Another year, another beginning and the Youth Fellowship of Greater Evangelism World Crusade started off with Prayers. The Annual National Youth Prayer Conference tagged “Uphold” took place all over our branches in Nigeria. Starting from Friday, 13th to Saturday 14th January 2017, Youths gathered at zonal levels and State level to pray focusing on the theme “Praying Disciples Indeed”.
The National Youth Minister, Evangelist Okwuchwu Okpala was at the GEWC Abuja Church to join the youths to pray. It was a time of fellowshiping together, sharing the Word of God, praying and interceding for our land, Nigeria, the Ministry, GEWC, the Youth Fellowship amongst others. It was indeed a refreshing time in God’s presence. The Youth Fellowship in 2017 has begun preparations to plant a Church in Enugu State. We believe God to prosper this outreach.
The saying that Ministers’ Children are worse off than others as it concerns spirituality and morals, is an old one. However, some people have gotten bothered about this because it ought not to be so. The House of Levi, a forum for Ministers’ and Elders’ children, is a body that is burdened with making this saying go away and become unpopular. The vision was birthed by a group of concerned minister’s children in 2005. Over the years, the body has had a few meetings every year. The first House of Levi Conference took place in 2013. Since then, it has come to stay.
The 2017 Conference took place at Rainbow church, from the 4th - 7th of January 2017, with participants coming from Rivers and Bayelsa States. The theme for this year was “Beyond the Ears” which was in line with the 2017 theme of Ministry - “Disciples indeed”. Both of them referring to the truth that we must go beyond just hearing to doing for that is what makes us disciples indeed.
The Conference kicked off with a talk “Teach us to pray!” by Evangelist Victor Ejimadu. Speaking from Luke 11: 1-22, he gave five key points about prayer which are: the model for personal prayer, the principle of intercession, the assurance of answered prayers, the most important prayer point and finally the principle of warfare prayers. After his teaching, an altar call was made to which some Levites responded. It was a session of enlightenment for many. The program closed quite early because Midnight prayers (running from 12:00am to 12:30am) was part of the program. It was a time to practice what had been taught – a time to pray!
The program for Thursday, 5th January started with “On the couch series”. For that morning, we had Mrs. Ego Akintoye, (Business Manager), a graduate of Petroleum Engineering, University of Ibadan, as our guest and Teacher Tammy Ejimadu was the moderator. Hers is a beautiful story, from before she got admission, to university days, to NYSC days and up till date. An entrepreneur even before her undergraduate days, she managed to combine business with academics. Although she didn’t start on a very good footing in her academics, she finished strong and graduated with a second class upper. Talking about workplace ethics, she said to treat everyone as important because ultimately, your goals will be achieved with the help of others. In other words, we must learn to manage people. She also said we must always have the "G-Factor" i.e. The God Factor to succeed. She was very practical, direct and real.
Then came the session on hygiene. A general talk on hygiene was first taken by Pastor (Dr) Wari Numbere for few minutes. After his brief talk, the class was split up into two; male and female. The males dealt with hygiene in general, the females had a class with Rose Owoh on “Care of the Hair”, who we say “has bragging rights as it concerns her hair”. Her hair is very beautiful and well-kept and as such, a perfect fit to give the talk. After this, we had a rather interesting interactive session tagged “Are you in or out?” This time, we had Pastor Johnwill Otobo as the moderator and Evang (Dr) Lawrence Hart as our resource person. This session was aimed at tackling the reasons why youths leave the Ministry. This trend was thrown open to the house for reactions as to why this was so. A lot of persons gave reasons, some very valid. Yet another question was asked, “Why have you not left the Ministry?” We also got beautiful responses. One person said he had found God here, another said anyone who wants to make heaven would know that he/she is in the right place. There seemed to be an unrest in the atmosphere as people aired their views, hurts, displeasure. Really, it was a time in which people poured out their hearts. However, by the time the resource person was done speaking, he calmed the atmosphere. Some of the very significant things he said was that the youths should make themselves visible using Jesus as an instance, in Luke 2:46, he was found amongst the doctors of the law discussing in the temple etc.
We had yet another session on “Breaking habits”. This time, we had Mr Onoura Onianwa, speaking to us. He paraphrased the topic to “dealing with addictions”. Speaking, he said, two things give strength to addictions, the first being the fact that it is usually a secret, the second being the pleasure derived. He gave some rather disturbing statistics of how masturbation and pornography are what tops the chart when it comes to addictions in the Church. We bless God however, that the problem is not without a remedy as in the course of the talk, he gave steps on how to deal with addictions. Some of them are; admitting that you have an addiction, confessing your addiction to God and man; someone to whom you can be accountable, cut off whatever feeds the addiction and finally, we must learn to anticipate the temptations and avoid them. In conclusion, he encouraged as many as were trapped in one addiction or the other to not lose hope or give up, but rather to fight in the strength of God and remember that God is on your side and as such, victory is sure.
Friday, 6th January, began with a talk by Teacher Tammy Ejimadu on Christian dressing. She said a lot that gave a whole new perspective to the way we look at dressing. Dressing, she said, plays a lot of roles, it is for covering, protection, comfort, pleasure and yes, it is an identity. While the Bible doesn’t explicitly list out all the items a Christian’s wardrobe should contain, it gives us a standard, and that standard is modesty (1 Tim 2:9-10, 1 Pet 3:2-5). Speaking further, she said “because we communicate with our attires, dressing is never entirely a personal affair” and that we should allow the love of God restrain us even when it comes to dressing. The Christianity that lives on the inside must reflect on the outside. To the persons who seem to come under pressure to follow the latest trend and not be left behind, her response was “Be your own pressure group”. However, it is important we note that dressing modestly doesn’t imply looking shabby. Looking shabby doesn’t glorify God either. We had yet another break out session, 18 years and above was taken by Evangelist Victor Ejimadu. The class dealt with the topic “Before you say I do”. For everyone below 18, they had a class taken by Pastor Johnwill Otobo and they dealt with the topic “Don’t touch me”.
We had the privilege of having our Mummy, Pastor Dr. Nonyem Numbere, the president GEWFI and wife of our founding father later that day. She spoke on the signs of the end time, which was an extension of her teaching at the end of year retreat. She also answered some questions that bothered us. The last breakout session for the Conference was for singles “The Spirit of Excellence” by Dr. Datonye Briggs and Couples: Wives - “The Surrendered Wife” by Pastor (Mrs.) Ifeyinwa Alabogu and Husbands - “Satisfying Your Wife” by Dr. Mrs. Mabel Charles Davies.
Saturday, 7th January, was the grand finale and was highly anticipated. It kicked off with the last “On the couch” series. This time, we had Mr. Divine Basil on the couch as our guest. He is a graduate of the University of Port Harcourt with a degree in Geology but happens to be a music producer and has worked with artistes in the league of Freke Umoh etc. He also happens to be a very good pianist. Coincidentally, his parents were Ministers. He spoke on his personal struggles – the loss of both parents and some siblings, little or no financial assistance, starting again after 2 failures etc. Many were encouraged by his personal testimony. He thrilled us a bit with his fingers on the piano and then God came in and took over the session. It was an hour and half of unplanned worship, liberation and the moments of worship scheduled to hold later that night in all reality began that morning.
We had the only bible study for the conference after that session and the topic was “Beyond the ears”. We were also privileged to have our father, Pastor Isaac Olori; the international director of GEWC, grace the closing ceremony with his presence. He spoke on the theme of the conference (James 1:21-27). Speaking, he said, inasmuch as hearing is important, we must grow past just hearing to doing, for therein lies the blessing. He said to go beyond the ears, two things are necessary; spiritual ears and those ears must also be obedient (Proverbs 25:12). He also gave us some benefits of going beyond the ear, some which include; prosperity (Joshua 1:8), we become set apart for God, it is a basis for a living relationship with Jesus (Matthew 12:50). After his teaching our father prayed earnestly for the Levites as well as the organizers of the program and the testimonies already abound.
The last program for the day was Moments of Worship, we were blessed by many of our own in songs and talks. House of Levi conference has been a blessing to many lives and to every Levite yet to join in, our advice is “Join this chariot!”
The 5th International Ministers’ Conference of Greater Evangelism World Crusade took place from 8th November 2016 to 13th November 2016, at Rainbow Church. The theme of the Conference was "The Challenge of Discipleship". Ministers came from Nigeria as well as other nations where Greater Evangelism World Crusade is established such as the United Kingdom, Benin Republic, Liberia and Ivory Coast.
Several pre-conference meetings of all supervisory Ministers and zonal ministers held with the International Director, Pastor Isaac Olori at GEWC Base Church from 8th to 10th of November.
The conference started with an opening ceremony on 11th November 2016. Rainbow Zone 1 women ministered in an indigenous medley. They sang with excitement, giving glory to God for the gathering of the ministers. The opening address was given by the hosting states of Greater Evangelism World Crusade, presented by Pastor Ibim Alabrabra.
The conference had several interactive sessions where issues were raised and the ministers were given opportunity to air their views. Also the conference allowed for the adoption and discussions of several reports. The ministers were taught on, the challenge of Discipleship, mentoring and coaching, performance and appraisal, crisis management and church growth, and many other topics.
An opening charge was given by the International Director, Pastor Isaac Olori, titled "Able Ministers". Here he told the ministers that they have been called to be able ministers and encouraged that they comply to the doctrines and policies of the ministry. Also that the ministers should adopt a Servant-leadership way of leading the members of the Church and this they can do by living by example.
On Saturday, 12th November, the President of Greater Evangelism Women Fellowship International, Pst. Dr. (Mrs.) Nonyem Numbere taught on "Ministerial Accountability and Integrity". She taught that accountability and integrity is expected of all ministers because the benefits are numerous some of which are: it helps keep the pastor/minister in check, it makes the pastor productive and it leads to the general wellbeing of the minister and his family. 
Sunday the 13th of November, being the final day was a glorious service. The session of praise and worship brought some of the ministers to their feet and some to their knees as they thanked God for a wonderful conference. In this service, the Ministerial Advisory Council was inaugurated consisting of seven members Pastor Isaac Olori (the International Director) as chairman, Evangelist Y. D. Biliyock (National Minister Benin Repulic), Evangelist Cletus Okpu (SSM Bayelsa, Edo, Delta), Evang. Idris Samura (National Minister, Liberia, Sierra Leone), Pst. Ibim Alabrabra (SSM Rivers State, Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers States), Pst. Taribo Manga (SSM, Lagos State) and Pastor Apele Iyagba (Secretary, Ministers’ Council). This body is to serve as the advisory council on ministerial matters in GEWC.
The International Director preached on, "Tapping Into God's Grace", with 2 Timothy 2:1-7 as its text. He taught that there is grace in Christ Jesus and that only those that tap into it can feel its impact. He said, God's grace can be tapped into by having a mind interested in the things of God, being ready to take a risk for God, having a ready heart and having the good hand of God upon you as it was on Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:1-4, 2:1-5).
The conference ended with the ministers eating from the Lord's table (Holy Communion) with praise and thanksgiving to God.
The long awaited annual teenagers’ holiday camp of Greater Evangelism World Crusade has come and gone but for those who had a firsthand experience of the event, it still remains as fresh in their memories. The Conference which began on Monday 22nd August, 2016 and ran through the week until the 28th of August, 2016 saw its teens become Teachers as it holds this year for the 19th time since its inception. 
The Conference renowned for its dynamic display of the anointing of the Spirit and its unbiased treatment of very sensitive subjects troubling the minds of teens in our contemporary society, stands as the most anticipated event in the entire year for teens in the Ministry. It featured a number of inspiring talks, seminars and workshops, a concert, sports & games activities, and a variety of other stunning performances amongst many others. These talks and seminars were handled by inspiring and dedicated Ministers and workers in the Ministry, some of whom are: Evang. Victor Ejimadu and his wife, Evang. Prince Nkiri, Pst. (Dr) Hart and his wife, Pst. James and Wari Numbere.
The Conference commenced with the opening ceremony which met the attendance of highly placed ministers and personalities in the ministries, among whom was the Overseer of the children/teenagers’ department Pst. (Dr.) Mrs. N. E. Numbere, and the Mother of the ministry Pst. (Eld.) Mrs. Euphemia Porbeni. The presence of these dignitaries was a real thrill for many a teens as many had never seen them in person before and this was a first. The thrill that resulted was not just as a result of their presence but also their support in helping to cover some of the outstanding costs of organizing the conference.
The hassle of settling down on arrival at camp on the first day was a lot of work, none the less some teens counted it as one of the whims of being in camp with over two thousand teenagers for a whole week. Adapting to hostel life was a bit of a bother for some teenagers; late sleeping time, early wake up time, long queues, brunch & long sessions etc; but that was all part of the excitement of being in a camp.
One very important aspect of the camp experience were the Bible Studies and Growth Series sessions which customarily begin from the second day of the camp. Many testified of giving their lives to Christ during these sessions. The Bible Study sessions were treated as classes with relevant topics focused on the message of the theme “Making Disciples as Teens”. The teenagers also had a chance to give their inputs through discussions and interactive sessions.
The talks, workshops and seminars spanned across various subjects, all sensitive and vital to the young ones; some of them include: Apprentice of Jesus by Evang. Victor Ejimadu, Sexual Perversions, The Importance of Mentorship by Evang. (Dr.) Lawrence Hart, The Place of Prayer in Making Disciples by Evang. Princewill Nkiri, Developing Entrepreneurial Skills by Bro. George Nwameze and Utilizing ICT for the Spread of the Gospel by Tchr. (Mrs.) Tammy Ejimadu. Participants of these sessions were keen on scrounging every bit of these invaluable and enlightening piece of information as questions poured in showing the interest and appreciation the teenagers of the various sessions. Many testified of the impartation of the Spirit and deliverance from demonic influences.
On Sunday, a concert was held which really made the long week worthwhile for all with the performances of James Numbere and Minister Joe, it was truly an unforgettable encounter.
The Conference was crowned on Sunday 28th August being the grand finale of the week-long conference. The International Director of the Ministry and his wife, Pastor & Pastor Mrs. Isaac Olori; the overseer of the teenagers’/children department – Pastor Dr. Nonyem Numbere and the Mother of the ministry, Pastor E. Porbeni, all graced this final event.
The teenagers’ Conference was a huge success. It has brought thousands of youngsters to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and the baptism of the Holy Spirit and has given them a head start in their faith with the basic knowledge they require to help them live victorious Christian lives.
It was time for another Conference but this time it was just for children. Not wanting to be left out, the Children’s Conference held at all Zones in Rivers and Bayelsa States.
It could be termed as a summer camp for children from 5 years to 12 years. What an adventure, learning about Jesus and having fun all at once.
The excitement on their faces was palpable as they trooped in on Friday, 5th August at all GEWC Zonal headquarters. They were taught:Making children Disciples, Reaching out to others for Christ, Quiet Time Technique, Personal Hygiene, Polishing of shoes and washing plates, Parts of speech and developing a Reading Culture as well as several Bible Studies and Games.
The grand finale saw the children in their local attire, beautifully dressed representing various cultures. Parents were thrilled as the children had some time for presentations, Bible recitations and dancing amongst others.
Indeed, train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). We believe God that these children will grow up, mighty arrows in God’s hand.
