This month’s healing service was profound and mind-blowing. God indeed blessed us with His mighty presence which was evident throughout the service. From the inception of service to the end, we are certain healing and deliverances took place. Most importantly, we appreciate God for the numerous souls that accepted Jesus Christ in service, we are hopeful that we will be a mighty instrument to ensure they remain in the faith.

As we progressed in service, we heard testimonies from our brethren of God’s faithfulness. The first testimony was that of Sis Ibiye David from Mile 1 church, who God gave a miracle job after the proclamation of His servant the International Director, during the last healing service. We also heard testimonies from three other brethren.

God’s word was brought forth by the International Director, Pastor Isaac Olori, with the topic “Dealing with your Goliath”. The text was taken from 1 Samuel 17:1-11. “Goliath” from the topic represents those situations and circumstances that are intimidating and overwhelming and also seem insurmountable. Highlights from this sermon include:

The features of Goliath

1. Goliath takes the battle to your territory and puts you on the defense (1 Samuel 17:1). Goliath was in a territory that belonged to the Israelites and as such made the Israelites concede defeat even before he approached to fight. He was also the champion of the Philistines.
2. He was a man of great stature and had a lot of heavy ornaments on his body. He was an intimidating person.
3. Goliath speaks lies. “Am I not a philistines and you servants of (1 Samuel 17:8).” This was not the truth because the children of Israel were the servants of the Most High God. From this, we can see that the enemy speaks lies, in order to make us believe things that are not true. The enemy would want you to remove your eyes from your relationship and connection with God, so you begin to face your problems alone. You must know that you are a child of God and only God can tell who you are.
4. It is evident that some problems will only succumb when they find a man that can confront them, just like Goliath. (1 Samuel 17:9-10; John 5:7).
5. Goliath afflicts with fear and discouragement (1 Samuel 17:11). This made the Israelites dismayed (A sudden loss of courage, overwhelmed and disheartening terror. A sinking fear to render you helpless). However, to contend with Goliath, your spirit must arise because all things are possible with them that believeth.
6. He defied and disdained God’s people.
7. Goliath does not only fight with physical weapons, he fights with his gods (1 Samuel 17:43). He had both physical and spiritual amours. He thought he would win them from the realm of the spirit. Some situations cannot change except we give ourselves to prayer because there are spiritual forces that must be disarmed.

How David approached Goliath

1. David overcame fear and discouragement with courage. David was not considering defeating Goliath because he knew that was sure. When the enemy saw that he could not discourage David through the words of Goliath, he came through his brothers and Saul. Nonetheless, David encouraged the heart of Saul and this was made possible because of his connection with God (1 John 5:4). David drew strength as a result of his covenant relationship with God. There is something inside us that has the capacity to overcome and face any challenge, we must overcome fear.
2. He armed himself with the testimonies of God’s faithfulness. You must arm yourself with the testimonies of God’s faithfulness because it increases your amour over the enemy. The problem God had with the children of Israel was that they forget the things God do for them and so when faced with challenges, they find it difficult to go back to God for help.
3. David recognized the true identity of the enemy (1 Samuel 17:36). Every uncircumcised person has no covenant relationship with God (Ephesians 2:1).
4. David did not fight with a borrowed weapon (1 Samuel 17:40). When fighting Goliath, do not fight with a borrowed armor. We must arm ourselves with the right spiritual armor and choose not to be defiled. David used a smooth stone taken from running water, which signified the presence of the Holy Spirit, and a life void of sin. A rough life full of sin, cannot defeat the enemy. David also knew the secret of the name of God (Proverbs 18:10; Philippians 2:9-11; Acts 3:16).
5. David took a step of faith.

Finally, God is in front of our battles, He only needs us to identify with Him by living a life void of sin and trusting in Him to win the battles for us.

“Jesus is coming, oh Yes, oh Yes; Jesus is coming, oh Yes, oh, Yes!” 

This was a taunting joke with my Brother, the Late Apostle Geoffrey D. Numbere in 1970, or thereabout. It was in one the several revelations the Lord gave to him before he started the Greater Evangelism World Crusade (GEWC) Ministry.

In that vision, he was in the clouds, and heard the Devil making a jest with that statement, that Jesus was coming soon, so what? Our brother was so annoyed and angry with the Devil, that he (Geoffrey) pursued him in the clouds, and flung one of his sandals at the Devil. Then, he woke up.

The several visions revealed to that Brother were confirmation of the urgency of starting the Gospel missionary/apostolic commission given to him.

Thanks to God, Apostle G. D. Numbere obeyed the commission, served the Lord with all his might and soul, starting from the old Rivers State of Nigeria, to Eastern and other parts of Nigeria, then to Africa, and other nations of the world. Most of you, members of GEWC are living witnesses, as you cooperated with him to fulfill the mission. Well, Apostle G. D. Numbere had been called home, in heaven to rest, and reign with his Lord, Jesus Christ eternally. Hallelujah, Amen!

This message was not about the Late Apostle Geoffrey Numbere, or for him, but was given as an alert for you and I, disciples of Jesus Christ, still alive here on the planet Earth. It is an alert given to recheck our standing in Christ.

 1) Are you still in the faith, and holding to it firmly? The Bible says, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love. I am/ coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. (I Cor. 16: 13-14; Revelation 3 11 NIV)

2) Do you truly love Jesus Christ and the people around you? The Bible says,

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13: 34 NIV).

3) Are you living holy, in expectation of Christ’s return? The Bible says, “…… You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming” (2 Peter 3:11-12 NIV).

4) Are you burdened for the unsaved souls around you, do you care for their salvation? Hear the Apostle Paul, “To the Jews.. To those under the law ……… To those not having the law ……To the weak …... I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.  I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings” (1 Cor. 9: 20-23 NIV). We, including you, will do well, to do the same.

5) Do you spend quality time with the Lord and His Word daily? The Bible says, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psalms 1: 2 NIV).

6) Are you nursing some secret or hidden sins in your life that requires being mopped up, and done away with? The Bible says, “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done” (Romans 6: 1,2; Revelation 22:12 NIV) 

Some privileged divine revelations indicate that the time is already up for our Lord, Jesus Christ to return, and that the Angels are already holding the trumpets, ready to blow. But God, the Father has given us some extra time! And He can give the “Blow the trumpets” command any time from now. The Bible says, “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. NIV). 

 Our Lord, Jesus Christ, is coming right away, are you ready? 

We heard several wonderful testimonies at the February 2018 Healing Service. One of the testimonies we heard was that of Bro Bob Festus from Rainbow Church whom God blessed financially after he volunteered to be a financial partner in the Ministry’s work. Here is an account of his testimony:

During the economic downtime, I was one of the persons who was downsized from my place of work. For three years and some months, it was like being in the wilderness. I tried several businesses to make ends meet but no financial progress, as things became tough for my family and I. During the January Healing Service, there was a call for Financial Partners and as a Protocol Officer, I was among those sharing the slip for financial partnership. I gave one of the slips to my wife and asked her to complete a certain amount for annual remittance. Unknown to me, she had put that same amount for quarterly remittance and informed me after submitting it. I chose to join my faith with hers and believe that God will provide. It was not long, I got a call from an organization, who claimed to have sought for me for a long time to carry out a project for them. I was told to submit a proposal, which I did. To God’s glory, in two weeks’ time, I got a call from them that I had been awarded the contract. I can now pay much more than I vowed and take good care of my family comfortably. To God be the glory.

Pastor Innocent Wigodo also testified how God gave his son a miracle admission. For three years, his son had been seeking admission into higher institution. He took the JAMB examination and had a good score but was not given admission. We tried to reach several people in the higher institution and they all confirmed that nothing could be done to change the situation. We then went ahead to pay for the forthcoming JAMB examination so he could take the exam again. During the January 2018 Healing Service, while the International  Director, Pastor Isaac V. Olori prayed, he prophesied that there would be a miraculous admission, and to the glory of God, a week later, I got a call from a staff of the school that he had been granted the admission.

To God be all the glory.

It was a glorious occasion in Bayelsa State as three church auditoriums were dedicated to God’s glory. The International Director, Pastor Isaac V. Olori was present to carry out this task on 2^nd February 2018. He dedicated the Etegwe Church, Okutukutu Church 2 and Akenpai Church.

Pastor Isaac Olori admonished and encouraged members of the different churches. Reading from 2 Samuel 7, he challenged the brethren towards building for God. He explained that after David had fought and won wars, he built a house for himself of cedar, which is quite expensive. However, a time came, that David realized that he lived in a house of cedar but the ark of God was within tents. This made David uncomfortable and burdened.

Pastor Isaac V. Olori admonished every individual to have a burden in their hearts for God. He said, we must have a dream for God just as we have big dreams for ourselves. We might accomplish our own dreams, but will leave it here on earth one day. The dreams we have for God however, would inflate into eternity.

Other excerpts from his sermon:

The prophet Nathan gave David a go-ahead but God appeared unto him and made some statements. God was pleased with the fact that David thought about Him and His house even without Him complaining or requesting for a temple. Due to this deep love and proactive thinking for God, God promised to build a house that was not made with hands for David. That was how the promise of David’s lineage seating on the throne came to be and that is why up till today people refer to the throne of David.

God stopped David from building a house for Him because David had fought so many wars and his hands were stained with blood. That's another mystery, it means you cannot build for God with stained hands. Everyone that must be of service in the house of God, must have “clean” hands. Thank God today, we have the blood of Jesus, even if your hands are stained, that blood can wash and cleanse you.

Do you know today when you have opportunity to do something like this (build a church), you have done what David could not do. Today we have the opportunity to build for God.  May we never miss that opportunity because when you build for God, you are building a heritage not only for yourself but for eternity.

David gathered the materials and Solomon, his son, built the temple. During the dedication of the temple, (1 Kings 8), the glory of the Lord came upon the temple. Solomon prayed that anybody who came into the temple and called upon God, God would answer. Even if you prayed and looked towards that temple, God would answer. God fulfilled Solomon’s prayer. The temple is the house of the Lord, a dedicated place, a devoted place, when you come in with a burden and pray, God will take away the burden and answer your prayer.

Finally, he challenged the church by saying, “You've built a physical church and it's beautiful. There is a second stage which is to build a spiritual church. There is another work to do and it is to fill the Church that is, the spiritual building.  That would make God happier. The church is meant to be a place to gather souls, so everyone of you especially those who were not opportune to buy a block, you can get a spiritual block, get a soul and the soul will be part of the spiritual Church.”

We had several testimonies at the January 2018 Healing Service. To begin is the testimony of Sis. Victory Simeon from Sand-field Church 2 Borikiri, who had been experiencing pain at the right side of her breast since October 2017 but was miraculously healed at the visit of God’s servant, the International Director, Pastor Isaac Olori. He visited her local assembly the first Sunday of the month of January and during the prayer session, God healed her of this pain while he prayed for the sick. The second testimony was that of Bro. Emmanuel Pepple from 52 Hospital Road Church, who narrated how he constantly suffered from typhoid and malaria. To God’s glory, he was baptized the previous Sunday during a program in his local church and was given the communion. Having prayed over the bread and wine and eaten it, he felt an urge in his stomach and thought he had defecated on himself. He went back home to check himself only to discover that a big worm had come out of his body and he was set free. Dr. Ali Hassan from Kogi church, testified of God’s sustenance, as she celebrated God’s deliverance from Islam for thirty years.

Finally, Dr. Nwaekare Dubo from Mile 1 church, testified how God delivered his entire family from the hands of a wicked family member. Here is his testimony.

“In 2012, a cousin of mine asked me for funds to proceed with WAEC registration and I was glad and obliged him by asking for the required amount. He refused to tell me the stipulated amount but kept requesting that I give him some money. I got angry at this instant and requested that he gets the WAEC pay slip, so I would have an idea of what was needed. I realized that he never came back. In 2014, I traveled and returned in 2015, when my elder brother began narrating the evil intentions of my second cousin.

This cousin of mine, had gone to a juju priest somewhere in the east, where he had requested to be the financial pillar of the family, and he was told to get funds from someone who he believed was the brightest and promising in the family, but to the glory of God, this was not possible, since I did not give him the money he requested for. He later took my photograph, upon their request but to God be the glory, the juju priest looked at my picture and refused to do anything. He told my cousin that, the reason I could not be harmed was because of my mother, so to get to me, she must be killed, so her picture was requested for. He obliged them and took a snapshot of the picture my mother took during her ordination as an Elder with our founding father, Apostle G.D Numbere, with the intention that he would edit the Apostle out of the image but he forgot. To God’s glory, immediately he got there with the picture and the face of Apostle G.D Numbere was seen, there was chaos in the whole place. Attention shifted from my mother to the Apostle, and the juju priests and those there left their shrine and ran away.

He was hence told to leave my family alone and look for someone else whom he loved, and he picked his mother. He was given a loaf of bread to give to his mum, with the instruction that, she must eat the bread before 2pm. Unfortunately when he got home and gave the beverages he had purchased including the bread to his mum she was partaking in a fasting programme that was to end by 6pm and refused to break her fast. He pressed on her consistently to eat the bread but she declined. He travelled back that day to Port Harcourt but kept calling her to eat the bread but she refused. When it was past the time given to him and his mom had not eaten the bread, he lost his senses. Luckily some persons brought him back to the village, Boodo in Khana LGA where he confessed his deeds and was delivered"

This month, we were blessed greatly. From the inception of service till finish, the presence of God was so mighty that words are not enough to describe it. However, we will proceed to recount some great and wonderful moments in service. To begin is the testimony of Sis. Victory Simeon from Sand-field Church 2 Borikiri, who had been experiencing pain at the right side of her breast since October 2017 but was miraculously healed at the visit of God’s servant, the International Director, Pastor Isaac Olori.  The second testimony was that of Bro. Emmanuel Pepple from 52 Hospital Road Church, who narrated how he constantly suffered from typhoid and malaria. To God’s glory, he was healed after the communion service during a program in his local church. Dr. Ali Hassan from Kogi church, testified of God’s sustenance, as she celebrated God’s deliverance from Islam for thirty years. Finally, Dr. Nwaekare Dubo from Mile 1 church, testified how God delivered his entire family from the hands of a wicked family member. For details of the testimonies please click here. 

God’s word was brought to us by the International Director, Pastor Isaac V. Olori. The title of the sermon was “The Power of Dwelling in God’s Secret Place”, while Psalm 91 was the main text. Introducing his sermon, God’s servant stated that God had a secret place and only those who were intimate with Him, were qualified to enter. He further stated that one of the things that will take us inside God’s inner chamber is devoted prayers according to Matthew 6:6.

He illustrated the dwelling place of the Lord using the tabernacle in the Old Testament, which was classified as:

1. The Outer Court
2. Holy Place
3. Holy of Holies

The Outer Court was characterised thus:

• It is possible to hear the voice of God when He speaks from the Holy of holies but the manifestation of His presence cannot be felt.
• It is impossible to know the deep things of God and experience God’s presence.
• The outer court in the Old Testament was dominated by those who came for sacrifices of sin, transgressions etc.
• The outer court was filled with so much needs from people as well as prayer requests.
• Those who fall into sin go to the Outer Court to renew their consecration.
• The Outer Court was symbolic of the world and everything outside the presence of God.
• At the Outer Court, one cannot know the depth and mysteries of God.
• The altar in the Outer Court was brazen – made of bronze not gold.

The following are a few characteristics of the Holy Place:

• The Holy place is a step above the Outer place but not the Holy of holies.
• When we are cleansed from our sins at the outer place, we can enter the Holy place

The Holy of holies has the following characteristics

• Everything here is made of gold
• Usually entered into, once in a year in the Old Testament.
• There you find the ark that represents God’s presence as well as the mercy seat.
• One’s commitment must be real to enter the holy of holies
• In the holy of holies, there is no sacrifice
• When you enter into the secret place, there is abundant supply of one’s need (John 8:12). 
• You get to a point of relationship where Jesus becomes your intercessor
• There are chariots that cover the mercy seat signifying the Shekinah glory. So when you enter there, it is symbolic of what you will experience – glory.

He further explained that, to access the Holy of holies, we must embark on a serious mission of prayer. This mission will however, receive obstacles but we must not deter or quickly summarise our prayer before entering into God’s presence. The Holy of holies is not for casual people as everything that has a good result has a condition. Using Luke 2:36-38 as a reference, he pointed that Anna’s prayer was serving the need of the kingdom.

Explaining the relevance of “Shadow” in Psalm 91:2, he stated that a shadow serves as a shield, a covering from danger or a defense from assault or injury. Hence, the shadow here was not one that man could provide. He also said that there is a relationship between a shadow and the person projecting the shadow, and so, for the Almighty (which means boundless sufficiency) who is unlimited in might, then His shadow will be the same as He is. The Almighty indeed is a way maker and is boundless in might. Whenever He introduces Himself as Almighty then it means He wants to do something - Genesis 17:1.

Other relevant points from this sermon includes:

• When you dwell in the shadow of the Lord, you will testify... “I will say of the Lord…”
• In Acts, Peter’s shadow cured sicknesses of people, talk more of the shadow of the Lord.
• For a shadow to be over you, you must be close to the source -that is the person projecting the shadow.
• If you are not born again, you are outside the gate.
• Sin keeps people outside the gate.
• Enjoying benefits from God does not make you born again.
• If God provides Himself as our shadow, it means there are dangers that are coming that man and the efforts of man cannot handle.

Finally, we must realize that the enemy is constantly attacking us but God will cover us (Isaiah 25:4). So to stay in His shadow, we must be fully committed to the Lord by staying away from sin. 

The New Year communion service was the climax of the five (5) day retreat. The program as scheduled began by 10am. After the opening prayer, there was a wonderful session of praise and worship. There was also time for testimonies as brethren testified of God’s goodness towards them. One of such testimonies was given by Pst (Mrs.) Comfort Udoh who was healed after partaking in holy communion constantly for a period of time. She had pains in her bones and had been told by the doctor that it would be part of her everyday life. She was literally at the mercy of her young child and husband. However, in spite of the doctor’s report, God in His infinite mercies decided to heal her God is indeed a great healer. We also had another testimony by Pastor Lizzy who, incidentally was celebrating her 18^th spiritual birthday. Her life in itself is a miracle because she was conceived by her mother, contrary to the doctor’s report. She testified of how she had a “circumcision of the heart” on the 31^st of December 1998 at about 2am. God took away her stony heart and gave her a heart of flesh.

The sermon was taken by our father the international director, Pst Isaac V. Olori. He took us to Isaiah 60:1-3, which as he stated, is God’s word to the ministry of Greater Evangelism World Crusade for the year 2018. Speaking, he said if God has given us the injunction to arise and shine, it is because we have the ability to do so. He is not tyrant and as such, will not require of us that which we are unable to do. It is therefore pertinent that we come to terms with the truth that we have the ability to arise and shine forth. Speaking also, he drew our attention to the theme of the ministry for this year, which is “Giving ourselves unto the ministry of the word and of prayer”. He said that it is impossible for one to give him/herself to the ministry of the word and prayer and not shine. Shining is therefore a by-product of giving ourselves to the ministry of the word and prayer. The Bible tells us that the reason we’re to shine is because our light has come and when light comes, darkness disappears. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus was speaking to his followers (Christians by extension). He addresses us as the light of the world. As Nigerians, we know how important light is to us. We’re faced with the problem of incessant power outage and so the restoration of power comes with joy. Jesus was in essence telling us that we are like “NEPA” of our world; the PHCN; PHED, wherever we find ourselves, we are in charge of ensuring that darkness is kept at bay. As a Christian, if there is darkness where you are, you are responsible for it. It’s high time we quit complaining about the darkness and started shinning instead. We’re given the injunction to allow our lights shine so much that men have no option but to glorify God. We owe it to God to bring Him glory. As a matter of fact, by God’s design, we should bring him glory. We need to take stock of our lives and ask ourselves, “Was God glorified through me in the previous year?”, “What feat did God accomplish through me for the kingdom in the previous year?” In this New Year, we must resolve to bring God glory. Anything given us by God that doesn’t serve the kingdom and bring God glory is being misused and abused. Decide that you will not be an abuser of God’s blessings!

Furthermore, he stated that the revelation of the Word of God is one way through which we can receive illumination and therefore shine. II Corinthians 3:18 talks about how we, by beholding the glory of God, are also made reflectors of same glory. However, it is important we note that, we must come with our faces “open” and unmasked. Some people go before God’s presence, but they go masked and as such, they become impervious to the Word. But when we allow God’s Word to penetrate our lives, we will be transformed and we’ll become reflectors of His glory; we begin to look like Jesus. Also, in Acts 7:25, we are told of Stephen who with his eyes steadfastly looking into heaven, beheld God’s glory. In the same vein, as we choose to focus on God, we’ll behold his glory. We must be careful to note that the glory isn’t ours, as a matter of fact, the glory belongs to God, and we are reflectors of his glory.

Finally, he said that although darkness is everywhere, for us as children of God, our case is different. An exception is made for us. While darkness engulfs the world, a promise of light is given us. Just like the children of Israel were in light in the land of Goshen, including the smallest and lowest slave, while even Pharaoh remained in darkness, God gives a promise of light to every one of us. He also stated that the command to arise means that we have been sleeping, sitting or been in a state of inactivity. For those of us in this category, the Lord calls us to arise. For those of us have been up and about already, the Lord calls us to come higher. Set your heart upon serving God in this year, He will take care of you.

The New Year service also saw the launch and dedication of the ministry’s 2018 calendar, and for the first time, a daily planner also. There is also, a table top size of the calendar, this is also a first. All of this is courtesy of the Greater Evangelism Women Fellowship International (GEWFI).

The communion service, which has become our New Year tradition began soon after. A teaching was given by the International Director to prepare our minds. He spoke briefly from Exodus 12. Speaking, he showed us that, the communion is the Old Testament equivalent of the Passover feast. The Passover was to act as a covering; protection from the plagues to the Israelites, we also have this covering in the communion table. The communion table is also a table of fellowship (I Corinthian 10:18-20). When we eat the communion, we fellowship with God. This, was indeed a beautiful way to begin the New Year; fellowshipping with God.

The 4th day of the retreat was characterized by great testimonies, prayers and teaching. Mrs Suanu Deemor testified how God delivered her from death, after eating a chemical poisoned watermelon. She also shared a testimony of how God intervened in the education of her child studying medicine overseas on scholarship but was abandoned by the Rivers State Government. She recounted how ceaseless prayers and donations were made by her family and the church and God intervened as his department cleared all his outstanding bills, thus leading to his graduation. Finally, she testified how God delivered her from those who kidnapped her and held her hostage for a period of twelve (12) days. This happened on her way back from church after a week of emphasis. She narrated how she was beaten mercilessly and was ill-treated by her abductors. She  also  testified  how  God  was  with  her  throughout her  stay  in  the  forest,  speaking  to  her through divers means and reassuring her of His presence with her, until He made a way of escape and brought her back home to her family. One of the great things God did for her during these twelve (12) days was seal up her stomach, so she would not pass stool. As she was held at gun point whenever she felt the need to use the convenience. 

The  second  testimony was that of Sis Rosetta Samuel of Unyeada church, whose goods were returned at the proclamation of God’s servant, the International Director, that there shall be no loss. The Saturday preceding the healing service, she bought some bags of  fish  at  Kaa  waterside  and  boarded  a  car  to  Bori.  At  the  car  park  in  Bori, she loaded her luggages  into  one  of  the  cars  and  told  the  driver  she  wanted  to  buy  something.  When she returned, she realised the driver had gone. She became confused but immediately heard a voice that told her it was a tactic of the enemy to stop her from worshipping well during the healing service. She immediately took the phone to contact of one of the drivers to do a follow-up call on the where about of the driver. Getting home, all who heard it, told her it was lost and could not be recovered since it was a festive season. When she came for the healing service, God used his servant to proclaim that there shall be no loss and she held on to that word. The next day, during the Christmas service, she called the other driver, but he said he had not seen the driver neither received a word from him, but to God be the glory, that same day, she received a call that her luggage had been returned.

The last testimony was that of Barrister Rufus Godwins. He testified how God’s mercy saw him through his journey, despite several mishaps ranging from missed flights, missing luggage, bank card issues and several others. He narrated how he found himself in a difficult situation with no one to help him, but God’s mercy prevailed in his situation and help came. He also appreciated God  that  his  luggage  that  got  missing  during  the  journey  was  recovered  without  being tampered.

Pst. (Dr) Mrs. N.E Numbere was the vessel God used to bring forth His word. The title of her sermon was “Giving Ourselves to Prayer and to the Ministry of the Word” while Acts chapter 6:4 was the main text. As a foundation to the sermon, she stated that the twelve apostles were leaders of the church and they experienced some form of internal crisis, as described in verse 1-3 of Acts 6.  Nevertheless, they refused to be distracted by this crisis but chose to handle it in a mature manner. She further stated that there is no place where human beings are gathered that there would not be problems, hence church pastors must learn to resolve conflict while every leader must be prepared to handle conflict resolution. Building on the sermon, she stated that the work of the church was to mature the converts by helping  them  to  grow,  as  this  is  a  sign  of  good  church  leadership.  Another sign of good leadership, in her words, is the knowledge of conflict resolution to bring about peace and not crisis.  Hence,  length  of  time  in  church  should  not be  a  criterion  for appointing a leader, but having the Holy Spirit, as the church of Jesus Christ is number one and supersedes any person. So, we all must be careful how we handle the affairs of the church. Still on church leadership, she stated that a leader must learn to assign responsibilities to people, as well as separate material things from spiritual. Major areas covered from the text and considered during this sermon are:

1. It was the entire members of the church who were to give themselves to prayer and the study of the word, and not just the Apostles.
2. From the text  also,  two  ministries  were  mentioned;  Ministry  of  material  things  and ministry of spiritual things. The both ministries are important, as a neglect of any of them can cause a commotion in the church. Romans 12:4-8; Philippians 3:18-19; 1 Corinthians 12:28.
3. “The word”, in the text, refers to the work of God, as God operates through His word. It is important to note that “The word of God” occurs three times in the Old Testament, another word used to refer to “the word” is  “Logos” translated as “word referring to utterance". Some benefits of the word include the following:
4. The Word of God is a light that illuminates us in darkness.
5. The Word gives life.
6. It brings healing.
7. It brings about spiritual growth i.e. it sanctifies.
8. The ministry of the Word involves preaching, converting members and bringing them to spiritual maturity.
9. When you are in the presence of God, the Holy Spirit will bring out gifts in you that you never knew existed. Also, when the Spirit of God flows in you, you are there to minister at any time. Discussing prayer, she stated that, it is a vital part of our Christian life. She described it as the engine room for the work of God. Before Christ did anything, He prayed - Matthew 6:1. If the church of God isn’t praying, the work of God cannot go on. Using Christ as an example, she stated that before He went to the cross, He conquered Satan on his knees. Major points on prayer include;
10. Giving and praying should be part of our life.
11. It is the word of God that will teach us what to pray
12. You cannot achieve anything without prayer.
13. It is the word of God that gives us the prayer language.

Finally she adjured us to understand that when we pray and receive anything from God, we must acknowledge that it is a gift and not a reward. She also advised that, just like Stephen did not wait to be pushed or to be given a position to serve God, we must go out to serve God and desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

The second day of the end of year retreat began with a powerful bible study session with the topic "The Secret of Divine Supply". The major text was taken from Ecclesiastes 11:1 - "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shall find it after many days". In the course of our study we found out that the secret of divine supply is in giving and this giving is in diverse forms (knowledge, skill, money, food, services, possessions, time etc.) and for this God replenishes the giver.

The Bible also covered what the Bible says about giving and it includes the following:
1. We should be liberal (Proverbs 11:25)
2. Through giving the door of receiving is opened to us (Luke 6:38)
3. We should primarily set our minds to knowing God and living for Him (Matthew 6:33)
4. We should be diligent to understand the appropriate time and opportunities  to give for Gods service and utilize it (Ecclesiastes 9:11)
5. We should look up to God for reward (2 Corinthians 9:8)
6. We must pay our tithe fully and not partly (Malachi 3:10-11)
7. We must give willingly with a perfect heart (1 Chronicles 29:9)

The Bible study also covered that our motive for giving must not be to receive from God as though He is owing us (Psalms 50:10-12).
Furthermore, the following attitudes that can be an obstacle to receiving divine supply were highlighted.
1. Refuse to pay tithe and offering (Malachi 3:8-9).
2. Giving for human praise and recognition (Matthew 6:1).
3. Giving Sparingly (2 Corinthians 9:6).
4. Giving while still living in sin (Proverbs 15:8).
5. Having unresolved offences/unforgiving heart (Matthew 5:23-24).

It also covered how God supplied the need of the widow of Zarephath who was impoverished by famine, He had to send his prophet to demand from her the little she had. Her obedience in releasing what looked like her life opened up her Heavens for a divine supply, which sustained her and her son throughout the period of austerity.  An attitude of giving, even from our state of lack and insufficiency, is God's way to connect with His blessing.
As a way of brief summary the International director Pastor Isaac V. OLori pointed out that we limit ourselves when we withhold what we have and that we can live beyond the economy which is divine. He also added that it is more blessed to give than to receive. 


Afterwards, Pastor A. G. Iyagba the Zonal Minister of Mile 1 Zone anchored the book review: "Vain Shows Vs Practical Christianity" written by our founding father of blessed memory Apostle G.D. Numbere.
The book is made up of five chapters and fifty six pages apart from the forward. It is a must read for every believer as it has been blessing lives and correcting errors in the church.
Chapter 1 covers vain shows in alms giving.
Chapter 2 covers vain shows in prayers.
Chapter 3 covers vain shows in fasting.
Chapter4 covers vain shows in nakedness (indecent dressing).
Chapter 5 covers vain shows in bill boards (self-advertising).
It is a must read, for proper assimilation. Get your copy today!

 Click here for Fire on My Altar by Rev. (Dr.) Friday Bekee.