WORLD CUP 2014: DID GOD FAIL BRAZIL?

“Faith, in this week of all weeks (the week leading to semi-final match), has come to the fore once again for Brazil and its beloved Selecao. In the hours before the semi-final against Germany, Scolari will find a chapel in Belo Horizonte and pray. Before emerging into the cacophony of noise at Estadio Minerao, the players will stand together and recite the Lord's Prayer as one. In churches and homes across Brazil, pictures of the players hang next to crosses and other religious symbols. These two pillars are inescapably intertwined here. Brazil's footballers - and the wider population - believe it is their destiny to win the World Cup in the City of God on 13 July.”

FIFA World Cup 2014 climaxes today with what promises to be an explosive intercontinental clash between Germany and Argentina. Did you read that? It’s Germany versus Argentina. Host, Brazil and almost everybody’s pre-tournament favourite for the trophy are not in the final. By the time you read this, they would have fought for top place against Holland and may won. But not even that is sure, as I write this.

Now, as you already know, unless you live on the moon, it is not just the failure of the team to qualify for the final, tragic as that is to Brazilians, it is the manner of their ouster; a whopping seven goals to one from the hands, or more appropriately, the legs of the German machine team. Humiliation, demolition, massacre, disgrace are some of the words that have been used to describe this new World Cup record – the most humiliating defeat at a World Cup semi-final. Incidentally it’s the only other record Brazil now holds, besides having won the cup more times than any other country.

How did the world’s best footballing nation come to suffer such devastating defeat? How did a country that did not anchor its expected victory only on skill, but also on the God factor fail so woefully?

Yes, the God factor was always a major part of Brazil’s strategic thinking for this and all previous championships. Let’s substantiate that.

In a BBC Sport article, “World Cup 2014: Faith and Football as Brazil Unites to Pray for Glory,” Ben Smith, writing from Rio De Janeiro reported incontrovertible evidence of the place of faith in this all-important national enterprise.

“It is hard to think of a country that combines sport and spirituality quite like Brazil”, he wrote. Beginning from the general, Smith noticed that “religious imagery is everywhere you look…. Close to where Brazil have trained in Teresopolis, there is a mountain range called God's fingers. Sao Paulo is named after Saint Paul, Salvador is named after Jesus, while Copacabana got its name from the Patron Saint of Bolivia, Virgin of the Candelaria.”

He proceeded to the particular: “Faith, in this week of all weeks (the week leading to semi-final match), has come to the fore once again for Brazil and its beloved Selecao. In the hours before the semi-final against Germany, Scolari will find a chapel in Belo Horizonte and pray. Before emerging into the cacophony of noise at Estadio Minerao, the players will stand together and recite the Lord's Prayer as one. “In churches and homes across Brazil, pictures of the players hang next to crosses and other religious symbols. These two pillars are inescapably intertwined here. Brazil's footballers - and the wider population - believe it is their destiny to win the World Cup in the City of God on 13 July.”

Prior to that stage of the tournament, the players had pressed faith into action to successfully. Ben reported that “before the penalty shootout in their last-16 game against Chile, Brazil captain Thiago Silva prayed alone on the sidelines. ‘I asked God to bless our players, especially [goalkeeper] Julio Cesar. He deserved that,’ he said.”

Continuing, Ben wrote: “What no-one knew was Cesar had placed a religious charm in his goal before the penalties began. It had been handed to him at the end of extra time by reserve goalkeeper Victor. ‘There is faith and there is superstition,’ Victor said. ‘In my case, it's faith. I am religious and I try to reinforce my spiritual side before every game. It is a way to strengthen myself and support my friends with my prayers. I had not planned to give it to Julio, but it happened on the spur of the moment. He welcomed it. It was a kind of reinforcement. I want to stress the importance of Julio as a goalkeeper. Faith is important, but we can't depend on faith alone. God does his part and we have to do our job on the field. Julio was well prepared.’”

Ben finds that Coach Scolari is also in the “victory by faith” business. Scolari, he wrote “has used it to bond and motivate the players. Before the victory over Colombia, he visited a chapel in the grounds of the team hotel in Fortaleza. In the dressing room before the match, the squad repeated the Lord's Prayer. And at the final whistle, defender David Luiz sank to his knees and prayed again.”

That brings us to the faith of the players. David Luiz typifies that. He told Ben: "My faith in Jesus gives me strength to keep on going out onto the field and to do my best…But I also want to inspire others - that is what God inspires me to do. For me, true life is found in the relationship with Jesus Christ. I believe that everything in life belongs to God and he has a clear plan for us if we follow him."

With all of these, why did Brazil fail to win the World Cup? Why did they fall so badly to Germany? Did God fail brazil? WHAT DO YOU THINK?

DESCENT INTO DARKNESS (2)

"My conclusion, then as now is: “when the media is being intimidated; when governors’ right to free movement and association is circumscribed; when military operatives treat elected officials with disdain; when impunity becomes the order of the day; when in the face of all that the prophets are silent, that is darkness visible. Please note the emphasis above on the prophets’ silence. It reminds me of a brilliant piece titled, “Where are the Nigerian prophets?” by PUNCH’s Jide Ojo..." 

June 2014, I wrote last week, will be remembered for a number of actions taken by agents of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration “portend danger to our democracy and the corporate existence of our nation, Nigeria.”

Those actions, mainly infractions on civil and fundamental rights, not just of ordinary citizens, but also, of political leaders who belong to the opposition camp.

There was what I characterised as “an ill-explained clampdown on newspapers by the military authorities, which began on June 6 in Abuja and continued for almost two weeks spreading to some other parts of the country.” I pointed out that there had been no “report of the presidency distancing itself from this unconstitutional attempt to intimidate the media” and described as “portent number one”.

Portent number two was the Thursday June 19, well-coordinated exclusion of at least two governors from of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) from the final campaign rally of the incumbent governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi at Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. While Edo’s Adams Oshiomhole was not even allowed the privilege of living his Benin City base by helicopter that he had legitimated hired, River’s Chibuike Amaechi was “luckier”, he was allowed to land in Akure, Ondo State. But what happened thereafter was simply unthinkable in a democracy. He was hounded out of the area by military operatives.

The Presidency’s reaction through spokesman Reuben Abati, as I noted, evasive, at best: “…security agencies had a duty to stop those who might be able to compromise the process from achieving their aim…”

Another party chieftain, ex-Governor Ogbonnaya Onu related his experience to an interviwer this way: “I also had a personal experience. I travelled in an aircraft which does not have facilities for night landing to Akure. We had to travel on road to Ado Ekiti and as soon as we concluded what we were doing in Ado Ekiti we rushed back to Akure Airport only to find out that our plane was not allowed to take off. It happened to me and some others who travelled with me.  Chief Audu Ogbeh was one of those affected. 

Also affected at that time was the governor of Imo State. When we saw the military and the three aircraft at the tarmac and were prevented from taking off we had to drive back, which was another one and a half hour. By then, it was already late so we decided that we must come back to Abuja because some of us travelled with just the dress on our bodies and there was no way we could pass the night in Ado Ekiti. So we had to leave Ado Ekiti around 7:30pm to arrive Abuja by 2am. So you could imagine the risk we took, although we thank God that the journey was safe. Those who went to Owerri got there around 11pm. It is really sad that the Federal Government can use the military to prevent Nigerian citizens from using the airports when they are in good condition from exercising their fundamental human rights. “

There was also the experience of House of Representatives Speaker, Tambuwal in which in brazen violation of protocol, a military operative insisted on searching his official vehicle before he could be allowed to enter the venue of a conference in Kaduna.

In concluding that piece, I raised the following posers: “…who gave the orders? If it was done unilaterally by the military high command, they acted outside of their constitutional authority in a democracy and it may be a sign of restiveness in the military. If they did and it has no repercussions, it may as well be running a diarchy. If the president approved those actions, it would be a clear sign of desperation as we approach the 2015 elections. And using the military to achieve political ends is akin to riding the tiger!”

My conclusion, then as now is: “when the media is being intimidated; when governors’ right to free movement and association is circumscribed; when military operatives treat elected officials with disdain; when impunity becomes the order of the day; when in the face of all that the prophets are silent, that is darkness visible.

Please note the emphasis above on the prophets’ silence. It reminds me of a brilliant piece titled, “Where are the Nigerian prophets?” by PUNCH’s Jide Ojo. He wrote in part: “Just imagine (Christian) clerics…jointly or individually challenging Abubakar Shekau, the leader of Boko Haram, to a spiritual duel like Elijah of old did.  Just imagine what the defeat of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups by Christian leaders will do to the growth of Christianity and restoration of peace in Nigeria…Will our Christian leaders seize the moment to demonstrate their much talked about God-given spiritual prowess?

I sometimes wonder too, but how can God use people who keep quiet in the face of evil be used by God? How can servants of God who have are obeying the orders of the powers that be to “…See not… prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits” (Isaiah 30:10), operate as God’s agents? Let him that has ears hear.” CONCLUDED

DESCENT INTO DARKNESS (1)

"Now who gave the orders? If it was done unilaterally by the military high command, they acted outside of their constitutional authority in a democracy and it may be a sign of restiveness in the military. If they did and it has no repercussions, it may as well be running a diarchy. If the president approved those actions, it would be a clear sign of desperation as we approach the 2015 elections. And using the military to achieve political ends is akin to riding the tiger!"

Governor Rotimi Amaechi at the Ondo-Ekiti border

At the risk of being branded a prophet of doom, I wish to warn President Goodluck Jonathan and those around him, including Christian leaders who have access to him that events in the month that’s about to end portend danger to our democracy and the corporate existence of our nation, Nigeria.

It began with an ill-explained clampdown on newspapers by the military authorities which began on June 6 in Abuja and continued for almost two weeks spreading to some other parts of the country.

The Guardian newspaper’s Editorial of June 20 captured the incidence in these words:

“…As early as 4.00 a.m. on Friday, June 6, 2014, heavily armed soldiers reportedly descended on newspapers operating from Abuja. They took position at strategic points where distributors, vendors and representatives gather to offload, load and coordinate the day’s sales and distribution. They clamped down on all newspaper distribution vans moving out of the city and detained drivers. The assault was so fierce that by the following day, all newspapers leaving Abuja were barred from circulation and confined to the vendor’s village in Area 1 of the Federal Capital Territory. A military official later said the action would continue until the Defence Headquarters was satisfied without stating what he meant or the reason behind the crackdown. Major General Chris Olukolade, the army spokesman, who confirmed the crackdown, said that soldiers were indeed given orders to ransack newspaper distribution vans for what he called ‘materials with grave security implications….’”  

If there has been any report of the presidency distancing itself from this unconstitutional attempt to intimidate the media, I am yet to hear about it. Take that as portent number one.

On Thursday, June 19, 48 hours to the governorship election in Ekiti state, at least two governors who wanted to attend the final campaign rally of the incumbent governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi were denied access into Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

ThisDay newspaper reports it this way: “The federal government displayed its fangs Thursday when in a commando-style operation, soldiers and other security agencies of the federal government prevented Governors Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) and Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers) from travelling to Ekiti State. Amaechi, who had landed in Akure, the Ondo State capital, in a private airplane, had proceeded by road to Ado-Akiti, the capital of Ekiti State, but was stopped and prevented from entering the state at Iju, a border town in Ondo.  After waiting at the border town without being granted permission to enter Ekiti, Amaechi’s motorcade was compelled to depart Ondo State for Lagos yesterday by road, as his aircraft was prevented from flying out of Akure. In the case of Oshiomhole, his chartered helicopter was grounded at Benin Airport…”  

The Presidency’s take on this through spokesman Reuben Abati was evasive, at best: “…security agencies had a duty to stop those who might be able to compromise the process from achieving their aim…”

Then there was this widely reported incident involving Nigeria’s Number 4 citizen and military operatives. The National Mirror version of the report reads:

“The Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, was yesterday held hostage by soldiers said to be acting on orders from above to search his official car at the entrance to Hotel Seventeen, along Lafia Road, Kaduna…The speaker arrived at the venue at 9.16 am, ahead of other VIPs, and was stopped from gaining immediate access to the hotel premises by the soldiers, even when the seal of his office flag was on his car. The speaker’s security aides protested, but the soldiers rebuffed the move, insisting that they must search the car before being allowed into the premises. It was gathered that to avoid a bloody clash, Tambuwal angrily forced himself out of his car and walked into the hotel premises and into the conference hall, leaving behind his official car…”

In this case, the Presidency, through the National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd), is reported to have instituted an investigation into the incident and written a letter of apology to the Speaker.

The points to note in all three incidents are: all the actions violated constitutional rights of those involved; the military was involved; the military operatives who carried out the actions got their orders from somebody somewhere.

Now who gave the orders? If it was done unilaterally by the military high command, they acted outside of their constitutional authority in a democracy and it may be a sign of restiveness in the military. If they did and it has no repercussions, it may as well be running a diarchy. If the president approved those actions, it would be a clear sign of desperation as we approach the 2015 elections. And using the military to achieve political ends is akin to riding the tiger!

My conclusion: when the media is being intimidated; when governors’ right to free movement and association is circumscribed; when military operatives treat elected official with disdain; when impunity becomes the order of the day; when in the face of all that the prophets are silent; THAT IS DARKNESS VISIBLE. Let him that has ears hear.

HOW TO RAISE WINNING CHILDREN (2)

First of all, we model a love for God by making him the first priority in our lives. Be the same person in the home as you are at church. Be consistent. Again, be the first to do whatever you expect from your child. Pray and read your Bible openly before your children, so they can pattern their lives after you. Love their mother lavishly, particularly in their presence. Demonstrate a life of gratefulness so your children won’t grow up with demanding or presumptuous attitudes. Be quick to apolo­gize when you are wrong so they can witness your humility before God and the family. Finally, model a servant’s heart, demonstrating to your family the values of serving and sharing.”

As our Father’s Day Special, we carried an excerpt from the book, The Teleios Man last time on this page. In it, author Larry Titus identified four principles for raising godly children from the very famous Psalm 23.

The relevant verses as quoted from the NASB version of the Bible reads: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (NASB, emphasis added). He then proceeded to analyse the four emphasized above. Space, however did not allow us go beyond the first “make” process.

I had wanted to stop there but, one reader accused me of “leaving us hanging, just to sell your book.” Unkind, though it is, I thought to give readers a bit more this week and hopefully conclude next week.

Larry Titus, a great grandfather, describes the “lead” principle as The Modeling Process and he wrote as follows:

“Fathers, this is so important! We must demonstrate any behavior that we demand. Hypocrisy confuses a child. Our words will carry little lasting weight with our kids if we don’t practice what we preach. And we know for sure that they’re watching. As in every other area of life, our actions speak louder than words to our children.

“The following suggestions should go without saying, but I’m going to say them anyway. First of all, we model a love for God by making him the first priority in our lives. Be the same person in the home as you are at church. Be consistent. Again, be the first to do whatever you expect from your child. Pray and read your Bible openly before your children, so they can pattern their lives after you. Love their mother lavishly, particularly in their presence. Demonstrate a life of gratefulness so your children won’t grow up with demanding or presumptuous attitudes. Be quick to apolo­gize when you are wrong so they can witness your humility before God and the family. Finally, model a servant’s heart, demonstrating to your family the values of serving and sharing.”

To “restore” our children, the author wrote about what he called The Affirmation Process:  

“We might say that establishing discipline in the life of your children is only one side of the parenting equation. Another term in this side of the equation is the affirmation of your child. The math is simple: Discipline + Affirmation = Confidence.

“My heart breaks as I think of this. Nothing is more important in the lives of our kids than receiving constant affirmation from their fathers. This is a powerful weapon in our fight against generational dysfunction. This “building up” process assures our children have confidence as they face life’s pressures and challenges. Yet, many fathers don’t affirm their kids. Later in their lives, these children look everywhere for affirma­tion. Men, affirm your kids now, and keep them off wrong paths in their futures!

“Edify and compliment your children in front of others and correct them privately. Don’t threaten them or use fear tactics as a method of training. Take them with you and keep them near you as much as possible. Say, “I love you” and touch them often—hugs, kisses, and love pats are essential to emotional stability. Don’t call them negative names, i.e., “stupid,” “dumb,” “clumsy,” or “fat.” Don’t compare them with other children. Always respect them and honor their individuality. After they complete a project, don’t tell them how you would have done it differ­ently or better.

“Don’t allow yourself to be threatened if they take differing viewpoints as they grow older. Let them express different opinions without char­acterizing them as rebellious. As they mature enough to understand, explain the “whys” of your decisions. Jonas Salk said, “Good parents give their children roots and wings. Roots to know where home is, wings to fly away and exercise what’s been taught them.” Always keep in mind that affirmation is a building and strengthening process. By establishing confidence in them through your constant positive input in their lives, you create in them the ability to empathize and speak positively into the lives of their hurting peers.”

The “guide” step, wrote the 70-year-old man of God whom hundreds of men across the globe see as and lovingly called “Dad Larry” is The Instructional Process. He began this way: “It is imperative we develop in our children crystal clear priorities in life. These priorities include a strong work ethic, fulfilling their obligations and commitments, as well as learning how to behave around and interact with other people.”   

He went on to expatiate, and that is where we will conclude – next week, by God’s grace.                                 TO BE CONCLUDED.

HOW TO RAISE WINNING CHILDREN

 "'As a child grows in understanding and reasoning, we must establish discipline in the child’s life, teaching them the absolutes in life. These are found in the Word of God, embodied in the Ten Commandments as detailed in Exodus 20. Some of God’s absolutes include honesty at all times and regardless of circumstance, the worship of God alone, and the truth that stealing is always wrong and must be repented of with restitu­tion. We teach the truth that all forms of sexual activity outside of hetero­sexual marriage are wrong. Another primary truth is that authority must be respected.'"

This is a memo to all fathers and aspiring fathers on this all-important day, Father’s Day 2013. It is excerpted from chapter 7 of the book, The Teleios Man, written by veteran minister and mentor to men, Dr Larry Titus and published in Nigeria for West Africa, by KP Books. Read it, digest it and let it help you in your journey to becoming the Teleios (Complete) father.

“I know of no better guide for a parent to use in training children than Psalm 23. It provides the perfect outline for raising winning, godly chil­dren. In the same way the Lord was the Good Shepherd shaping David’s life, so should parents be deeply involved in shaping the lives of their chil­dren. There are several major objectives we should be seeking in raising our children.

“First and most importantly, we want our children to experience a personal relationship with God. This is not something you can accom­plish for them, but you can certainly share with them the message of God’s love and pray for the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

“In addition, our children must develop godly character and live by biblical principles. In so doing, they will become all God intended them to be, living responsible lives—people who are generous, compassionate, and sensitive to others.

“Throughout the training process of raising winning children, see your­self as the steward, not the owner, of their lives. Biblically, God possesses everything. We are only the stewards of his possessions, working on his behalf.

Good Parenting According to Psalm 23

“In Psalm 23, the Shepherd demonstrates four major tasks necessary to positively mold a child’s character: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (NASB, emphasis added). Let’s analyze this process by process:

The Discipline Process: The good parent “makes” the child.
“As a child grows in understanding and reasoning, we must establish discipline in the child’s life, teaching them the absolutes in life. These are found in the Word of God, embodied in the Ten Commandments as detailed in Exodus 20. Some of God’s absolutes include honesty at all times and regardless of circumstance, the worship of God alone, and the truth that stealing is always wrong and must be repented of with restitu­tion. We teach the truth that all forms of sexual activity outside of hetero­sexual marriage are wrong. Another primary truth is that authority must be respected.  

“It is imperative as a parent that you establish clear guidelines and expectations. For example, you might disallow any form of disrespect or “talking-back” or “sassing.” A defiant “no” should never be tolerated. This teaches them to respect parental authority. They must also learn to respect all other forms of authority. In so doing, they will learn the prin­ciples of submission. “Instruct them about what they can and cannot do and let them know the consequences of breaking the rules. Be sure to follow through on the consequences. This will teach them the necessity and benefit of setting boundaries in their lives.

“Let your children know that temper tantrums in all forms will not be tolerated. This will teach them self-control. Never allow them to raise their voice to you. Any questions or comments should be spoken at a normal voice level. This will teach them control of attitudes.

“Convey to them your expectation of the same behavior when they are away from you as when they are with you. This teaches them self-disci­pline. Finally, teach them to keep their word. This will teach them the foundation of all character. I recognize our current culture frowns upon corporal punishment. Yet, the Bible could not be clearer. God instructs parents to spank children in such passages as Proverbs 13:24, 22:15, 23:13-14, and 29:15. Because he does, it’s important to establish guidelines consistent with the Word of God.

“First, only use spanking as a form of punishment when the misbehavior is a direct act of rebellion. Spanking should never be a reactionary hit or a “slap on the wrist” but a deliberate and thorough action strong enough to be remembered as a firm consequence for disobedience. Spanking should be applied to the part of the anatomy that has the natural padding—the bottom-side.

“Secondly, physical discipline should always be controlled and never administered in anger. Spanking is an act of love and love cannot be administered in a fit of rage...  

Finally, after the punishment, the child should be hugged, affirmed, and told they are loved. Do not tell the child what they did wrong, but have them tell you what they did wrong. This way they will learn to admit failures…”

Happy Father’s Day, everyone. (CONTINUES) 

 

 

AMERICAN CHURCH BUILDS FOR NIGERIAN PASTOR

Rev Samuel Olanrewaju
...Beneficiary of Riverside Church's
Levites Project

“…The Olanrewaju family was evicted from their home when their Muslim landlord discovered they were praying in the name of Jesus. Within three months, God made provision available and a temporary house was hurriedly built for the displaced family, with the intention of constructing a more permanent structure in the near future. Ten years later, construction began on a permanent home. The Olanrewaju family spent $40,000 to lay the foundation and raise the first floor of the new structure. However, in response to the great need of missionaries in the field, all the family had was redirected to the work of the ministry. Faced with these needs, the Olanrewaju family sacrificially laid down their plans, and construction on their home was abandoned indefinitely in 2005…”

The Riverside Church, pastored by Preston Humphries, who you met on this page last week, is located in Norman, Oklahoma, about 10, 500 kilometers from Lagos, Nigeria. But that church has been in the vanguard of building a home for a Nigerian pastor, here in Nigeria. And the church sees the project, NOT as charity, but a duty!

Taking their bearing from the Bible book of Numbers, they style their effort The Levite Project.  The relevant verse reads: “And the cities which ye shall give shall be of the possession of the children of Israel: from them that have many ye shall give many; but from them that have few ye shall give few: every one shall give of his cities unto the Levites according to his inheritance which he inheriteth” (35:8).

Explaining this on their website which has been live since 2011, Riverside Church says: “The Levite Project honors the faithfulness of a priest who has served sacrificially without seeking anything for himself. The Levites - as the priestly tribe - counted God as their portion in the inheritance of Israel. Their homes were given to them by the other tribes in obedience to the Lord”

In a piece titled ‘A Matter That Grieves My Heart’, Pastor Preston rationalised his taking on the burden of providing a home for this Nigerian pastor and his family in these words:

“In recent months, I have come into the understanding that Reverend Samuel is virtually homeless. In all of his Kingdom advancements, our friend has literally emptied himself to fund the work of the ministry. His obedient generosity is responsible for the establishment of hundreds of churches and pastors throughout western Africa, and the salvation and deliverance of countless men, women, and children. Personally, Reverend Samuel has been a powerful and invaluable prophetic voice in my life and ministry. I am sure this is a testimony we share. Truly, Reverend Samuel has blessed us all.

“In response to his faithful service, I have a deep conviction to see Reverend Samuel and his family established in their home. I believe it is only righteous that we come together and build a home for the man who serves to bring security and prosperity to the homes of so many…”  

But, who, you may wonder, is Rev Samuel?

Information posted on the Riverside Church site had this on him: “Reverend Samuel (Olanrewaju) was called by God to be a witness for Christ among the unreached, hard to reach, and neglected people groups across Africa and around the world.

“He is married to a passionate prayer warrior, Florence Temilade, and they are blessed with six godly children, three boys and three girls…In addition to his natural family, Reverend Samuel has close relatives and adopted children living with him. His home - as an extension of his ministry - serves to house a divinely extended family of 12 people…

“As the President and General Overseer of Christ for Rural Areas Ministries (CRAM), Reverend Samuel oversees over 100 churches and hundreds of pastors and missionaries, reaching at least 13 unreached people groups in Nigeria and Benin Republic. Through the CRAM Community Life Center, he operates CRAM Bible Institute, which has produced over 200 graduates in the last 15 years, and has founded the CRAM Elementary School and Bassa Elementary School, each of which enrolls over 300 students annually... He serves as the appointed apostle in Nigeria and Benin Republic for the Heart land Apostolic Prayer Network - a network of over 6,000 churches.”

With such credentials, how did he come to be almost homeless?

In 1994, continues the write-up on Riverside’s website, “the Olanrewaju family was evicted from their home when their Muslim landlord discovered they were praying in the name of Jesus. Within three months, God made provision available and a temporary house was hurriedly built for the displaced family, with the intention of constructing a more permanent structure in the near future.

“Ten years later, construction began on a permanent home. The Olanrewaju family spent $40,000 to lay the foundation and raise the first floor of the new structure.

“However, in response to the great need of missionaries in the field, all the family had was redirected to the work of the ministry. Faced with these needs, the Olanrewaju family sacrificially laid down their plans, and construction on their home was abandoned indefinitely in 2005.

“Now, the temporary home that was hastily erected in 1994 deteriorates around them. Termites have eaten most of the roof, and what is left of the old roofing sheets is leaking. The walls are peeling off, the ceiling is falling down, and even the floors are breaking apart…”

Won’t you like to join Pastor Preston and his church “in responding as the church and establishing the home of a Levite among us?”

 

 

 

 

STOP COMPLAINING, BRETHREN! (2)

"Dr Larry reminded his audience that whereas the current ministry of the Lord Jesus is intercession; that of satan is accusation, complaint. As followers of the Lord Jesus, our ministry is to intercede and not just in prayer, but also by exercising the authority that is ours in Christ. So, whenever a believer resorts to complaining, murmuring and accusations, be it against, he/she is fulfilling the ministry of satan."

 

Preston Humphries, Senior Pastor of Riverside Church, in Norman, Oklahoma, I told you the last time took the can of Coke that had been lying on the pulpit as he ministered from ministered from verses 68-75 of Luke chapter one. He held it up and asked what it was. Of course everybody recognised the ubiquitous American brand and shouted it. He then proceeded to ask the billion-dollar can question: how can you rid the world of it? His answer: produce a better brand.

But this was not a lecture on product development. It was a ministration at the just concluded African Leadership Summit of Kingdom Global Ministries led by Rev Dr Larry Titus, author of The Teleios Man. This was a teaching on the very essence of salvation and deliverance from sin. We had been delivered so that we can help deliver others. If we are to be fruitful and fulfilled, salvation was not an end in itself; it is a means to an end. We were saved so that we can serve the savior without fear and in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives.

The world has a sin problem. Sin is as ubiquitous as the Coca-Cola brand. So, if it will take a better brand to get rid of the soda king of the world, it will take a better way of life to get rid of sin – the holy and righteous life into which we were saved. You are that better brand that the world needs to get rid of sin. The world needs a better you!

Powerful insight, no doubt, but, as I told you last time, it didn’t end there. He went on to show that in delivering us from “our enemy and those who hate us”, as Zechariah put it in Luke 1:71, God didn’t stop there, He subsequently went on to equip us with all that we need to live the new life; He equipped us to be that better brand capable of doing the sin brand under.

The man from Riverside ministering at the capital city of Nigeria’s Rivers state took his audience to St Paul’s first epistle to the church in Corinth, chapter 12, which reads:

“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will” (1Corinthians 12: 4-11). 

He went on to explain the essence and application of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit declaring that those gifts confer authority on the believer to deal with situations and circumstances, personal or communal. All you have to do is pair the problem, whatever it may be with God’s solution and victory is assured.

Allotted speaking time over, Pastor Humphries whose parents were also on the contingent from the United States, handed the microphone over to Dr Titus, who seized the opportunity of introducing the next speaker to issue the warning that’s the title of this serial.

Continuing on the theme of Pastor Preston’s message, he pointed out that the authority of the believer, through the Holy Spirit and the nine gifts confers responsibilities on us. Now, if someone who has authority to deal with situations resort to complaining, wouldn’t that amount to shirking of responsibility? If that were all, it probably would be tolerable. But it’s far worse; its playing the devil’s game.

Dr Larry reminded his audience that whereas the current ministry of the Lord Jesus is intercession; that of satan is accusation, complaint. As followers of the Lord Jesus, our ministry is to intercede and not just in prayer, but also by exercising the authority that is ours in Christ. So, whenever a believer resorts to complaining, murmuring and accusations, be it against, he/she is fulfilling the ministry of satan.

Given the way things are in our land; with terrorism, kidnapping, corruption and ineptitude in governance at various levels as the order of the day, complaints and accusations seem inevitable. But here you have it, brethren; we need a change of approach. It’s time to stop complaining and take charge. That begins with me – and you. CONCLUDED