In preparation for the 45th Anniversary Celebration, a mega rally was held on the 3rd of September, 2017. The weather was cloudy and there was a downpour of rain all over Rivers and Bayelsa States of Nigeria. Nevertheless this did not stop the people of Greater Evangelism World Crusade as we stormed the roads and streets with enthusiasm, joy, eagerness, strength and vigor proclaiming the goodness of the Lord these 45years.

Little Children, teenagers, youths, men and women singing, dancing, jumping and praising God. The rally was not age bound, the young ones displayed their strength while the old ones felt young again as everyone made melodies – dancing, singing and praising God.

Senior ministers, friends of the ministry like Apostle Zilly Aggrey, zonal ministers, senior pastors of churches, elders and other ministers were not left behind. They took the fore front of the event as they led everyone with banners and flags dancing just like David did.  It was a great opportunity for massive evangelism as the noise of praise, joy and thanksgiving attracted individuals even those that were inside their houses came out to watch in amazement. They were carried away by the sounds of music that they had to join in the dance.

Rally has been a tool for evangelism and publicity for the ministry of GEWC from the very beginning and it was an awesome experience to relieve this in the 21st Century way. Indeed the vision lives on!

Amadi-Village - “What Does Amos Three-Three Say?”

On 9th March, 1973, Numbere and his team moved out of the city of Port Harcourt. Their first port of call was Amadi-Village (now Amadi-ama), in the outskirts of Port Harcourt. About a month before the Field Team went to Amadi village, a very major juju (mammy-water) shrine had been uprooted and the priestess delivered. It was the former shrine house that the woman opened to receive the Field Team on arrival.

Just before they were to leave Port Harcourt, the Lord miraculously provided money for a generator for them. Numbere had to go to Benin City, capital of the then Bendel State (now Edo State) to purchase it. He arrived the base in Port Harcourt on the day of their departure to Amadi village. Being a man who would do things by himself rather than send others, he tried to carry the generator out of the van all by himself. As he lifted the generator his waist “gave way”. All he heard was a click sound and he felt a searing pain coursing through his waist down to his legs. He was forced to let go as he doubled over in pain. He had slipped a disc. He had to be helped into the room where they laid him on his back on the floor. It was in that posture that he was carried into the van soon afterwards and taken to the camp at Amadi Village.

All day long he lay on his back wincing in pains. By 5.00 p.m. there was no improvement in his condition and there was no way in which he could go to the Crusade, which was opening that night. This was their first outing outside Port Harcourt and so Apostle Numbere was not comfortable being left behind. Definitely his preaching that night was impossible but he prayed in expectation of a miracle. About half an hour later something wonderful happened. He felt a sudden heat flushing through his waist and down to his legs, feet and to the tip of his toes. This heat flush came again, and then a third time, and suddenly he found himself strong, every feeling of pain gone! He jumped to his feet and walked immediately headed for the crusade ground. But an incident had occurred before he could get to his people.

Just before his arrival on the Crusade field, the chiefs of Amadi Village descended on his team members and arrested Nelson Orugbani (now Mpakaboari Tamunoigbani) thinking him to be Numbere, the leader, because he was not only the eldest among them but also the stoutest. They arrested Tamunoigbani and whisked him away, to the amusement of the rest of the team who chuckled and giggled amongst themselves not bothering to correct the mistake of the chiefs.

As they were marching him away excitedly across the field to their Council Hall, believing that they had made “the big catch”, Apostle Numbere was just arriving, walking gingerly in the euphoria of the miracle that God had done for him. When he saw them he too knew what was happening. Amused, he simply walked past them. Nelson too was amused. He just walked along with his captors without giving them the slightest impression that he was not the Numbere they were looking for, or identify him to them as he walked passed them. Nelson‟s arrest meant two men (Numbere and Nelson) were out of the team but that did not stop their determination to have their Crusade that night. They continued to fix their instruments as if nothing had happened. They were still busy when they saw their leader, Numbere approaching. They could not believe their eyes. With shouts of joy they dropped what they were doing, ran to him, hugging him, laughing and rejoicing as they did so. This miracle brought so much joy, revival and encouragement to them.

After a while Numbere went to the Council hall where they had taken Nelson hostage. When he arrived there, the chiefs were pelting Nelson with questions still believing that he was Numbere. But Nelson answered them not a word neither did he tell them that they had taken the wrong man. That was how strong the bond amongst the team members was. They were prepared to die for the gospel and for one another. Numbere coolly walked in and asked them, “Who are you looking for?” Pointing at Nelson, their reply was, “He is Numbere!!” He told them “I am Numbere. He is not Numbere”. “You let him go.” Immediately they heard the name, “Numbere”, it was like an electric current had suddenly been triggered off in the hall. Shouts of “Numbere? Numbere? Numbere!! Numbere!!? Numbere? Are you Numbere?” echoed across the hall like a sing-song from one chief to another.

There was that much consternation and great surprise at his youthfulness and size because they had expected that the man they had heard so much about was a big elderly man, certainly not this mere slip of a young man who was standing before them. Numbere calmly told them again, “I am Numbere; you can let this one go.” Eventually, the confusion abated and they let their captive go. They now turned to Numbere. “What does Amos Three-Three say?” they asked him.

Like His Master Jesus, he answered them not a word. They kept asking him again and again “What does Amos Three-Three say?” That was really interesting, unbelievers quoting the Scriptures, and for what purpose other than to suit their evil end! When they saw that he was not going to answer them they started shouting at him, “We do not want our children to be spoilt! We do not want our children to be stubborn! We do not know what kind of thing (doctrine) that you have brought to the Rivers State! Our children are not obeying us their parents again! When we send them on errands they refuse to go! We want to bring up our children the way we want! “Two cannot walk together except they be agreed.” The last sentence was the Amos Chapter Three verse three, that they had been asking him to quote for them. And all this furore was because of alcohol and tobacco, which the young converts had refused to buy, sell or serve.

While all these things were going on, the village children who had gone to the Crusade ground mostly out of the natural inquisitiveness of children, had caught the song, “Only Jesus Can Save, Only Jesus Can Save, Alleluia!” which was being sung by the Crusaders. Singing, clapping and dancing, they trooped out from the Crusade ground right up to the Council hall. They sang and danced round the hall, mischievous ones peeping in through the doors and windows. From the hall, they trooped to another compound and another and another until they had traversed the whole village.

Culled from "A Man and A Vision": A Biography of Apostle Geoffery D. Numbere. Written by Pastor Nonyem Numbere

Today, all over the nation, we will throng the streets, shouting and singing the praises of our God, as we celebrate 45 years of God's faithfulness! Join us and Celebrate!

• 7th September 2017 to 10th September 2017
• at Greater Evangelism World Crusade, World Headquarters, Rukpoku
• or join us online: www.youtube.com/gewconlinevideos or www.mixlr.com/greaterevangelism (audio only)

When Apostle Geoffrey obeyed the call, the Lord led him not to Rivers State, but to Northern Nigeria where he sojourned for three years living in Birnin Kudu, Kano, Gumel and Wudil. His stay there could be likened to Paul‟s stay in the Arabian Desert.

GUMEL - LIFE AS A TEACHER

While he was in Kano, Geoffrey obtained a teaching job in the Government Teachers Training College now Advanced Teachers Training College), Gumel. A Muslim enclave in the far desert North of Nigeria, Gumel (now in Jigawa State) was next to Maigateri, a border town between Nigeria and Niger Republic. It was to this Northern wilderness that the Lord sent His servant. The Northern wilderness turned out to be a training ground for him just like Pa Elton had said. There the Lord appeared to him several times, teaching and preparing him for the great task ahead. He was a pioneer staff of the College, teaching English Language and Mathematics, the only Southerner and the only Christian there.

CONVERSIONS, MIRACLES, PERSECUTION

The presence of the Lord was mighty with him. He led many souls to the Lord especially Muslims, and God confirmed His word through signs and wonders. Anyone who came in contact with him was sure to be touched by God one way or the other. With his Muslim converts he started a home Church in his living room. Their first service was held on 28th February 1971, with seven converts in attendance. Founding the fellowship was not easy or smooth sailing. It required great faith and commitment. Eventually his persistence yielded fruit and he was able to have a stable fellowship, which grew steadily. As they grew in number, they decided to move into Gumel town itself. So on 20th June 1971, they held their maiden service in the Gumel Township. Some months later Geoffrey was transferred to Wudil (another wilderness town). But the Lord would never allow His Church to die. Not long after that, Bro. Ogundeji was transferred to Gumel T. T. C.! He now took charge of the young Fellowship. Eventually, Geoffrey handed over this Church to ECWA and it became their Gumel Branch. Many years later it became the Headquarters of ECWA in Jigawa State. The nucleus of this big Church was that home fellowship which Apostle Numbere started and handed over to them thirty-six years ago.

Geoffrey was busy serving the Lord and teaching his students when one day in July 1972, the Lord told him to leave the North for Rivers State, his home State, within the next two days. The day of departure was a sad day for all of them. Christian brethren, especially his converts, were there to see him off at the train station in Kano. It was like St. Paul’s final parting with the Ephesian brethren (Acts 20:36-38). They hugged and hugged him and wept and wept. And as the train moved, they waved and waved and sobbed and sobbed, many of them running alongside the platform until the train finally moved out of sight.

THE STREET PREACHER

Apostle Numbere does not and has never used orthodox methods in his approach to the things of God. Always depending on the Holy Spirit, he has many a time used unorthodox ways to reach out to souls. This in the early days of his Christian life and ministry used to bring a lot of condemnation from the Christians of those days who lacked understanding as to the move of the Holy Spirit. That was Geoffrey Numbere, the soul-winner. He has always placed a premium on the salvation of the souls of men, for the value of a soul is the Blood of the Son of God.

It was in that same manner that he started his Mission, when in 1972 he came down to Rivers State. He did not seek for any known conventional system in order to spread the gospel. Initially most of his preaching engagements were on invitations by a few Christians here and there to minister in Secondary Schools and sometimes in the Scripture Union where he used to attend fellowship.

But his fiery zeal could not be contained by mere preaching engagements. He decided to strike out to the field. He did not seek for any rich man to sponsor his Ministry. Since his people had kicked him out to the streets, the streets became his first mission field. He cared not for earthly possessions or achievements. The only possessions he had in this world were a T-shirt, a pair of trousers, a pair of slippers or shoes and a raffia bag containing his Bible and tracts and they were all on him! He did not have any source of income, nor did he know where his next meal would come from. But these things did not bother him. He had the call, he had the vision, but he believed that “Having a vision is not enough; there must be a commitment to act on the vision - A MISSION.” He had therefore come to Rivers State with a Mission, the Mission to raise up the faces of men and women in Rivers State to look up to Jesus to receive eternal life like he had been told in the vision.

He was so consumed with zeal and so committed to his Mission that he wanted everything in him including his very clothes to preach the gospel. He therefore got an artist to inscribe the words, “JESUS IS LOVE” and “REPENT” on the front and back of his T-shirt respectively. In his scanty outfit and with his raffia bag slung over a shoulder, he struck out to the streets of Port Harcourt preaching the gospel with great passion. He would stand at street corners, or in car parks, bus stops (stations), market places, or by public buildings such as civil service secretariats and banks, and compassion would grip his heart at the sight of multitudes of people moving about in those places. He would begin to cry as he realized that many of those people were going to a Christ-less eternity. He would, with tears in his eyes, tell them about Jesus Christ, His love for mankind and their need to be saved.

You can imagine what a spectacle he must have been with his poor dressing, his tearful face and his “strange message” of being “born-again.” As should be expected, many rebuffed him or simply ignored him, for whoever saw a man, an African man for that matter, weeping publicly? “Men do not weep” is a common saying and belief here. And for what purpose was he weeping? Not that he was weeping because he had lost one dear to him but he was weeping because he wanted people to repent. Wherever had it been preached before that salvation was through Jesus Christ and Him alone? And what kind of young man was this, that instead of going to school or finding himself some gainful employment, he was spending his time weeping and preaching to people to repent from their sins?. “He must be mad”, many conjectured. Some looked at the “mad” young man with pity, thinking that his enemies must have bewitched him “What a pity” they said, “Such a handsome young man! Who must have done this to him?” They queried.

In spite of all these reactions, a few, mostly teenagers believed his “strange” message and joined him, for there was a sincerity and intensity in his eyes, which could not be easily ignored. Also a few Scripture Union members left the Scripture Union (SU) and joined him. They testified that it was his sincerity coupled with the leadership quality they had noticed in him even at that early stage that had attracted them. Naturally, a number of SU members were angry with him over this development, but some later came to understand and accept his call.

On Saturday, 9th of September 1972, in the course of an all-night prayer meeting, in Port Harcourt with these young believers, the Ministry of Greater Evangelism Crusade was born. Apostle Numbere heard the name; “Greater Evangelism Crusade” repeated a number of times by the Lord in his ears. In excitement he shouted “Greater Evangelism Crusade!!! Greater Evangelism Crusade!! I’ve got the name – Greater Evangelism Crusade!!! Greater Evangelism Crusade!!!” He then shared the message with his prayer partners who were bewildered as to the meaning of his sudden outburst. Thereafter the group adopted this “Greater Evangelism Crusade” to be the name of the Ministry. Some of those who were present in that prayer meeting were Elder Eluan E. Akpana, Evangelist Fubara Ibama, Bro. Ben Iloh, (who later became the first deputy leader of the Ministry) and Sister Iloye Major. Some days later the Lord gave the motto, “TO KNOW JESUS AND TO MAKE JESUS KNOWN” to Apostle Numbere.

And precisely on the 6th of December 1972, he was on his knees praying when the Lord gave him the emblem of the Ministry. – THE GLOBE (THE WORLD) WITH THE CROSS SPANNING IT AND DROPPING ON AFRICA WITH NIGERIA IN THE CENTRE. The Vision of the Ministry was clear - Greater Evangelism was to have three main phases in her Mission. The Ministry was to span over Nigeria, Africa, and the rest of the world. Since the work of the Ministry was to start in Nigeria, Apostle Numbere decided to add the name, “Nigeria” in parenthesis to the name God had given to him and so the Ministry began as Greater Evangelism (Nigeria) Crusade. His plan was that whenever the Ministry got into any country, the name of that country would be inserted in parenthesis into the name of the ministry. For example, if they got to Ghana, the name would be Greater Evangelism (Ghana) Crusade. The name Greater Evangelism (Nigeria) Crusade thus became the name of his Ministry for many years.

During the 1975 Conference, the Holy Spirit revealed independently to Bishop Reeves and Apostle Kayo that the Lord had given Greater Evangelism a world-wide scope and that the Ministry should not be confined to Nigeria alone. On Sunday 15th of April, 1975 (the last day of the Conference) during a joint meeting of the Board of Directors and Council of Elders, these two men of God still led by the Holy Ghost, moved a motion that there be a change of name to reflect the world-wide scope of this ministry. It was like the Council in Jerusalem of the first Century Church replayed. The joint council, having confirmed that indeed this motion was of God passed the resolution. By this resolution, the name, “Greater Evangelism (Nigeria) Crusade was changed to “Greater Evangelism World Crusade” and the Director of the Ministry became officially recognized as the International Director of the Ministry of Greater Evangelism World Crusade.

Culled from "A Man and A Vision" by Nonyem E. Numbere. For inquiries, visit our bookshop.

“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand a mighty man; so are the children of the youth. Happy is the man that has his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.” Psalm 127:3-5

We are a ministry that understands the profound importance of the scripture quoted above. We understand that children can indeed form an important part of the arsenal for a battle and we want to ensure that these weapons end up in the right hands. Children are worthy of whatever is invested in them and we owe it to them to ensure that no facet of their life is impoverished.

In keeping with the statement above, the children department of the ministry observed a zonal conference ministry wide. The theme of the program was “Children as disciples indeed” and it ran from the 4th through the 6th of August 2017. As stated earlier, the conference was held at a zonal level, each zone was a conference center with the zonal headquarters acting as the host church. It was a camping program, however, only children within the range of five to twelve years were allowed to camp. It was indeed a wonderful time in the house of God for the children as nearly every facet of their lives including hygiene and academics was dealt with.

The program started on Friday at about 2pm with the arrival and registration of participants. In most zones, the program proper started at about 4pm. There was just a brief charge and one bible study for Friday. The topic of the Bible study was “The greatest in the kingdom” with the text taken from Matthew 18:1-5. This study sought to ensure that our children understand how much of a privilege it is to be a child so much so that the Lord Jesus himself taught that the greatest in the kingdom is the one who has the heart of a child. Children have many wonderful characteristics that make this so, one of such is that they are simple. Also, they don’t scrutinize the opinions of their parents, they just believe them. Children trust easily and forgive just as quickly. We must all learn to be like children; simple, humble and trusting. After the study, the children had their dinner and went to bed

 The second day had a lot more activities. There was a bible study, two seminars, a workshop, a movie/variety night. The topic for the second bible study was “A light bearer”. This study focused on teaching the children that, as disciples, their lights are expected to shine. The text for this study was II Kings 5:1-4. Using the little Israelite maid who served Naaman’s wife as a case study, they were taught that we are the light of the world and it our duty to shine and overwhelm the darkness of the world around us. The little maid in our text, regardless of the fact that she was in captivity, spoke up with full assurance in the abilities of God of Israel, thereby allowing her light to shine. They were made to understand that we can never be too young to be reflectors of God’s glory and that no matter the darkness we find ourselves in, the light of God in us is able to outshine and overcome every darkness.

There was also a seminar on personal hygiene. This is very important given the fact that proper hygiene is a pre-requisite for overall good health. The seemingly little but extremely things such as hand washing, proper oral care, care for hair and even a little bit of housekeeping were handled in this session. We understand that, just like Jesus (Luke 2:52), in order for our children to be balanced individuals, they ought to grow in every aspect of their lives. There was also a seminar on “developing reading culture”. Children in this day and age are presented with a lot of distractions and attractions and have relegated books to the background. This session sought to make the children understand that leaders are readers and that if they must be relevant people wherever they find themselves, they must invest in books. The study covered issues such as; how to form a timetable, how to read in order not to get bored, persevering in reading when bored, how to read and understand and lots more. It was so rich a study that practically anyone no matter how old, could have benefitted from. The workshop showed the children how to make tiger nut juice. This juice is far healthy than the ones purchased in supermarkets seeing that the latter is often over processed and consequently, stripped of its nutrients. The use of preservatives is another factor by which the tiger nut juice wins over the regular juice sold in the market. The day came to a close with a film show and/or a variety night. The children were given opportunity to make presentations in drama, songs, dance and the likes.

Sunday was the grand finale of the program. Matthew 21:16 was indeed a reality that day. The children took over the service from start to finish. They conducted the service, took the choir ministration, preached and made special presentations. One of our churches in Port Harcourt was privileged to have our father, the international director, Pst. V.I Olori in attendance on Sunday. The conference coincided with the dedication of the child of Pst Blessing Udoh, the Superintendent State Minister, Rivers State West and the International director decided to grace the occasion. He also addressed the children of the zone reminding them that they are special to God and they are His property. It was a wonderful weekend for the children of the ministry and we are fully persuaded that God is working in and on them.

The benefit of dwelling in God’s presence makes us want to go into His presence more often as the power of His anointing keeps us going. In July Healing Service, we heard the testimony of Pastor Lambert and family, whom God delivered from a fire accident. He testified how when he returned from church, his wife instructed their daughter to put on the stove in the kitchen but in the process, there was an explosion from the stove. With a wrapper around his waist, he went into the kitchen and flung the stove outside their apartment, only to discover that that the fire had surrounded him. God’s mercy was sufficient, as the fire did not extend to the wrapper, nor the two filled gas cylinders which was by the stove, but was put off by water - which would have escalated it. Thanks to God no one was hurt.

As we thanked God in songs throughout the service, the Jubilee Voices ministered to our souls with a song titled “Restoring the Years” as well as “Your set time has come”. It was a soothing balm to everyone and we bless God for such uplifting ministration.  

God’s word was brought to us by His servant, Pastor Isaac Olori, the International Director. The topic for his sermon was “The Power of the Highest” (Luke 1:31-35)

Introducing the sermon, he pointed that there are Physical and Spiritual powers and they have hierarchy in their various spheres. Explaining spiritual power, he stated that it can be categorised into two (2), the power of God and the power of the kingdom of darkness. He said that the power of the highest refers to the power that supersedes both the physical and spiritual. Explaining the text, he also pointed that it took God to set aside the natural process of conception as it is humanly impossible for a virgin to conceive without intercourse. This however, is made possible because of the Power of the highest, which God wields. He also highlighted that when Mary asked how this conception would happen, heaven was ready to give her an answer. This thus points out the fact that, there is no question God has no answer to, neither is there any situation God cannot save.

Highlighting Luke 1:35, he said that the solution to any situation or problem is in the power of God through the Holy Spirit, as the Holy Ghost carries the power of the highest.

Some points worthy of note in this sermon are as follows:

1. When God wants to do anything even the impossible, He sends the Holy Spirit. This was evident in Genesis 1, during creation “…and the Spirit of the Lord moved upon the face of the waters”.
2. According to Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18 and Acts 10:38, even though Christ was divinity, He operated because He had been anointed by the Holy Spirit.
3. The secret of the supernatural work in the life of any man is the power of the Holy Spirit.
4. When the Holy Spirit of God comes upon a person, the power of the Highest overshadows such a person. To overshadow is to cover absolutely or to make one insignificant. When a person is overshadowed, they are dwarfed and they do not possess their full potential anymore. This is what happens when the power of the Highest overshadows a person, they no longer become obvious but the Holy Spirit. Their situation becomes irrelevant but what the Lord says. Also, all other power gives way.
5. The power of the highest is unlimited, and is capable of changing anything. This happened to Mary because she believed God and opened up to the power of the highest. This same power is what Saul encountered on his way to Damascus, and his life was transformed (Acts 9:5).

Finally, when this power comes upon a person, it produces a holy thing. It produces something that glorifies God. The word of God will prevail in your life if that power visits you as it will set aside the work of the flesh.

The 3rd National Prayer Conference was held from 29th June to 2nd July 2017. People from all over the Nigeria gathered to pray in line with the theme "Till the Lord look down from heaven". The program featured workshops, midnight cries, prayer sessions, interactive meetings, bible studies and communion.  

A keynote address titled, "Lord teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1) was presented by the International Director, Pastor Isaac Olori, ably represented by Pastor Ibim Alabrabra (Superintended State Minister, Rivers State). He admonished the conference in this address, buttressing the need for prayer in today's church and the motivation to pray. He showed how the disciple's need to know how to pray from the master (Jesus), can be likened to our ineffectiveness in the place of prayer and how the awareness of this fact is the beginning of revival.  He further stated that only those that yearn to pray, can be motivated and led by the Holy Spirit to pray. He showed the importance of the Holy Spirit in the prayer lives of every believer (Roman 8:26, 27) as He is the one who gives direction to our prayers. In addition, as many that came for the program, should put away their "prayer warrior" mentality and their garments of men and women, and truly thirst for God in other to fully benefit from the conference. In conclusion he said that the ministry, Greater Evangelism World Crusade, needs prayer as she is at a critical time in the fulfillment of her vision. 

An address was presented by GEWC Prayer circle leader, Evang. (Mrs.) Gloria A. Nwokocha were she reminded those in attendance of the keynote address of our founding father (Apostle G. D. Numbere) during the 2nd International Prayer Circle Conference held from 5th September to 8th September 2013. In that address, he stated the three pillars of the preparation for greater signs and wonders, which are: Faith, Prayer, and Fasting. Prayer is indeed required for greater signs and wonders. Expounding on the theme of the conference (Lamentations 3:49-50), she explained that it suggests the place of perseverance, persistence and agonizing in prayer. This means giving God no rest until He brings to fulfillment the vision of the ministry.

The President of the Women's Fellowship International, Pastor (Dr.) Mrs. N. Numbere spoke on "Agonizing in Prayer" (Romans 8:26-27). She emphasized on the welcome address of the head of the Prayer Circle that, prayer is to the spirit, what oxygen is to the body. It therefore suggests that the prayer unit is the life-wire of the vision of the Ministry. Without prayer, no evangelism, prayer keeps the gospel train going on. Also that praying is not a loud gift but a closet gift, meaning personal lives have to reflect what is done in the closet.  She defined prayer as an address to God, a communication with God. Speaking further she expounded on the meaning of corporate prayer, considering that's what the Prayer Circle does. Corporate prayer is prayer on behalf of everybody, not just those in the prayer circle.  We are to allow the Holy Spirit to make intercessions for us because we do not know what to say. It is the Holy Spirit that translates our desires to Christ and He in turn tells the Father, God. This is because the Holy Spirit does the groaning which is the agonizing in prayer.

Other excepts of her talk can be found below:

Agonize means to struggle, to strive, to wrestle, a fight to contend with an adversary with the aim to have victory. There is no agonizing without pain.

Reasons why we should agonize in prayer includes: 

1. It is God's command (Isaiah 62:1-2, 6-7). God commands that He should be “troubled” till His will is fulfilled.
   We are already in a contest against the devil (Ephesians 6:12). Nigeria needs the prayer of the saints so as to establish God's word.
   We cannot win the conflict except we engage in the contest. Victories cannot manifest in the physical except you have finished the work in the spiritual. When we agonize in prayer, we see the manifestation.
   We have to contend with our flesh, the old man. (Colossians 3:5)
   We have to pray in order for God's will to be done on earth.
   Agonizing in prayer ignites fire in the heavenly places as it happened in Daniel.
   Agonizing in prayer keeps us spiritually alert.
   Prayer must be with a target because target leads to burden. Without a burden, one cannot agonize. We need to ask the Holy Spirit to give burden and aid us in prayer. Someone who wants a prevailing prayer life must stay away from sin and be obedient to God.
   Examples of those who prayed until something happened include: Jesus, Elijah, Paul etc.

The Prayer conference, ended with a communion thanksgiving service and the return of participants to their various destinations. We have a God who hears us when we pray and we know He has heard the prayers made by His people during this conference.

The Women Fellowship of Greater Evangelism World Crusade (GEWFI) held the 2017 Zonal Women Conference in all Zonal Headquarters of the Ministry from 25^th to 28^th May 2017. The theme of the conference was “Disciples Indeed” in line with the 2017 Theme of GEWC.

Several soul lifting and inspiring talks and seminars were done, some of which are: The role of a Genuine Disciple in Church Growth, The Role of Women in Discipleship, Discipleship- A Personal Commitment and a workshop on the enterprising woman. This workshop came with a practical session such as juice making. The grand finale, saw a focus on the President’s (Pastor Nonyem Numbere) talk on “The Servant Leader” where she highlighted on a few points:

1. Just as the unseen parts of our body are very important so is every member of the body of Christ very important.
2. If you must please God, You must be a servant leader.
3. A servant leadership enhances leadership.
4. Being a servant is key. Jesus Christ made himself lower than a servant by washing His disciples’ feet including Judas that was to betray Him.

It was indeed a refreshing time in God’s presence as women took time to pray, worship God and learn as well.

Fulfilling her motto of making Jesus known to the whole wide world, Greater Evangelism World Crusade planted a church in Benin City. The new Church is located at Sapele Road, Benin City by Adesuwa junction, behind Skye bank. The resident pastor, Pastor George Okuofu and his team were able by God's grace to evangelize and plant a church at a strategic position in Benin City.

Although we have Churches in other parts of Benin, this is the first in the city centre in Benin. The first service which held on 25th June 2017 recorded seven (7) adults in attendance excluding the resident pastor and his team. On 2nd July, 2017, the church recorded a total of twenty-five (25) first timers.

The resident Pastor, Pastor George Okuofu rightfully attributed this achievement to the grace of God. We trust God to expand His work and bring more souls into His Kingdom.

The Rivers West Women fellowship of GEWC organized an outreach program on the 24th day of June 2017 for the widows, in line with the biblical injunction for us as Christians to care for the fatherless and widows as well.

The outreach was packed full of events like medical examinations, prayer sessions, talks, presentation of gift items, refreshment and a wonderful session of testimonies.
Evang Toru Okoru of the Help Ministry International graced the program with two of her Executive members.  The main talk for the day was taken by Pst Mrs Kaine Alabraba (wife of the Rivers State Superintendent State Minister) and through her talk she gave strength and encouragement to the widows. A total of 180 widows were in attendance. Gift items were given to all 180 of them.

These are a few of the testimonies amongst others:

1. Eld Margaret Akpan of Town Zone 1, testified how she prayed during the outreach organized in November, 2016 by Help Ministry concerning accommodation and God answered, gave her favor before the Landlord, who gave her a befitting place to live and placed her in charge of the property.
2. Eld Faith Nzanee testified of God's faithfulness to her in the bringing up her children academically. She now has three graduates, her last child is in secondary school and they recently acquired and built their personal house.
3. Pst Justin's Nwokocha, testified of employment despite her age and qualification, God's provision for her two children who are now undergraduates, she is currently pursuing a degree program too and has completed and moved into her own accommodation.
4. Sis Amba Obogo of Akpor testified of God's Providence through a neighbor at a time she ran out of funds.

Taking care of widows is a Christian duty as enjoined in James 1:27 which must be sustained at all levels. Continue to pray for the widows and also reach out to as many as we can.

The 3rd International Men’s Conference of Greater Evangelism World Crusade was organized by the Greater Men’s Fellowship International (GMFI). The conference, which had its main theme as “Disciples Indeed” – John 8:31 was a four (4) days event held from Thursday 8th – Sunday 11th June, 2017 at Greater Evangelism World Crusade Club Road Church, #1 Club Road in Port Harcourt the Rivers State capital. The prestigious event attracted participants from all over the country including a few other countries where the Ministry of Greater Evangelism is situated. About 900 men were in attendance with 740 persons registered at the conference.

The conference uniquely featured a variety of Teachings, Talks, Seminars, Bible Studies, Power Night Prayers, Health Care/Fitness Training and General Elections of new Central Officers of the Fellowship. Some of the key Guest Speakers who featured were: the International Director, Pastor Isaac V. Olori; the President of the Women Fellowship International, Pastor Dr. (Mrs.) Nonyem E. Numbere; the Chairman Missions Board of GEWC, Pastor Achese Amadi; Pastor Gift E. Ejimadu; and the Bayelsa State Superintendent Minister, ably represented by the Bayelsa State East Men’s Chairman, Pastor Ivifiwol Lamech. The official opening ceremony kicked off on the Day 2 of the Conference being Friday 9th June, 2017. It wonderfully showcased a special Drama Presentation by the GMFI Theatre Group entitled, “My Dream of a Disciple Indeed”.

The outgoing GMFI President, Evangelist L. K. Amachree in his keynote address highlighted the four (4) cardinal objectives of the Fellowship, the foremost which was “To build the spiritual and material lives of the men so that they can become healthy and faithful husbands and fathers”. He further detailed out some of the breakthroughs and achievements made by his administration and challenged the incoming administration and the Fellowship to pull all resources together to ensure that the Ogun State Mission Project is realized before the 2017 International Ministers’ Conference.

Some of the talks and seminars given during the conference include “The GMFI Mission Project” by Pastor Achese Amadi, “Discipling Men for Maximum Impact on Church Growth” by Pastor Gift E. Ejimadu, Opening Charge on the theme by Pastor Ivifiwoi Lamech, “The Empowered Disciple" by Evangelist Progress Imiete, “The Essence of Discipleship Training” by Pastor Ebi Tuesday,  “A Disciple and His Attitude To Business” by Pastor Festus Ediae, “True and False Disciples” by Evangelist L. K. Amachree , “Healthy Living and Fitness for Disciples” by Dr. Leziga Kenanen amongst others.

Pastor Dr. Nonyem E. Numbere (President, GEWFI) was present during the conference and she gave a talk on “Dad the Family Coach – Discipling the Home”. In her talk, Pastor Dr. N. E. Numbere explained, that fathers are coordinators or mentors and the home was their first Parish because God has given them the leadership of the home in both spiritual and secular matters.

She emphatically stated that many fathers today are MIA (“Missing In Action”). They are too busy for their family, thereby leaving the children to look up to their mother as their leader. She narrated that 23% of Christian wives and mothers will help in leading their husbands and children to the Lord, but 94% of fathers will lead the entire family to Christ, thus showing the value fathers have as leaders at home. But the scenario today is a sad one there is either no leadership in the home or fathers have unwittingly (i.e. unknowingly, not deliberately) ceded leadership to mothers.

She expatiated on God’s role and character as a Father both to Jesus and to the believers; and God’s standards for fathers. She further charged the men to train their team (the family unit) diligently like a good coach would; carryout discipline whenever they have to; relax with their families, have family jokes; and to form the habit of blessing their families.

Some highlights of her talk:

God’s Standard For Fathers

1. The priest of the home as spiritual leader and as intercessor (Genesis 18:22-23; 19:29; Job 1:5).
2. Love your family –show love to them and teach them. Love your wife because how you treat your wife will affect your children in their character and in their relationship with you.
3. Be a nursing father (Numbers 11:12). The concert of nursing is that of pregnancy and delivery. Which means a dad should be participatory even though it is the woman going through the actual process. So fathers should not leave the women to carry the burden alone. Be a nursing father while your wife is a nursing mother.

Responsibility of Fathers

1. Train and train diligently like a good coach would (Proverbs 22:6; Deuteronomy 6:6-9; 11:18-19)
   1. Teach and discuss spiritual and mundane things. It involves formal and informal training – when you are, walking by the way i.e. taking a stroll with your child; lying down – relax and play with your family; Sitting down – could also be family time; Rising up and also sitting down – family devotion
   2. Practical Christianity – Action speaks louder than word - Help your family love God, love the church and love other. Good Rapport - know your children one by one, their strengths, their weaknesses, help them build up their areas of strength or overcome their weak areas. Remember, “Word killeth, word maketh alive.” Practicality is essential – exemplify Christ in your life and your family will follow suit. The whole aim is to build up your children for the future including attaining heaven.
2. Disciplinarian - Disciplining is a mark of sonship. It is mark of love and so should not be done with anger but with the aim of correction. You should spank him when necessary but not to physically hurt him/her (Proverbs 22:15; 23:13). Brutalizing your child in name of discipline physically or verbally is child abuse (Proverbs 3:12; Hebrews 12:5-11).
3. Bless Your Family - As father and priest, form the habit of blessing your family while you are still alive. It is not only when you about to die that you will seek to bless them. You may not have that opportunity at the time of death. E.g. (2 Samuel 6:17-21)
4. Accountability before God - You will be required to give account of your role as a father e.g. Eli was a priest and yet his children were “the sons of Belial”? (2 Samuel 2:12). Their punishment was visited upon their dad as well i.e. retributive justice. God regarded Eli as having committed the sins his sons did.

 On a final note she urged the men to aim, pray, and work to be a coach of a winning team.

The International Director, Pastor Isaac V. Olori at the climax of the event on Sunday 11th June, 2017 gave a message on what seem to be a summary of all that was treated at the conference. He spoke on the topic, “A Man after God’s own Heart”, cited from the bible book of Acts of the Apostles chapter 13, verse 32. He said when you talk of a disciple; you talk of a man after God’s heart. God testified about David that he was a man after His heart. God’s testimony is greater than any man’s testimony. God’s testimony about David was on account of his heart towards God. The International Director noted that this was why we need to examine our heart towards God. He further examined and expatiated on the nature of David’s heart towards God through the following point.

1. David was a man that was loyal. If you must be a man after God’s heart you must be loyal (1 Samuel 24:4-5). David served King Saul until he was anointed and even when Saul was rejected David was still loyal. He did not take the law into his hands to kill Saul (1 Samuel 26:9).
2. David had regard for the Anointing and by extension had regard for the anointed. If you want to be a man after God’s heart, you must learn to respect anointing (1 Samuel 24:6-7).
3. David mourned for Saul. He never saw Saul as an enemy but saw him as his master. This is the type of heart God is looking for.
4. David was patriotic. He was inspired by love for his country against Goliath and the Philistines (1 Samuel 27).
5. David was gracious. There was grace in his heart (2 Samuel 1: 19-27). He was not revengeful, nor kept a record of offence.
6. He was conscious of the name of God and the glory of God. (2 Samuel 1:20)
7. He did not jump into power. He was anointed again the second time (2 Samuel 5:3). He waited to be raised up by legal means. He waited until God told him to go.
8. David was a penitent man. He was not a perfect man but he knew how to be broken. (2 Samuel 12:13) God put away

Pastor Isaac V. Olori, in his conclusion said if you are a man God will use, you will be a man whose heart is upright all the time. Such is the man that can be a disciple indeed. God looked at all these things and called David a man after His own heart. A true disciple must be a man after God’s heart.

An election was carried out and a new Executive body put in place with Pastor Nonyem Nwokomah emerging as the new President of the Men’s Fellowship. He takes over from the outgoing President, Evang. Lolo Amachree and his team, after a meritorious service. After a brief charge to the new officers from the book of Matthew 20: 20-28, they were dedicated by the International Director, Pastor Isaac Olori.