All over the Ministry, the Men’s fellowship held their men’s week. The Men’s Week kicked off to a vibrant start which rightly reflects their slogan, “Action”. The week flagged the theme, “Men as Disciples Indeed (A reflection on the Burden of our generation)” (Nehemiah 1:4).

Our correspondent was live at GEWC Base Church to cover the event. Thursday, 12th October 2017 began with a talk titled, “The Burden of building on the foundation laid by our founding father” (Ephesians 2:20). Pastor Joe Cookey made the men understand the vital role they had to play in not just upholding the legacy of our founding father, Apostle G.D. Numbere, but in ensuring the vision lives on and is heralded by every man. The vision was reemphasized because it was not just for the good of the ministry, but it edifies the soul of the individual. Men were called upon to speak about the founding father and the testimonies were breath-taking.

Two powerful talks ushered in Friday’s session – “The burden of maintaining the Evangelical Spirit – our trademark” and “The burden of sacrifice and service”. With texts from 1 Corinthians 9:16 and John 2:17 respectively. The speakers, Pastor Chris Opara and Pastor Victor Abbey, delved deeply into the core of the vision of the ministry – evangelism and service. The first talk enlightened the men on their responsibilities as Christians and as members of the great ministry. Reaching out to the world is a service on its own and to effectively serve, sacrifices must be made.

Saturday, 14th October 2017, was well garnished with medical sessions split into the morning and afternoon session. The morning session went under way with practical checks were their blood pressures, weights, sugar levels, etc. were measured and proper advice, rendered. It was all smiles in the afternoon/evening session when they all converged again at the Base and received a lecture by Dr. (Mrs) Cookey who spoke on Monkey pox. This session was quite interactive and educative. She spoke on the origin of the virus, the transmission modes, the prevention techniques, the symptoms, the control measure and the severity. This was wrapped up with a rehearsal by the newly formed Men’s choir which was jovial all through.

To wrap up this wonderful program, a thanksgiving service was held on Sunday. The action and hospitality of the Men’s fellowship was portrayed in their presence. Appearing in the Ministry’s uniform, the men made quite an impact in the church and the Men’s Choir gave a wonderful rendition to a rousing ovation by the entire Church. The Senior Pastor, Pastor Steve Oparaodu, taught on “The burden of our generation”. The message made everyone focus on their spiritual tasks, looking beyond earthly gains and sourcing for souls to bring to the Kingdom of Heaven.

The week was a huge success and in one of men’s words, Pastor Johnwill Otobo, “There is a revival among the men”. The revival, indeed, is here to stay.

Pastor Isaac Olori paid a courtesy visit to the management of Nigerian Tide, the official newspaper of Rivers State on the 12th of October 2017.  He expressed gladness at the warm reception and mentioned that the Nigerian Tide and Greater Evangelism have much in common. In the early 70’s our founding father, Apostle G. D. Numbere was a regular writer of the Religious column of Tide. He admonished the management to bring back this religious column again and offered to contribute by providing articles if requested.  

Any attempt to rid our society of evil will not be successful if the Church is not involved because it is only God that can transform. In light of this, Pastor Isaac Olori extended his hand of partnership to see how through the medium of Tide, soul transforming and uplifting articles can be brought to the society.

In his response, the General Manager, Mr. Celestine Ogolo said he has known Pastor Isaac Olori from secondary school days and he knows Pastor Olori has been consistent in following God. He said, the Management of Tide considers it a privilege for Pastor Isaac Olori to visit them despite his very busy schedule. Speaking further, Mr. Ogolo reminded all that Tide is a legacy project of Rivers State that has stood the test of time and her job is to educate and enlighten people through the paper.

He expressed delight to partner with GEWC and the opportunity to write articles is still available because the Society needs to be changed and Christianity is indeed one of the things that can change people. He welcomed the director once again and iterated their willingness to partner with the Ministry in spreading the truth to the society.

Truly in His time God has made all things beautiful and at the appointed time our expectations manifested and His children rejoiced. Greater Evangelism World Crusade, Oyo State Mission had made frantic efforts to plant churches within Ibadan, but it didn't work out. While still in the bid of realizing that, in the month of May, the State Minister, Evangelist Olusegun A.A. Demehin, got a link to a Christian Minister in Osogbo and they discussed on a property available for rent. May 27, 2017, the State Minister with two of his officers travelled to Osogbo to assess the suitability of the property for church use. After a deliberation with the owners and the agent an agreement was reached. The transaction was related to the International Director, Pastor I.V. Olori, who indicated interest and approved a grant for the take off. The project proposal was sealed and preparations to commence the work began.

The official inauguration of the church was slated for the last weekend of September and preparation towards that began. The Oyo State Mission, engaged in both physical and spiritual preparations.

A one-week Mobilization plan was agreed on. On Monday October 25, 2017, the Mission Coordinator, Bro Edebamo Taribi and the appointed Chief Camp Commandant, Brother Bamekpari Mac-Inegite with the State Minister set at work. The rest of the Mission Team arrived Thursday and the mobilization was taken to a higher level. We had two sessions of publicity and evangelism.  The youths put their hearts to it and our presence was felt there in the town. The camp was alive with morning devotions, mid-day Intercessions, spiritual warfare and night devotions.

We had a Two-Day Crusade on Friday and Saturday. The attendance was encouraging and rain which had been falling every evening and sometimes twice a day in Oke Odo, gave way for the activities without any interference. Souls were won into the Kingdom in the two days.

On Sunday October 1, 2017, the first Sunday Service was held. In attendance was Rev Oriyomi Oladeji, a member of the National Scripture Union Council, who graced the occasion with his wife. The Royal Singers led the praise and worship session and ministered in songs before the message.

The State Minister ministered on the topic, “Enjoying the Fullness of life in Christ”. He emphasized that Jesus is life - the eternal life and abundant life. He pointed out that life in Christ is impossible without salvation, obedience, faith and fulfilling of the Great Commission. An Altar call was made and some youths responded and were led to the Lord. Thereafter, he led the congregation in prayers.

He then announced the establishment of the Greater Evangelism World Crusade Oko Odo, Oshogbo Church and he nicknamed her, "Chapel of Freedom".

The mission was very successful.

The Conference which had its main theme as “Youth as Disciples Indeed” was a five-day event that started from 9th to 13th August, 2017 and held at State Capitals. In Rivers State, Rivers West, held their conference at Greater Evangelism World Crusade Club Road Church, #1 Club Road, Port Harcourt the Rivers State capital.

GEP correspondent was present at the Rivers West Conference. The prestigious event attracted participants from all over Rivers West which comprised of over 29 local government areas of Rivers State.

The conference uniquely featured a variety of Teachings, Talks, Plenary Session, Seminars, Bible Studies, Power Night Prayers, Drama, Music Concert, Football Match and General Elections of new Officers of the Fellowship. Some of the key Guest ministers who featured were: the State Minister, Rivers West, Pastor Blessing Udoh; the Administrator General of Rivers West, Pastor Charles Ejima; the Deputy Administrator General, Pastor Philip Ojie; ; the Missions Coordinator of Rivers West, Teacher Enoch Isaac; the National Youth Minister, Evangelist Mike Ojie;  the Zonal Minister for Town Zone 2, Pastor Francis Asuk;  the Senior Pastor Club Road Church, Evangelist Chris Israel; and Pastor Chidi Ozodo amongst others.

The official opening ceremony kicked off on the second day of the Conference being Thursday 10th August, 2017. It wonderfully showcased a special Music Presentation by the RWYF Choir.

The Zonal Minister for Town Zone 2 of GEWC, Pastor Francis Asuk ministered during the opening ceremony. He told us of the early days of the youth fellowship, the founding international director of blessed memory Apostle G. D. Numbere shared a burden that was in his heart with the leaders of the youth fellowship at the time. He showed them the map of Africa, the countries of Africa, and the few places where Greater Evangelism was at the time, he said “I am showing you Africa because there are many countries and States that are meant to be conquered for Christ and I know that you can do it”. He encouraged them to run with the vision - To Know Jesus and To make Jesus Known. Pastor Francis Asuk said that the vision lives on and we are the ones to take the vision everywhere. He read from 1 Peter 5: 5-9, Deuteronomy 11:13-15; Proverbs 4:23. He spoke on the topic: “Disciples Indeed” saying that for youths to be disciples indeed, they must be diligent and clothed with humility and that it is what qualifies them to be used by God after believing in God.

The Rivers West State Minister, Pastor Blessing Udoh at the climax of the event on Sunday 11th June, 2017 gave a message on the topic: “The Characteristics of a Disciple and Benefits of Being a Disciple” (John 8:30-32). He said a disciple is a follower of Jesus who learns to be like his master Jesus in every aspect. Every leader wants to produce someone that is greater than them, Jesus said the works that I do, greater works will you do.

He gave various characteristics of a disciple indeed;

• Living a Christ centered life.
• Living a life of honesty.
• Living a life of integrity.
• Living a life of holiness.
• Love towards one another.
• Having a servant spirit.
• Having a forgiving heart.
• Spend quality time with God.
• Develop the right attitude towards the issues of life and be courageous.
• You must be loyal to your pastors, ministers and elders.
• Be a man of initiative.
• He gave the benefits of being a disciple
• Closer relationship with the master.
• Commitment to be like the master.
• Authority of the master (Matthew 10:25; 12:1-7).
• Seeing Jesus revealed in all His glory.

Pastor Blessing Udoh, in his conclusion said God has a purpose for every man on earth. He encouraged the youths to desire more of Jesus, ask Him to reveal Himself and desire to be like Jesus in their heart and soul.

Pastor Chidi Osodo spoke on leadership. There was a plenary session where the youths of Rivers West had the opportunity to ask the State Minister, Pastor Blessing Udoh and his entourage questions bothering them which were answered with clarity.  Teacher Tammy Ejimadu, Bro. Emmanuel Sydney and other guest artists ministered during the concert.

There was an election after the screening of nominees. Seventeen (17) candidates were elected to fill the seventeen vacant offices of the Rivers West Youth Fellowship.

The State Minister Rivers West, Pastor Blessing Udoh addressing the large crowd admonished the newly elected officers to be faithful and carry every youth along in the State by visiting all the zones in the State especially those in the rural areas experiencing crises. He also encouraged the youths to support the newly elected officers. He prayed and inaugurated the newly elected officers.

The September healing service basked in the atmosphere of the 45th Anniversary of the Ministry. The Jubilee voices led us in a session of praise and worship as we entered into God’s presence. While the hymn for the Sunday, reminded us of the power of God to bring light in the midst of darkness, healing in the midst of sickness and power to move the face of the waters. Still reliving the impact of the Ministry for these 45 years, we heard the salvation testimony of Elder Salome Bernard from Town Zone. Here’s a brief highlight of her testimony;

“I came into Port Harcourt to visit my sister who preached to me and I joined her to attend The Catholic Church. Even though I attended the Catholic Church, I had little or no idea what the Christian faith was all about. Later, I was fortunate to meet a Sister from this Ministry, Sis. Mary Godknows who preached to me also and followed me up in my Christian faith. She told me of the Ministry of Greater Evangelism World Crusade and invited me to church, when they brought the gospel to town, where I resided with my husband and children. I obliged the invite and joined the believers there. When my husband found out I was attending the church there, he permitted me to only go there and hear the word but not be a member of the church. This was difficult for me because I had already started enjoying worshipping with them. As time went on, he stopped me from attending at all and then the persecution began. Prior this time, he had gotten me a job with the Ministry of health, and to stop me from attending church, he told me to request for transfer, which I did. I was transferred to Eleme, where Late Elder Sarah Dawin (the Mother of the Ministry at the time) resided. When I got to Eleme, she welcomed my children and I into her home and took care of us, since I had little or no funds to cater for us, because my husband received my salary on my behalf and sent to me whatever he deemed fit. Elder Sarah Davin took me as her daughter and nurtured me in the way of the Lord till 1980, when I totally surrendered my life to the Lord.

I later went back to Port Harcourt at the request of my husband when he found out, I had become committed in the church again. He beat me several times and stopped me from attending church. Finally, he drove me out of our home and away from my children, because they too had started attending the church. He soon stopped them as well. I discovered later that he belonged to a cult. The first month after he chased me from our home, he lost his job. After much pleading, he allowed me back into the house. He later fell sick and I ceased the opportunity to bring him to church, which he accepted. He joined me to one of the healing services at Elechi Beach and God’s servant, Apostle G.D Numbere took his hands and prayed for him. To God’s glory, he gave his life to Christ and some months later, he went to be with the Lord.”

The Jubilee Voices sang a song titled “Breaking of Day”, assuring us that though the night may last for a while, the day and its good tidings will surely come to pass.

God’s word was brought to us by the International Director. The title of the sermon was “The Force of Prayer” (Luke 18:1-8). Introducing the topic, he stated that the force of prayer is a very powerful force and God’s mind is that every child of His should pray always and not faint. Faint here means to give up or to lose heart or to turn coward. He stated that when we do not pray, circumstances will intimidate us, fear will overshadow us and we cannot be victorious.

Explaining some words from the text, he mentioned that “men” refers to humanity and so the business of prayer is everyone’s responsibility. He also pointed out that “man” is a masculine word meaning that prayer is not a child’s business but a manly one. Prayer is a warfare and to win the battle raging around us, we must rise in our spirit. He used three examples from scripture to drive home the Force of Prayer. These three examples are highlighted below;

1.      The Widow and the unjust Judge (Luke 18:1-8)

The International Director explained that the widow had two (2) adversaries. One was the situation which was tougher than she could handle warranting the need for a judge. The Judge then became the second adversary to her. Jesus used this to teach us perseverance in prayer. We must be determined in our spirit to press on to get a result. Instead of her situation to weigh her down, she used the force of perseverance to weigh down her problem/adversaries and she got the judgement in her favour. Other lessons learnt from this example;

• If you key into the force of prayer, the force of prayer will weigh your problems down.
• When you pray, the situation will be in your favour.
• Don’t allow your situation to stop you from praying.
• We are duty bound to pray – “men ought always to pray”.

 2.      Peter’s Imprisonment (Acts 12:1-11)

Most times when the enemy attacks an individual in the church, his target is the church. Peter was put in a security tight prison but when the disciples realised that they had a stronger power- the force of prayer which can pull down strongholds, they put it into use. The force of prayer can pull down both physical and spiritual strongholds. In Peter’s situation, the power of the prison was working as well as the power of the soldiers but the power of the prayer of the disciples superseded all others. Lessons from this example are; 

• God answers prayers.
• Heaven sent an angel and the chains and gates were released.
• When the power of God comes upon you, no power can stand against you.
• Help will come your way as you look up to heaven.
• There are things in your life waiting for you to travail and when you travail, you will bring forth - Isaiah 66:8

3.      The man who came at midnight to ask bread of his friend (Luke 11:5-13)

For this man, even though the doors were shut and the gates locked, he persevered in asking his neighbour for bread for the friend who had come from a very far distance. The man cared for his friend, he did not go to ask for bread for himself. The other man also cared for his children and did not want them disturbed by that time of the night, as a result decided to tell his neighbour off but the man who came to ask for bread knew the power of importunity in prayer and as a result, he got more than he requested for. Solving a friend’s problem provided enough for him. Lessons from this example include;

• The force of prayer can be effective when we are not selfish (Job 42:10).
• Do you have a friend that can carry your burden?
• The force of prayer is enforced when we have a lively relationship with God.
• We must learn to pray for members of our church.
• Prayer is not only for food, sicknesses etc. we should persevere in prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, because when we have the Holy Ghost, we become a vessel to provide spiritual bread/food for others.

Finally, to be qualified to receive God’s attention, the following criteria must be met:

1. You must be alive. Being alive here means being spiritually alive. When we are spiritually alive, God will pay attention to us. To be spiritually alive we must stay away from sin, as sin kills our spiritual life (Proverbs 15:8; Luke 11).
2. You must have a lively relationship with God. You cannot go boldly into God’s presence if you do not have such relationship (Luke 18:7).
3. Be a part of God’s chosen ones. The guarantee to answered prayer is to be part of God’s chosen ones.
4. Use the weapons of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). On its own our weapons are not powerful. When we are connected to God, our prayers are powerful.

Earth lost and heaven gained one of the greatest saints to walk this earth before God, Apostle Geoffrey D. Numbere (1944 - 2014).  "Brother Jeff", as he was affectionately called by my family was like a David/ Jonathan brother to me and was always considered as a beloved member of my family.  My church, my pulpit and my home were always his when he came to America.  He was never a "guest" - always part of our family.  He once said, "Brother Jim, I have slept above you, below you, and beside you.  He was beloved by our church family as well as by each congregation which he went to preach.  The men of Faith Chapel would squabble over which of them were privileged to drive him to his preaching assignment when I was unable to.

I will never forget the impact his life has made on me due to my several trips to Nigeria.  I was escorted like a king by a large entourage of cars to the home base.  On my first night there, Brother Jeff escorted me to a rather large, private bedroom with a huge bed in it.  I didn't realize until the next day that he and his several team members all slept on mats on the floor in the living room. It was during my first visit that I discovered fist hand a man so uniquely balanced in the qualities of humility, leadership, and anointing.  During my visits to the various rural churches and islands under such poor traveling conditions, the vision God had given to Apostle Numbere came to real life - you know, how God showed him millions of people over the world whose heads were bowed down and God had called him to lift them up.

I witnessed a man so totally surrendered to God, so close to His heart beat that in all of these poor, neglected, impoverished villages and islands he went to - he saw the people through the eyes of God.  Compassion filled his heart.  And although in their ignorance of the Gospel, they would persecute him - he was compelled to "Make Jesus known to them."  When he looked over a village as we came to share the Gospel, you could see the face of Jesus, and when he ministered to meet their needs, to break the chains Satan had imposed upon them, you saw the love and power of Jesus at work.  And to every village and island that we visited, no matter how poor the people were, how impoverished their situation or how small and rustic their church and primitive their ways - he was always so proud of each congregation and their pastors.

It was on my first visit to Nigeria in 1977 as I observed the extent of Geoffrey's ministry, that God quickened to my heart that what He had here was not simply a director or an evangelist - but a modern, true, full-fledged Apostle.  When I finally dared to share with the elders what God had shown me, I was greatly relieved to discover that what was revealed to me was simply a conformation of what they had already known but were afraid to share with their beloved leader.  I cannot express the humility I felt as the profound honor was granted to me to formally introduce to the world for the first time - APOSTLE GEOFFREY D. NUMBERE. Throughout the 35+ years I have known Apostle Numbere in which he has made several campaigns in the States and I to Nigeria, I have found a godly "friend that sticks closer than a brother."  Diana, my wife, and I have served on his Board of Trustees and he and Dr. Nonyem so honored us by having us present and me renewing their 25th Anniversary vows in 1998.  We were also honored by dedicating the new church in Ataba.

I marvel at the Apostle's impeccable integrity.  He never sought titles nor fame, nor position, not even a home for himself, nor even marriage and family for that matter.  His one goal in life was to Know Jesus and to Make Jesus Known.  Yet he has, without ever even asking, become perhaps the best extra-biblical example in the modern world of the truth of Matthew 6:33, "But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." 

Could one have been blessed with a more godly wife than Dr. Nonyem as a helpmeet as well as five precious and wonderful children - all serving God today?  And by the way, through his godly and powerfully exemplary life, he has certainly put to shame all of those Evangelicals including Pentecostals who simply have no place in their denominational structure for modern Apostles like the Apostle Paul.  Apostle Numbere also had a zeal for the Word.  All of his preaching was "Jesus".  And he stood - even if all alone - against false doctrine to defend the purity of truth. Apostle Numbere was a man of great discernment, wisdom and faith - was illustrated time after time as he dealt with impossible needs and spiritual crisis that arose, even in his own organization.  His leadership skills and structure of administration of Greater Evangelism World Crusade are seen in the ever expanding spread of the ministry.

Like the Apostle Paul, he was fearlessly courageous to obey and follow his calling.  Whether his challenge was fierce seas, angry juju priests, or the dangers and discomforts of travel and lodging quarters - he was faithful and without complaint.  He was a leader with a servant's heart, sleeping and eating right alongside the rest of his traveling evangelistic team. And like any true Apostle, perhaps his greatest test of character and temptation to become discouraged came from within - not without, where it was expected.  Some, whom he had trained, and had poured into their lives left for "greener pastures" or even exercised rebellion, while it broke his heart - it didn't break his spirit.  The Apostle had shared with me some of these situations.  yet despite the pain he experienced from these defections, Apostle Geoffrey D. Numbere never let bitterness or resentment get control of his soul.  There was no thought of retaliation.  The work of Greater Evangelism World Crusade was God's concern and he must keep his soul pure and undefiled, for the work must go on.

Diana and I will miss the precious personal times we shared with both Apostle Geoffrey and Dr. Nonyem.  His ministry has greatly enriched and impacted not only our family but also his Faith Chapel Family and the many churches in which he ministered.  Because of his life, I have been challenged and changed.  The Pierce Family and the Faith Chapel Fellowship stand faithfully with the Numbere Family and GEWC at this challenging and difficult time.  Our prayers are with you and together we will be strengthened in the Lord and continue the Vision God has set before us.

- Tribute by Pastor Jim and Diana Pierce (October 2014)

Saturday, September 9, 2017 was the actual date of the ministry’s anniversary and the celebration was indeed a beautiful. It was day filled with thanksgiving to God for being with and keeping us, in spite of and despite all our numerous challenges over the years. Truly, our challenges have been many but God has continually delivered and will continue to deliver us from them all as He promised in Psalm 34:19.

The program for Day 3 began prayers, praise and worship. There was a choir ministration from Kigbangha Gokana Zonal mass choir. They took us back to the 90s with their wonderful renditions of old Ogoni songs cherished by the older members of the ministry. After this, there was parade performance by some Greater Evangelism Nursery and Primary School in which pupils from the various schools owned by different branches of the ministry gave the International Director, Pst V.I Olori a salute. It was a beautiful session that reminded us that children are indeed the future of any organization and much more than just ensuring academic success for our young ones, we have the privilege of instilling the fear of God into them while at it. It also interesting to note that the central school’s board was not left out of the parade, some of her excos also participated in the parade. The teenagers were also not left out.  The teenage mass choir gave a super rendition of a self-composed song that affirmed the truth that the vision does indeed, live on.

After this rendition, Evang Godwin Ozichukwu gave a brief testimony on some landmarks of the ministry. Continuing his teaching the previous day, Pastor Dotimi Amatare spoke on “Disciples like the master”. Speaking from 1 Corinthians 11:1, he said that God gave us a wonderful example in the person of our founding father of blessed memory, Apostle G.D Numbere and that as children of the ministry, we ought to follow the example of our founding father. He gave a brief recount of how he came in contact with our late founding father. He mentioned that one of the things that endeared him to Apostle Numbere was his radical lifestyle for the gospel and also his love for people.

Just to reiterate some of the points, Jesus gave us an invitation to come to Him in Matthew 11:28-30, telling us to take his yoke and to learn of him.  Jesus wanted to ensure that His disciples were different and distinct from others. Speaking further, he gave us twenty ways in which we ought to follow our master Jesus since we are his disciples. Some of these ways include; in faithfulness especially since faithful men are now hard to come by in ministry (Hebrews 3:2), in freedom from the world (1 John 2:7), self-crucifixion (Gal 2:20), in enduring persecution (Hebrews 12:3), in totally setting ourselves apart from the world (John 17:17), in life and in conduct (1 John 2:6), in manifesting the fruits of the spirit (Gal 5:22), in love (John 14:12). This teaching brought the morning session to a close.

The afternoon session, had two major talks. The first was taken by Pastor Kenneth Otuokere. He handled the topic, “The Disciple And His Prayer Life”. Speaking, he said that, to talk about a disciple and his prayer life, we must first consider the master and his prayer life. Looking at the life of Jesus, it is evident that He took prayer seriously. Severally, in the gospels, we see Him praying. Mark 1:35 records that while day was yet to break, he went for prayers. After He was baptized by John the Baptist, he went into the wilderness and fasted and prayed for forty days and nights. Even as He has ascended, he is still praying for his church (Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:34). As disciples, we must not make light of that which our master took so seriously. He also gave an unusual example of prayer from the Old Testament. He said, Samson prayed only two times in his life, yet every time he prayed, God answered him. We must remember that Samson did not have the name of Jesus to pray through or His blood to rely on. This man relied on the blood of bulls and goats to make him acceptable before God. In spite of all of these limitations, God heard Samson. Dare we think, that as children of God, washed by the blood and accepted that God will not hear our prayers? Samson also believed that God heard him because after praying for strength, he actually pushed the pillars, if he didn’t believe in the efficacy of prayers, he would have made no such attempt. One of the most beautiful statements he made during the course of his teaching is that, it is possible for one to grow his/her prayer life. The disciples asked that Jesus should teach them to pray. It can be learned! So for those who are struggling in this area, take heart and courage and learn to pray. Make deliberate efforts to grow your prayer life.

The next talk was handled by the wife our founding father and president of the Greater Women Fellowship International, Pst. Dr Nonyem Numbere. She gave a talk on “Landmark Events And The Journey So Far”. She took us down the memory lane and reminded us testimonies like those of Elder Henderson Jumbo, a boy who was deaf and dumb and got his healing and other mind-blowing testimonies that are not so common anymore. Speaking, she mentioned that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever more, and that if we must see the miracles that we saw in time past, we must return to our foundations. The ministry of Greater Evangelism World Crusade is not a church that should be concerned with so much programs and activities such that the members are always in church. Our mandate is to raise the faces of men, the faces of the people in the church have already been raised. We must therefore launch out and find perishing souls. In the earlier times, our founding father of blessed memory did not consider any village too remote to be evangelized. As long as there were living souls there, the word of God also had to find its way down there. If we continue to sit in our churches while lives in the streets, creeks, villages, towns and even nations are wasting away, we will lose our essence as a ministry she warned.

We moved on from there to brief documentary of the ministry. It gave information about the ministry in her early days up till date. From our founding father’s salvation story to remarkable miracles God wrought through him, to his death and succession by the current International Director. The day’s teachings really left all who sat under it with a burden and a lot to reflect on.

Friday, 8th September 2017 was the second day of the 45th anniversary celebration. We had special presentations from the Ogba Central Choir, ethnic groups such as Andoni brethren, Kalabari Brethren, Ikwerre Brethren and the Men and Women Fellowships of the Ministry. The men's fellowship displayed in a drama where the audience/congregation were spurred up to forgive for their sake. The women's fellowship were not left behind as her choir ministered to the glory of God. It was a very colorful and beautiful occasion.

We also heard landmark testimonies from some of the Ministers who were there in the 70’s when the Ministry started. The reminisced on the field work with the founding father (Apostle G. D. Numbere), the challenges they had and the victory God gave to them.

The first talk of the anniversary, was taken by Pastor Dotimi Amatare on the topic "Disciples like the master". He told us that the singular aim of every believer is to be like Christ (Matt. 10:24-26, John 13:13-17, Matt. 11:29-30). Christ is the way, the truth and the life, Christ is meek and the words He spoke were directly from God and thus we as His disciples are to imitate Him. He told us that a disciple is

1. A follower of Jesus (Matt 4:19)
2. A Learner (Matt 11:29)
3. Accepts the teachings of Jesus and allows the teachings to dictate his lifestyle
4. Imbibes the Spirit of Christ (the fruit of the Spirit)
5. Imitates the example of Christ (John 15:18,19)

Bishop Winston Iwo gave the second talk on the topic, "The Place of Faithful Disciples in Sustaining the Vision" (2 Timothy 2:1-2). Here he explained the importance of faithful men and women in the sustenance of the vision God gave to our founding father. Vision he says is the driving force behind any given assignment and that he now understands why our founding father carried out his assignment with vigor, because he (founding father), had a vision, (a driving force). He told us that the founding father handed over the baton to a faithful leader who would in time hand over to another faithful leader, therefore we are to be mentors, because only faithful men and women will sustain this vision.

The centralized anniversary celebration started off today the 7th day of September 2017 with a hot session of praise and soul uplifting music by Jubilee Voices. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as people sang and danced with  joy. The chairman of the planning committee Pastor Apelle Iyagba gave his opening speech and in his speech, he thanked God for not allowing the rains hinder the celebration and also thanked God for leading us thus far as a ministry, giving a brief history of the journey so far.

Our father, the International Director, Pastor Isaac v. OLORI gave the opening charge for the celebration which he titled, "The Burden Of The Present Generation Of Greater Evangelism World Crusade". He stated that this celebration for him is more of a reflection period than of a celebration.  He enjoined everyone to do more of reflection.

Speaking further, he broke the topic into the following;

1. The Burden of Building On The Foundation Laid (EPH 2:20). He stressed on the danger of comparing ourselves with other ministries and that we have a specific foundation that has been laid, we must build according to that specification and resist the attraction of other foundations that do not conform or suit our foundation. He also emphasized that everyone should study and understand the vision.  
2. The Burden of Maintaining the Evangelical Spirit Which Is Our Trade Mark.
   Pastor Isaac Olori emphasized that our name, Greater Evangelism World Crusade is beyond a name. For us, it defines our mission, our purpose and our calling. He reminded us how our founding father, Apostle G. D. Numbere of blessed memory, with a few young people penetrated difficult terrains to take the gospel to the down trodden, and we are the fruit of that labour. He asked a pertinent question: “Are we living up to our name?” (Acts 10:42)
   He reminded us also that preaching is a commandment we must obey. We should therefore reflect and not just celebrate the labour of our heroes past, we should also ask ourselves "where is the mark of my own labour?”
3. The Burden Of Sacrifice And Service:  Speaking further, he said, Our founding father sacrificed his vocation, gave up his university training for this work; in the beginning young men and women also made different levels of sacrifices, some lost their homes ,dropped out of school, denied sponsorship by parents because of this work. They were not after any form of gain but had zeal for the work. He asked the question:  “What is the cost we are paying for serving him?
4. The Burden of Standing Up For the Truth of God's Word: He stated that there is a serious attack on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Falsehood and pseudo gospel is now the norm and its accepted. The gospel has been reduced to serving physical needs of people and little or no attention placed on the spiritual needs. He charged us to stand-up for the truth.
5. The Burden of Shinning As Light In These Evil Days: He reminded us that we have come to the times when our love for God has waxed cold, when we place our needs first before God's work. Even believers are under pressure of compromising their identity, when the difference between a believer and an unbeliever is no more clear. He left us pondering on the question: “Is your light shining?”

In his conclusion we were reminded of our primary burden which is reaching out to those numerous souls whose heads were bowed down and we can do that through discipleship. Finally, as we enter into another ministry year, we should not only press on in preaching the word and being like Christ, but also give ourselves to prayers and the word continuously.

Finally, we are here! 45 years, they say is not 45 days! How does one tell the story of 45 years in a few days? 45 years of God's faithfulness, 45 years of ups and downs, 45 years of trials, temptations, 45 years of success and achievements. This, indeed is the Lord's doing and it is marvelous in our eyes.

Today, the celebration begins with Pastor Isaac Olori (International Director, Greater Evangelism World Crusade) giving the opening charge.

Join us by 4pm today at Greater Evangelism World Crusade, World Headquarters, Rukpoku
or join us online: www.youtube.com/gewconlinevideos or www.mixlr.com/greaterevangelism (audio only)