Christian News Magazine

Issue No. 35

CHURCH DESIGN

Cathedral of Brasilia in Brazil

PERSONALITY Making a Great Impact with Pastor Akinyemi Ojelade

The Christian News September/October 2010

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Regulars

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CONTENTS

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EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CEO

Ituah Ighodalo EDITOR

Ayodeji Jeremiah SENIOR WRITERS

Adeleke Adeyemi Uche Izayah James Akinbiyi Akinsola SENIOR EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Tola Awoyemi

Marriage & Sexuality Family

Parenting Teenagers

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Titilope Oyelade STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Matthew Osarenren CORRESPONDENTS

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Ladi Ogungbemi Taiwo Tunkarimu Mayowa Adeniran Tolu Ifekoya Tayo Obe DESIGN & PRODUCTION EDITOR

Agbele Olusola BUSINESS / COMMERCIAL SERVICES DIRECTOR

Victoria Tandoh EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Nneka Nwobi

Christian History

People Titbits

The Guide

GENERAL MANAGER, SALES & MARKETING

Joseph Anurukem HEAD, CIRCULATION

Steve Atannoye

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2010

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Religious rumble on U.I. campus: Perspectives for balance on a molehill-turned-mountain The Muslim ummah of the University of Ibadan, UI, early on Monday August 16, 2010, laid prostrate the campus of Nigeria’s premier university. The hordes of placard-carrying students were protesting the non-compliance of the institution’s authorities to their demand to expel one Ms. Seun Olubunmi Adegunsoye, a Year-four Law student who had on the preceding Friday ventured onto their prayingground and interrupted a sermon to preach her own.

They marched through all the faculties and departments, disrupting all activities academic and otherwise.

The final-year examinations of the Faculty of Law were suspended as a result of the protest; other lectures were put on hold. The students barricaded all the roads leading to the institution and put the university’s three gates under lock and key.

All these bears frightful semblance to a similar one in our history.

On Sunday, March 8, 1987, a female Muslim student went to disrupt a Christian meeting, holding on the campus of the College of Education in Kafanchan in Kaduna state. The trespasser was soon supported by a mob, who marched up to the podium to beat up the Christian preacher, and launched into a refutation of his sermon.

No Christian cried conspiracy. Instead the incident, like a plot, played out ironically with Muslim zealots unleashing mayhem on the aggrieved Christians and their interests across northern Nigeria in an orgy of religious riots.

Hence the rant by Zakariyah Giwa, President of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), University of Ibadan branch, branding the present act (not unprecedented) “a ploy to perpetuate religious crisis in Nigeria, starting from the campus of the University of Ibadan” may be seen in that light. It is an unfortunate throwback to Kafanchan that may yet prove

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provocative – in whose interest?

With his vitriolic voice-over on the situation, an action he preferred to the option of seeking behind-thescenes settlement of the matter, Mr. Giwa represents irresponsible leadership whose concern for a regime of peace prevailing on campus and in society at large is suspect.

What the present intruder did, though appalling, did not in any way constitute a potentially harmful act that the aggrieved needed to, by any stretch of the imagination, resort to disruptive protestations especially during their holy month of Ramadan.

A display of restraint by the leadership in reining in extremist Muslim students in their midst would have commended it much.

We do not agree with the young woman’s actions, in any way whatsoever, she’s a solitary misguided fellow whose own ‘handbook on life’, provided to regulate the conduct of the Believer already stands at many a point to indict her for a most foolish act, properly speaking.

Hers is an instance of an acolyte brimming over with “zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.”

(Romans 10:2, Darby). She had no Scriptural warrant whatsoever for her ill-advised action.

That early-morning protest, a breach of the peace, has led to loss of face for the university and its authorities. Many man-hours have also been lost to the ill-advised action.

Their herd-instinct extremist venting has left the larger university community at large aggrieved. It is manifestly shameful. It is not the way of the rule of law.

The wrongs the lady committed, which remain to be corroborated by a competent panel of investigators that must sit to hear both sides will pale into insignificance beside the Muslim protestations and sweeping arbitrary demands, at least in the history books.

Ms Adegunsoye, no doubt, was wrong

to intrude into that gathering and interrupt a sermon. But so are the Muslims, who have disrupted the lives of untold others with their high-handed conduct in pathetic protest at a misguided pittance of piety.

They could have walked Ms. Adegunsoye out of their premises to hand her over to university security operatives to be found all around the campus, who would have sent for the leadership of her self-admitted religious group and then proceed to lodge a complaint with the university authorities. That’s how civilised people conduct themselves in society.

Their leadership must be called to order and brought to book, especially in the light of reports of further planned protests to the office of the vice chancellor and that of the dean of the faculty of law, with the unreasonable anti-academic demand for stoppage of examinations in the law faculty (to which the object of their ire belongs), scheduled to start shortly, “until Ms Adegunsoye is brought to justice”. Surely, the University of Ibadan statute book has provision for ‘Disturbance of the peace’ – now involving not one but two parties. They do not have to ‘submit’ to pacify the Muslims, by bending over backwards to take one-sided action.

Ms Adegunsoye’s mission was, at best, naïve and stupid; were it not that her puerile fervour makes her a provocateur, and her act a taunt, her harmless antic would have been laughable, the stock of instructive humour in that regard. Hence the sledgehammer reaction of the Muslim students to the incident – unleashed on the university community – clearly veered toward the extreme.

Meanwhile, a ponderous burden lies on Christian leadership (campus-based and otherwise) to educate their followers on the ‘rules of engagement’ to be observed in taking up Apologetics on behalf of the faith, in outreach to those outside the pale.

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How the Center for Missionary Development (CMD) plans to transform the Nations Akinbiyi Akinsola

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n the board of the Center for Missionary Development (CMD) are some young generals of God’s end-time army such as Taiwo Odukoya, Wale Adefarasin, Tony Rapu and Ituah Ighodalo. The vision for the organization was given to Atim Bassey in 1996 to help missionaries in the field, create awareness among the local churches, mobilize prayer support and hold conferences to highlight missionary efforts and the unreached. In the future it hopes to build a world class mission training and information center, provide logistical support for missionaries, organize short and long term mission trips and network with Nigerians in the Diaspora to utilize their capabilities for missions. The primary vision of the CMD is to penetrate the 10/40 window with the gospel.

“The 10/40 window” according to Atim Bassey, “refers to those regions in the Eastern hemisphere located 10 and 40 degrees north of the equator encompassing Saharan North Africa, right through West Asia, and much of South-East Asia. This is a general area with the highest level of socio-economic challenges and least access to the gospel and Christian resources. These countries include Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, China, India, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Nepal, and Saudi Arabia among others. The 10/40 window contains about 70% of the world’s population, but has only benefitted from 8% of Christian missionary efforts.”

In line with this plan, Atim has been led to start her missionary journey with India. “I first went to India in 2006. The first place I stayed was a village called Tamil Nadu which was predominantly a Hindu society. I had some challenges as in communication but I had to make use of interpreters to communicate during which some of the important words used might be lost. It was also difficult for the men to easily accept a woman. The men just walked away because of their tradition. I initially worked with street kids who were never used to enclosure. They had lived on the streets all their lives. Scavenging is all they do. Their religion has taught them that they cannot amount to anything in life. When we put some of them in schools their parents withdrew them to continue scavenging for food. Preaching Christ is more by what we do than the word. Some of the older kids now know about Jesus Christ. It has been difficult with the younger ones because they are still under their parents.” Atim further pointed out that, “My work is not to start a church but to go after the next generation, to train the indigenes to teach their people effectively.”

“Mission work,” according to the former contractor with the Pentagon in the United States of America, “is for all.”

“Everybody has a role to play in missions. You can either go for short or long term trips. You can support mission work by giving. Individuals or groups can also pray regularly for missionaries.”

Atim Bassey can be reached on E-mail info@cmd1040.org atimtata@yahoo.com or 17 Maitama Sule Street, Ikoyi, Lagos.

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RCCG Apapa Family holds Third Annual Excel Conference

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... endows N45 million Professorial Chair in Mathematics at University of Ibadan ... E. A. Adeboye, Myles Munroe, Rotimi Amaechi, Agu Irukwu speak on Leading Change

he third in the series of the annual Excel conference of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Apapa Family group of churches took place recently with the theme ‘Leading Change.’ The programme started with the Leadership Summit and Dinner held at the New Banquet Hall of Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos while the Celebration Service held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos with Pastor E.A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God ministering. Other speakers at the two day conference were Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, Executive Governor of Rivers State; Dr. Myles Munroe of the Bahamas Faith Ministries International and Pastor Agu Irukwu, Senior Pastor of RCCG Jesus House in London.

Guests at the Leadership Summit and Dinner included Princess Sarah Sosan, Deputy Governor of Lagos State; Professor Anya Anya; Elder S.M. and Chief Mrs. Toyin Olakunrin; Pastor Ben Akabueze, Lagos State Commissioner for Budget and Planning; Dr. And Mrs. Okey Onuzo; Mr. Ranti Akerele, Honourable Commissioner for Information in Ondo State; Chief Mrs. Elizabeth Adegbite, ICAN President; Mr. Marvel Akpoyibo, Lagos State Police Commissioner; Pastor Brett Johnson of the Institute for Innovation, Integration and Impact; Professor Joe Irukwu, elder statesman and former chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo; Mr. Atedo Peterside, chairman IBTC Stanbic; Mrs. Bola Adesola, Executive Director, First Bank; Mr. Donald Duke, former Executive Governor of Cross Rivers State and Mr. Chike and Mrs. Funke Ogeah, former MD of SAHCOL.

Pastors of the Redemmed Christian Church of God present at the occasion were Pastor Bimpe Mfon, matriarch of the Apapa Family; Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, host and head of the Apapa Family; Pastor Deola Mensah, head of RCCG Lagos Province 5; Pastor Remi Morgan, head of RCCG Lagos Province 24; Pastor Sola Balogun, head of RCCG Lagos Province 15; Pastor Jide Ojurongbe, head of RCCG Oyo Province 4; Pastor Ghandi Olaoye, Senior Pastor of RCCG Jesus Centre, Washington DC; Pastor Agu Irukwu, Senior Pastor of RCCG Jesus Centre London, UK; Pastor Ayo Adesola; Pastor Tokunbo Adesanya and Pastor Femi Atoyebi, head of Lagos Province 2 amongst others.

Pastor Idowu Iluyomade in his welcome address enumerated the various social responsibility projects of the family saying the mandate of the family marks its members out as people and leaders of change and distinction. Amongst the various social responsibility projects include the endowment of a Professorial Chair in Mathematics at the University of Lags for the sum of N50 million naira last year and the endowment of another N45 million Professorial Chair in Mathematics at the University of Ibadan, which was presented at this year’s conference. On hand to receive the cheque were Professor Adigun Agbaje, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics); Professor K.O. Adebowale, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Dr. E.O. Ayoola, HOD of the

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Department of Mathematics, all of the University of Ibadan. Pastor Iluyomade speaking on the theme of this year’s conference said what drives change is leadership and leaders have to take ownership of initiatives that will bring change and galvanise the political and social system.

Mrs. Sosan in her address asked for God’s blessings upon the RCCG Apapa Family acknowledging the great strides the family has made in Nigeria. She said the work of the family helps the state government in solving most of the problems of the state and in alleviating poverty. Dr. Munroe commended the governors of Lagos and Rivers state for their leadership noting the great works both are doing in their respective states.

Governor Rotimi Amaechi asked Nigerians to get actively involved in the electoral process and ensure that everyone’s votes count in the forthcoming elections. He said this is the only way to make leaders accountable to the people.

Dr. Munroe in his delivery spoke on the Cost of Change. Leadership, he said can change the mindset and mentality of the followers. Leadership can create action where there was hesitation, courage where there was cowardice, optimism where there was cynicism, and strength where there was weakness. A leader can create a spirit of hope where there was despair. Leadership he said determines the mentality, the destiny, the attitude, and the commitment of the followers. “An army of sheep led by a lion will always defeat an army of lions led by a sheep. Nothing changes without effective, sensitive and spiritually based leadership. Leadership is the cause of all our problems and also the solution to all our problems. You can only lead people to the degree of the future that you have gone yourself. The act of leadership is taking people from where they are to where they have never been before. The result of true leadership is discomfort and change. The most important source of leadership is vision.” He concluded by saying leadership never ends; only leaders end. He also advised present leaders to focus on developing future leaders saying “we must not just focus on change immediately but focus on those who will bring about change in the future.” He commended the family for the setting up of 22 new youth churches within the last one year.

Pastor Agu Irukwu in his presentation said the Church is the most important institution with respect to change. He gave examples of countries where major dramatic changes have come about saying the church was in the forefront of such changes. Using Matthew 5:13 as his scripture, he said the change that came about in countries like the United States, Great Britain, and South Korea was brought about largely by the role of the Church. He encouraged the Apapa Family to be in the forefront of change in Nigeria noting that the family was a church birthed in change.

The Apapa Family is the group of churches in the RCCG that grew out of the old Apapa Parish, the third in the series of model parishes of the RCCG. The family comprise of RCCG Lagos Provinces 4, 5, 15, 24 and Oyo Province 4. The family also has parishes in 23 countries of the world across five continents.

The first Excel conference took place in 2008 with the theme ‘Regrouping to Relaunch’ while the second in the series of annual conferences took place in 2009 with the theme ‘Impacting Your World.’

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Trinity House Holds Inaugural Service

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he Civic Center, Victoria Island, probably witnessed the largest crowd since it opened in the year 2007. Friends, relations and well-wishers of Pastor Ituah Ighodalo came to celebrate with the amiable servant of God as he held the inaugural service of his church at the nation’s number one event center. Christians from various denominations were also well represented at the occasion.

Top politicians and people in and out of government and society’s big wigs were also present.

Rev. Kanyin Ajayi led the congregation in the opening prayers. He prayed “that the Lord will let His church flourish with the flock of his people, infuse the pastor with the Wisdom of Solomon, the courage of Daniel and the leadership of Moses.” Pastor Wale Adefarasin led the congregational prayers. He thanked the Lord for Trinity House and prayed for its success. He asked the Lord to “let many come and not only receive but to be a blessing in your name.” Mrs. Ibidun Ighodalo read the second Bible lesson which was taken from the book of Mark 9 vs. 14 to 23. Venerable Gbenga Fagbemi took the first offering during which BG Sax led the congregation in praise with his saxophone.

While delivering the word of exhortation, Pastor Ituah expressed his heart of gratitude to “the Almighty God and all those who gave us encouragement in the dark times.” He also acknowledged his professional partners at SIAO who tolerated his disappearances in the course of mixing professional practice with spiritual calling.

Speaking on Belief, he took his main text from the book of Mark 9 vs. 14 to 23. Belief he said “makes you see a great future. It restores what was lost. It puts an end to fear. It brings about repentance and salvation.”

Pastor Tony Rapu prayed for unity in the church. Pastor Taiwo Odukoya said the prayer of dedicating Trinity House. Ven. Fagbemi prayed for the ministers of Trinity House. Dignitaries who attended the inaugural service included Pa Jeremiah Ighodalo, Aseureme Ighodalo and his family, Dr. and Mrs. Christopher Kolade, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Mrs. Onari Duke, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Bashorun Dele Momodu, Sammie Okposo, Mofe and Dorothy Atake amongst others.

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9 ‘I Cannot Succeed Without God,’ Says President Goodluck Jonathan

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his was said during a Prayer Breakfast organised by the Aso Villa Chapel in the State House, Abuja, the federal capital territory. Dr Goodluck Jonathan, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has called on Nigerian religious leaders “not to relent” in “praying for the peace of the country”. He acknowledged that the collective prayers, offered by men and women of God, is what has been keeping the country, adding that more prayers are needed to make the country perform better. He went on to say that “the way out of the challenges facing the country” was through a “trust in God”, and he enjoined religious organisations to pray to God to guide Nigerian leaders “to lead the nation properly”.

“No matter the wisdom, skills and ability I have, I cannot succeed except with God,” he remarked.

Oshiomole Oritsejafor

Appeals

to

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he Edo State Chief Executive has appealed to religious leaders to appreciate their responsibility towards uniting Nigerians and put to check those who fan the embers of religious discord for their selfish interests. He urges Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor to use his new office as President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to sustain the relevance and authority of CAN as the mouthpiece of the Body of Christ in Nigeria. According to Oshiomhole, “CAN as a pre-eminent faith-based organization has a strong role to play in building inter-faith harmony, democratic consolidation and good governance in Nigeria. This requires leadership with maturity, a liberal disposition and a firm belief in the unity of the nation.

Oritsejafor has in the past demonstrated such qualities, especially as the President of the Pentecostal Federation of Nigeria.

Turkey’s Christians Hold Historic Church Service urkey allowed Christians to hold a rare service at a politically sensitive monastery for the first time since the modern-day country’s creation nearly nine decades ago. The service at the ancient monastery of Sumela near the Black Sea was led by Patriarch Bartholomew I, the spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians. Over 1,500 pilgrims from Greece, Russia and other countries travelled to the Byzantine-era monastery for the emotional, three-hour service, the first of two that Turkey’s government permitted this summer.

According to reports, Turkey’s Culture Ministry said the decision to open the two

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CHRISTIAN NEWS churches was a result of the ministry’s “evaluation that visitor activity brought by belief tourism would contribute in solving economic, political and social problems in these regions and would have a positive impact on relations with neighboring countries”. Some observers believe that the move is part of the Turkish government’s

effort to improve its public relationship with ethnic and religious minorities amid its bid to join the European Union. Within Turkey’s predominantly-Muslim population of 72 million people, the Greek Orthodox community stands at about 2,000.

Tanzania Court Acquits Christian Evangelists of “Illegal Preaching” wo Christian evangelists were set free after a court in Tanzania acquitted them of “illegal preaching.”

Anglican evangelists Eleutery Kobelo and Cecil Simbaulanga faced 10 months of hearings following their detention in October, 2009.

They were arrested after Muslims invited them to participate in a religious debate at a neutral venue in the Kariakoo area of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city. The evangelists explained to the court they never faced their opponents but instead security agents who charged them with “illegal preaching.” Kobelo

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said in published remarks that “Islamists” apparently called in government security forces who accused of “using religious sermons to incite Muslims and Christians into viewing each other with suspicion.” Christians said Muslims did not show up in court to support their allegation of illegal preaching and that the court therefore closed the case. “We are grateful that that the court has done justice and made its ruling based on Tanzania’s constitution that allows for freedom of religion and assembly,” adding that Christians around the world had prayed for them.

100 Christians Expelled From Morocco orocco has expelled 100 foreign Christians since March because they allegedly tried to convert Muslims; this is the harshest crackdown in decades.

Morocco’s Islamic Affairs Minister Ahmed Toufiq said that the deportations were needed for “order and calm” and to avoid a clash between faiths. The deportation of foreigners has affected the national Moroccan church.

A pastor near the city of Marrakech said that his church has stopped “all worship” activity. “We are afraid that they will attack us if we are in meetings, so there is no meeting. We think the next step may be against Moroccans,” the pastor reportedly said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Maybe they will find accusations against us or they may raid the meeting to arrest people.” These expulsions have caused concern in the US Congress, which held a hearing on the issue.

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Akinyemi Ojelade: Making a Great Impact Akinbiyi Akinsola

Akinyemi Ojelade is the founding pastor of Global Impact Ministiries, a multifaceted ministry with headquarters in Suru-Lere, Lagos. He has a mandate to teach and impart the principles of greatness. He is the author of several books including the bestselling In Pursuit of Academic Excellence. He pastors Global Impact Church with his amiable wife Abimbola and they are both blessed with 2 daughters Natasha (Pelumi) and Nicole (Subomi).

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I became born again in 1989 when I was still a student of Abeokuta Grammar School, Abeokuta. Some born again students of the University of Agriculture Abeokuta (UNAB) regularly came to pray with us in our school.

It was on one of such occasions that I gave my life to Christ. When I got into Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, to study Urban and Regional Planning I kept the fire going. I was led to start a fellowship on campus. It was named Living Word Fellowship Obafemi Awolowo University, and it is still there on the campus and it is doing very fine.

In my final year, 12 of my friends and I gathered for fasting and praying every Saturday for the church. The fasting and praying continued in our various locations during the Youth Service Corp programme after we graduated from the university. I served in Makurdi, Benue State, as a teacher. In church, Winners Chapel Markurdi, I was a youth pastor.

God used my service year to train me for the work ahead in ministry. I learnt so much as a youth pastor in Makurdi.

It was wonderful learning about church administration, how to manage a ministry and how to conduct outreaches.

The seed for the church, Global Impact, had been sown since the days of the prayer meetings at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, but it was actually inaugurated on the 30th December 2001 by Bishop David Oyedepo and Rev. Sam Adeyemi at the now defunct Favourites Restaurant on 75 Bode Thomas Street, Surulere, Lagos. The venue had a sitting capacity for about 70 people at once. The earliest mem-

bers were some of the people in the prayer and fasting group from Ife. The first service after the inauguration was a watch night service, which was held on the 31st December 2001. In less than six months we had started the second service and we had to move to a bigger location in the ninth month. I am grateful to God for helping us.

The second place we moved to was near Mercedes Benz place at Alhaji Masha in Surulere. Soon we were doing three services at Masha and we had to move again after two and a half years. We found a piece of land at Babs Animashaun Street, Surulere. We took it on lease and put up a structure there.

It is like a temporary structure, a warehouse. It has a sitting capacity of about 1,000 people. We moved there in December 2006. After three years in Babs Animashaun, the church kept growing again. We started four services on Sunday morning. We had to move again.

Presently we are at the Banquet Hall of the National Theater, Iganmu, Lagos, where we worship on Sundays. The Babs Animashaun facility is used for the two Thursday weekly services that we hold. I give God the glory for this.

In 2009, we started a radio programme called Achieve Greatness with Yemi Ojelade. In Lagos we have two stations that broadcast the programme, Inspiration FM and Radio Continental. In April 24, 2010 God gave us a breakthrough.

We now cover the whole of the South Western part of Nigeria. We are in Abeokuta on Rock City FM, OSBC in Osogbo, Diamond FM in Ibadan, Positive FM in Akure and Lokoja.”

What could be responsible for the rapid growth of the church? Does it have to do with mentoring or outreaches? “It has a lot to do with mentoring, quality mentoring. I have great mentors like Rev. Sam Adeyemi and Bishop David Oyedepo. So many things I have learnt from them about how to administer a church. I learnt about leadership and vision. In addition, I have also learnt from their mistakes. In the course of being mentored one is able to avoid so many unnecessary mistakes, which give us speed. Your mentors will teach you the mistakes they made so that you do not make the same mistakes and that gives you speed. For example a mistake that they made for about two or three years will make you gain two or three years if you learn from such mistakes.

I really advise pastors to have qualified mentors, men who can correct them.

Men who can help train you. Added to what you have, you will generate speed.

A lot has to do with mentoring really.

There are so many factors but mentoring really helped in terms of what to avoid and things that you should not get into. It is not everybody who has access to quality mentoring.

One of the things I learnt is the power of brevity. In the questionnaires that we gave to church members on what they like about the church many of them wrote about the services that are short. I believe that church services should not be boring. There must be quality music.

The message has to be impactful, short, sharp and direct. I think it encourages people to want to come again and again.

An overfed baby is not necessarily a

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12 PERSONALITY healthy baby. You do not have to preach everything in one service.

Another factor is the leadership. We believe that the better the leader, the better the organization. We invest a lot in leadership growth. We emphasize a lot on leadership development. If leaders grow, the organization grows. If leaders do not grow, the organization is stagnant. Leadership is either a blessing or a curse. So the growth of any organization, family or nation is very much dependent on the leaders. For me as a leader I know that inside the growth of the leaders is my growth.

Community impact also helped us to grow. The church is in a public place.

I believe that church money should also be used for public good. We have to promote good neighborliness.

We should be our neighbours’ keepers. We have done things that benefit the community. In addition to giving scholarships we have done beautification of our environment. We have been involved in water supply, building of toilet facilities and road repair. We helped to improve the police station in our community by improving their infrastructure. We took part in the fencing and painting of the mechanic village. There are Saturdays when church members come out to clean their environments in various places like Ojuelegba, Orile and Surulere. We also visit orphanages and give out gift items. We did a police stand on Babs Animashaun but we had to remove it when another one was brought.

Many of these projects are done under the name of Club 58, which has been of tremendous blessing to people and our community. Members of the church always donate generously to carry out our projects. Community impact has brought goodwill to the church among other benefits.”

On his writings, the man of

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God said, “I started writing when I was on campus. The first book I wrote was In Pursuit of Academic Excellence.

Bishop David Oyedepo wrote the foreword to the book. It was released into the market in 1999 and it became a bestseller. I have had to reprint it several times. I have lost count of how many copies we sold. People are still asking for more. The next was Thirty One Success Secrets, which Sam Adeyemi wrote

the foreword. Recently I wrote Seven Laws of Favour. The response has been very good.”

In Seven Laws of Favour, Ojelade describes favour as the catalyst of destiny. “It accelerates your progress. It amplifies your efforts and speaks of your abilities in the palace. Favour is good.

Favour turns our mourning into dancing; weeping may endure for a night, but with one day of favour, joy comes in the morning. One day of favour is worth

more than a lifetime of labour.”

In the book The Blessing of Overflow, which he published in 2008, the author mentioned that, “The revelation shared in the book was birthed in my spirit early in the year and its application has produced amazing results and it is still producing results. Revelation always creates a revolution. Ignorance limits destiny. The more enlightened we are, the higher we fly.”

We have had to reprint some of these books. The only challenge is the distribution. I think Nigeria has not yet matured to a level where you publish and somebody else would market such books for you. We are still saddled with the problem of marketing and distribution.”

On unity in the body of Christ, the Senior Pastor of Global Impact Ministries is of the opinion that, “We have allowed doctrinal issues to separate us. The Bible is our constitution.

Although there are different kinds of interpretations, there are some fundamentals, which should keep us together. These should make us work in unity.

Working in unity will help us in the nation’s needed transformation. We should not allow doctrinal issues to stop us from working as a body. The church in Nigeria is so large that if we come together we shall be able to help in the national reformation that we need in Nigeria. I accept and honour invitations from other churches (Pentecostal and older churches) and I also invite ministers from other churches to share the Word of God. We might need to let go of some doctrinal issues and come together. These issues weaken our strength. We can make a greater impact when we are united. If we do not come together now and make a change our children and grandchildren would not be happy with us and they would hold

13 PERSONALITY us responsible for our disunity soon.

In addition to the need for unity in the body of Christ, I believe that the church should also wake up to its responsibilities. Our messages should be as practical as possible. We should not shy away from talking about the ills in the society. For instance, corruption that is so prevalent should be discouraged.

Corruption has become a monster in our nation. When we preach about breakthrough, which is good in itself, we need to qualify it. The principles that ought to generate such things should be emphasized. Such things should be drummed into the ears of the people. I am talking about hard work, discipline, integrity and transparency. I am talking about patience. We need to attach all these intrinsic worth to what we preach. If the congregation is properly taught in church it will definitely affect what we do at work. Unfortunately if we pick up the wrong signal in church then someone can begin to steal and say it is breakthrough from God or somebody can begin to cheat and say it is prosperity. We have good examples in the scriptures like Joseph. He prospered greatly on a solid foundation of integrity, patience and hard work. These are the things that we need to preach, not just overnight prosperity or wealth. This will enable the people to know that when somebody steals money this is not prosperity from God. This is my thinking. We should know that all about life is not money. Perhaps we have overemphasized on material possessions. Life is really not only about your earthly possessions. I know that the global economic problems have contributed to this. At the end of the day, people with money and wealth are over celebrated.

Unfortunately many people now think that they would not be celebrated until they have money and stuff like that.

They can do anything to get money.

Things should not be like that.”

Talking about celebrations of certain events like birthdays and Christmas, the servant of God said, “Birthdays should be for reflections. When you are growing older and going higher you should think of what the Lord has done and give Him thanks. You should also ask yourself if you have been a blessing to people. How have you been able to bless people? What more can

you do to help people? You should also ask yourself how far you have been able to accomplish what God is asking you to do. As you celebrate you should also know that it is a time for real reflection.

As for Christmas, I celebrate the birth of Christ. Whether the date is not the actual date of his birth is not the issue. I celebrate the birth of the Lord.

What was growing up like for the servant of God? Pastor Ojelade

laughed heartily and said, “I grew up in a barrack setting in Amuwo Odofin.

When I say barrack setting I mean the estate, which had many people, rowdy area of Lagos. It was not easy really. I thank God that my parents were able to get money to send us to school. Looking back now I appreciate the discipline of the time. When my colleagues were playing with toys we were playing with tyres. We were rolling tyres on the streets. I believe that life is a leveler. If you are responsible life will always deliver.

This drove me a lot to be the best that I can be.

It taught me that what our parents could not achieve we should go beyond that.”

His parents Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Ojelade believe in what God has called him to do. They are members of the Global Impact Church. The preacher said, “It was not difficult convincing them.

In the beginning they just supported what we were doing. They are now committed members of the church.”

Yemi met his wife Abimbola (nee Fadipe), who is now a pastor with him, at Offshore Tutors, Akoka,Lagos, where they both went to retake their General Certificate of Education (G.C.E.). Later they gained admission into Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife where Abimbola studied philosophy. They got married on the 25th May, 2002 at the First Baptist Church, Ikeja. She is the author of a book titled Fit for the Palace. Pastor Nike Adeyemi wrote the foreword of the book, which she dedicated to “my parents who stood by me.”

CHRISTIAN NEWS

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2010

14 READERS’ OPINION

D

An Open Letter to Terry Jones: Senior Pastor, Dove World Outreach Center, Florida, USA August, 2010

ear Brother: And many of those who practiced magic brought their books together and [they themselves] began burning them…. (Acts 19:19) Don’t Burn the Qur’an I was much taken aback by the story first brought to my attention by CNN of your ‘pyro-picnic’ prank (in my estimation) planned to commemorate 9/11this year, that you intend for everyone of your followers (and all who would heed your call) to burn – in the name of Christ – a copy of the Muslim Holy Writ, the Qur’an.

Sir, that would, quite simply, amount to a display of “zeal for God, but not according to knowledge” (Romans 10:2, Darby), and worse.

Permit me introduce you to (or remind you of) a quote by a leading Christian writer of the last century: “Without history, we are at the mercy of our whims” (Selwyn Hughes). Your purported line of action is whimsical precisely because it would be illogical historically.

The Qur’an, as the basis of Muslim identity and Arab ascendancy in the world, remains an important historical document in the annals of humanity, one that deserves to be scrutinized by all.

We should be praying for wisdom in reaching out to Muslims to get them to do this with candour, engaging for context the Judeo-Christian Scriptures whose integrity it so unstintingly attests to.

Incidentally, the book holds special significance for Christian witness, carried out among its adherents: the Qur’an attests to the integrity of the Judeo-Christian Scriptures as it stands today; anyone who has and abides by them (in the categorisation known to the Qur’an as Tawrat and Zabur, being our Old Testament, and Injeel, our New Testament), has no need for the much latter Qur’an. Only empty polemic would rant otherwise, in brazen disservice to the cause of truth.

Indeed, the Qur’an’s ringing term of endearment for Jews and Christians (custodians of its roundly attested JudeoChristian Scriptures) is a tell-all: um-ul-

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2010

kitab, Arabic for ‘People of the Book.’ I cannot think of a fonder appellation for me! Oh, I must confess I’m a bookworm -- as in “somebody who loves reading”, and NOT as in “an insect whose larvae eat the paper or binding paste in books”!

(Ref: Microsoft® Encarta® 2009)

In the light of history, dear Brother, your present call is whimsical at best – and many, many centuries belated in fact, as the explanation below reveals.

Burning the Qur’an is an action devotees to the book and the one in whose name it was put together are best left to have against their own conscience. Intrigued?

Come with me on a quest, one with paradigm-shifting conclusions.

Take-off point are the following twin posers: 1.

Why did Muhammad’s close companions write unique versions of the Qur’an?

2.

Why were these unique versions of the Qur’an later destroyed by fire?

It is incontrovertible history that when Muhammad died in AD 632, the Qur’an had not been collected into a book. His death was abrupt and the ‘angelic visitations’ (leading to ‘inspired moments’ yielding Koranic materials) had not yet been closed; a lid had not been put in place as more portions could be expected to ‘descend’ on Mohammed, so long as he remained alive.

Many a Muslim had memorized, along with their prophet, portions of the Qur’an, a work-in-progress at best. This was especially true of people who knew Muhammad in person, those who hung around him all the time.

Qur’an means ‘to recite.’ Some of the verses had been recorded on bones, rocks, or hides before Muhammad died.

Regardless, it didn’t take long for the early Muslims to decide that they needed to have a canon of their common recitations collected into a book.

You’re making what would only amount to a bland albeit explosive political statement; you must understand that it was a political process that produced a standardised bound Qur’an. It may not be usurped.

The history of how the Qur’an came to be recorded comes from reliable Muslim source materials, known as Hadith. Far more fundamental problems than you could ever instigate for the Qur’an began during the reign of the 3rd political leader of Islam, Uthman (AD 644 to 656).

As the Islamic faith spread with military conquest farther and farther afield, the mujahedeen, or religious soldiers, were reading different versions of the Qur’an.

One of the most trusted Hadith collections is called Sahih Bukhari. In Volume 6, Book 61, Number 510, there is a story about Muslim soldiers arguing about different versions of the Qur’an:

“Hudhaifa was afraid of the different recitations of the Qur’an, so he asked ‘Uthman, “O chief of the Believers!

Save this nation before they differ about the Qur’an as Jews and the Christians did before [about theirs – an erroneous conclusion].”

In response to the request, the Caliph Uthman sent a message to Hafsah, one of Mohammed’s widows:

“Send us the Qur’an with you so that we may make copies and return to you.” Hafsah complied with the command.

Uthman sent to every Muslim

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30 >>>

15

Kingdom child

KINGDOM CHILD

CHRISTIAN NEWS

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2010

16 KINGDOM CHILD

CHRISTIAN NEWS

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2010

17 KINGDOM CHILD

CHRISTIAN NEWS

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2010

18 KINGDOM CHILD

CHRISTIAN NEWS

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2010

Marriage &

Family Between a Babe and a Madam in Marriage Bisi Adewale A woman can either be a babe or a madam in marriage. Most men got married to a babes and not a madam. That is why when a woman degenerates from being a babe to a madam; she will not be celebrated by her husband. A madam is likely to lose her husband, while a babe will win the husband to her side. To differentiate between the two, read further: Babe Does everything to look and feel younger.

Dresses and looks stunning Does everything to keep her man Makes the man happy through praises, ego boosting words, motivation, romantic words, humour and jokes Cares about the outlook of her breast Writes love notes and text messages to her husband Romantic, playful and full of “roses�

Terrific in the bedroom, making the man to rush home from work A dynamic lover, creative, caring, outstanding communicator Seeks every way to improve herself as it concerns her dressing, cooking, bedroom performance, interpersonal relation, character development, etc.

Makes her house neat and comfortable She is free from cultural belief about love, sex and marriage She sees sex as part of her duty in marriage. She knows that it is something to be enjoyed by herself and her husband and she puts everything in place to make their bedroom life a great one.

She invites her husband for sex

through, nagging, criticism, murmuring, etc Careless about her breast, exposes breasts carelessly as she breastfeed Hardly remembers that he exist if he is not at home Not romantic, gives more attention to her children, housekeeping and job Very terrible in the bedroom, full of excuses and never gets involved She is careless about the state of the house Does nothing to improve herself for her husband She is still under the yoke of culture and customs She believes sex is for baby-making. She believes it is wrong for woman to invite her husband for sex. She frustrates her husband in the bedroom.

Madam Dress carelessly and looks like grandma Celebrates oldness and old age, does nothing to look young Believes that the man is hers, and cannot be taken way Makes the house difficult for the man

If you want your marriage to be romantic and sizzling, then do away with all the characters of a madam and embrace the attributes of a babe.

For more info, Call +234-8056457013, 8068312004 or visit www.bisiadewale.com, www.totalfamilyresources. com

CHRISTIAN NEWS

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2010

20 SEXUALITY

A Guide to what’s allowed in the Bedroom

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hen it comes to sex, most married Christians just do what works for them. If they have been blessed enough to have discovered something that brings satisfaction, pleasure, closeness, and climax, they most likely will continue that practice. However, some are plagued with guilt because they wonder if what they’re doing is sinful and want to know what is and what is not okay to do sexually. Unfortunately, churches and small groups tend to ignore this issue, they don’t talk about sex, and most Christian books deal with more “spiritual” ideas. We intend to provide some guidelines that we hope will help you enjoy the gift of your sexuality to the fullest.

We’d like to point out the obvious; the Bible is not a manual on sexual techniques. Some people say that Song of Solomon describes acceptable sexual positions and behaviour. We see it as a poetic love song that clearly embraces the joy of sexual play not an outline of any specific sexual practices.

Also, we want to emphasize again that there are some specific sexual behaviours that are forbidden in scriptures like homosexuality, bestiality, and incest.

Exclusivity Many studies have confirmed what biblical commandments imply, that is, becoming one flesh with one partner provides the best setting for satisfying sexual intimacy.

Sex is neither a spectator sport for group indulgence nor an event to test a person’s ability to score with multiple partners. A couple in a long-term committed relationship enters into a more secure and trusting territory with each sexual encounter.

In that bed, sex can truly become “making love” rather than just having sex. Multiple partners create mistrust, performance anxiety, and comparison evaluations that are barriers to the deepest levels of intimacy.

Mutuality It is obvious to most couples early that men and women are significantly different in their sexual interests and drives.

Men usually have a desire for more frequent sex and greater variety in forms of sexual play. Women usually want more emotional connectedness through tender

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2010

Tola Awoyemi touch and conversation and prefer more consistent love-making technique. These differences often lead to tension over positions for intercourse, frequency of sex, and experimentation with different sources of stimulation. Doing only what is mutually agreeable sexually means that each partner will make sacrifices for the sake of intimacy. A wife may give herself more frequently or try a variety of sexual experiences and positions that go beyond her comfort zone. A husband may relinquish some sexual fantasy or adjust his demands for intercourse twice a day just to show love to his mate. Those exercises in personal restraint are not easy, but help build the oneness of intimacy.

Pleasurability Sexual play should be enjoyable! If an activity you’re doing doesn’t bring enjoyment to both partners it will cause resentment and distance between you. That’s not part of the design for “becoming one flesh.” It may be that some forms of your sexual play create pain for one or both of you. That should be evaluated medically.

If something is creating discomfort, it is probably treatable (such as vaginitis or painful erections). This can certainly produce barriers to intimacy.

Relationality One of the most destructive forces we’re seeing these days is the increasing frequency of sexual addictive disorders.

When having sexual release becomes an addiction driven to levels of compulsive behaviour, the relationship with a marriage partner may be replaced with various stimuli that are essentially fantasy

based. The use of pornographic films robs marriage of the most crucial part of intimacy, the blend of relational and sexual connectedness, which is a possible danger into your sexuality and may also create a basic sense of dissatisfaction with yourselves thus leading to the death of your relationship as well as your sexual satisfaction.

Infrequent sexual questions What is the most common cause of sex problems among couples?

While they can take many forms, sex problems are defined as any physical or emotional issue that prevents a couple from achieving a mutually satisfying intimate relationship. Among the most common for men include prostate problems, a decrease in the blood supply to the penis due to diabetes, heart disease or other health concerns, nerve damage to the spinal cord, or a decrease in the hormone testosterone. In women common problems include a lack of desire caused by a decrease in the hormone estrogen, thyroid disorders (which can also affect some men), and pain during intercourse caused by any number of vaginal problems, including a lack of lubrication. Some couples also find that the use of certain drugs can also cause sexual problems. These include alcohol, nicotine, narcotics, stimulants, some blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, and certain antidepressant medications.

Which medications commonly cause sex problems for men or women?

The most well-known are antidepressant drugs such as Prozac, or tranquilizers, such as Valium, both of which can impact desire in both men and women. For women, certain birth control pills can put a damper on desire, as can some formulations of HRT used to treat menopause symptoms. Drugs known to increase the risk of impotency in men include certain high blood pressure medications, antihistamines used for colds or allergies, some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (like ibuprofen), heartburn drugs such as Tagamet, Zantac, and Pepcid, some lipid-lowering drugs for cholesterol, and certain medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease or cancer.

21 HEALTH

‘Freely you have received, freely give’: Why it pays to donate blood Adeleke Adeyemi

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edical science has found a vivid object lesson to get us to practise what we like to preach as a virtue: It hurts everybody when you are stingy and ‘hoard stuff’ even when it’s yours.

It’s a lifeline of a reason: Men who donate blood – up to three times a year – can rest assured that they have by that altruistic action cut their risk of heart attack by more than half and their risk of cancer by nearly half.

How is this so? Simple: Giving blood removes excess iron from a man’s body, resulting in these amazing breatheasy benefits. Aristotle didn’t know it would apply when he penned it: “Selflessness is enlightened selfishness.” Or as

they say in these parts, “It’s good to be good.”

Iron is a mineral that functions primarily as a carrier of oxygen in the body, both as a part of haemoglobin in the blood and of myoglobin in the muscles.

The body increases or decreases iron absorption according to need. The presence of vitamin C (ascorbic acid; abundant in citrus fruits like oranges) in a meal in-

creases iron absorption.

When there is insufficient iron from dietary sources, or as a result of blood loss in the body, the amount of haemoglobin in the bloodstream is reduced and oxygen cannot be efficiently transported to tissues and organs throughout the body.

Iron-deficiency anaemia is characterized by fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, concentration problems, dizziness, a weakened immune system, and energy loss. Low iron is a signal that iron is being gobbled up by cancer cells or is feeding bacteria; usually it means there is chronic daily blood loss. The bleeding could be from an ulcer or tumour, among other conditions. Don’t neglect to find out the source.

Yes, inadequate intake or iron can cause ill-health... but just as important as a cause of illness is consuming too much of Iron. Hold your breath: Iron excess is a far greater risk than iron deficiency!

A classic case of too much of a good thing is bad.

So, just how much iron do you really need, for a mineral that is not excreted from the body?

Iron once absorbed stays and accumulates in storage, save for one wee milligram that’s lost every day through hair, finger nails, skin cells and other detritus. Hence that’s the amount needed every day to replace the loss.

Just a small extra amount of excess iron is sufficient to damage heart and brain and other storage sites in the body, leading to heart attack or stroke. Note that there’s exaggerated concern in medical

circles when haemoglobin falls temporarily, following surgery, for example.

Just about everything in nature brims with Iron. If you are not absorbing the one daily milligram needed to keep you going, you truly must be on a starvation diet; low iron is the least of your worries! Go for iron supplementation only when you need it; be aware of its toxic ability to harm you.

Severe iron overload (known as haemochromatosis) can occur in people who are genetically predisposed to it. Also known as Iron storage disease, or bronze diabetes, it is an inborn metabolic defect characterized by an increased absorption of iron, which accumulates in body tissues.

Further, intake of iron beyond a certain quantity can promote formation of free radicals in the body, now with the well-established reputation for causing cellular changes, which can disrupt normal cell function and increase the risk of certain chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

If a man happens to be a red meat eater, the risk for iron overload can be even higher. So, watch it with those suya treats; they’re a trick!

Now for that blood donation!

But how can you be sure you’re not giving away too much iron? Before you’re allowed to give blood, your haemoglobin level (a rough measure of your iron levels) should be checked. If it’s deemed too low, simply postpone your act of personal philanthropy.

Since 1983, the American health authorities have put in place a prohibition banning, for life, homosexual men (even one-off acts) from donating blood, to stop the spread of the HIV virus through transfusions. The ban extends to intravenous drug users and prostitutes. Tests for the virus are not 100% accurate all the time.

All said, make it (why not!) a family outing every June 14: World Blood Donor Day. Mark that living-room calendar now!

It is just as Solomon, in his wisdom, wrote eons ago: “There is one who scatters yet increases more; but a withholder of just due comes only to poverty.”

CHRISTIAN NEWS

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2010

22 PARENTING TEENAGERS

Life Rules for Teenagers

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thought I’d pass on some classic words of wisdom from Charles J. Sykes, author of the 1996 book Dumbing Down Our Kids: Why American Children Feel Good About Themselves But Can’t Read, Write, Or Add. These rules have been incorrectly attributed to a number of other people over the years. Most recently, emails have been circulating stating that they were a part of a high school graduation ceremony speech by Bill Gates, Founder of Microsoft, but that attribution is false.

In any event, these rules are timeless, humorous, and so very true. They caught my attention, so I think they will catch yours as well. Feel free to pass them on, but be sure not to attribute them to me.

Life Rules for Teenagers Rule No. 1: Life is not fair. Get used to it.

The average teenager uses the phrase “It’s not fair” 8.6 times a day. You got it from your parents, who said it so often you decided they must be the most idealistic generation ever. When they started hearing it from their own kids, they realized Rule No. 1.

Rule No. 2: The real world won’t care as much about your self-esteem as your school does. It’ll expect you to accomplish something before you feel good about yourself. This may come as a shock.

Usually, when inflated self-esteem meets reality, kids complain that it’s not fair.

(See Rule No. 1) Rule No. 3: Sorry, you won’t make $40,000 a year right out of high school.

And you won’t be a vice president or have a car phone either. You may even have to wear a uniform that doesn’t have a Gap label.

Rule No. 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait ’til you get a boss. He doesn’t have tenure, so he tends to be a bit edgier.

When you screw up, he’s not going to ask you how you feel about it.

Rule No. 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your grandparents had a different word for burger flipping. They called it opportunity. They weren’t em-

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barrassed making minimum wage either. They would have been embarrassed to sit around talking about Kurt Cobain all weekend.

Rule No. 6: It’s not your parents’ fault. If you screw up, you are responsible. This is the flip side of “It’s my life,” and “You’re not the boss of me,” and other eloquent proclamations of your generation.

When you turn 18, it’s on your dime. Don’t whine about it, or you’ll sound like a baby boomer.

Rule No. 7: Before you were born your parents weren’t as boring as they are now. They got that way paying your bills, cleaning up your room and listening to you tell them how idealistic you are. And by the way, before you save the rain forest from the blood-sucking parasites of your parents’ generation, try delousing the closet in your bedroom.

Rule No. 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers. Life hasn’t.

In some schools, they’ll give you as many times as you want to get the right answer.

Failing grades have been abolished and class valedictorians scrapped, lest anyone’s feelings be hurt. Effort is as important as results. This, of course, bears not the slightest resemblance to anything in real life. (See Rule No. 1, Rule No. 2 and Rule No. 4.)

Rule No. 9: Life is not divided into semesters, and you don’t get summers off.

Not even Easter break. They expect you to show up every day. For eight hours. And you don’t get a new life every 10 weeks.

It just goes on and on. While we’re at it, very few jobs are interested in fostering your self-expression or helping you find yourself. Fewer still lead to self-realization. (See Rule No. 1 and Rule No. 2.)

Rule No. 10: Television is not real life.

Your life is not a sitcom. Your problems will not all be solved in 30 minutes, minus time for commercials. In real life, people actually have to leave the coffee shop to go to jobs.

Rule No. 11: Be nice to nerds. You may end up working for them. We all could.

Rule No. 12: Smoking does not make you look cool. It makes you look moronic. Next time you’re out cruising, watch an 11-year-old with a butt in his mouth.

That’s what you look like to anyone over 20. Ditto for “expressing yourself” with purple hair and/or pierced body parts.

Rule No. 13: You are not immortal. (See Rule No. 12.) If you are under the impression that living fast, dying young and leaving a beautiful corpse is romantic, you obviously haven’t seen one of your peers at room temperature lately.

Rule No. 14: Enjoy this while you can.

Sure parents are a pain, school’s a bother, and life is depressing. But someday you’ll realize how wonderful it was to be a kid.

Maybe you should start now. You’re welcome.

These Life Rules for Teens were first written by Charles J. Sykes.

Mark Gregston, a teen behavior expert with over 30 years experience is the Founder and Executive Director of Heartlight Ministries, a Christian residential counselling program for struggling teenagers, located in East Texas USA. He hosts the “Parenting Today’s Teens” radio program heard on over 2,500 radio outlets in the United States.

23 CHURCH DESIGN

Cathedral of Brasilia in Brasilia, Brazil

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he Cathedral of Brasília (Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida) is the Roman Catholic cathedral serving Brasília, Brazil, and serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Brasília. It is known officially as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady Aparecida (Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida), dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title of Our Lady of Aparecida, proclaimed by the Church as Queen and Patroness of Brazil. The cathedral, an expression of the architect Oscar Niemeyer was completed and dedicated on May 31, 1970. It is a hyperboloid structure constructed from 16 concrete columns, weighing 90 tons each. The exterior of the cathedral resembles the circular plan and ribbed structure of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, but the latter is clad in solid material, while the Cathedral of Brasília allows light in and out for almost the full height of the ribs. This concrete-framed hyperboloid structure seems with its glass roof to be reaching up, open, to heaven. Niemeyer’s project of Cathedral of Brasília is based in the hyperboloid of revolution which sections are asymmetric.

CHRISTIAN NEWS

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2010

Church &

Christian HISTORY

Najran: Fragrance of Arabia’s Christian Past Mai Nasara

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t served as a junction on the fabulous Incense Road, a trade route that comprised a network of major ancient trading routes linking the Mediterranean world with Eastern sources of incense (and spices), stretching from Mediterranean ports across the Levant (the Fertile Crescent, comprising modern-day Lebanon, Israel, and parts of Syria and Turkey) through Egypt, right across Arabia to India.

Najran, founded in the 5th century BC, rose to become an important centre of Christianity in the Near East. The oasis had a large and prominent Christian population and became the seat of a Bishopric, long before the rise of Islam.

A devout Christian architect and bricklayer named Phemion had come to settle

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2010

there. He taught them his faith and its ordinances. The Najranis, longstanding idolatrous revellers, turned over their lives and society to the new-found faith.

The incense trade from southern Arabia to the Mediterranean flourished between the 3rd century B.C. and the 2nd century of the present era. The Incense Road, socalled, served as a channel for dealing in goods such as Arabian frankincense and myrrh, Indian spices, ebony, silk and fine textiles and East African rare woods, feathers, animal skins and gold.

Najran came to symbolise a safe haven for Christian merchants, who were as rich as others from far afield as the bigger centres of Edessa (now Şanlıurfa, Turkey) and Alexandria, the Mediterranean seaport city in northern Egypt, founded by Alex-

ander the Great in 332 BC, a major cultural centre of the ancient world, renowned for its library. Najran was the fulcrum of many an international intrigue involving economics, politics and religion.

According to the Arab Muslim historian, Ibn Ishaq, the first Christian centre to emerge in the southern part of Saudi Arabia was Najran. The oasis of Najran has been inhabited for about 4,000 years.

Modern-day Najran straddles northern Yemen and (mainly) Saudi Arabia.

Christianity thrived in Najran until the rise of Islam’s third Caliph, Umar, who decreed that its Christian community of Najran be deported wholesale to Mesopotamia, on the grounds that no non-Muslims were allowed to live in the Arabian Peninsula, to fulfil a deathbed wish of the prophet of Islam.

The town of Najran was already an important centre of arms manufacture during the time of Muhammad. Finally, sometime between AD 630 and 631, the Najrans yielded to the onslaught of the new religion reaching across the region and beyond. The sun did set on Najran, brought on by the sweep of the sickle of the moon bearing down on it.

Old Najran was surrounded by a circular wall, 220 by 230 metres, built of granitic cuboids with defensive balconies, among several unique buildings. Excavations of this site have uncovered glass, metals, pottery, and bronze artefacts. Square and rectangular buildings have also been found. There was once a thriving Jewish community at Najran known for the garments they manufactured. Later, many of them converted to Christianity.

Historical artefacts uncovered in the area include rock drawings and inscriptions known as petroglyphs of human and animal figures, as well as early Arabic (or

25 CHURCH & CHRISTAIN HISTORY Kufic) inscriptions. Of particular interest is a large sand-covered fortress in the south of Najran, built with giant stones similar to those used in constructing Egypt’s far more famous pyramids. Other Najran landmarks include the “Rass,” a 2-metre-high granite stone.

According to Muslim Hadith accounts (they are secondary only to the Qur’an), sometime during the 9th and 10th year of the Muslim calendar (lunar-based, it took off in AD 622, referenced from Muhammad’s flight from Mecca to Medina, the Hijrah) an Arab Christian envoy from Najran, under the leadership of Abd alMasih of Bani [‘House of’] Kinda came visiting.

The long-awaited distinguished delegation, comprising fourteen Christian chieftains, which included Abdul Harith, bishop of the neighbouring Bani Harith, was received by Muhammad at his religio-political capital in Medina (formerly Yathrib) on their crucial mission.

The agenda was simple: To ask the new religious leader claiming continuity with the Judeo-Christian prophetic tradition his beliefs concerning the person of Jesus.

The two sides were unable to reach any consensus on the person of Jesus compatible with their two different belief systems. This unbridgeable Christological divide has remained at the heart of the age-long difference between the two world religions to this day.

Mohammad resorted to Mubahala, an ancient Arab custom of calling down curses on each other by two differing camps to settle a matter. (This mechanism for resolving religious disputes may be invoked in Islam, when argumentations from both sides fail to decide a point of religious dispute. The parties involved jointly ‘pray to God to cast his curse on whichever of the two parties is false’.)

The Christians consulted among themselves and refused to accept Mohammad’s recourse, in obedience to the clear injunction of their Lord in that regard. Instead, they opted to sign a ‘peace treaty’ with the Muslims; embedded was a proposal by Mohammad who, having the upper hand, foisted on the Christians Jizya, a poll-tax levied on non-Muslim’s living under the shadow of the Crescent.

Muhammad sealed the treaty with a demand for the payment of a tribute of 2000 articles of clothing, each valued at 40 dirhams, for the Christians to be allowed to carry on professing their ancestral faith ‘in peace’.

The Christians of Najran would later come into conflict with the Jewish rulers of Yemen, which ended in their being

massacred in AD 524 by the Himyarite king, Yusuf As’ar Dhu Nuwas.

In an account he penned that same year describing the Najran persecutions in detail, the Syrian Simeon, Bishop of Beth Arsham, describes how female martyrs rushed in to join “our parents and brothers and sisters who have died for the sake of Christ our Lord.”

In one report, reminiscent of the acts of Marta and her father Pusai, a freeborn woman of Najran named Habsa taunts Dhu Nuwas with the memory of her father. Habsa recounts to him: “I am the daughter of Hayyan, of the family of Hayyan, the teacher by whose hand our Lord sowed Christianity in this land.”

Simeon of Beth Arsham’s Second letter

noted yet another remarkably grisly episode. After seeing her Christian kinsmen burned alive, Ruhm, a noblewoman of high standing in Najran, dared the Himyarite monarch: “Cut off our heads, so that we may go join our brothers and my daughter’s father.”

The executioners complied, slaughtering her daughter and granddaughter before her eyes. He forced her to drink the blood.

The martyrs of Najran are remembered in the calendars of many Christian traditions and are even eulogised in the Qur’an chronicling contemporary notable events in its vicinity.

The stories of the Najran martyrdoms soon spread to other Christian lands, to be recounted in heroic terms for the cause of Christ. This led to Najran becoming a major pilgrimage centre. It even rivalled Mecca to the north, if momentarily.

The leader of the Arabs of Najran executed during the period of persecution, Al-Harith, has been canonized by the Roman Catholic Church as St. Aretas.

Before the onset of that dark era, the bishops of Najran reportedly ventured on several occasions to the great fairs of Mina and Ukaz, to preach Christianity, each saddled on a camel as a pulpit. The Church of Najran was called Ka’aba-e-Najran. There were several other shrines in Arabia each known as Ka’aba.

Ka’aba -e-Najran, located in the district of Jabal Taslal, attracted worshippers for nearly half a century before the Islamic era. When Najran fell to the occupation forces of Dhu Nuwas, he had it burned down together with the bones of its martyrs and some 2,000 Christians –alive– within the smouldering edifice.

Today, Najran is an important agricultural city in Saudi Arabia.

CHRISTIAN NEWS

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2010

PEOPLE Titbits

Ibitayo Jeje Ladi Ogungbemi

I

bitayo Jeje is one of Nigeria’s finest female gospel music ministers. A woman set on bringing hope to the world through the word of God in music, she started her music career over 10 years ago. Ibitayo began her singing career performing in various choirs, performing for the ex-president of Nigeria, General Olusegun Obasanjo severally, and then much later had collaboration with friends such as Sammie Okposo, Kore, Rocksam, Soji Israel and Mike Aremu.

Ibitayo’s first album released six years ago, was titled ‘I need a man’. The album was inspired by a desire to educate people about Jesus Christ. Although distribution kept the album from recognition, by her own admission, it did build a strong buzz. Ibitayo then went back to the studio late last year, defining and refining her sound, by creating a distinct brand within an almost lost genre of music called ‘High-life’.

Her first single from the new album released in March 2008 titled ‘E no dey slumber’ meaning God never slumbers, has been causing waves within the Nigerian gospel music industry. Set HIM Off Music, a leading worldwide gospel music label and publishing outfit based in the United Kingdom, describes the single as “a breathe of fresh air”, while the Gospel Vibes Magazine describes it as a “....triumph for modern day music. A beautiful

CHRISTIAN NEWS

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2010

blend of African rhythms, salsa, and jazz, which gives it that easy listening vibe, elevating it into brilliance”.

Ibitayo is gradually becoming one of the most influential voices in the Nigerian gospel music scene and hopes to bring her style of music into international acceptance. Although her new album contains some African inspired songs, it is described as a blend of highlife music, using the English language as a platform to

reach a wider audience with a fusion of pigin and vernacular within the international community.

Ibitayo, a graduate of Business administration, is happily married to Pastor Ayo Jeje, a versatile apostle for Christ and minister of the Word.

Ibitayo was on tour last year and ministered at various churches and concerts in Manchesster, Birmingham, Shefield, and London.

In an interview with our correspondent, she tells us her definition of good music; how she has been able to manage the home front and her musical career; the acceptance and standards of gospel music in Nigeria and the UK; where she expects to be in the next five years; her greatest challenge as a gospel musician and advice to other gospel artistes.

“Well for me good music is any music that has good lyrical content and good beats and I think to a large extent, we have that working for us in Nigeria. Right now, our music is well accepted abroad and that’s a big plus for the industry.

For me music is still part time because I do other businesses on the side. I don’t have any regrets being a gospel artist but we all know that secular artists make more money. My husband understands what I do so I have been able to manage home front and my music well. I think we are on course; we just need a body that can manage gospel artists well so we can have the right platform. In the UK, they receive us well and keep us very busy with shows and programs. In the next five years Ibitayo would have taken over the high life industry. I need gospel artists to really step up their promotions and make more noise with our videos, be more consistent with our messages and God will take us there. Am looking at doing a collaboration with Chief Ebenezer Obe.”

27 PEOPLE TITBITS

Ouch Ladi Ogungbemi Three years ago, when Uche Nnaji took a bold step into the fashion business, many of his competitors never gave him any chance in the already flourishing industry, especially when some big names had already cornered a better part of the market. Not minding the huddles ahead of his ambition to break into the league of notable fashion brands in the country, Nnaji remained focused, putting all his creativity into practice with the hope of blossoming someday. From his little beginning, OUCH, his fashion label has become a notable name among fashionable youths in Lagos, with their branded suits, blazers, ties and cufflinks. With its major showroom located in Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos, the outfit is now involved in handling major projects for its corporate customers around the world.

“Sometimes, it’s hard to believe how young we are, yet how far we’ve come,” says Nnaji, the CEO of the outfit during a special media luncheon held recently to commemorate the third anniversary of his fashion house. The designer noted that within their few years in the business, the outfit has succeeded in carving out a niche for itself. “That has won us a strong market share because we’ve been consistent with our vision. This has also resulted in a dominant voice shared among style brands in the country in terms of media and public perception.

And we are proud of that. Of course, there are challenges we still have to overcome, but one can confidently say that there’s reason to celebrate.”

The luncheon also saw the formal unveiling of the company’s new brand identity, aimed at repositioning it as it prepares to expand its reach in the coming months. “Our target has always been making OUCH an international brand.

We’ve been working hard over the past few months and we are now poised to meet world class standards with a proud Nigerian brand; by that, we pay attention to details in terms of our final products, to reflect this vision.” It would be recalled that OUCH, which was one of the selected style brands at the recently held Upfront and Personal Discount Fair in Lagos, was earlier this year announced

as Style Entrepreneur of The Year at this year’s Future Nigeria Awards.

Below are excerpts of an interview he had with our correspondent Who is Uche?

Uche is a Nigerian Male from Abia.

When did you start?

Ouch started when I was born, but as a business, we took off 3 years ago and it’s been interesting.

How would you describe yourself in the Nigerian Fashion Industry?

I would describe myself as a young man that lives in the present day Nigeria, because he has a mandate to build the first fashion and lifestyle global retail brand that will emanate from Nigeria. I can also describe myself as a youth ambassador for my generation.

What inspires you?

Nigerians inspire me! I just take a look at the way people go out of their ways and means to look good, [and that] is enough inspiration for me.

Sure it is.

What is your ultimate goal?

To deliver that which I am “pregnant” with for my generation before leaving this world. Also to have a positive impact on as much people, I meet daily.

That way we can, together, make this country a better place for generations to come.

How has your own experience affected your work as a designer?

All experience can have an influence on your work - both major and minor.

Who do you have in mind when you design?

Do I really design? Let’s just leave it that I’m a creative person and I have the ability to conceive things that others bring to life, when I explain my concepts to them. So, when I’m being creative with designs and what line should be introduced next, I just look at the streets and events. It gives us direction on what next to do. But ultimately, we want people to go..OUCH! when they see you wearing our designs.

Who has been the greatest influence on your career?

My family, friends and fans.

Which is more important in your work: the process or the product?

Both of them are equally important. The process has to be properly followed to produce an awesome product.

Have you ever been influenced or moved by the feedback to your designs?

Compliments from clients on a daily basis has kept us informed on how appreciated our works are.

What’s your logo definition? (Describe your style) My style is simply OUCHrageous (Vintage-Trendy).

Is the idea of creative collaboration important to you?

CHRISTIAN NEWS

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2010

28 THE GUIDE Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore

will cause their owners to get rid of them, which will enable cats to take over their share of the pet market.

astonishing new destiny.

The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker

Rooms by James Rubart

T

he film is a sequel to Cats & Dogs (2001). In the age-old battle between cats and dogs, one crazed feline has taken things a paw too far. Kitty Galore, formerly an agent for cat spy organization MEOWS, has gone rogue and hatched a diabolical plan to not only bring her canine enemies to heel, but take down her former kitty comrades and make the world her scratching post. Faced with this unprecedented threat, cats and dogs will be forced to join forces for the first time in history in an unlikely alliance to save themselves and their humans.

In this film the Cats and Dogs continue to be mortal enemies in a battle for supremacy among humans, and both sides have secret organizations and technology at their disposal.

A loose -cannon police dog named Diggs (voice of James Marsden) is recruited by his species’ equivalent of the CIA to help stop a psychotic hairless cat named Kitty Galore (Bette Midler). Kitty plans to deploy a weapon that will make all dogs go crazy, which CHRISTIAN NEWS

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2010

O

n a rainy spring day in Seattle, young software tycoon Micah Taylor receives a cryptic, twenty-five-year-old letter from a great uncle he never knew. It claims a home awaits him on the Oregon coast that will turn his world inside out. Suspecting a prank, Micah arrives at Cannon Beach to discover a stunning brand new nine-thousand square foot house. When bizarre things start happening in the rooms of the home, Micah suspects they have some connection to his enigmatic new friend, Rick, the town mechanic. But Rick will only say the house is spiritual.

This unnerves Micah because his faith slipped away like the tide years ago, and he wants to keep it that way. But as he slowly discovers, the home isn’t just spiritual, it’s a physical manifestation of his soul, which God uses to heal Micah’s darkest wounds and lead him into an

F

BI Special agent Brad Raines is facing his toughest case yet. A Denver serial killer has killed four beautiful young women, leaving a bridal veil at each crime scene, and he’s picking up his pace. Unable to crack the case, Raines appeals for help from a most unusual source: residents of the Center for Wellness and Intelligence, a private psychiatric institution for mentally ill individuals whose are extraordinarily gifted. Bride Collector is an action-packed novel that explores some interesting themes as well as exposing the misconceptions that people hold about those with mental illness. The reader’s attention is held by the story of a serial killer with great intelligence and his twisted belief that he is killing brides for God. Although the book has high entertainment value, it also leaves the reader thinking about the deeper things in life such as true beauty and God’s love.

29 TRIVIA God Grants a Wish

Solution

Down 1. one of christ’s twelve chosen followers 2.

‘Ananias, with Sapphira his wife,___ a possession’ (Acts 5 :1) (4) 3.

Feast day celebration on 1 August (6) 4.

Number of men killed by Samson in Judges 15 (8) 5.

Pungent root mentioned in Numbers 11 (5) 6.

The season of Pentecost (11) 7.

Fourth King of Judah (842-878BC) (11) 13 White linen investment worn over the cassock (8) 16 ‘ I am not worthy to stoop down and ______’( Mark 1:7)(7) 17 ‘_____ at a gnat, and swallow a camel’ (Mathew 23:24) (6) 19 Modern name of the island where the apostle Paul was shipwrecked (5) 22 Acid in the blood, crystals of which cause gout (4)

Across 1 Absolute 8 Hoodlum 9 Olive 11 Mass 12 NCO 14 Useful 15 Enough 18 Tom 20 Path 21 Clip 23 Dalai 24 Aureola 25 Tabernacle

Across 1.

Remission of sins, declared by a priest (10) 8 Gangster (7) 9.

Tree that spoke in Judges 9 (5) 10.

First black bishop of Johannesburg (4) 11.

Type of church service (4) 12. for example, sergeant or corporal (1,1,1) 1. serviceable (6) 2.

‘T he lion did tear in pieces _______ for his whelps’ (Nahum 2 :12)(6) 18 Male cat (3) 16. rack in which stood the angel in numbers 22 (4) 17.

To cut short, as were the beards in Jeremiah 48 (4) 23 Tibet’s Head Lama (5) 24 Painted halo (7) 25 Tent housing the ark of the covenant (10)

Down 1 Apostle 2 Sold 3 Lammas 4 Thousand 5 Onion 6 Whitsuntide 7 Jehoshaphat 13 Surplice 16 Unloose 17 Strain 19 Malta 22 Uric

Quick Bible Crossword

A man walking along a California beach was deep in prayer when all of a sudden he said aloud, “Lord grant me one wish”. The sky clouded and a booming voice said, “Because you have tried to be faithful I will grant you one wish.” The man said, “Build a bridge to Hawaii so I can drive over anytime I want to.”

The Lord answered, “Your request is very materialistic. Think of the logistics of that kind of undertaking; the supports required to reach the bottom of the Pacific; the concrete and steel it would take. I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your desire for worldly things. Take a little more time to think of another wish, a wish you think would honour and glorify me”.

The man thought for a long time and finally said, “Lord, I wish that I could understand women. I want to know what they feel inside, what they are thinking when they give me the silent treatment, why they cry, what they mean when they say ‘nothing’, and how I can make a woman truly happy?”

After a few minutes God said, “How many lanes do you want on that bridge?”

CHRISTIAN NEWS

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2010

30 CALENDAR

Church Calendar of Events Name of Church Event

Date

Time

Venue

RCCG City of David

Nicodemus Sunday

September 26, 2010

7:30am to 10:30am

Plot 16 - 19, Block B, Dideolu Estate, Off Ligali Ayorinde Street, Victoria Island, Lagos State, Nigeria.

The Latter Rain Ministries

Classic programme

Monday 6th to Friday 10th September

The Latter Rain Assembly Plot 4 Akilo Road Off Oba Akran Avenue Ogba, Lagos Nigeria.

Sunday 5th September

Marina, Lagos

The Cathedral Young People Church of Christ and Children’s Harvest

Musical Concert Wednesday 15th September

>>> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

An Open Letter to Terry Jones province one copy of what they had copied, and ordered that all the other Qur’anic materials, whether written in fragmentary manuscripts or whole copies, be burnt.

This politically motivated book-burning party of early Muslim history renders redundant any action in the present era that sets out to do the same.

Don’t seek to do it now, and render the venerable objet sacr defensible under the doctrine of double jeopardy.

Besides, great danger will flow from your action—if carried out—for many millions of Christians in many parts of the world, especially where Islam holds sway, as well as all over from possible terrorist attempts. Consider also that it would be the Muslim season of the ‘breaking’ of the

CHRISTIAN NEWS

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2010

Ramadan fast, a feast day when Muslim sentiments are high and should be respected in deferential understanding.

According to Muslim logic, as retaliation for your uninformed antics Christian peoples (who may not even be aware of your anti-Muslim action) will be held ‘punishable’ by the bibliolatrous hordes that kiss copies of the Koran and pass under the venerated object as an act of worship. I know; I grew up under the shadow of the Crescent.

They have already burnt it into shape to satisfy political expediency, right at the outset; they’d prefer we don’t raise any question as to the raison d’être for that course of action.

We are not of them that burn – off the face

of the earth – evidence likely to be contrary to our claims.

Burning the Qur’an – in its present state, in the present era – is moot. Don’t burn the book; after all, it’s only Uthman’s…

Please take time to ponder on the following salient lyrics from a contemporary hymn:

Shine, Jesus, Shine—

Fill this land With the Father’s glory Blaze, Spirit, blaze: Set our hearts on fire….

My Brother: Don’t do it!

Stay blessed,

The Kingdom Redeemers Evangelical Ministries What must I do to be saved?

The greatest question in the Bible is how do you find Christ? The first step in finding Christ is to recognize that you need him, that you are a sinner, that you have violated the principles of truth in the word of God. The Bible say’s in Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”. I have sinned and you have sinned, and because we have sinned we must have the blood of Jesus Christ cleanse us from all sin. Our morality cannot save us, our goodness cannot save us, and our acts of kindness cannot save us. The Bible says in 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Now you might be thinking that you are not good enough. I want you to know that God can save to uppermost. It does not matter what you have done, he can save you. God loves us even though we are sinners. The Bible says in Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

God has made it possible through the gift of his son for you to be saved. That provision is God’s gift. The Bible says in Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” For it is by Grace that you have been saved through Faith. It is not of yourself, it is the gift of God that you have been saved, not by works so that no one can boast. So you see, you cannot get to Heaven by being good or by doing his works or acts of kindness. You only get to Heaven because you have confessed your sins. There must be the resentence of sin which means you must turn away from your sins. The Bible says in Mark 1:15 “the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Repent means to turn away, walk and go another way. It is a required action to confess and believe. That if you confess with your mouth to our Lord Jesus and if you believe in your heart, that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified and with your mouth that you confess your sin and are saved. The result is eternal salvation, for the Bible says in Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

The Bible says that salvation is found in no other name given among men under Heaven, other than the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. So if you want to find Christ all you have to do is pray this prayer.

Lord Jesus Christ, I confess that I’m a sinner. I ask you to forgive me of my sins and to cleanse me of all unrighteousness. I believe that Your Son Jesus died in my place, to pay the penalty for my sin, and rose again for my salvation. I want to turn from my sinful ways, so I now ask you, Lord Jesus, to come into my life as my Savior and my Lord. I will serve you and obey you. I will read your word and I will follow Christ from this day forward all the days of my life. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

With that simple prayer you have stepped from darkness into the light.

The difficulties of living as a Christian in a sinful world are many. Therefore it is important that you seek other Christians to help you sustain your resolve. Go to Church as often as you can to help you support your beliefs

and obey God.

Pastor Michael Olatunji Dada (The kingdom Redeemers Evangelical Ministries 27/29 Martins Street, 5th floor. Tel: +234 (01) 879 6728, 08031132048, 07058721112, E-mail: kingdomedemmer@yahoo.com, website: kingdomedeemers.com