June 2017 marked the 36th Anniversary of the Central Healing Service which began on 21st June, 1981. We heard profound testimonies from our brethren, Pastor Ateli Nwankwo, who thanked God for His saving grace upon her life as well as shared her salvation testimony while Elder Anderson Jumbo, recounted God’s healing from spinal disorder. It might interest you to know that this miracle happened in the first healing service of the ministry, 36 years ago. It was also a moment of thanksgiving as we thanked God for all fathers to mark “Father’s Day”. Jubilee voices blessed our souls by acknowledging the mightiness of God in a song titled “Most High”.  God’s blessing was indeed profound.

God’s word was brought to us through His servant, Evang. Prince Nkiri, National Minister, GEWC Benin Republic. Speaking on the topic “Broken but not damaged” (2 Samuel 4:4, 9:1-13). The sermon centred on the character of Mephibosheth, the grand-Son of King Saul who was lame from a tender age. Scripture recorded that he was not born lame but while escaping the crisis on the household of King Saul, he fell from his nurse’s hands and became lame.

Analysing the topic, God’s servant defined Broken to mean reduction in something or being separate from a whole either by accident or the like. He also defined broken as something being disconnected in the main frame or a detachment from the original. Furthermore, he pointed out that a broken entity lacks the ability to survive. He described damage as an injury that causes lack of value, however he stated that it is possible for something to be broken, yet not damaged.

To buttress his point stated above, he analysed the subject matter, Mephibosheth, who was of a royal lineage yet was incapacitated and for a while did not enjoy the benefit of his lineage until God, through King David desired to honour him. Other relevant points to note about the character of Mephibosheth include;

1. Mephibosheth was handsome, as the bible recorded that his father and grandfather were handsome, so it would be almost impossible not to have such an endearing countenance. Nevertheless, his predicament made this attribute of his to be down trodden.
2. As a result of his predicament, he was kept or lived in a desolate place – the house of Machir the son of Ammiel in Lodebar, with no form of communication. This however signifies desertion, since he was a burden.
3. Originally, he should have been the king of Israel following the monarchical system that existed in Israel but he lost his estate as a result of the act of his grandfather, Saul.
4. The speaker carefully stated how erroneous it was to have a slave share a bed or table with a prince, but Mephibosheth’s condition left him at the mercy of a servant Ziba, who out of his kind heart decided to show him mercy by catering for him.
5. His condition made him loose heart and hope in life, as can be deduced from his attitude and statement in 2 Samuel 9:8 “Then he bowed himself and said, what is your servant , that you should look upon such a dead dog as I”

Evangelist Nkiri further stressed on the fact that despite the predicament of Mephibosheth, God favoured him as though he never had a limitation, thus implying that God can change the situation of one who is struggling to become that of revival, as well as restore the value of something no matter how broken it is.  

Highlighting the burden on the heart of King David, he stated that it was God who remembered Mephibosheth. He also stated that the covenant David had with Jonathan was being fulfilled because God was involved in it. This covenant made David restore all Saul’s properties to Mephibosheth, as well as adopt him as his own son, hence implying that when God’s favour is on a man, his predicament is a development for a divine transformation, so your destiny (if you are in Christ) cannot be damaged.

Furthermore, the predicament of Mephibosheth did not prevent Ziba and other servants from carrying out David’s instruction of serving Mephibosheth and his children but it was followed to the latter. The blessings on Mephibosheth by David did not only end at the restoration of Saul’s properties but he was also honoured to always eat at the Kings table for the rest of his life. This signified being restored as royalty for Mephibosheth.

Finally, an important point to note amongst these is the significance of the table. God’s servant stated that at the table it was impossible to see the predicament of Mephibosheth as the table hid the lower part of his legs, hence anyone coming to the table only sees him as the son of a king, and treats him as such. Other vital points include;

1. Your destiny cannot be damaged because what God says about you must surely come to pass.
2. There is a place on God’s table that will change your story. When you are adopted, you would eat bread on His table.
3. You cannot eat on God’s table if you are not a son.
4. Being brought to the table is being showed and given a royal treatment
5. There are treasures waiting for you to become a son. Once you become a son grace begins to work for you, things begin to turn around for you.
6. The only guaranty to feasting at God’s table and partaking of his treasures is being born again.

As part of the activities to mark the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Rivers State (1967 – 2017), a 50 days Fasting and Prayer programme was held. To mark the end of these days of intercession, a joint session was held on Saturday, 20th May 2017 at the Civic Centre, Port Harcourt. His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, Executive Governor of Rivers State and his wife, Her Excellency, Hon Justice Eberechi S. Nyesom-Wike, the deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Dame (Dr.) Ipalibo Harry Banigo led the entire State before God in prayer, supplication and thanksgiving.

Pastor Isaac Olori, International Director, GEWC, delivered the sermon titled: The Potency of Prayer in Entering and Reigning in Your Jubilee (2 Chronicles 7:13, 14). He explained that Jubilee means liberty or release and without God there will be no Jubilee. He was happy that prayer and fasting was part of the Rivers State Golden Jubilee celebrations because without laying the spiritual foundation through prayers, celebrating Jubilee would have just been a ceremony. Stressing the potency of prayer, he said, God can change His mind and open heaven which had been shut up before when we pray. If our prayers can make God change, then the devil, situations or circumstances are too small for the force of our prayers.

Other highlights include:

1. Prayer releases power from above and handles every situation.
2. Prayer produces much results James 5:16
3. Jesus declared Jubilee to us over 2000 years ago.
4. Your action or inaction will cause or hinder the progress of this State

Conditions for Answered Prayers

1. If My people called by My Name (Corporate Prayers) – We must form a united force even in prayers.  The force of prayer is not in the words you say but on your relationship with God. If you are not converted, you are not one of God’s people (2 Timothy 2:19, Isaiah 59:1, 2)
2. Humility – Prayers that move God are made out of a humble contrite spirit (Luke 18:14, Psalm 34:18, 51:17)
3. Pray – We must pray as a State. Prayer is the greatest force and every sustainable prayer must come from a humble heart.
4. Seek His Face – it implies seeking for divine direction that is, God’s will. God has a design for us as a State and we must seek His face for His will to be done.
5. Turn from your wicked ways – Every sin before God is wicked. True repentance is what will usher us into Jubilee.

Pastor Isaac Olori concluded by saying, “as we have called on God, surely heaven is open unto us because God promised to answer when we call.” He prayed that in every area of the State where we have been subjected to slavery or deprivation, there would be a release.

(Photo Credit: Nki Ru)

The Ministry of Greater Evangelism World Crusade acknowledges the fact that the youth are the leaders of tomorrow, the future of the world and the church, and as such have a place Teens and Children ministry high on their priority list. The teachers, custodians of the department, in keeping with this, held the 21st National Teachers conference at GEWC, Gream-Ama Church, Okirika. The program ran from the 4th through the 7th of May, 2017, with over 200 teachers in attendance.

The theme of the conference was “The Teacher As A Disciple Indeed” and some of the highlights include Bible studies, talks, seminars, workshops and lots more.

There were also talks during the conference. The first was handled by the General Superintendent of the department, Pastor Diseph Isikima. She spoke on the topic “The Lifestyle of a True Disciple”. She emphasized the fact that the lifestyle of true disciple always reflects Jesus Christ, regardless of the circumstances. Other talks were: “A Faithful Teacher as a Disciple Indeed” by Pastor Isaac Green, (Coordinator, Bayelsa State Teens fellowship), “The Importance of Report Writing and Record Keeping” by Evangelist Lawrence Hart amongst others. Seminars covered by Bro Yibo Koko and Pastor Inima Okpaku were “Understanding Children and Teenagers and How to Disciple Them in Today’s World and handling financial records as disciples.

The International Director, Pastor Isaac Olori, in his message to the conference, admonished them to set an example and be imitators of Christ. He highlighted that the precious jewels of God placed in their care are yawning earnestly for examples and models of this Christ which they are being taught.

Pastor Dr. Nonyem E. Numbere, The Overseer of the Children and Teenagers Department was present at the grand finale to encourage the teachers who she referred to as “factory workers” in the “Jesus Manufacturing Group of Companies”. In her keynote address, she highlighted the fact that teachers are the hands and feet that Jesus uses to manufacture His future battle axes (Psalm 8:2). Expounding on Ephesians 4:11 – 12, she told them that they have been given the gifts of pastoring and teaching children; pastors and teachers in a special class, a special call to mold and build children and teenagers so that when they are of age, they are ready materials for higher service. She also thanked them for their selfless service and asked them never to let the burden of the young ones leave them no matter the discouragement or challenges.

Concluding, she prayed that the Holy Spirit would water them, fill them to overflowing and give them more grace to fulfil their call.

Indeed, one cannot give out that which he/she does not possess. This conference has further equipped the teachers with the right knowledge to give out to the ones placed in their custody. 

Greater Evangelism World Crusade is a unique ministry seeing that every detail of our vision and mission was worked out by God Himself. From the name of the ministry, to the motto and even our logo (an image of the globe tilted slightly with a cross spanning across it, the cross resting upon Nigeria). The vision of the ministry is to be accomplished in three phases; Nigeria, Africa and the rest of the world. In keeping with this, the International Director, Pastor Isaac V. Olori visited our churches in Uganda in the company of the Chief Missions Coordinator, Evangelist Victor N Ejimadu.  The duo arrived Uganda on Friday, 5th May 2017. They were received by the brethren and her Ministers in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. They were received amidst lots of joy and jubilation. For the next few days, they set out to see each of the branches in Uganda. Indeed, the vision lives on! A lot of work was done in Uganda by Late Evang. Yohanna Biliyock and currently Pastor Nansikombi is in charge.

The Ministry has thirty branches in Uganda and twelve of them were visited, regardless of the difficult terrain.  Their experience was same as that of Apostle Numbere and Evang Y. D. Biliyock. The topography of the land is made up mostly of mountains and forests. A journey to where the churches are located usually means a journey of no less than two hours. Sometimes the roads were not motorable and the team had to go on foot.  Sometimes the vehicle for transportation would break down, forcing them to continue their journey on foot. It was indeed challenging and daunting, but there are people up there in those mountains and in the forest for whom Jesus died and as such, those places had to be reached. The structures for worship are mostly tarpaulin held by sticks and the likes and at best, uncompleted structures. The joy of the people knew no bounds. To express their joy, they gave gifts like cows, goats, chickens, potatoes, eggs etc to the “August” visitors. They are not much but that’s what they could afford and it came filled with lots of love.

Preaching, crusading and encouraging the Churches, it was a fruitful visit. For example, the crusade at Kakabara had a huge harvest, people including Catholics gave their lives to Christ and received the gift of the Holy Spirit. The word of God was well received and we can only say thank you to God for such open doors.  The Church of God is indeed marching on!

The Churches visited are listed below with a brief history/description.

GEWC MAKENYA: Born in 2010, it was started under an eucalyptus tree.  It is presently pastored by Brother Mukwana Richard.  Her numerical strength is currently about 80, of which 30 are adults.

GEWC BUKESA: Born in 1994 and started as a small church on land purchased by the late International Director, Apostle G. D Numbere of blessed memory.  It is currently pastored by Pastor Rosetty Nansikombi.

GEWC KARAMA: This Church was born in 1996 and started under a tree. A parcel of land was donated by Mutebi David and Pastor Rusoke Vincent. A grass thatched structure was raised and later, a mud and wattle structure roofed with iron sheets took its place. Currently a permanent structure is under construction. It is presently pastored by Pastor John Asaba and has a numerical strength of about 72 persons of which 42 are adults.

GEWC KACUMBI: GEWC Kacumbi was born in 2008, on a land donated by Sister Ndagano Ketti. It started as a grass thatched structure but was later roofed with iron sheets. It is presently pastored by Pastor Jonathan Kaliisa.

GEWC KYEMENGO: GEWC Kyemengo is also known as “the Church in the Forest”. Born in 1999, it started under a tree in the forest and a land was donated by Pastor Muhoozi Francis.  It is presently pastored by Brother Butele Alidria Godfrey.

GEWC BARWENDA: Started in a makeshift structure in 2008, on a land donated by Sister Nyamazi Dorothy, it is currently pastored by Pastor Francis Muhoozi.

GEWC KYEGEGWA: In 1996 this Church began on a rented premises and later moved to a makeshift structure under a mango tree on a land donated by the late regional minister, Evangelist Y. D Biliyock of blessed memory.  It is currently pastored by Pastor Rwanafwa Benin and has a numerical strength of 62 persons of which 47 are adults. 

GEWC IRINGA: Born in 1997, this Church started as a grass thatched structure on a piece of land donated by Gregory Kamihanda. Later, a structure was erected with mud and roofed with iron sheets.  It is presently pastored by Evangelist Karangwa John.

GEWC KAKABARA: In 2016, right under a mango tree this Church began and later moved to a tent.  Worship service currently holds in a makeshift structure.  It is currently pastored by Pastor Tumwbaze Charles and has a numerical strength of 114 members of which 84 are adults.

GEWC KAZIZI: Kazizi is a Rwandese refugee settlement. The Church was born in 2005, as a grass thatched structure which was later roofed with iron sheets.  It is presently pastored by sister Dative Nasassira and has a numerical strength of 141 members of which 65 are adults.

GEWC BWERANYAGI: Born in 1997,it started as a grass thatched structure and later, roofed with iron sheets.  She is presently pastored by Evangelist Turyatunga Benon .

GEWC RUBIRIZI: This Church was formerly under full gospel ministries but was handed over to GEWC by Reverend Katuramu in 2003. Worship services took place in a small structure initially, but now construction is underway. It is presently pastored by Pastor Rwamafwa Benon and has a numerical strength of 80 members of which 60 are adults.

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The work in Uganda especially in the outskirts have several needs for example, they need motorcycles for easy movement. Contact us, if you would like to support the Ugandan Mission.

Rivers State Government just recently concluded the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Rivers State. Rivers State is one of the oldest states in Nigeria, created on the 27th of May 1967. The celebration was packed with different activities, which displayed Rivers State culture, sportsmanship, achievements and an awards night for those who have in one way or the other contributed to the growth of the State.

Apostle G. D. Numbere of blessed memory, was a beneficiary of this noble celebration. He was awarded posthumous State Honours by His Excellency, Nyesom E. Wike (Executive Governor of Rivers State), as the Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS). This award was conferred on him in recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions to the development and spread of the Christian Faith in Rivers State and the Nation.

Pastor Dr. Nonyem Numbere, wife of Apostle G. D. Numbere, his first son, Dr. Wari Numbere and elder brother, Elder Humphrey Numbere, were present to receive the award.

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The Man: APOSTLE GEOFFREY DABIBI NUMBERE

Date of Birth:                          March 3, 1944

Place of Birth:                         Buguma, Rivers State

Parents Name:                        Pa Numbere Bobonari Abbi Princewill Amachreee (Father), Nnenta Numbere (Mother)

Educational background:           St’ Michael’s Primary School, Buguma; Government College Umuahia; University of Ife (Ibadan Campus) now Obafemi Awolowo University

Ministerial Calling

Apostle Numbere was born again on 11^th May 1967. Founding Father, Greater Evangelism World Crusade, September 9^th, 1969, he was called of God and commissioned an Apostle by Him,  abandoned all to answer the call and for 45 years (1969 – 2014) took the gospel to many countries of Africa, USA and the far East. He was the pioneer of indigenous Pentecostal evangelism in the North and in the old Rivers State (now Rivers and Bayelsa States of Nigeria).

Amidst much opposition and persecution, many hardships and trials, he took the gospel to the downtrodden, under-privileged, forgotten and sometimes very remote dangerous communities of the numerous islands and villages of Rivers and Bayelsa States.

For over forty years he travelled worldwide sharing his vision with those who dared to catch it and run with it and spreading the gospel to USA, Europe and other Africa countries such as Sierra Leone, Benin Republic, Central Africa Republic, Cameroon, Rwanda, Burundi and Liberia.  A Bible teacher and extraordinary preacher, he affected many lives through his books, newspaper articles etc. He was also one of the founding fathers of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rivers State and South-South Nigeria.

Recognitions, Awards and Appointments

Apostle Numbere, served his State (Rivers State) and Country (Nigeria) in various capacities some of which are:

1. Secretary – “INIKIO”, the association of Rivers State Students in 1961. “INIKIO” was the acronym for Ijaw-Nembe-Igbani-Kalabari-Inkontoru-Okrika students and served as a pressure group to agitate for the creation of Rivers State even before the Nigerian Independence.
2. Dedication of Rivers State to God, 1992. At the 25th Anniversary of Rivers State which held from 24th to 31st May 1992, Apostle Numbere was given the honour and privilege to be the vessel of God to dedicate the entire State to God. In commemoration of the event, Chief Ada George placed a sculpture of the map of Rivers State with a plaque on which was written, “In Dedication to God and to the nation” and a second sculpture of a pair of hands at the top of point block, the highest building in the State.
3. Chairman, Abua Peace And Reconciliation Committee, 2003. This committee brokered peace between two warring communities in Abua, Ogbema and Amalem and a peace accord signed on 26^th January 2004.
4. Member, Eminent Persons Commission as an aftermath of June 12, 1993 Presidential Election Crisis - October 1993.
5. Trustee, Board of Directors of the Nigerian Institute for Christian Studies (IICS) 1991
6. Member, Governing Council of Rivers State College of Education 1992
7. Member, Rivers State Government Committee on Moral and Religious Institution 1992
8. Secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rivers State, 1986 – 1996; 2000 – 2007
9. Pioneer Chairman, South-South Zone, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), 2006 – 2012
10. Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Rivers State, 2007 - 2010
11. Secretary General, Africa Hour World Evangelism (AHWE) Award by the American Biographical Institute, Inc, as One of 5,000 World Personalities. 1988
12. Member of BOT, Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria, 2013

Healing Service in the month of May was special, as the Rivers State Government celebrated their second year in office with a thanksgiving at the Temple. The Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Wike and his wife, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Ipalibo Banigo and her husband, Members of the Executive Council of the Rivers State Government, Commissioners, Traditional Rulers etc, were all present to thank God for His faithfulness these past  two years.

During the service, our brother, Godex Mac-Jaja testified how God healed him of running stomach, which resulted in severe loss of strength, as he had visited the restroom over twenty times that Sunday. Nevertheless, he encouraged himself and attended service and as a result, received his healing.

God’s word was brought to us by Pastor Isaac Olori, the International Director. The topic of his sermon was “Power belongs to God” (Psalm 62:11). Expounding on this scripture he said, David said God spoke once but he heard it twice that Power belongs to God, which implies he heard it in two realms – head knowledge and in his heart.

In Matthew 28:13 Jesus said, "All power is given unto me", which means there is only one power, every other power is a subset of that power. Every other power therefore is derived from God and we are only delegates.  For example, God delegated the throne to Solomon (1 Chronicles 29:23).  Whatever realm of leadership you are involved in, you are sitting on God's seat (God's Delegate).

He stressed that despite the drive to stop corruption, until everyone comes to the understanding that I am here at God’s instance, their attitude will not change because the human mind is corrupt. All we need to change this nation, state or community is to know we are sitting on a borrowed seat and exercise it to His glory.

Using Nebuchadnezzar as a case study, he revealed how God could punish or show man that He ruled in the affairs of the earth. Nebuchadnezzar failed to acknowledge the sovereignty of God in his reign and was made to learn humility after God sent him into the forest for seven years. During this time, he learnt of God’s sovereignty and accorded glory to God in his reign. The Rich Fool is the New Testament example of a man who did not acknowledge that power belongs to God.

Other highlights from the sermon include:

• All power belongs to God, hence every other power is a subset to the main power. This implies that God owns every power and every other authority/power man exercises is given by God, however not everyone acknowledges this.
• We must realize that, as God’s creatures, there are areas God has given us authority and control, nevertheless, we must rule in His fear.
• When we acknowledge that power belongs to God,
  • You will not struggle for power because He will give it to us when He wants
  • You will be careful how you use the power because you are accountable to the one that placed you on that seat.
• When you realize you are only deputizing for God, your orientation will change, your approach will change, and the result you get will be different.
• Power can make or destroy a person, depending on how they use it.
• To be accountable to God, we must trust in God with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5,6).
• Everyone trusts in God, but the question is, “Is it with all your heart?” If you do not give God all, He will not be satisfied.
• Trusting in God, is to put all confidence in God.

He summarized this sermon by stating that to whom much power is given much is expected. If God in His infinite mercy decides to bestow on any man power, God expects to see the good fruits of his rule because we are accountable to Him who has given us that power.

To begin the special thanksgiving by the Rivers State Government, the Governor of the State, His Excellency, Chief (Barr) Nyensom E. Wike, in a speech, appreciated God for all the ups and downs during his two years in office. He also thanked God for making provision for the Government to carry out relevant projects in the State despite limited resources available to the Government, upon resumption in office. He was appreciative of God’s mercy and favour to their Government. The entire congregation joined in this thanksgiving.

Thereafter, the International Director prayed for God’s grace upon the Governor, His family and the incumbent Government.

Grande Croisade D'evangelisation Mondiale, Chapelle "Le Refuge'' De Cotonou has grown tremendously. It was a time of rejoicing as some brethren in GEWC Cotonou decided to fulfill scripture and obey the instruction Jesus gave when he ascended. They were baptized by immersion, an act that signifies our death and resurrection with Christ.

Testifying of God’s work in the land, the newly appointed National Minister, Evangelist Prince Nkiri recounted some of God’s blessings, a sister who had no job for six years received a call for a job in the presence of God after she was prayed for. Another sister together with the Church, took her burden of ceased menstruation to the L

ord and received her healing. Also, a woman whom an operation was carried out on without her consent by the deceit of a man who took out some of her vital organs received her healing and was delivered. Her health had begun to depreciate but she testified last Sunday to the glory of the Lord for His deliverance and the restoration of her health.

May God continue to prosper His work in Cotonou.

A team of about 60 persons from the National Youth Fellowship, stormed the Agbani community in Enugu State on the 25th - 28th May 2017. Their mission was to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the length and breadth of this community.  Agbani, Enugu State is home to the Enugu State University as well as a campus of the Nigerian Law School. The program was packed with rallies, crusade, free medicals, distribution of welfare materials, community service and church planting.

Ministering during the crusades were Evang Victor Ejimadu (GEWC Chief Missions Coordinator), Evang. King Solomon (GEWC State Minister, Anambra State) and Evang Mike Ojie (National Youth Minister). There were tremendous testimonies of salvation, healings ,Deliverance and a ground breaking testimony of the restoration of a mad man back to sanity. The students at the State University were also ministered to as the team went out in the morning, everyday for one-on-one evangelism. The following will be needed for the furtherance of the work that has been established: a land for a church building, musical equipment amongst others.

The Enugu missions was a huge success, the Lord granted the team journey mercies,gave them a fair weather, an open door of favour with the people of the land. The program registered a total of 24 converts.The Church is matching on! Hallelujah!

On the 1st of May 2017, G.E.W.C, Bayelsa State held her first House of Levites program. Being the first, it was for a day, it was packed with activities that were fun but also blessed the lives of as many as came for the program.

The program commenced with an exposition of the theme, "Closing the Gap" by Pastor Ebi Tuesday (2 Timothy 1:1-6, Exodus 28: 1-2, 41, Numbers 1:46). He defined a gap as an opening or defect. He explained that Lois got born again, indoctrinated her daughter who brought in Timothy too. There was no gap. He went further to state that Levites are special people. He pointed out that there was a gap in Eli's family, Eli's sons "broke the hedge", (1 Samuel 2:12, 22).

He admonished the Levites to:

1. Turn to the Lord, and know God for themselves (Revelation 2:5).
2. Use the opportunity to grow in the Lord. As children of Ministers, Levites have the opportunity to sit under ministerial tutelage every day, which is an opportunity to learn and grow. 
3. Work for God and be useful/relevant in the house of God. Levites are to see the work of God as their inheritance.

The program progressed to a couch time with Pastor Ebide, where he exposed that there is a difference between success and good success, stressing that good success is spiritual success and the spiritual governs the physical. He told every Levite to be “positionally conscious”, desire is energy and until desire swells in a person, success cannot happen (Haggai 2:9). He advised that Levites should know their limits as children of God and not go beyond them.

Pastor Isaac Green took up the stage to teach on Breaking Bad Habits. He taught that a habit is an action performed repeatedly such that it becomes automatic. Habits, good or bad are learnt. He stated that boredom, low self-esteem and wrong company leads people to bad habits. In order to break bad habits, one has to:

1. Acknowledge you have a problem (Hebrews 12:2). Only sick men go to the hospital.
2. Stop the excuses and make a decision to stop the bad habit (Songs of Solomon 2:6). Deal with the habits or they will deal with you.
3. Look away from all that distracts to Jesus. Pay attention to His Word. 
4. Develop determination. It is a step further from decision 
5. Talk to somebody, a mature Christian. (James 1:5)
6. Identify the triggers for the habit and cut off the fire from its source.
7. Consciously build relationships with people who model the life you seek to live.
8. See yourself overcoming it.
9. Get busy with God and in His service. This helps fight idleness.
10. Prayer frequently (James 5:17). The only way to learn how to pray is to start praying. 

He concluded by telling the Levites that the biggest deliverance a Christian can have is salvation. A closing remark was then given by Tch. Tammy Ejimadu, who expressed her joy that the program was a reality and a success.

Indeed, the gift of dwelling in God’s presence cannot be priced. We were blessed immeasurably by the awesomeness of His word. Also, we heard great testimonies of God’s goodness from our brethren amongst whom was Pst. and Pst. (Mrs) Akawangi, who testified of God’s healing and restoration power. We were blessed by the classical rendition from the Rivers West Mass choir titled “Peace be still” while the Jubilee Voices reminded us about the power in the name of Jesus. Also, everyone born in the month of April, thanked God for an additional year as well as presented a special gift to the Ministry.

God’s Word was brought to us by His servant, Pastor Isaac Olori, the International Director. The message was titled “The Power of Soul Prosperity” (3 John 1-6). Below are highlights from this sermon:

• Prosperity is defined as increase, to flourish and to do well. The biblical definition of prosperity is not primarily physical wealth but finding Grace upon your life which causes you to do well.
• Most of the areas where people do well are temporal according to 1 Timothy 6:7, hence our focus must be on Soul prosperity, since it is eternal.
• The gospel of Christ is to bring salvation to our souls showing the importance of our souls (Matthew 6:33).
• As much as there is physical prosperity, the spiritual prosperity is paramount (1 Timothy 4:7-8) because one’s spiritual condition places a limit on the prosperity in other areas of their life (Ephesians 3:20).
• When one is overtaken by the acquisition of this life, he/she has less time for the soul and as a result, place a heavy burden on their soul.
• The prosperity of the soul is the real prosperity (Luke 12 –the parable of the rich man).
• The soul of the rich man was likened to the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3:17, who boasted of earthly riches without the knowledge of their wretchedness and poverty towards God, hence it is expedient that we critically examine the basis for which we assess ourselves.
• The main text (3 John) was not a promise but a wish and prayer which we, as Christian, must work towards.
• Godliness is one of the components of spiritual prosperity. What we need to live in this present life is godliness. When we live in godliness, we live in hope. If we enrich ourselves in godliness, our Redeemer will show up for us.

Indicators Of Spiritual Prosperity

1. Knowledge of the truth (1 John 3:1) - The truth is both a personality and an ideology (teaching).
2. Believe in the truth
3. Walking in the truth

While examining these indicators of spiritual prosperity, he stated the following;

• When we do not mind things around us but believe the truth, our soul will prosper and this will form the foundation for other things in your life (Colossians 3:16-17).
• If the Word of God dwells in our heart richly, it will affect how we see our situation/challenges.
• When we are rich in God’s Word, it is superior to material riches.
• When one is rich in God’s Word, it will not hide. Having God’s word rich in you, will affect even your physical appearance and status. Hence we must embark on getting rich in the word (Colossians 3:16).
• Dwelling in wisdom has to do with the right application of the Word and knowing how to use the Word in all situations. When this happens, you become a transformed person.
• When your soul is flourishing and the Word of God dwells in you, whatever you do will be in the name of Jesus and you will be like the tree planted by the rivers of water (Psalm 1:1-3)

Finally, the secrets of prosperity and true riches can be found in Joshua 1:8 and Genesis 39:1-6, 20-23. Examples of those who had true riches and prosperity were Joshua and Joseph, and this was because they had God’s grace on their lives, which was also seen by others around them. Nevertheless, Sin destroys the foundation of a man’s spiritual prosperity.