in its runtime,
and 3 Continents namely (Nigeria,
so did the participation as many
Australia, Belgium, Canada, South
more f rom all over Nigeria
Africa, Dubai, UK, and the USA). The
braved the challenges and
76 hour Marathon Messiah’s Praise
travelled the distance to join the
was held in 15 countries while The
The Service Of Sacrifice Colossians 3:23-24 says: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
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Marathon Messiah’s Praise by
their knowledge and abilities
the grace of God has established
in selfless service to ensure the
a culture of excellence with
success of each edition of the
cherished memories and life-
Marathon Messiah’s Praise. As
changing encounters in the hearts
a matter of responsibility and
and lives of participants through
encouragement, the organizers
the use of beautiful scenes of lights,
ensure that accommodation,
latest sound and acoustic systems,
feeding and transportation plans
and the blend of heartfelt worship
are put in place to ensure a good
and reverence of the Almighty
working environment for this
God. However, this article’s focus
selfless army of volunteers. If the
is on that, whose effect is greatly
Marathon Messiah’s Praise project
visible but goes mostly unseen.
with its ever-increasing numbers
People whose labour and sacrifices
and outcomes on a yearly basis is
have helped maintain the culture
compared to a well-oiled machine,
of excellence and innovation
the multiple gears and motors
Marathon Messiah’s Praise is
will be the units and the oil that
reputable for - The Volunteers.
keeps them moving would be
Over the years, God has blessed
the volunteers that keep those
Marathon Messiah’s Praise with
departments functional.
many enthusiastic and passionate people from all walks of life who have found pleasure in dedicating their time and resources to volunteer at every edition of the event. With volunteers made up of individuals from various professional backgrounds of the society from Health to Media, Engineering, Accountancy, Civil Service, Entrepreneurship, Social Sector, The Tech Ecosystem, Graduates and students, Marathon Messiah’s Praise identifies with these volunteers as a core reason of its successes over the years. Every year, as the day approaches, a public call is made for volunteers to serve on multiple teams which include – The Medical Team, The Welfare Team, The Sanitation Team, The Protocol Team, The Security Team, The Ushering Team, The Media Unit and The Volunteer Praise Team and Team Soteria. Every year, this group of people show their desire to indeed be a living sacrifice by offering
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Testimonies I
was meant to go for some
check for lumps and we couldn’t
aches that come concurrently
(medical) tests a week to one
find any again; my breast that was
suddenly disappeared. In addition,
of the editions of Marathon
swollen went back to it’s normal
I discovered that I have become
Messiah’s Praise with an operation
size. Praise God; God is wonderful.
more spiritually alert. I bless God
scheduled for next week. That
Ojebiyi Oluwatosin
for what He has done. The pro-
operation was to be the third one
gram was for me! Hallelujah may
on the same issue, lumps in my
HIS name be praised. Anonymous
breast, and at the last one, the doctor advised me to surgically remove the breast to which I replied that it wasn’t my portion. I decided to attend the 72hrs
I
had been having serious abdominal pain for a week and also one sided pain for months
but it has refused to leave after
I
went for a bank interview some weeks ago. The truth is I didn’t
Marathon Praise with faith in God
medications. Trusting God that
believing that God would heal
when I watch Marathon Messiah’s
me. On the night Daddy Adeboye
Praise and worship on TVC, I would
thing else. On the first day of the
blessed us, I wept, rolled on the
receive my healing. Immediately I
Soteria prayer meeting, a sister
floor, praising God with all that’s
saw our Father-in-the-Lord come
gave me a word of wisdom. The
in me. When he asked us to ask
on stage to bless the congrega-
following morning, when we were
for anything, I laid my hands on
tion, I activated my faith, touched
preparing to go for evangelism, I
my breast and immediately, I felt
the screen and rubbed the same
received an email from the bank
some itching like something was
hand on my abdomen. The pains
that my interview was successful
forcing itself out. I told my aunt
disappeared. God healed me;
and I was overjoyed. Glory to God!!!
who encouraged me to keep my
Hallelujah!!!
Anonymous
faith strong. That Friday, I went for
Temidayo Olaleye
the Holy Ghost service and at the
point Daddy G.O declared healing
on all cases, with my faith, I received it and after some minutes, I discovered that I couldn’t even figure the main place I felt the pain. I asked a friend to help me
think I could get it and was
already trusting God for some-
Praise, I got healed of
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knee and ear pains (chal-
that my sister had been rushed
lenges from birth). Also, stomach
to University College Hospital,
D
uring Marathon Messiah’s
hile I was at an edition of Marathon Messiah’s Praise, my
brother chatted me up; telling me
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Ibadan, on Saturday because she
group prayers without feeling any
persisted for over one year. During
had a heart attack. Immediately
pain. Glory to God. Anonymous
the programme, I was ministered
I heard this, I began to speak in
to and the pains instantly left me.
tongues and decreed that I would
I was totally healed. Praise Jesus!!!
meet her at home, hail and hearty. To my surprise brethren and to the shame of the devil, I met my sister at home. In addition, I collected UIDLC form sometime
I
Anonymous used to have menstrual disorders and it was quite serious. It had been about
7months since I saw my period.
I
used to have terrible stomach
the previous year and waited for
During the Marathon Messiah’s
them to confirm my application
Praise programme, someone
through text containing the exam
gave a word of knowledge and
date. Unfortunately, I wasn’t called
it was very specific. I felt pressed
event of an edition of Marathon
upon until today, when the text
after the session and went to the
Messiah’s Praise, we had a prayer
came in. Praise the Lord for me. I
toilet only to discover that my flow
session. I couldn’t participate
am convinced that the Lord has
had returned. God be praised.
actively initially but I joined in
not even started yet; watch out.
Anonymous
and confessed God’s word. As the
Anonymous
pains before now. I had used several drugs but all to no
avail. During the Soteria pre-
coordinator passed by my side, I felt a hand being laid on me. I
B
efore one of the editions of Marathon Messiah’s Praise, I had difficulties
walking. I normally experience very
I
spoke out in faith and the pain came to the healing school
disappeared instantly. This was
with a blurry sight. During the
something I battled for years and
course of prayers, I felt scales
God healed me totally. Hallelujah.
fall off my eyes and I began to see clearly. Glory to God. Anonymous
sharp pains around my ankle. During one of the prayer sessions at the Soteria pre-event training, the coordinator asked that I lay hands on the place and the pain disappeared. I prayed all the 3hours
A
t an edition of Marathon Messiah’s Praise, I came with severe lower
abdomen pains which had
Anonymous
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INTERVIEW
Nathaniel Bassey NATHANIEL BASSEY EXPECTS 78000 NOTABLE MIRACLES IN THIS YEAR’S MARATHON MESSIAH’S PRAISE.
Kindly give us a brief introduction about you and your background?
I moved outside the country and completed my
Hello everyone, my name is Nathaniel Bassey, I
I took some musical courses because I love music.
hail from Akwa-ibom state and I am the only son of my family amongst three other siblings. I pastor the Youth church, RCCG Oasis of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Kings Court. I grew up in Lagos and had my Nursery and Primary education somewhere in Somolu, I moved to Igbobi College for my junior secondary education and completed my senior secondary school at Command Secondary school. I studied Urban and Regional planning at the University of Lagos, Akoka, for two years before
degree at the University of London where I studied Politics and International Relations. Along the line,
Tell us the story behind your musical career and the playing of the trumpet? I was born, grew up and had my foundation in The Apostolic Church (TAC) where I joined the Sunday school choir and then graduated to the main church choir, I played the drums and learnt how to play the trumpet, the trumpet belonged to the church and was in the custody of my Dad so I had an opportunity
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to practice always. From there I had an opening at The Redeemed Evangelical Ministry (TREM) to play the trumpet which I did and after a while I moved to RCCG, City of David where I began to grow and discover the call into music, it’s a ministry and my Life had always revolved around the ministry circle, I mean, I pastor a church also. I love soccer, I am a fan of Barcelona and I love Lionel Messi. I know that the Hand of God is upon me to play the trumpet, back then when I started playing the trumpet it was the main thing later on everyone ported to the saxophone, I was tempted to do so but I thought to myself “why not play the trumpet like the saxophone” so I tried it out and people loved it because it was different and today it is a signature in my music.
What is the most important virtue a music minister should have? Humility is the most important virtue in a music minister, Psalm 61, amongst all virtues, that humility, brokenness of Spirit and contrite heart is what God wants.
Tell us about the Halleluyah Challenge? For the Halleluyah challenge, there have been prophetic words over my life and when I came back from Israel in 2017, we waited on God for His word and I had a leading to start a tongue challenge where we gather and pray in tongues for one hour, we had over 500 people praying in Tongues and on the last day, we got a hall to close it and that’s when I heard the word to start the Halleluyah challenge, the few days we started we had 4, 000 people gather and later on we multiplied and had 80,000 people join in the challenge, there have been massive testimonies ever since.
A Word about Marathon Messiah’s Praise? The Grace that our Daddy in the Lord, Pastor E.A Adeboye carries is great and having to praise God for that long uninterrupted time using the life of such a man is intense, this platform is affecting lives greatly and has created a room for an outpouring of miracles and testimonies. We can’t talk about Marathon Messiah’s Praise and not talk about Pastor
E.A Adeboye, if there is one man I take instructions from here on earth and not hesitate to yield, it is Daddy. He can tell me to jump and I would only ask “How high”, Daddy’s character, humility, consistency and diligence is one that inspires me, it is a privilege to be associated with Him.
How has been your experience so far with Marathon Messiah’s Praise? It’s been amazing, from glory to glory, this year we are shifting venues, it is a big shift in level and it is amazing. We live to experience more.
What are your expectations at this year’s Marathon Messiah’s Praise? I expect greater glory, greater testimonies, I await to be a part of the 80th edition of this and this year would be amazing, for all who will be at the event I desire 78,000 notable miracles, babies for them and souls won during the program.
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music minister of God. My Parents wanted me to venture into the medical line but Jamb did its bad part for 5 years..lol so I calmed down and I thank God for where I am today.
What do you have to say about Marathon Messiah’s Praise?
This is the 9th edition and has been around since the Midnight crew came some years back and this particular year, I know it is going to be explosive and great. This project is a good opportunity to raise a dispensation of armies who know the importance of praise, giving people the opportunity to glorify their father. I love the idea and we all know that the man
Pat Uwaje King Kindly introduce Yourself?
we are celebrating God’s faithfulness over has blessed lives all over the world. It’s an honour to have someone like Pastor E. A Adeboye in our lifetime, He’s a great influence, to see a man at age 78 still standing strong, it’s amazing, I Love Him and God bless Him
What’s your experience with Marathon Messiah’s Praise so far?
Everytime I am not at the event, I watch from home, it’s so amazing, I keep seeing a new
Hello everyone, my name is Pat Uwaje King, I went to the university of Lagos where I studied Creative arts and majored in theatre even though I have never acted. I also had my OND from Yaba college of technology. I am currently in Bible school where I am learning God’s Word for better insights.
Insights to your Journey so far?
God has been faithful. In 2001, I met the midnight crew and we have been together since then but in 2012, we all decided to go fully into our individual call, sometimes when we need to minister as a group we go and when it is an individual ministration we do and I love it because I get to spend more time with my family. Today I am a
generation, a newness of life. Looking back from when the event started we can see a lot of progress every year the program is held there’s always a new birth of life and talent. When I saw the theme of the event I was so excited, it’s beautiful. We say thank you for the opportunity.
What are your expectations at this year’s event?
My expectations at this year’s Marathon Messiah’s Praise is to receive from God with an open heart and mind, I believe that God is going to do something spectacular and I urge everyone out there to do the same, it is going to be spirit lifting. See you there!
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Nkechi WilliamsOnovwiona Please share with us briefly about your background and family. My Name Is Nkechi Williams-Onovwiona and by the Grace of GOD, ordained as a Pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of GOD. I am the first Child of Six children, born on the 5th of March 1969 (51 years Old), into a Polygamous family to Chief & Mrs Samuel O. Masi of Omoku, Rivers State. I got married to Late Pastor Williams Onovwiona (Who was my Music Director & Mentor) from Delta State in November, 1992 and we were blessed with Four Children: Two boys and Two Girls. However, my First daughter Eseoghene went to be with the LORD at the age of Eight in October 2005, three months after her dad had gone to be with the LORD at age 42. So, Currently as a JESUS Wife, I live in Port Harcourt, Rivers State with my three Children: Ejiro(27), David(25) and Praise(18). Glory be to DADDY GOD!!
Can you please give us an insight to your ministerial journey? I got Born Again by His Grace on Wednesday, 22nd May, 1985 by 10PM at the University of Port Harcourt where my friends from Secondary School who had become Born Again attended. They had invited me for their Fellowship and I struggled to honour their invitation! I was just 16 years Old and in my 100 Level at the University. Ah! It was an awesome and unforgettable Encounter with JESUS CHRIST! In August that same year, I was inspired to join the Choir of Church of GOD Mission where I attended at that time even though, Some of my brethren and friends felt I was not qualified to Sing but, I Knew the LORD wanted me to Win Souls For HIM through Singing and Worship.
So, I prayed and resisted the discouragement and mockery and the Holy Spirit was there to comfort and counsel me. Thus, for the past 35 years, I have been singing in the choir, Composing Songs for public worship and Worship Leaders, Producing musical Audio and Video CDs for choirs, Soloists, children, teenagers in Primary and Secondary schools like Jephthah Comprehensive Secondary school, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to mention but a few.
The man, Pastor E.A Adeboye at 78, what impact has his person and life had on you? My daddy, Coach and Senior Co-birthday Celebrant, Pastor E.A. Adeboye is a father gift, GOD Almighty gave to me. He taught me Holiness, Humility, how to pray, among other eternal virtues. If I begin to talk about daddy, a book shall emerge! So, let’s just say daddy GO has made me focused on my Heavenly Race
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New Gen
THE VESSEL FOR A NEW PATTERN OF WORSHIP Ibukunoluwa Oyedeji
T
alents don’t make up a
versions of it; to find a worship leader who dedicates
worship team that can
much to inspiring and leading true worship, the
magnify God the right
dimension revealed by Jesus in John 4:24 is worth
way, songs inspired by the
the search. How much more when you find it in a
understanding of God’s
group? When you talk of revelational songs that
word and revelational
are anointed and filled with grace, songs that can
insights channel our spirit man to
only be delivered by sacrifices as intimacy with God,
worship the Father - albeit, in spirit
groanings in the place of prayer, in-depth study that
and in truth, the master says is the
births sound understanding of the word, then, you
right way to worship Him. While we
are talking of the world of NEW GEN.
worship to exalt the father, such an act
New Gen is the official worship team of Marathon
also dovetails with opening our spirit to
Messiah’s Praise. It was launched at the 76 Hours
fellowship. As important as worship is,
Marathon Messiah’s Praise to bless the world with
the atmosphere is awash with many
worship songs that are revealed and inspired by
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the Holy Spirit. One of the objectives of Marathon Messiah’s Praise is to create a new pattern of worship in this dispensation with NEW GEN as the platform of expression. The team is made up of dynamic and
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New Gen is the official worship team of Marathon Messiah’s Praise
anointed worshipers who are passionate and hungry about communicating the message of Christ and the redemption that men have in Him. The primary focus of New Gen is reflected in the depth of their songs which with every line, lyrics and track, reveals Jesus and the love of God for mankind, the love that passes all understanding. With some of their songs such as ‘Oramipada’ already a very popular worship tune in many congregations across Nigeria, NEW GEN has other spirit-filled songs such as My Redeemer, etc. While Oramipada and My Redeemer are the two singles released so far, NEW GEN is currently working on two albums, one of which is expected to be released in 2020. It would be impossible to be the 2 Timothy 2:15 ministers without dedication and persistence in word and prayer, which are the key ingredients of songs that minister life. These underscore NEW GEN’s cultivation of thorough Bible study and prayer lifestyle which are evidenced in their songs which
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communicate effectively the message of reconciliation. Apart from Marathon Messiah’s Praise events, New Gen has ministered on several platforms including the Special Holy Ghost Service of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, MASS, Dominion, etc. Through their songs, NEW GEN longs to see every living being acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus Christ and embrace the Love of God. The new pattern of worship we lay down is the new man in Christ. Jesus alone we want to see!
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The Church and the Riches of this World Adapted from the book “Kingdom Wealth Transfer” by Matthew Ashimolowo
W
hen people become born again, they become part of the Kingdom of God. Every kingdom has its ambassador, economy, protocol, statutes and laws etc. The function of the church on earth is that it is an extension of the Kingdom of God. Not only is it an extension of the Kingdom of God, but its members are also citizens of that Kingdom. They play the role of citizens and representatives of the Kingdom. However, the buoyancy of the kingdom you represent determines the respect and impact you make. In this 21st century, there are questions to be asked. If the church is the ambassador of Christ,
- Why are there not many miracles to show that it is an extension of a Kingdom of power?
- Why is there not enough demonstration of the resurrection power that rose Jesus from the dead? “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.” Romans 8:11 - Why is the church struggling financially to meet its needs if it is representing the richest Kingdom? So the church which is supposed to be the most potent and richest; the body representing the greatest King, the God of Heaven, has to operate on a shoestring budget, using the tools of those who do not believe in her philosophy to do her work. Part of this challenge stems from what
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“He brought us out of our past experience and into a wealthy place.” “You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water but you brought us to a place of abundance”
the church had taught in the past concerning finance and prosperity. In its attempt to divert people’s attention from worldliness it has ended creating an atmosphere where it taught people to shun any financial blessing, focus only on going to heaven, consider abundance as illegitimate and bad, misinterpret statements of Jesus like when He said it is as hard for a camel to go through a needle’s eye as for a rich man to make heaven. The majority of the body of Christ globally has to depend on handouts from various organizations, including government agencies to be able to carry out its operations. The experience of the church does not add up because it does not sit properly with the promise of the scripture that says, “He brought us out of our past experience and into a wealthy place.” “You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water but you brought us to a place of abundance” - Psalm 66:12
In the past forty years, major ministers and ministries have been speaking of the coming wealth transfer. This includes the likes of Dr Oral Roberts, Kenneth Copeland and Kenneth E. Hagin. In more recent times, the voices of people outside of the Word of Faith Movement have been added to this prophecy. Peter C. Wagner indicated that in several meetings and places where he has been, such prophecies had been coming forth and that this great wealth transfer will take place through the evolution of four kinds of people within the body of Christ. A new generation of Wealth producers, Managers, Distributors and the Generals of God who will use the wealth for the advancement of the Kingdom of God. This transfer of wealth does not mean that God will take major corporations, companies and the incredible wealth of the world and put it in the hand of people who cannot handle such stewardship. In
the Parable of the Talents, Jesus reveals to us the fact that God recognizes wise investors who compound the interests and profits and therefore increases the responsibility He gives to them. I am convinced that this wealth transfer will only come into the hands of those who are prepared, who have stewarded, studied the system of the world and are open to the supernatural doings of God. The timing of God will also require that the appropriate birth engine for the effective running of this wealth transfer should be in place. The first of these birth engines is the government of the church – that is the spiritual atmosphere and the body of Christ being conducive for all the 5 gifts of Ephesians 4:11 to operate. The second birth engine is those with the gifts of administration, essentially in the words of Peter C. Wagner, four kinds of people need to be in place:
Continues on page 44
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The Heart of The Matter Oluseyi Mafolabomi
A
t the centre
overwhelming evidence that there
of the theist’s
is a supernatural force behind
worship of
physical existence. The writer of
a Supreme
the epistle to the Romans, the
Deity is the
Apostle Paul, considers it absolute depravity not to see this as an incontrovertible fact of reality.
understanding that a greater
(Romans 1:19 – 32). King David
praise and worship. He is as eager
Being is worthy of worship.
described as a fool one who denies
to give us the good things of this
Across the world, people of all
the existence of God. (Psalm 14:1)
life as we are eager to receive them.
languages worship different
Rationally, the very existence of
Factually, by sheer implication of
gods. The rationale that causes
mortal life and nature’s existential
His pursuit of man as revealed in
the polytheist worship of over
beauty ought to cause us to
Scripture, He is far more willing to
33 million gods in India, is often
deeply revere whoever must have
prosper us than we are interested
times the same as what informs
exhibited such creativity. But with
in prospering. And so our prosperity
monotheist worship of one God
us, there is usually the added
– materially, in health, in wisdom,
in the West; there is a life to be
requirement of God providing
and in all things possible – are a
lived, and divine assistance helps
solutions for the one who believes
reason for us to bless Him with the
us get ahead. To analyse this,
in the existence of the divine. The
fruit of our lips, and our obeisance.
though, is to make an incursion
concept of faith and prayer is often
Yet, though He daily loads us with
into discourses unintended. Our
narrowly constructed to imply man
benefits (Psalm 68:19), there is a
focus is the Christian worship and
drawing on the abilities of God to
greater, all-prevailing benefit we
praise of God.
cause a divine intervention, while
possess that satisfies us and all
As Christians, we believe and
prayer and worship often flow
the cravings we may ever require,
worship God not because He
from our happiness at receiving
such that when our circumstances
demands it, but because there
our requests. God, in His mercy,
are not favourable, we still have
is, in the very fabric of nature,
meets us at this lower rationale for
full cause to give God thanks for
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all eternity. That singular benefit is
God, it probably seems very difficult
of our enjoyment of these benefits.
at the heart of praise and worship;
to ascertain one that unifies, that
And though these benefits are
it ought to rule the heart of every
ought to inspire our praise. Yet, it
universally available, they do
individual and corporate Christian
is, in fact, the easiest to decipher.
not fully represent the utmost
adoration of God. In a gathering
When we take a cursory look at
expression of God’s goodness to
as large and long-running as the
all that makes us love God and
us, because they are not universally
Marathon Messiah’s Praise, there
worship Him, there is only one that
enjoyed by all believers.
will be numerous reasons why
is truly common to all. That benefit
When Adam sinned and rebelled
participants will praise God. One
is one at the centre of the belief
against God, he set in motion a
might find similarities amongst
system of the Christian. The diverse
set of destructive, cataclysmic
groups and clusters of people
gifts of the Spirit are beautiful, yet
events that would eventually lead
who have experienced God in
not all function in them. Prosperity
to the extinction of the human
similar ways. Yet, as many similar
is key to the growth of the church
race, and the beautiful world God
experiences exist, there are
in this present age. Yet, though
created. The nature of man was
divergent rationales. In the end,
blessings are available, not all are
altered spiritually to lead to genetic
left to our reasons, each person
prosperous in all aspects of life.
decay – spiritual death, causing
gives thanks and praises God for
Though we have access to divine
physical suffering, pain, and death.
different things.
health, not all walk in good health
The devil, the great deceiver of
For a group of people who daily
and vitality. Our measure of faith
men, capitalised on Adam’s failure
receive loads of benefits from their
continues to determine the extent
to bring a reign of darkness on Continues on page 44
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Global Economic Outlook of the New Decade: Africa & its Biggest Economy in View
Olumide Ibikunle - Senior Analyst, Meristem Securities, Nigeria
W
ith palpable optimism and excitement, Nigeria launched her audacious Vision 20:2020 on October 1, 2009, under the government of the nowdeceased President Musa Yar’adua. The objectives were clear – to galvanize all existing and potential resources towards positioning Nigeria as one of the top 20 economies in the world by the turn of the new decade in 2020. Initiatives such as the National Economic and Empowerment Development Strategy (NEEDS) II program and the Seven Point Agenda were linked to this strategic vision and key machinery in the form of budget allocations to key sectors, a financial sector strategy and a tax reform blueprint for the FIRS were set in motion. 11 years after launch, we take stock and it is clear that the nation has failed to deliver on the critical themes of that vision. For one, Nigeria is not yet amongst that elite group of 20 economies – as at 2019, the IMF ranks us at 27th in the world with a nominal GDP of USD446.54bn (2009: USD297.46bn). Sitting pretty amongst the top-30 global economies might be misleading evidence of progress though. Clearly, there has
been some quantum of economic growth, but a comparative analysis suggests that it might just be stagnation after all.
Table I: Evolution of Nigeria’s GDP and Ranking Yea r
Gross Domestic Product ( G D P, $ )
GDP Rank (Nominal)
G D P Pe r Capita (GDPPC, $)
GDPPC Rank
2000
6 7. 8 2 b n
47
555
151
2009
2 9 7. 4 6 b n
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1,927
131
2019
446.54bn
27
2,222
138
Source: International Monetary Fund, independent research
While there was appreciable growth between 2000 and 2009, the 10 years after the vision was born have not been particularly remarkable. Key amongst the drags was a global oil price meltdown midway into the decade (2014 – 2017) that precipitated a recession, forced a devaluation and hit consumer pockets severely. Several reforms at stimulating real sector growth and attempts at diversifying the economy away from the shocks of oil (which contribute only
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c. 9% to GDP, but c.90% of export earnings) have, at best, been flat in their impact. The result is an economy growing (2019e: 2.1%, IMF) at less than its population growth rate of 2.6%, from the high of 11.3% recorded at the start of the decade in 2010. Worse still, the growth does not seem to be inclusive. Nigeria f irst became the world’s poverty capital in 2019 (at least 80 million people), and it is not hard to see why with a 23.13% (c. 20.93mn people in the labour force) unemployment rate as at Q3 2018 when the most recent figures were published. For context, China and India are the world’s largest countries by population (1.44bn and 1.37bn respectively) but with unemployment rates of only 3.62% and 7.20% achieved with key reforms targeted at improving local productivity and exports. As Nigeria journeys into the new decade, it has to grapple with fresh challenges that have beset the global economy and be decisive if it aims to maintain and improve its pride of place on the African continent and beyond. Global growth has been pressured by structural changes in demand and supply dynamics and record debt levels. Inflation in key advanced economies remains persistently low, while interest rates have fallen below zero in many climes (advanced), in a bid to stimulate weakening growth.
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One of the critical matters that will impact Nigeria in all of these is that our major revenue earner, crude oil is fast losing relevance as the world’s most important energy resource, and the impact is felt in lower prices and consistent quota cuts by OPEC. The world is moving rapidly towards renewable, sustainable energy, and fossil fuels, which we have in abundance are being relegated to the background. If we will maintain our place as Africa’s largest economy in 2020, we must find new, viable revenue streams. There has been a lot of remodelling in the fiscal place recently – the PSC Amendment and the Finance Act 2020 are only two of such. However, it is important that revenue (and by extension, growth that is inclusive) comes from improvements in production and productivity, bearing in mind that our capacity is colossal. Manufacturing still contributes only 8.74% to national GDP (Q3:2019), Manufacturing Value Added (MVA) is still well below 40%, and exports of raw materials alone will not get us where we are going. Indeed, export with little or no MVA is an indicator of a country still in the throes of development a frontier economy. Without doubt, to get manufacturing working, we need to plug key inf rastructural gaps in power, transportation and port logistics. Agriculture currently
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contributes 29.52% to the economy, but given the supply gaps we have witnessed in recent months due to the border closure policy and our still-heavy food import bill, there is the sense that latent potential exists in that sector if we resolve the issues in its value chain (farm productivity, storage, processing and logistics). As a matter of emphasis, processing is important because revenue potential is enhanced when value is added to raw inputs before sale. For context, bargain hunters in the international markets purchase raw cocoa in bags f rom producing countries (particularly in Africa) at prices determined by demand and supply dynamics. Meanwhile, Chocolate bars, beverages, malt drinks and other cocoabased products are sold at prices determined through reference to their production costs and a reasonable profit margin. Because Chocolate’s value is added during processing and marketing, Cocoa farmers earned only about 5.5% of a global supply chain worth more than $100billion in 2015, which is less than 15% the governments in consuming countries receive in Value Added Tax (VAT) on the sale of chocolate products. Another key theme that will define the new decade is deglobalization. Already, we have antecedents from the USChina trade spat and the UK’s exit from the EU. However,
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Global Economic Outlook of the New Decade: contd
while the rest of the world is writing and rewriting trade charters in favour of national interests, Africa is plotting its emergence as a new, robust economic power by pooling interests. The AfCFTA was ratified in July 2019 and comes into force from H2:2020. There is also significant discourse around the adoption of the Eco as the currency of the ECOWAS. In all of these, Nigeria risks losing its place as the leader from the front. For one, we delayed substantially before ratifying the AfCFTA, while we are also clearly not ready to adopt the common currency due to the subsisting exchange rate environment and inflation levels. Meanwhile, as highlighted earlier, our strategic advantages in the area of production are poorly developed, hence limiting our capacity for relevant exports within the African region. On a final note, there is the sense that this is the decade that will
define our regional and global relevance. We must be intentional about putting our house in order and addressing the issues that are peculiar to us. Beyond policies, we must also get our politics right, as elections are now mere formalities for us. We must show a commitment to educating our people and preparing them for the fourth industrial revolution. We must also resolve the challenges that inhibit private local and foreign capital, encourage enterprise and discourage a lack of structure and entrenched corruption in the public service; only then can we transform ‘growth’ from sheer numbers into visible development and a progressive nation.
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LAMB OF GOD Ayo Oluwatusin
God became flesh
From His sides gushed out blood and
Glory became dust
water
Light stepped into darkness
His eyes became bleak, suffering at its
In the lowliest form, He came
peak
Laid his birth bed in the midst of animals
One who knew no sin became sin
The God who created all
His body under the weight of it began to
Had changed His identity
quake
Just because of love for man
Never had there been such great darkness
Made Himself of no reputation
Indeed Him, God had to forsake
Didn’t want the world’s recognition Only sought His Father’s satisfaction
In all these He endured
This was His only condemnation
It was more than just a duty For He died for the world He loved
That He didn’t respect their rituals
Love that could only come from a Deity
And with God, He made Himself to coequal But indeed His citizenship is dual
He saw the joy ahead
He is man, yet spiritual
He saw the glory ahead God and man
Blasphemer! They called Him
Would finally be united
Hypocrite! They named Him Devil! They dubbed Him
Oh this is not a sad story!
And with thorns, they crowned Him
For the dead body of Him, was overshadowed with glory
Yet reviled He not
And up from the grave, He rose again
He had angels who could beat them to nought
Behold! A new life had just begun
But He chose the path of death For in this is the redemption of the earth
So let the heaven rejoice Let the earth rejoice
Like a lamb, He was led to the slaughter
For our King is ALIVE
He wasn’t weak, but He chose to be meek
AND HE REIGNS FOREVER and MORE.
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P A S T O R
E.A. ADEBOYE The amazing story of a village boy-turned scholar and one of the greatest leaders of the age
H
istory is replete with several accounts of how western missionaries brought the gospel and Christianity to Africa. Their exploits and
sacrifices did lay a good foundation for the gospel of Jesus Christ in Africa. However, the feats of the men who carried on afterwards are redefining the pattern and methods of advancing the Kingdom of God, not just in Africa, but all over the world. These men reached incredible milestones once thought impossible just a century earlier. This is the story of an astonishing turnaround in the “go ye� command of our Lord Jesus Christ as those who were once the audience of the gospel are now the preachers and orators of the same. One man stands out among the key drivers of this great move - Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Worldwide. He champions the model of the local church as one
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of the focal points of Christian discipleship which is evident in his relentless drive to have a parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God at most 5 minutes walking distance in every corner of the planet. In furtherance of this goal, he oversees a network of over 40,000 RCCG parishes in 198 nations of the world. In the United States alone, there are over 600 RCCG branches, with the largest concentrations being in the states of Maryland, Texas, Illinois, California, and Washington D.C. This status is a mere point in a long and inspiring journey in the life of the man, Enoch Adejare Adeboye who was born on March 2, 1942 into a lowly family in the village of Ifewara, Osun State, located in the SouthWestern part of Nigeria. His poor family background seemed at first glance capable of confining him to a life of lack. A status he has described severally saying “Even the poor people in the community called us poor” In 1956, he was admitted into one of Nigeria’s foremost Secondary Schools, Ilesha Grammar School, Osun State. As a young boy, he discovered a passion for books, advanced knowledge and an aptitude for science and mathematics in particular. This led him to pursue higher education in the same field. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Ife, Nigeria in 1967, a Masters degree in Hydrodynamics from the University of Lagos, Nigeria in 1969, and a Doctorate Degree in Applied Mathematics from the same university in 1975. At this point, the boy from Ifewara had ambitions to become the youngest University Vice Chancellor in Africa, a dream he was diligently pursuing. It did seem that this ambition would be realized as his academic career flourished, little did he know that a greater career awaited him in the service of the LORD. In 1967, he got married to his beloved wife, Foluke Adenike Adeboye (nee Adeyokunnu). He gratefully looks back to the times when he and his wife cut huge chunks of Okro into their meal soups so that while actual meat was absent, there was a representation with him always encouraging his wife saying “…I know my future will be great.” In an experience that kick-started his divine encounter and journey to true greatness, his daughter became ill in 1973 and proved unresponsive to several bouts of orthodox medicine and home treatments. A cousin then invited him and his wife to a parish of The Redeemed Christian Church of God to seek divine
healing for their daughter. What this Doctor of Applied Mathematics and his adorable wife could not have imagined, as they stepped out of their house that day was that they had begun to walk into God’s ultimate plan for their lives. On July 29, 1973, Enoch Adeboye made a personal commitment to Christ through the ministry of Reverend Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi, the founder and General Superintendent of The Redeemed Christian Church of God. Ordained a Pastor in RCCG in 1977, Pastor Adeboye received a solid foundation in the scriptures while unknown to him, he was being groomed for the future assignment under the tutelage of Reverend Akindayomi. He manifested an incredible passion for the work of the Lord by pioneering Bible study meetings, crusades, revivals, outreaches and the evangelistic programs which today have come to be known as the Holy Ghost Congress. These were very successfully conducted in various cities all over South-West Nigeria.
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From being a Doctor of Applied Mathematics at the
spot on the surface of the earth, a feat never before
University of Lagos, Nigeria, he started working with
recorded.
the founder of RCCG by translating his sermons from
The following year, attendance at the Holy Ghost
Yoruba to the English language. In 1981, when the
Congress (HGC) grew to 12 million worshippers.
founder passed on to glory, the baton of leadership
This program became a 3-Day Congress held every
was handed over to him by divine orchestration. His
December at the Redemption Camp. Much like other
appointment as General Overseer immediately brought
programs in RCCG, the Holy Ghost Congress has
an end to his academic career, and as a result, with all
witnessed its transformations also from a one-night
the diligence he had in him, he set his heart on taking
event in 1998 to a weeklong program today. At each
RCCG to the next level of ministry, where all strata
and every one of these events, many souls are won
of society could be involved in the ministry without
for Christ, and the power of God moves freely to heal,
compromising the true worship of God. The poor
anoint, and empower. The Holy Ghost Service has
boy from Ifewara who became a Doctor of Applied
been consistently held for over twenty years now and
Mathematics was now a Pastor leading a mission that
today, the crowd in attendance runs in the millions
was committed to expanding the Kingdom of God
every month.
and remain standing firm at the Second Coming of
With a disarming and endearing trademark of a
Jesus Christ.
humility, he easily shares his testimony of the Gospel;
Like a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden, global
his passion for soul-winning feeds his passion for
attention came on December 18, 1998, when he hosted
church-planting, and through this, countless people
the very first Holy Ghost Congress (open-air meeting)
have been inspired to follow him and serve the Lord in
in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria with an attendance of over 7
the ministry with the presence of over 10,000 pastors
million people as reported by CNN and the BBC. It
within the RCCG and many more ordained yearly. This
constituted the largest mobilization of people in one
is not to discount the many more outside the Mission
Recognitions include the following: 1999
2000
2002
2005
2005
Received
Dedicated the
Received the
Received
Received
Awarded
Led the
Named one of
Awarded
Awarded
honorary
first chapel in
key to the
honorary
honorary
a National
Pre-Summit
The World’s Fifty
honorary
honorary
citizenship
the Nigerian
city of Detroit,
citizenship and
citizenship
Honor (Order
Prayers at the
Most Powerful
doctorate
doctorate
and key of
Presidential
Michigan.
key of Dallas,
and key of
of the Federal
64th General
People by
degree –
degree –
Cambridge,
Villa, Abuja,
Texas, USA.
Baltimore,
Republic of
Assembly of the
Newsweek
University of
University of
Massachusetts,
Nigeria.
Maryland,
Nigeria) by
United Nations
Magazine (USA).
Lagos, Lagos,
Nigeria, Nsukka,
United States.
the Nigerian
Headquarters,
Nigeria.
Nigeria.
President.
New York.
USA.
2008
2009
2009
2009
2009
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who follow his models. His appearance is straitlaced:
sought by presidents, and his appeal in both the secular
mostly with a pinstriped suit, a gleaming white shirt
and religious arenas is evidenced by the wide range of
and a bow tie. Enoch Adeboye and his ministry is
groups that have honoured him, including numerous
known around the globe, he has preached in remote
honorary doctorates from many institutions in Nigeria
African villages and in the heart of major cities in the
and abroad in appreciation of his contributions to
United States and Europe. Since 1981, when he became
humanity.
the General Overseer of RCCG, he has been accorded
Though the above achievements are phenomenal,
the opportunity to conduct preaching missions in
Enoch Adeboye never fails to give glory to God, ever
virtually every continent of the world.
staying grounded in humility even as he readily
Enoch Adeboye has written over 60 books. His daily
shares a personal experience where God led him
devotional manual (Open Heavens), with over 1 million
out to draw a human figure in the sands and wipe
published annually in hard-copies and soft copies
it off – an unforgettable lesson that God alone holds
made adaptable to mobile devices through the Open
the power to set a man high and do with him as He
Heavens Mobile App, available in English, French
pleases. He encourages everyone around him with a
and other major languages of the world is globally-
bold declaration that there are greater things ahead
distributed and widely-read. His life substantiates the
that the Lord will yet do. At this point, hardly anyone
scriptures in Zechariah 4:10 (NLT) which states: “Do
would hold a valid reason to doubt him.
not despise these small beginnings…” His life and
Pastor Enoch Adeboye has been married to Foluke
over 30 years of full-time ministry around the world is
Adenike Adeboye for over 53 years. Together they have
remarkable in every sense. From humble beginnings
three sons and one daughter, and many grandchildren.
as the son of a peasant farmer in Ifewara, Osun State,
They reside at the Redemption Camp, Ogun State,
Nigeria to one of the most influential people in the
Nigeria.
world, Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s counsel has been
2009
2010
2011
2011
2011
2014
2015
2015
2015
2017
Dakota State
Awarded
Awarded a
Chaired United
Awarded
Received award
Awarded
Awarded
Certificate of
Presidential
honorary
National Sports
Nations Global
honorary
as the Best/
National
Honorary
Recognition –
Merit Award –
University
doctorate
Honor (Spiritual
Summit on
doctorate
Most Profitable
Honour – (CON)
Doctor of
The Congress
The Nigerian
President’s
degree in
Pillar of Nigerian
the Road Map
degree –
Icon/Personality
Commander of
Science –
of The United
Society of
Leadership
Theology
Sports).
to a Culture of
University of
in Nigeria
the Order of the
University of
States of
Engineers
Award
– Canada
Peace in the
Ibadan, Ibadan,
Niger
Lagos
America.
Christian
Middle East.
Nigeria.
College, Canada.
38
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AKOBI
THE STORY OF THE LAMB WHO WAS SLAIN Ayomide Oluwatusin
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abanla is such
and behaviour and often scorned by
against Akobi who they were so
an amazingly
the other sons for this same reason.
jealous of. “What does he feel like?”
patient dad
While the others cannot wait to get
They asked. “He acts like he is the
who birthed
as far away from their dad as they
only son!” Well truthfully, he is the
amazingly
possibly can, Akobi loved being
only one who acts like a son, the
troublesome
around his dad. He enjoyed their
others are rebels. Darkness began
children! Boy!
walks at dawn, their fishing activities
to grow in their hearts as they kept
Were they troublesome! You would
in the evenings (fishing is Babanla’s
thinking such thoughts! “Let’s
often wonder how the common
greatest hobby by the way), he loves
see what will happen to Babanla
adage like father, like son never
listening to his dad as he shares
when his first and most beloved
applied to them. Barely is there
from his wealth of wisdom. Actually,
son is taken out of the picture”,
any resemblance in their looks or
the name Babanla was a nickname
they mocked. Akobi started sensing
character. Babanla believed strongly
given to Akobi’s dad because he
evil closing in on him; he went
in giving his children the free will to
acts like a father to everyone, both
immediately to his father, asking
choose whatever path they’d like to
his biological children and others.
for help and rescue. It looked like
follow. This, however, occurs after he
So he is often concerned about
his dad wasn’t listening. He sought
has given them instructions over
people and his heart cannot bear
his father three times that night
and again about what to do and
seeing them in pain or need. He
until he finally submitted to his
what not to do. So every child in
usually sends Akobi for these special
fate. That same night his brothers
the family knows Babanla’s will but
tasks of meeting people’s needs
came for him. They blindfolded him
do they follow it? That’s a different
and taking care of their pain. Akobi
with a dark cloth, whipped him so
question entirely.
and his dad were so close that they
hard, his flesh tore. They mocked
Babanla is the wealthiest and most
thought alike, finished each other’s
him. Spat on him. They told him to
powerful man there ever was. In fact,
sentences…you couldn’t even tell the
call for his beloved father to come
it is a common saying in the land
difference in their voice!
rescue him. In all these, Akobi spoke
and all surrounding cities even to
Babanla craves this same closeness
not a single word. He bore the pain
the far eastern cities that the source
with all his children but they won’t
courageously. In fact, he did not hold
of his wealth and power could not
yield. Over the years he has tried
the wrong against his brothers, he
be traced. So really, taking care of his
several means to draw them close,
forgave them though he knew they
children has never been a problem.
they were so stiff-necked. This is a
were going to kill him. His brothers
However, these troublemaker
constant source of displeasure in
treated him as a criminal. It was a
children all in the name of freedom
the heart of a father who loves so
public disgrace. He was stripped
would rather hustle on their own
deeply. The need to express this
naked and paraded around the
than rely on their father. One would
love to the other children and even
city as a thief. What great injustice!
think they despise their father and
those who are not of his household
Where is Babanla; the greatest and
all he has. It appeared so. This often
greatly intensified in Babanla’s heart.
wealthiest in the land??? Can he
displeased Babanla whose heart is
He sought a way to unite his family
not see what is being done to his
most generous and gives freely to all
and also bring in others who are
beloved? At last, they nailed him to
who asks him including those who
orphans and fatherless. After all, his
a tree; this was to further humiliate
are not of his household.
wealth is not for himself, his love is
him. He cried out with a loud voice
Oh wait a minute! There is ONE
not for himself, his power is not for
out of pain and betrayal! The father
exception among the children;
himself…it has to be given to those
had left him to die.
the firstborn son. He is the kindest
who need it.
There was silence. Not one person
and gentlest of all the sons. He is a
It was about this same period that
could take their gaze off the innocent
splitting image of his father in looks
the other children started plotting
man that had just been killed. The Continues on page 41
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AKOBI brothers definitely could not go back
“BABANLA”. “He used all the
home for fear of wrath from their father.
power he had”. “I always knew
As evening approached, few trembling
my father who is your father too,
friends of Akobi embalmed his body
would somehow and in some
and placed it gently in a tomb. Everyone
way intervene… he would not
heard of his death. They mourned. Even
allow my body to rot”.
those from the far eastern cities came to
They were dumbfounded.
show their condolences to Babanla who
Right there they believed!
has been kind to them but no one saw
They believed that Akobi
him or knew where he had gone. They
is truly beloved of his father
camped around his house on the 1st and
and that his father was the
2nd day. On the morning of the 3rd day,
one who raised him from the
some were getting ready to head back
dead. Something instantly
to where they came from and suddenly,
occurred in their heart. Felt
a great light from the sky went through
like a heart transplant. The
the city straight to where Akobi’s body
newness had begun. Everyone
was laid. The force of the light jerked the
who believed instantly felt the
body and BOOM! Akobi came back to life!
light; the weight of sin, guilt
Only one young woman (one of those
and condemnation was lifted
Babanla sent Akobi to when she was in
off them especially the brothers
pain) saw him when he rose.
who killed him. It was replaced
She had gone early to the tomb to put
with a deep seated conviction
spices on his body. As she ran towards
that Babanla loves them too.
him, he stopped her; he had to show
They now understood what
himself first to the father. But as you
Babanla had been trying to
imagine, she ran back to the city as
communicate with them for a
though her life depended on it. Panting
long time. They all rushed into
really hard, she said “Ak…Ak….Akob….i is
the house where a very happy
alive!” “Grief has made you mad!” they
Babanla was sitting with a big
said to her. She kept repeating what
grin on his face and arms wide
she saw and as she was talking, Akobi
open. And that is how Akobi’s
walked in, they were not sure if it was
death and resurrection at long
Akobi or Babanla because he looked so
last united Babanla and his
much like Babanla. He showed them the
children. Till date, Akobi’s story is
holes in his hands. Some fainted. Some
still being told and anyone who
jumped back. Some hugged him. “H…H…
believes automatically becomes
How did? W…hat? Y…ou we…re d…d…
one of Babanla’s big family.
dead!” He just smiled and said the word
41
42
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M AG A Z IN E
The Realities of Climate Change Wale Olatujoye,
Public Analyst & Climate Action Advocate
“we are the first generation to be able to end poverty and the last generation that can take steps to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Future generations will judge us harshly if we fail to uphold our moral and historical responsibilities.� Ban Ki-Moon, immediate past UN Secretary-General
E
very human age has a major
the scourge of Climate change.
def ining
often
According to scientists, the 5 warmest years in human
influenced by one existential
history were recorded since 2015 with 2016 identified
phenomenon or the other. In
as the warmest. The implications of the above have
the middle ages, Europe was
been remarkable. Like the COVID-19 pandemic,
bedevilled by bubonic plagues
and worse still, the impact of climate change is an
which claimed about one-third to one-half of the
emerging catastrophe of global magnitude. The
European population within 5 years. The centuries
recent Australia bushfires which started as pockets of
that followed marked the beginning of scenarios that
fire from July 2019 with major blazes in January 2020
shaped latter events including the slave trade and
is a result of climate change caused by prolonged
its legalized version - colonialism. The eighteenth-
droughts. The fire consumed over 5.4m hectares of
century did set the pace for the industrial revolution
land, with over 2,400 homes destroyed and dozens
that shaped the foundations of the present-day
of deaths recorded.
economy beginning from the 19th century. In the
Although massive bushf ires, heatwaves, and
last century, the world witnessed two world wars with
hurricanes, and tornadoes are alien to us in Nigeria,
several million casualties.
we are neither excused from the impacts of climate
For the 21st century, we are not witnessing a new
change nor are we immune. The rise in sea and ocean
challenge, we are only confronted with the realities
level has exacerbated flooding in Nigeria. The year
of one hitherto neglected and defining challenge -
2012 in Nigeria was quite remarkable. This was not
moment
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43
only due to the Occupy Nigeria
economic and social lives of about
immediate environment is an
protests, but also the flooding that
30 million people (from Nigeria,
affordable strategy to make the
was recorded as the worst in 4
Chad, Cameroon and Niger who
climate safer.
decades. The National Emergency
share the lake across borders) who
Global responses such as the
Management Agency (NEMA)
depend on the lake for fishing,
Kyoto Protocol and the Paris
recorded that 30 of the 36 states
agriculture and other economic
Climate Agreement are all aimed
of Nigeria witnessed flooding
activities. This has been directly
at getting commitments from
while displacing over 2.1 million
linked to rising poverty, hunger
stakeholders to limit global
people and killing 363 people. The
and insecurity.
temperature rise to well below
2012 flooding affected 7 million
While the climate is not man-
2°C and as close as possible to
people with an estimated loss of
made, the changes to the
1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
2.6 Trillion Naira.
climate are f ingerprints of
Citizens can also come up with
Experts have cited the flooding
human activities, notably, the
initiatives such as community
which two years ago, ravaged
indiscriminate emission of
sensitization on climate change
Victoria Island, and displaced
greenhouse gases GHGs –
via community outreaches as
residents in Lekki Phase II, Osapa
carbon dioxide (CO2), methane
well as the use of the mass media.
London, Victoria Garden City,
(CH4), etc. In combating climate
In addition, citizens can also
Ikoyi, Banana Island, Badore,
change, avoiding the usage
form advocacy groups aimed
Bugije, Igbo Efon, and Awoyaya
of home appliances such as
at challenging and instituting
as evidence of Lagos’ been
ref rigerators with CFCs have
legal actions against actors that
susceptible to rising sea level.
been advocated. Avoiding bush
are engaged in indiscriminate
These bring us to one conclusion
burning, harnessing the potentials
pollution of the environment and
– Climate change is real in Nigeria.
of green energy sources such as
emission of GHGs. Such groups
Apart f rom flooding, shifting
wind and solar will also help in
can also call for appropriate action,
weather patterns also threaten
contributing to global efforts in
legislation and enforcement of
food production, economic and
combating climate change. While
laws by governments.
social stability. The experience of
the need for trees for commercial
To mitigate the effect of climate
Lake Chad comes to mind in this
and domestic purposes might
change such as flooding,
regard. The shrinking of Lake Chad
be unavoidable, planting of trees
measures such as construction
is currently a huge threat to the
and the practice of greening our
and maintenance of standard drainages, proper channelling of waterways, and construction of barriers could go a long way. It is also important to checkmate indiscriminate disposal of refuse along water channels. In combating climate change, no action is too expensive and no effort is too cheap. Our inaction can be very costly, our refusal to act can be catastrophic.
44 Continue from page 29
God’s earth. The implications are devastating, as we still witness in our world today. But by His grace, we have received the benef it of salvation – so great a salvation (Hebrews 2:3) – through which we can escape the impending doom caused by sin. Just as sin reigned in our bodies, God’s grace brought salvation so that we would escape all forms of death. Jesus, through His death, resurrection, and ascension, brought us back into fellowship with God, as Father. (2 Corinthians 5:19, Ephesians 2:6) This great benefit is God’s gift to man, entirely from His grace and favour, to avoid the boast of any man in his own inherent ability to be good or to be saved from unrighteousness. (Ephesians 2:8,9) That we are Christians today is simply because of this great benefit. Our salvation is not by the hands of any man, but of God. And more importantly, this salvation is a
Y EHUDAH
M AG A Z IN E
gift the entire body of Christ freely
understanding that our salvation
received. It is not something we
is our greatest reason for praise.
have, but the avenue of recreation
Soteria itself is the Greek word
by which God now claims us as His.
for salvation. The mandate of the
(Ephesians 1:11)
team is the teaching of the Gospel
To read through the entire Bible
in order to get men saved and
will reveal the beauty of salvation,
to demonstrate the full power of
and the immense doors that have
God as benefits of our salvation.
opened to us through the sacrifice
Soteria holds extensive prayer and
of Christ. It is not wrong to say
teaching meetings, outreaches
that all that we receive in Christ,
to unreached people groups, in a
as Christians, is the direct result
continuous bid to get men saved
of salvation. Nothing shows us the
and bring them to the complete
love of God as much as the cross.
knowledge of God.
And not only are we saved
Since 2019, Team Soteria holds
from eternal destruction and
marathon prayers concurrently as
given eternal life. God is Himself
praise is offered up to God on the
glorified by our salvation. The
altar. This year, Team Soteria will
greater the gift and love, the
also run prayer and counselling
greater the appreciation. Excellent
call centres throughout the 78
benevolence births excellent
hours, and provide a prayer room
praise. Our salvation is excellent,
for participants who wish to pray
and we excellently praise God
during the event.
when we revel in His grace that saves us through the finished work of Christ. When we understand this, our perception of God is forever changed for the better, and we walk the earth in greater confidence. The formation of Team Soteria has premised solely on the
Continue from page 27
The Church and the Riches of this World The providers – Just like the Egyptians who provided for the needs of Israel. These providers need not be Christians, however, they will be used as conduits for passing the wealth into the hands of believers. The managers – Those who have the skills and ability to take what has been provided and generate a multiplication of it. This fits into the story of
the talents where the Lord Jesus commended the managers who gained more interest on the talents given to them. The distributors – These are men, women, institutions and governments that will be church-friendly, who God will use as a networking bridge to the fourth group and to make the funds available. Field marshals – Certain men and women whom, in the words of Peter C. Wagner again, could be described as “Field marshals” who have the capacity to look beyond their own immediate needs and consider what has been put in their hand as instruments for reaching, planting, evangelizing and transformation.
Moments from 70hrs to present v i s i t w w w. m m p r a i s e . o r g t o v i e w m o r e
46
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constant study of the Word of
MAINTAINING A BALANCE BETWEEN
HEALTH AND FAITH Dr. Oluwatosin ASALA
H
ealth according to the
physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Faith represents our Christian walk - 2 Corinthians 5:7. It is a necessary tool to live the Christian life maximally, without it, the Bible says we cannot please God. So we must believe, to get things in this kingdom. We must be able to trust God when the things our eyes can see don’t look like what faith is asking of us. Our health on the other hand as defined earlier involves all aspects of our wellbeing, not just our physical bodies. Good health is necessary for kingdom activities, it is someone that is healthy that can work for God. A sick person to a large extent will be limited in what he or she can do as it is easier for a healthy person to shine as light and dispel darkness wherever he or she is. A healthy person’s light will be bright and likely have more effect in this world. This also implies that a person who is unhealthy is unable to have good works literally talk less of people being able to see the good works and glorify God. We therefore need to take good care of our bodies and
Spirit - Jude 1:20. We receive faith by hearing the word of God Romans 10:17. This word comes in a personalized manner applicable to your index situation, one needs the Holy ghost to decode appropriately what God is saying concerning the situation. This means that you have evidence despite the fact that you have not
every aspect of our wellbeing.
seen the desired result physically. If the above are not present, what
World Health Organization, is the state of complete
God - Joshua 1:8 and prayer in the
Some of the practices that help us maintain good health include: 1.
Eating healthy food (the more natural, the better… less processed foods)
2. Regular exercise (avoid a sedentary lifestyle) 3. Getting adequate rest when due 4. Practice good hygiene e.g. hand washing as appropriate, tooth brushing twice daily, keeping a clean environment. 5. Regular checkups at a health facility depending on your age 6. Avoidance of smoking, alcohol and substance abuse Following counsel given by health professionals for sicknesses that occur as either as long term or short term.
the doctor said will happen will happen o, except God decides to have mercy or He uses the situation to show His glory at a particular set time like we see in the case of the blind Bartimaeus Mark 10:49-52, John 9:2-3. Medical personnel talk based on their knowledge and experience and will not pretend about your health situation.
So what happens in real time when you are sick? 1.
Pray about it first
2. Go to the hospital and find out what is wrong with you 3. Keep praying in faith but listen to medical counsel 4. Submit the medical diagnosis to God’s word 5. Get other believers to join their faith with yours
Regular use of medications
6. Sometimes God will give an
prescribed by a doctor if you
instruction, pay attention and
have a health condition that
perform it
requires everyday care such as
7. You’re safer to take the
hypertension, mental health
medical care while you trust
issues…
God for a miracle
Having healthy relationships with
8. You will know when the
family and people
supernatural kicks in therefore
For faith to be balanced as well,
keep trusting.
certain things must be in place,
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY
DADDY ENOCH ADEJARE ADEBOYE FROM ALL SEEDS WORLDWIDE
Thanks for partnering with us
Dominion Sanctuary Acme
Tabernacle of David
City of David
Throne of Grace, Ebute Metta