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MEN OF HONOUR
PROUD JERSEY SPONSOR OF THE SPORTING SAINTS FC. OF THE ELEVATION CHURCH FOOTBALL LEAGUE
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TABLE OF CONTENTS A collage of pictures from Exponential Conference 17 Page 4
EDITOR’S NOTE Kayode Olayemi
How much is enough?
Flourishing in hard times Page 5
What would your walk-away number be? This is a conversation I have had several times with colleagues and in recent weeks, this conversation has been more frequent, particularly on the back of stories of recovered
My Water and I Page 6
TEC Experience A collage of social media impressions Page 7 All we are saying, ‘Free up our roads’ Page 8 How to respond when a good deed backfires Page 11
Elev8 Essentials Page 12
Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development Page 13
proceeds from alleged corrupt practices. By the way, the numbers have been mind-boggling. How much money does one actually ‘need’? Clearly, money to cover our ‘wants’ is a different conversation entirely. Whatever your number is, an honest answer will reveal what is important to you as a person and what you really want out of life. We live in a consumerist society and the barrage never ends. The moment we get that gadget, the ads for newer models are streaming across our screens. How then do we get out of this vicious cycle of desiring more? A way out is to restrain our greed and learn to be content. In Luke 12:15, Jesus said to the people said, “Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot.” Also, in Hebrews 13:5, Apostle Paul wrote, “Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have.” While the quoted scriptures may seem ‘preachy,’ they emphasize the need to restrain our greed and learn to be content. In addition, living a life that counts and striving to have a life filled with a sense of purpose larger than our own needs will help us reach our destination. From there, we get enough strength to curb our greed and live content lives.
In Grandpa’s Room Page 14
Publisher Godman Akinlabi
Editor Kayode Olayemi
Jadesola Campbell Matthew Mancha
Editor-in-Chief Tunde Usidame
Graphic Designer Opeyemi Araba
Circulation Charles Okorobo
For feedback and comments, please send an email to publications@ elevationng.org
Communications Chinny Ugoji Chioma Enwereji
Read online at www.issuu.com/elev88
Publications Matthew Mancha
Contributors Kayode Olayemi Gloria Maduka Abiola Falusi Isabel Wright Chidi Iwe
Advert Enquiries Tishegunfunmi Ade’Adegbesan deyoking@gmail.com +234 803 202 2788;
TEAM
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Pastor Godman acknowledging the volunteer staff of Exponential Conference 2017
Rev. Niyi Eboda speaking on developing an effective discipleship and pastoral care system
A publicity and advertising workshop at the Exponential Conference 2017
Pastor Godman Akinlabi welcoming Pastor Yemi Davids, Senior Pastor of Global Impact Church
Cross section of participants at the Exponential Conference 2017
Pastor Yemi Davids speaking on establishing a strong prayer congregation
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xponential is a leadership conference organized by The Elevation Church to resource church leaders with knowledge and insight for building thriving ministries. Held over 3-days in February, the maiden edition of this intensive ministry boot camp featured 8 general sessions and 12-breakout sessions. 4
Break out sesion: Pastors Wale Adenuga & Debo Adediran speaking on worship and church health.
Pastor Godwin Uwuba’men
Some of the interesting topics covered in the breakout sessions include: Church administration and budget, Becoming a purpose driven church, Setting up a vibrant teens ministry and several others. Hosted by Pastors Godman and Bolarinwa Akinlabi, the event featured seasoned christian leaders and speakers like Rev. Sam Adeyemi,
Pastor Taiwo Odukoya speaking on finishing strong in marriage and ministry
Pastor Godman Akinlabi, convener of the Exponental Conference
Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, Rev. Gbeminiyi Eboda, Pastor Yemi Davids, Pastor Wale Adenuga and Pastor Bolaji Idowu. Would you like to be a part of Exponential 2018? Subscribe to our mailing list info@exponentialng. org or visit the conference website exponentialng.org.
Flourishing in
Hard
times
Godman Akinlabi
T
he toughest times in life are typically moments of turmoil, angst, fear, desperation, and frustration. In those times, many have to grapple with diverse situations, such as the aftermath of hurricanes, cyclones, poverty, sickness, depression or even death. However, we must remember that it is in the midst of these turbulent times that we come face to face with the extraordinary. Picture a full blown hurricane. Now, imagine that right there in the middle of the storm are palm trees, swaying in the midst of the chaos. On the flip side, amidst the same storm, buildings collapse and lives are lost; but those palm trees will hold fast and may even remain unaffected by the storm. Why? Research shows that palm tree roots go deeper than its height! When intense winds come, the roots go even deeper, strengthening it for future storms. Wouldn’t you like to be like a palm tree? Wouldn’t you like to be strengthened when you face the storms of life? The Bible in Psalm 92:12a says, “The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree.” The question though is, how do we flourish? Research shows that those who flourish possess these qualities as a foundation: 1. People that flourish can direct
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and redirect their attention. Attention is a fine, precious commodity. People that are willing to flourish learn how to watch their minds, and redirect their attention toward meaningful ends. They shape time with intention and for impact. In other words, Chronos (time) is their best friend. People who flourish know how to utilize time wisely. Time too can be sown and harvested. Invest time in worthy ventures and you will reap the benefits. They design their creative and business practices for constant improvement. They are realistic, and they understand that each situation may require them to hone their skills or learn new ones. They are readers and learners. They never consider themselves to have ‘arrived’. They value constant feedback from trusted mentors and peers. The key words here are “constant” and “trusted.” Most times, people who insist on creating their brilliance all alone ultimately find a harder time keeping afloat. They experience moments of delight, meaning, and rejuvenation. Someone once said, ‘Get a life and live it!’ In other words enjoy the thrill and blessing of being alive. Some people don’t flourish simply because they have refused to live.
They can’t see any good in life because they never created the “good” in the first place. 6. They are people who have unshakeable faith. Non-religious people might also refer to this as grit, but I call it faith in God and in His word and promise to you. There is nothing as satisfying as knowing that you are well-aligned with God. No matter what winds may blow, you know that in Him you will have victory. That’s what keeps you steadfast and unmoveable in your ventures. Grow deep roots in God’s word and in developing worthwhile habits. You too will flourish like a palm tree even in the toughest of times.
Godman Akinlabi is the Lead Pastor of The Elevation Church
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My Water
and I Gloria Maduka
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he average adult human body is 50-65% water. Since the body has no water storage system, we constantly lose water through urine and sweat. In addition, research has shown that the lungs expel between two and four cups of water each day just through breathing. It is therefore very important to replenish and maintain our water balance. So how much is enough? Although the general recommendation for daily water consumption is eight glasses, there are a few factors to consider. These factors are body weight, weather conditions, level of physical activity and general state of health. So, an effective way to measure your water needs is by listening to your body. Do you feel excessively thirsty? Do you have dry mouth? Does your skin feel dry? Are you constantly constipated? If you answered “Yes” to one or more of these questions, it is time to check your water intake. Here are some benefits of drinking water: 1. Joint and spine lubricant: The cartilage and spinal discs are made up of 80% water, so keeping hydrated ensures your joints
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can absorb the shock of sudden movements. 2. Beauty treatment: Drinking enough water adds moisture to the skin from the inside out. The skin is composed of about 20% water and it will wrinkle faster without adequate water. Drinking water can also improve our sleep pattern which reduces stress and has a positive effect on our looks. 3. Body weight maintenance: Water suppresses appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat. When you drink all the water your body needs, you will quickly notice a decrease in your appetite as people often confuse mild feeling of thirst with mild hunger. 4. Bowel movement: Bowel movement is a critical factor in maintaining a toxic-free, healthy colon. Drinking water prevents constipation by providing the proper amount of fluids to the gastrointestinal tract. Maintaining a balance of fluids in our body aids digestion, circulation, transfer and absorption of nutrients. 5. Enhances immunity and aids detoxification: Water is the main vehicle that transports substances
throughout the body, including circulation of blood, the digestion of food and elimination of toxins. Water brings oxygen, the most essential nutrient, to the cells and takes toxins and metabolic wastes away. In spite of its many benefits, drinking water can be boring but here are some tips to help: • Always keep a bottle of water close by - on your desk, bedstand or in your bag so you are constantly reminded to drink it. • You can flavor your water naturally by adding mint or slices of orange, lime or cucumber to it. • Use an app to set reminders and a marked water bottle to keep track of your water intake. • Eat your water by consuming water-rich foods like cucumber, watermelon and tomatoes. It is important to note that in an environment where the weather is mostly hot, such as the Nigerian environment, consistent intake of water is a necessity. Remember, water is the essence of life, make it a part of yours!
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Abiola
A
re you as grateful as I am that Lagos traffic seems to have gotten lighter in some parts of the city? Some of us seem to be making 30-minute journeys in one hour (as opposed to the three to four hour commute many of us have come to know and loathe). Our newly improved LekkiEpe Expressway came with junctions, traffic lights and more efficient traffic officers. This improvement has made a difference in the commute time and given us back two hours of our day. For those on that axis, it is now feasible to plan to get home after work, help the kids with their homework, make dinner and enjoy some play time. The story is not different on some parts of Lagos Mainland. The laybys along the route from the foot of the Third Mainland Bridge down to Berger, have done some magic. However, it isn’t eureka just yet.
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On the Lekki-Epe expressway, there’s still some pressure in the morning rush hour due to the volume of cars. The tailback at the toll plaza is a story for another day. The vision of the Lagos state Ministry of Transport is “to provide the State with a safe, dynamic, integrated, affordable, diverse and sustainable transport system which supports optimal use of resources, social infrastructure and quality of life...” but according to the Daily Nation, “an average Lagosian spends 30hrs in traffic every week”. A mega city should not be run this way. So this got me thinking, “If I were the Commissioner of Transport with an unlimited budget, what would I do differently? to deliver some big changes?
Falusi
Big Ideas to ease the traffic
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Lagos Metro - I pictured commuters streaming into the CMS train station, going through the gates with their cards onto a neat platform with signs showing when the next train would arrive, and then jumping on a clean coach. A project like this would require some debt which the government does not need to take on its balance sheet. Instead, we would create a conducive environment, put in place appropriate legislation and concession for the construction/operation of the facilities to the private sector.
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Lagos Ferry – What would Third Mainland Bridge traffic be like if some vehicles were on a ferry instead? Since most parts of the city are surrounded by or close to a body of water, then a lot of traffic should move via the waterways. We can license and concession the construction of terminals in different parts of the city – Ikorodu, Marina, etc. We would also construct lighthouses along the travel paths to make for safer night travel.
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Lagos Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) - Those who live around the Ikorodu axis of the city can testify to the beauty of the BRT and how it has helped their commute. We would extend the BRT to more corridors in the city. The government would only construct the infrastructure. We would concession additional private sector operators on the project.
Not So Big Ideas Road Signs and Markings I wonder what astronauts think of us when they look at the Lagos traffic from the space station. Drivers not keeping to their lanes, largely because there are no marked lanes. I think, if we had proper lane markings, traffic would move easier. Light up the streets I shouldn’t say this, but there are times when driving at night that I sort of can’t really make out what is in front and around me. It’s kind of like I’m feeling my way through the darkness. If we got those bulbs working again and I don’t mean using 60 watt bulbs where the appropriate thing is 80/100 watt bulbs, we should see an improvement in nighttime driving and safety. Driver Training A disproportionate number of drivers in the city learnt to drive from their driver who learnt by just moving the next available car. Someone once said, ‘we don’t drive in Lagos, we just go from point A to B’. Getting drivers to study and understand the Highway Code, particularly commercial bus and truck drivers would bring some sanity to Lagos roads. Pedestrian Push-to-Walk Button Sometimes, I think drivers in the city think
‘zebra crossing’ means ‘kill’. I would get the engineers to install push-to-walk buttons at intervals along expressways. This would not only improve pedestrian safety but would help the traffic flow faster. There are some spots in the city, where the traffic is due to pedestrians making their way across the road. Road Repairs This might actually fall into a category of its own, semi-big deal. There a many areas in the city where the traffic is caused by bad roads. We would get the roads in good shape and install proper drainage systems. We would have the roads at an appropriate height and slope to allow water flow into the drains and also keep all major repair works to off-peak periods. Gas Stations Who approves those petrol stations with direct access to a highway? Where possible, they would need to have an appropriate setback from the highway. Where that is not possible, we would remove remove them completely. Well, I’m not the commissioner of transport, at least not yet, and most likely, neither are you. Still if we all obeyed basic traffic rules, we would see traffic ease up and and find our roads safer for pedestrians and motorists. 9
How to respond when a good deed backfires.
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hen we give our all to do good things for people at work, school or any aspect of our lives, we sometimes expect at least an acknowledgement or at worst, nothing. What we do not expect is a negative boomerang to our kind gestures. You cover up for a colleague at work and get insults in return. You take a proactive initiative on a task and your boss belittles your effort. You approve a few days of compassionate leave for an employee and (s)he puts you in a difficult position by taking more days off. We find ourselves in some tough situations that keep getting tough many weeks or months after the incident. Once upon a time, a young man served as the personal assistant to the highest authority on the land. He was cheerful, compassionate and loved by all. He strived to be at his best and even his colleagues looked up to him for wise counsel. One would expect that his boss would be pleased; on the contrary, he was not. This well-behaved and resultsoriented staff was giving his boss a hard time without even knowing it. His boss was very jealous of his uprightness and threatened by how popular he was becoming. So bad that he plotted to eliminate this faithful servant. This isn’t fiction! This is the story of a young man called
Have you thought of doing any of these 10 good deeds?
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Isabel Wright David and his king and master Saul as recorded in 1 Samuel 18 & 19.
How should you respond in a situation like this? What will Jesus do?
Our good deeds makes us the salt of the earth. See what Matthew 5:13-16 says: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
an identity crisis. He did not change to darkness nor did he choose to act in the tasteless fashion of ambitious men. He remained a beacon of light and a shining example of how a Godfollower should act.
How good can come out of the pain…
God rewards good deeds. David became king and was fondly regarded by God Himself as ‘a man after His own heart’. Your good deeds will always yield fruit- even not in the immediate, it will in the days to come. Just as no evil deed will go unpunished, no good deed will go unrewarded.
As Christans we are wired to not only be compassionate but also to influence positive communal living. The devil may try to undo our good deeds in order to fill us regret and harden our hearts but we cannot be pressured to compromise our values. We cannot afford to lose our taste! Despite King Saul’s undue hatred for David and attempt on his life as recorded in 1 Samuel 18 & 19, David kept doing good. Even when he had the opportunity to kill the king, he relented. He did not suffer
1. Offer cups of tea/coffee to your colleagues. 2. Allow a fellow driver to merge into your lane. 3. Surprise a friend with a gift just because 4. Plant a tree. 5. Adopt a pet. 6. Pay a compliment to each person you meet. 7. Write a thank you note to your
boss. 8. Offer to cook or clean for someone who has been ill. 9. Donate blood. 10. Praise your colleague’s/ competitor’s good work
Innovation and
Entrepreneurial Development Chidi Iwe
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nformation technology (IT) and entrepreneurship are no strange bed fellows. In a challenging economic season, we are compelled to think differently, look inwards, and find new ways to achieve improved results at lower costs. These three elements are essential, and leaving any one out of the growth equation may lead to unsustainable value in the long term. At the fulcrum of IT and entrepreneurship is the human being and his indomitable capacity to create and innovate. This calls to question the capacity of those who must drive the creation, adaptation and use of global technological innovations to drive business in Nigeria - Maybe not as creators, but surely as consumers of technology. Therefore, the development of human skills is another fundamental building block of technological capacity for any nation The peculiar problems around us every day create the perfect opportunity for innovation and the use of technology for creating value. Innovative technologies do not come about without patient quest,
passionate search, enduring research, failed trials, unrelenting commitment to the cause, and unwavering faith in the unknown. These qualities are not new to some Nigerians who have had to endure several forms of hardship to make advancements in life. This puts you and me at the center of the technology growth and economic recovery story of Nigeria. Do our love for, association with, and use of technology push the frontiers of knowledge and skills acquisition opportunities within our sphere of influence? Or are they simply used to solve the problem of personal convenience? Last year I was on a trip to Israel and it was very instructive to see that apart from Uber, there were other online transportation network companies with competitive services and a fair market share, one of which was owned by a local. A few local transportation network companies in Nigeria already have their phone applications and are in full operation today. This is one market in Nigeria that is still hungry for innovation and participation. Ms. Omobola Johnson, a former
minister of communications technology, recently predicted Nigeria’s e-commerce industry will reach a valuation of $10bn in the years ahead. We have seen global technology brands expand into Nigeria – the likes of Netflix, SAP etc. So, beyond ride sharing apps, all these speak to the abundant opportunities in technology and innovation in Nigeria. From a technological perspective we live in an information age where the internet, data and innovative technologies constantly play an expanding role in our social existence. In the past decade, this has shaken the foundations of social structures and resulted in stunning changes in politics, economy, culture, and everyday life. Today, even African governments are more sensitive to the capacity of the ubiquitous internet as a vital tool in electioneering, democracy, nation building or social unrest. In closing, we must stay sharp and keep our innovative fervor alive to seize the emerging opportunities in technology and innovation in Nigeria. 11
ELEV8 ESSENTIALS Kayode Olayemi
MUSIC
One Sound by Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International. A 13-track, 2013 release of the Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship. It featured guest vocals from Bishop Paul Morton, William Murphy & Jonathan Reynolds. Track 9, The Anthem is my favourite on the project
Discover some amazing resources from inspirational music to instructive and informative books and podcasts.
PODCASTS
HBR Ideacast by Harvard Business Review A weekly podcast from one of the foremost business schools in the world, featuring leading thinkers in business and management from Harvard Business Review.
Godman Akinlabi Podcast One Place Live by Tasha Cobbs
The singer’s sophomore project list 16 tracks and was recorded live in front of 3,000 worshipers at the Redemption Church in Greenville, South Carolina. Three stand out tracks, Jesus Did It, Jesus Saves & Put a Praise on It.
Good God by Folabi Nuel
Masterfully crafted by our very own, the worship leader at LifePointe Church (the young adult expression of The Elevation Church). It features eight soulful tracks, my personal favorite is Ore Rẹ (Your Grace) featuring Wole Oni.
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This is a weekly podcast from the Lead Pastor of The Elevation Church in Lagos, Nigeria, through which he engages his listeners with rich and insightful teachings on achieving greatness in their everyday living.
Freakonomics Radio by Stephen J. Dubner and WNYC Studios Have fun discovering the hidden side of everything with host Stephen J. Dubner, co-author of the best-selling “Freakonomics” books.
books
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari
In this book, Robin Sharma tells the extraordinary story of Julian Mantle, a lawyer forced to confront the spiritual crisis of his out-of-balance life, and the subsequent wisdom that he gains on a life-changing odyssey that enables him to create a life of passion, purpose and peace.
The 7 Commandments of Foolishness Filled with practical and biblical teachings, Godman Akinlabi shares seven foolish traits that hinder one from enjoying a life that is filled with God’s blessings.
Shaken: Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life’s Storms by Tim Tebow
In Shaken, Tim Tebow tells what he’s learned during the highs and the lows of his journey in the NFL. It also features practical wisdom from Scripture and insights gained from others who have impacted Tebow in life-changing ways.
In Grandpa’s room Jadesola Campbell
“Thanks for coming Tai” Mum gave me a warm hug, and as we walked in the direction of grandpa’s room, she lightly dished out instructions to the house keeper. I could see she was hurting. “Dinner will be served soon but please in the meantime, get in and sort out the best pictures. The printer wants them urgently... I wish you came with Tammy.” She said to me. I was thankful she could be see me shudder at the mention of Tammy. She did not know what had happened yet.
We had not quite settled in the house when she blurted, “Ok, he asked me to marry him and I said yes!” Stretching out her finger to show me the dazzling diamond nestled on her finger. She did not see my shock, or chose to play dumb as she went on and on about how he made her happy and all that. This was the only girl I have ever loved. We had such a close bond, a do-dumb-stufftogether-then-laugh-till-you-cry type of bond. How could she hurt me like that?
My world came crashing. First Grandpa, then dad and now Tammy. I did not want to dwell into these sad thoughts. So, I dug into grandpa’s photo albums and memoirs. It was quite an emotional task picking pictures for his funeral brochure but his old school pictures and love letters to Grandma really made me laugh. I found his diary and one of his journals caught my eye because it was longer than others.
“How have you stayed so strong through all of this?” I asked mum, “Son, if I could control everything about your life, you know you will always get the best even when it appears naught, right? That’s the same confidence I have in God- that all things are working out for my good.” She replied. Wait- didn’t I just see those words on an Elevation Church billboard? Wow mum! She was something! She dashed off dishing out more instructions while I sat on grandpa’s bed feeling somewhat miserable. You see, Grandpa had been in the hospital when dad moved out of the house, ending their 28 year old marriage. It was all too much. Suddenly, I was a product of a broken home. Even worse, it had been so hard to talk to anyone about it. Except Tammy of course. Oh Tammy. How could she do that to me? Just two days ago, after the news of Grandpa’s death and Dad walking out on mum, I felt I was losing my mind and the natural thing that came was to go see Tammy. She’d been my rock and all I wanted to do was to be with her. She was standing outside her building but she was not alone. I let her say goodbye to her companion, trying not to think too deeply about the intensity of the hug they had shared. “Oh hi Tai, we need to talk” she said, immediately she saw me walking in her direction. I really didn’t want to talk. I already knew ‘the talk’.
Wow! The letter spoke to me in many ways. I put aside the diary and reached for grandpa’s bible to read Romans 8:28. Strange. It was the same scripture that God had been bringing to my thoughts all day - the billboard, mum, now this. Right in that moment, I knew without a doubt as I prayed that in the end, everything will be alright.
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HALL OF HUMOUR MATTHEW MANCHA year. If he didn’t speak for two years, A prince was put under a spell so that he could speak only one word each the following year he could speak two words and so on. for two whole years so he could call her One day, he fell in love with a beautiful lady. He refrained from speaking more years. At the end of these five “my darling.” But then he wanted to tell her he loved her, so he waited three Finally, as the ninth year of silence years, he wanted to ask her to marry him, so he waited another four years. “My darling, I love you! Will you ended, he led the lady to the most romantic place in the kingdom and said, marry me?” And the lady said, “Pardon?” Bob was in trouble. He forgot his wedding anniversary. Wife: “How would you describe me? His wife was really angry. She told him “Tomorrow ” Husband: “ABCDEFGHIJK.” morning, I expect to find a gift in the driveway that Wife: “What does that mean?” goes from 0 to 200 in 6 seconds AND IT BETTER BE Husband: “Adorable, beautiful, cute, THERE!” The next morning he got up early and left delightful, elegant, fashionable, gorgeous, and hot.” for work. When his wife woke up, she looked out the Wife: “Aw, thank you, but what about window and sure enough there was a box gift-wrapped IJK?” Husband: “I’m just kidding!” in the middle of the driveway. Confused, the wife put on her robe and ran out to the driveway, brought Teacher: “Answer this math problem: if your father earns the box back in the house. She opened it and found $500 a week and gives half to your mother. What will he a brand new bathroom scale. Bob has been missing have?” since Friday. Student: “A heart attack.”
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TECExperience Please share your elevation testimony/experience on Twitter and Instagram using the #TecExperience
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