On the 1st of April 2017, Ministers and Elders of Greater Evangelism World Crusade came together for a Solemn Assembly which was called by the International Director, Pastor Isaac Olori.

Giving a short admonition, he explained that a solemn assembly is a sober and revered meeting.  It is scriptural and had was called several times in the Bible for example: Joel 1:14; 2:15 – 17. This solemn assembly had been called so we can call on God for His intervention in our lives and Ministry. Referring to how Nehemiah called on God (Nehemiah 1:1 -11), he stressed that when one sins, it affects all and in the case of Achan, before he was judged, Israel was judged hence as a Ministry we would call on God to intervene in our situation.

Several prayers were said for the Ministry, members, ministers and elders, families and service to God amongst others.

The 2017 March Healing Service was filled with God’s awesome presence and anointing. We heard great testimonies of God’s deliverance of our brethren. One of these testimonies was from Pst. David Kinanee and family, whom God delivered from Python attack. Believing the declaration of God’s servant in the February healing service on God’s protection over our lives. Four days after this service, his family discovered a huge python at home. Since it was dark, his wife and two of his kids had been at home, gone about their chores without realizing there was a python at the door post. It was his third child who thinking it to be a wrap of cloth was at the verge of picking it up, but felt restrained. She decided to beam a torchlight on this strange cloth, only to discover it was a python positioned to strike. At this discovery, she called out to her father who killed the snake. Interestingly, he was questioned by members of the community who said the python was the god of their land. To God be the glory, no one was hurt. Another great testimony was that of Bro. Victor Ekwa, whom God delivered from the habit of smoking (marijuana). The final testimony was that of Pst. (Prof) Apele Iyagba and family whom God delivered from a terrible train accident. On the 25th of February, himself, his wife and son were returning from a funeral and collided with a moving train. There was no sign or notice to indicate a train was in motion. Upon collision, their bumper got hooked on the moving train and would have been dragged along the rail tracks but God intervened. He gave their son (the driver) wisdom and he put the car in reverse gear. This completely disengaged the car from the moving train and the entire family was delivered from a catastrophic incident that would have claimed all their lives.

God’s Word brought to us by the International Director, Pastor Isaac V. Olori, was tagged “Go, Dip Yourself Seven Times” (2 Kings 5:1-17). The subject of the lesson was Naaman, who despite the position he occupied, was a leper. Describing the personality of Naaman, he stated that the prowess of Naaman made him preferred by the people of Syria, as they looked beyond his predicament and endowed him with a high level of authority. This position however could not serve as a covering for his ailment. Comparing the situation of Naaman to sin, he stressed that no situation or sin of ours can be hidden from God. We must realize that just as leprosy, sin overshadows every other possession of a person. Inner purification should therefore be paramount in the life of a man.

Pastor Isaac Olori also analyzed the character of the slave girl, who took her master’s condition with great concern and acted on it. He stated that though the slave girl was a captive physically, she was not a captive spiritually, as she believed in the power of her God and what He could do. She did not let the captivity she was in, make her disbelieve her God. Her attitude was in contrast to the king of Judah, who receiving the letter from the king of Syria became upset and afraid, despite his rank.

Furthermore, he was keen to mention that when God brings forth His Word, we must receive it, believe it and obey it. Total obedience of God’s Word determines if we receive our miracle or not because whatever we do not have regard for cannot bring blessing to us. He also pointed that sometimes, the hindrance between our miracle and us, is the way we think.

Analyzing the importance of Elisha’s instruction, he highlighted the following;

• The healing received by Naaman was not as a result of washing in River Jordan (the element) but in his obedience to God’s Word. This implies that receiving a miracle from God is not dependent on the element used but in the Word of God.
• Most times, God’s Word is difficult to explain, understand or analyse but total obedience is key to receiving the benefits (Isaiah 1:19).
• Receiving a miracle from God largely depends on our humility, because a lot of people have shielded themselves from the power of God because of pride. Except we humble ourselves, we cannot get the grace of God.

Furthermore, he stated the following as major learning points from the sermon:

• While it is good to receive gifts as a servant of God, it should not serve as a criteria to carry out one’s ministerial duties. Naaman thought he could give gifts in exchange for the miracle he had received but this gift was rejected by Elisha because the blessings of God cannot be purchased for money. Jesus was a true example, he never received gifts for the miracles he performed.
• It is expedient that we connect to God by faith and not through elements, as discipleship teaches men to put their faith in God and not in elements.

Finally, leprosy in the Old Testament signified spiritual defilement and this is the same significance sin has. Until we dip and cleanse ourselves in the blood of Jesus, we remain unclean. Sin in its entirety defiles, deforms, destroys a man, hence, we must maintain a complete relationship with God and surrender all to Him.

A two-day discipleship training for State Ministers and Zonal Ministers held in Port Harcourt from 10^th to 11^th February 2017 at GEWC Rainbow Church.

Pastor Uzodinma Obed, a seasoned and renowned teacher of the Word, was the facilitator together with his team.  He covered several topics and practical sessions. Describing discipleship, he said, discipleship aims at ultimate maturity in Christ hence it’s a lifelong process. Jesus did not send the Holy Spirit until He had disciple people, there is need for discipled people to carry the anointing. When an undiscipled person handles the anointing, he uses it for his gain. For example, when Ananias and Sapphira came before Peter, he rejected the gift they brought because he was trained as a disciple. Same thing happened when Simon the sorcerer wanted to purchase the gift of God with money.

There were practical sessions on how to draw a Bible Study outline and carry out an effective Bible Study. Explaining, he said a Bible Study outline should be drawn or carried out in this order:

1. Ignorance: Bible study should begin with an open discussion with the class to know their opinions or knowledge on a topic. There are no right or wrong answers.
2. Knowledge: It should then progress to inform the class on what the Bible says about the topic.
3. Experience: Personal experiences should be shared and the instructor should start.
4. Character: It should then end with steps on how to imbibe the Bible character.

It was a very impactful session and the lessons learnt will be cascaded to the Ministers in the Ministry.

God is at work and like a wild fire, sweeping through communities and delivering young men from cultism. Following closely on the heels of the testimony from Bera in Gokana, Rivers State, it was the turn of cult members in Nonwa Community of Rivers State.

Evangelist Frank Banigo from Nonwa zone testifies of how a cult group turned around from cultism. Excerpts below:

“We had a Prayer and fasting program in January 2017 and while the prayers were ongoing, Lucky Deemor, ran to Church. His boss, a cultist, was killed in the community by a rival cult group. They contacted him giving him an ultimatum to either join them or they would kill him. Out of fear, he ran to the Church with his sister. I spoke with him, leading him to Christ and he renounced cultism. However, the threats to his life persisted.

As the grace period was about to expire, God gave me boldness and I drove with him to their camp. It was a terrible sight. They had just killed a man before we arrived. When they saw us, they said, “You have come with a Bible to deceive us” I began to share God’s Word with them. They were smoking and drinking but God calmed them. 

They asked, “What about the charm he has?” I told them, we have prayed and neutralized that charm, so it is no longer on him. It was at that point, their hitman who committed murder said, “as you don carry Bible, make we see you in the Bible” meaning “Now you are a Christian, let your Christianity be evident”. That hit man is now at large and I believe God he will be delivered as well. I am doing all I can to reach out to him so he can repent as well. Every other cult member in that group, gave their lives to Christ and some were baptized on the 5^th of February 2017."

Lucky was present at the January 2017 Healing Service and as he was in the service, he heard God’s Spirit say “you have left the cult group, what group do you belong to now?” So, he decided to form an evangelical outreach. Pastor Banigo directing his zeal, asked him to join the already existing evangelical team - Young Crusaders’ Evangelical Team of Nonwa Zone. Today, they are all active members of this team, reaching out to young men who are bound in cultism.

We ascribe all glory to God Almighty who is bringing deliverance to young men and communities by His power.

The Church in Benin Republic had some special visitors, the Chief Missions Coordinator, Evangelist Victor Ejimadu, Evangelist Prince Nkiri and Pastor Sunny Akpan. Visiting and encouraging the brethren, they spent time sharing the word of God and fellowshipping with the Churches. Evangelist Prince Nkiri takes over as the National Minister of Benin Republic, based in Cotonou with Pastor Sunny Akpan as the Assistant Pastor of the Cotonou Church. Evangelist Nkiri was previously the State Minister of Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking to the Brethren as he made the introductions, Evangelist Victor Ejimadu encouraged them to take the words of their minister seriously so as to be blessed. Greeting the brethren, Evangelist Prince Nkiri expressed his joy to be with them and informed them he would meet with the various units and brethren one on one as they chart the way forward.  

We trust God to expand His work in their hands.

The GEWC Central Schools Board, for Greater Evangelism Nursery and Primary Schools, held a 2-day Training program for Teachers and Administrators. Teachers and Administrators from 23 schools across Rivers and Bayelsa States, poured in to gain skills that would equip them handle these schools better. The program held from Friday, 17^th to Saturday 18^th February 2017 at GEWC Mile 1 Church and had about 90 participants.

Organized by the Chairman of the Board, Pastor Eunice Ajie and her team, the progam comprised of several seminars, workshops and breakout sessions. Resource persons were Mr. Jack Tamunotonye Israel of Tender Foot International School Rumuigbo Phc, Mr. Chizindu of Ministry of Education and Pastor Nkanbia David, The Auditor of the Central Schools board.  Teachers were taught how to deliver their teaching (topics) to the understanding of children in their various classes (methodology of teaching) and Cashiers were taught how to keep record of income, expenses and profits amongst others.

Sis. Patience Tonkumor Franklin from GEWC Tere-ama Church had what the doctor described as “A Patched Womb” but out of that womb came a baby. Hear her testify below:

Sis Patience Franklin

On the 15^th of July, 2015 after my wedding I discovered I was pregnant and miscarried. The Doctor confirmed I had fibroid. On the 17^th of October that same year, I went for surgery and it was successful. Due to people’s opinion that the fibroid will grow again I was worried. 3 months after this I conceived without knowing. The baby came forth on the 7^th of October 2016.

The exciting part of this testimony is that Sister Patience did not actually realize the full extent of God’s miraculous work in her life, thus her Doctor came up to testify.

Professor Jebbin, Director of Balm of Gilead Hospital and a renowned surgeon at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching hospital gave full details of what actually happened. His testimony below:

Professor Jebbin:

This lady came to my clinic for treatment and we suspected fibroid which was confirmed by the scan as fibroid of about 22 weeks. We felt she would benefit from surgery and booked her for surgery which was done on the 17th of October 2015. When we entered into the abdomen, what we saw was different from what the scan reported. There were just a few small fibroids present but the uterus was riddled with adenomyosis, a different kind of disease that took over the entire uterus.

Ordinarily, the uterus should be removed because the whole uterus was diseased. But here was a young lady, just married with no baby so we decided to remove parts of the uterus as much as we could and then we “patched” the uterus and prayed that she would not develop complications.  It was no longer a uterus, the normal layers of the uterus was no longer there, it was a “Patched Uterus” so normally, pregnancy is not expected.

By the grace of God after surgery, she did very well, contrary to expectations. So I planned to tell them to look for an alternative of having babies, because I was sure her womb wasn’t able to carry a baby anymore. Each time I tried, I had a restraint not to tell them.

3 months later, I saw her in the clinic with one of the other Doctors working with me and he said, “Sir, this lady is pregnant”. I told him, “You can’t be serious!” I was shocked when I saw the scan result, it confirmed that she was pregnant.

This was made possible only by the Hand of God. Glory to God!

A follow up visit was made to the new church in Afaha Ikot Ebak of Akwa Ibom State which was planted in August 2016. This is termed “Weekend Mission”. A team of seven brethren from GEWC Rainbow Town Church embarked on this journey which ran from the 24th to 26th of February to encourage and fellowship with the church. The team had series of activities which included prayers, evangelism, follow up, revival meetings amongst others. There were great testimonies from the church...

Worthy of note are these two testimonies:

1. Elder Micheal Akpan (an elder of Rainbow Town Church) who gave his land for the Church and even his house for temporary worship, testified of how God delivered him from the hands of kidnappers after 9 days in the bush. He was abducted a few weeks after the crusade/church planting. God miraculously saved him.
2. The community chief also testified of how he escaped assassination and was also delivered from a huge debt that would have cost him his life. These miracles happened after he ran to Church on a certain day to tell the resident Pastor what he was going through. The Pastor held hands with him and prayed. God answered their prayers.

Admonishing the Church, Teacher Honour Kanem the Assistant pastor of Rainbow Church who was the head of delegation, spoke on  Spiritual Maturity/Growth drawing inspiration from  (Romans 8:1-7 And 2 Peter 1:3-8). He encouraged everyone to grow to maturity.

The mission trip was a success.  The Church still strong had present 24 adults and 7 children in attendance for the Sunday service.

Port Harcourt Polytechnic, Rumuola Port Harcourt held her Thanksgiving and Re-Dedication Service on Tuesday, 7^th February 2017.

The Deputy Rector, Dr. Alex Fubara while delivering his welcome speech, thanked the Rector, Dr. S. B. Kalabo and the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, for the conversion of Rivers State College of Arts and Science to a Polytechnic.

Giving a brief history of the Polytechnic, he recounted how it had been 16 years of struggle and submission to successive Governments to achieve this new height. In 1984, Police Commissioner Fidelis Oyakhilome on 19^th April 1984 signed into law Rivers State School of Basic Studies (Edit 8, 1984) making it retroactive from 1977. In 1991, Col Godwin Abbey on 23^rd October 1991, then signed into law repelling the former edit and converting the school to Rivers State College of Arts and Science (Edit 12, 1991, published in official gazette of RS No.3 May, 28 1998 Vol 30).  Finally, on July 4^th 2016 Governor Nyesom Wike signed into law Port Harcourt Polytechnic Law No. 4, 2016 which transferred all matters of RIVCAS to a Polytechnic. By this metamorphosis, the College in addition effective, began awarding Diploma certificates following accreditation by National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). The Polytechnic currently has eight (8) accredited programs, and her graduates have participated in the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC).

The Polytechnic celebrates her modest achievements and aim to give our students a standard and quality educational program in line with the standards of NBTE. A lot is expected and preparations are in place for the accreditation of more higher and national diploma programs.

Delivering a short sermon before offering the prayer of thanks and dedication, the International Director, Pastor Isaac Olori spoke about Hannah who dedicated Samuel to God (1 Samuel 2).

Excerpts from his sermon below:

"Anything devoted to God becomes sacred, to primarily serve God’s purpose. You might wonder that this is an institution but we are all called to serve God – He created all things for His pleasure. Even though it is an institution, you serve God when you raise the future generation that will live to fear God and serve humanity. Hence, by dedicating this institution we are saying in this institution, God’s purpose will be fulfilled.  When you tamper with devoted things, you attract consequences. Your attitude as a staff or student should now change, no more harassment, malpractice, cultism etc because if you do, you are tampering with a devoted thing.  Hannah prayed after many years of barrenness, just like this Polytechnic was not recognized and looked down for many years. When she got Samuel, she lent him to God i.e. she dedicated him to God. The result of this was that Samuel became the greatest prophet in Israel.  Today, we are lending this institution to God and anything lent to God will not return without profit. As we dedicate this institution to God, you will be lifted. This will be a place where God will be glorified."