The third day of the end of year retreat was packed with teachings, prayers, praise and worship.

Evangelist Victor Ejimadu the Chief Missions Coordinator of Greater Evangelism World Crusade taught on the topic: The Gifts of the Holy Spirit. As part of his introduction into the message, he explained that the gift of the Holy Spirit are God’s supernatural ability given to the church in fragments (1 Corinthians 12: 8-10) and it is the divine expression of God’s grace in and through believers. It is a supernatural ability which the Holy Spirit distributes to individuals according to His will. The gift of the Holy Spirit are: Word of wisdom, Word of knowledge, faith, the gifts of healing, the working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, divers kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues.

He continued by highlighting on things to know about the Gift of the Holy Spirit and they are as follows:

1. The Gift of the Holy Spirit are exclusively meant to glorify God (John 16:14).
2. God does not want us to be ignorant of them (1 Corinthians 12:1).
3. It is given for the overall benefit of the Church (1 Corinthians 12:7).
4. The Spirit works through the gifts and gives it to whomsoever He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11).
5. The gifts are meant to complement one another and not to compete (2 Corinthians 10:12, 1 Corinthians 12:15 – 27).
6. Establishes the believers (Romans 11:1).
7. The gifts are given to the believer according to God’s grace (Romans 12:6).

He taught the church that the gifts of the Holy Spirit can be classified into three:

1. Revelational gifts
2. Vocal gifts
3. Power gifts

He went further to give detailed explanation on the gifts as classified above.

The revelational gifts includes word of wisdom, word of knowledge and discerning of spirits.

The word of wisdom is the supernatural application of knowledge and understanding to resolve certain difficulties. Examples include; the stoning of the adulterous woman (John 8:7); Jesus versus the Pharisees (Matthew 22:20-22); Solomon’s landmark judgement (1 Kings 3:16-28).

The word of knowledge is receiving facts supernaturally by the working of the Spirit. It can also be described as the unveiling of things that could not have possibly been known. Biblical examples include: Elisha and Gehazi (2 Kings 5); Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:3); Elisha and the King of Syria (2 Kings 6: 8-12); Jesus and the fake converts (John 2: 23 – 25).

The discerning of spirits is the supernatural ability to perceive the source of the manifestation of a spirit, whether it is from God, devil, man or the world. Biblical references include: Peter vs Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:23); Paul vs the diviner (Acts 16:18); Jesus vs James and John (Luke 9:54-55). This gift is pertinent in today due to the rise of deducing and deceptive spirits.

The second category of the gift is the vocal gifts which includes: The gift of speaking divers kinds of tongues, the gift of prophecy and the gift of interpretation of tongues.

Speaking of divers kinds of tongues - It is the divine ability to speak languages that are not learnt (1 Corinthians 14:5, 18, 39). Tongues can be classified into the following:

• Tongues of men – 1 Corinthians 13:6, Acts 2.
• Tongues of Angels – 1 Corinthians 13:1.

The third classification of gift are the Power Gifts which includes the gift of faith, working of miracles and healings.

The Gift of faith is the supernatural ability to believe God to intervene in challenging circumstances. This is different from “saving faith” given to every believer and faith as the fruit of the Spirit. For example: Elijah and the drought (1 Kings 18-18).

The gift of working of miracles is the manifestation that is against natural law. Whereas healing is a work of restoration, miracles are creative against natural law and order. For example:  Creation of womb, breast, Jesus multiplying bread, water turned into wine, raising the dead, walking on water (Acts 4:6; 19:11).

He taught the Church that no one will want to give a gift they count as precious to someone who will not handle or use it properly. Therefore some of the traits that could deprive us from receiving the gift are:

1. Spiritual Immaturity (Hebrew 5:14).
2. Unprepared hearts (Matthew 7:6).
3. Wrong motives (James 4:3).
4. Being a novice (1 Timothy 3:6).
5. Doubtful/double mindedness (James 1:6).
6. Unfaithful with little things (Luke 16:10 – 12).

With the right attitude, spiritual hunger and prayers, we can position ourselves for the impartation of the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 7:37 – 39, Luke 11:9 – 13, Psalm 42:1, 2, 7).

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

The 2017 End of Year Retreat of Greater Evangelism World Crusade, a five day program started on December 28th, 2017.
The theme of the retreat happens to be the theme for 2018, "Giving Ourselves to Prayer and to the Ministry of the Word".
The first talk for this retreat was an introductory message of the theme given by the International Director Pastor Isaac V. Olori.
He spoke on the text, Acts 6:4. He told the church that giving themselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word means to devote themselves to prayer and the word. Also that one cannot be fruitful in his or her devotion to prayer and the word without being devoted to God.

He went further to give four key motivations for living a life of devotion to Christ.

1. The mercies of God: His mercies should make us to be devoted to Him in prayers (Rom 12:-1-2, 8:42, 8:26, Heb 4:14-16).
2. Finding delight in God through His Word: Knowledge and understanding of God’s word is key (Proverbs 2:3-5). Prayers and study of God’s word are inseparable twins. Someone rightly said, “To study without Prayer is Pride; and to Pray without studying is Presumption”.

3. Think about your absolute need for God to work in your Situation: It is only with God that you can do all things. “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37).
4. Consider what God can do through your faithful Prayers: Pray in righteousness (James 5:16), don’t pray amiss but in accordance to the will of God (James 4:3). What choices will you make in 2018? Joshua said “…choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).

A devoted life is more and more of God and less and less of the world and self. Hence we are to know that devotion to prayer is beyond our needs, it is praying for the will of God.

Bayelsa State was host to the 6^th International Ministers' Conference of Greater Evangelism World Crusade. From the 7^th to 12^th of November 2017, Ministers gathered from all over the world to hear God's word, have fellowship and get revived. The Theme of this Conference was "Fire on My Altar". Opening the conference was Pastor Isaac Olori (In'tl Director, GEWC) with a key note address titled "The Fire of Divine Discontentment" (1 Samuel 22:2, Judges 6:13), he stressed that every Minister must be dissatisfied with his/her current level, dissatisfied with the status quo. Discontentment, he said, produces a hunger, and if we come feeling full or satisfied, we would go back empty.

He pointed out areas that should flame our discontentment

1. Lack of Hunger and Thirst after God (Psalm 42:1,2). As Ministers, most times we find ourselves in the place of giving out without refilling.  Reading the Bible just to get messages to preach; really very busy but have lost touch with real fellowship with God.  This results in dryness which sometimes manifest in our gradually losing our Christlikeness and the high standard of character required of God's Ministers. 
2. A ministry that lacks fruitfulness (John 15:2,8; Luke 13:6 - 9). Consistent lack of performance and productivity should be a cause for concern that should provoke discontentment.
3. The condition of the flock (Proverbs 27:23). God's intent is to give his people ministers who will feed them with knowledge and understanding (Jeremiah 3:15). A minister must put his heart into caring for his flock and be discontent with whatever level (spiritual or physical) they are at.
4. Apathy and Complacency (Proverbs 20:6, Numbers 13:31). Apathy is the lack of enthusiasm or interest, while complacency is the feeling of self-satisfaction. These are two extremes which we must sincerely and aggressively confront if God will count on us for ministry and in this Vision.  When we are not troubled by the state of things operating as if nothing is at stake, then it is evident that all is not well; is a signal of apathy or complacence. Gideon was not like this, he did not give up, overwhelmed with frustration hence desired a change and God saw his heart.
5. The Hireling Attitude (Job 7:2). Ministry is a calling; a calling from God. When we are always focused on what to get, we unconsciously get caught up with the spirit of the hireling. Some of the consequences for having "the hireling attitude" are
6. We lose connection to God who is the supplier of our needs (Philippians 3:19)
7. We limit our capacity for divine supply
8. Unfruitfulness which comes from being spiritually disconnected.

He concluded by praying that God would deal with the ashes in our lives that are preventing fresh fire on our altars.

Day 2 of the conference kicked off with the Guest Speaker, Pastor Dr. Friday Bekee, starting the series "Fire on my altar". He defined the altar as a place where men encounter/meet spirits, the natural meets with the supernatural and divinity meets with humanity (1 Corinthians 10:18 - 20). In essence, God's people meet with God at the altar. The altar is a place of prayer and supplication and a place of God's presence (Genesis 12:8, 13:3,4; 1 Kings 8:32). It is also a place where men worship and offer sacrifices unto God (Genesis 8:20). It is a place where blessings are invoked on the people (2 Kings 6). He explained the two altars that existed in the Old Testament - The bronze altar (altar of Burnt offering) (Exodus 29:25, 38) and the altar of incense. In the New Testament, the bronze altar is the altar of praise, worship and thanksgiving while the altar of incense is the altar of prayer (Hebrews 13:15, Numbers 28:2, Psalm 141:2).

Over the next few days he expounded on this topic. Highlights of his teachings are below.

Importance of Personal Altar

1. Our life in secret with God is the secret of our public life. It defines our personal walk and work with God.
2. Your ministry at your personal altar is your primary assignment. Ministry is service to God and to the Gospel (Deuteronomy 21:5, 1 Chronicles 23:13). However, your ministering to people, is an overflow of your ministering to God.
3. God is more interested in your fellowship with Him than in your work for Him. He is more interested in what you are for Him than what you do for Him.

Blessings of the Personal Altar

Your blessings as a Minister are at God's Altar (1 Corinthians 9:13). These blessings include:

1. The Lord is your reward
2. A place of encounter. God meets with you at your personal altar
3. A place of revelation

Important facts about the Fire

1. The sacrifice in the Old Testament was incomplete without fire.
2. This fire was to be a perpetual fire
3. The Holy Spirit is the fire of the New Testament Church (Ephesians 5:18 - 20). The outpouring of the Holy Spirit was corporate and personal as everyone had a tongue of fire on his/her head (personal fire)
4. The fire on your altar is a function of the Holy Spirit in your life.
5. You have a personal responsibility to ensure your fire is not put out.
6. Perpetual fire means perpetual worship, prayer and intercession.  Perpetual fire, makes you combat ready.
7. Intercession establishes God's will on earth.
8. Fire is the hallmark/trademark of God's Ministers (Hebrews 1:7)
9. Fire is not taught, fire is caught. A minister's responsibility is to bring God's people into a deeper experience with Him (Psalm 42:7) but your depth determines the depth of God you can explore and how deep his people can go.
10. Fire begets fire. It is the fire that drives (Numbers 11:17)

Why we need the Fire

1. Fire consecrates for service: Not everything brought into the temple was used in service to God. Before it could be used, it must first be consecrated by fire. Isaiah was also consecrated by fire (Isaiah 6:5 - 7). Note that before this time, Isaiah was already doing ministry but after his consecration, he was never the same again.

 2. Fire adds value to our lives: The more fire deals with precious metal, the purer it becomes and the purer it becomes, the more it's worth. Anytime we encounter the fire of the Holy Ghost, it increases our worth.

 3. Fire is the instrument of the Ministry by the altar: The altars by which we stand to minster are altars of fire.

 4. It takes fire in your soul to worship: When an animal is taken to the altar for sacrifice, it smells, but once fire is introduced, it oozes a sweet aroma. Our worship rises on the wings of fire. Until it is affected by fire, God does not accept it. It is the fire that releases the sweet-smelling aroma. Music is a ministry, and it is a ministry of fire. You cannot be a minister and not be a worshipper. A Minister must understand the importance of the music ministry and encourage it in his church.

 5. It takes fire to commune with the Lord (Psalm 39:3): It takes fire in our heart to pray. When the fire burns in our heart, we cannot hold back but pray. Do not put out the fire with excuses.

 6. It takes a burning heart to speak for God: We must carry fire in our souls to speak for God. (Jeremiah 20:9). The ministry of the Word is a ministry of fire.

He concluded by saying that fire does not come on an empty altar, it comes on a sacrifice. Prayer is a sacrifice. Fire does not come by wishing, it comes by praying. Everything obtained in God's presence is sustained in God's presence.

Speaking also at the conference was Rev. Willy Onyebuchi who spoke on "The Minister Contending for the Truth in this End Time". Speaking from Jude vs 1 - 6, he said, the Church of Jesus Christ has lost its purpose, accepting the very things that Jesus refused at the Temptation. The Church now has "juju" priests as pastors, performing miracles as well. He therefore enjoined Ministers not to chase after miracles but to chase after God and the devil will flee. The Word of God is the only source of truth and our standard and no amount of money or inspiration can justify deviation from the truth. We must therefore, contend for the faith.

Another inspiring talk on "The Minister and His Family Life" was given by Pastor N. E. Numbere (President, Greater Evangelism Women Fellowship International). She defined the family as a group of people, related by blood ties and relationship. A nuclear family consists of children both biological and adopted. In the Bible, it is extended to household employees (Colossians 3:18 -24; 4:1; Proverbs 29:21). Continuing she said, God is the originator of marriage and family. Unfortunately, the devil has altered God's plan for marriage with different atrocities like cohabitation, homosexuality (Leviticus 18:22, 26, 27; Romans 1:18 - 32), polygamy, polyandry etc.

She highlighted that the status of your family as a Minister is so important that it is part of the criteria to be ordained (1 Timothy 2:2, 4, 5). Failure in your family implies failure in your ministry. The Minister's first parish is his home although some are so occupied it the Church, they neglect their family. Also, the Minister's family is always at the front banner for attacks by the devil.  Abraham received commendation from God because of how he ruled his house (Genesis 17:18 - 19)

Highlights of her talk include

1. The Minister and His Wife: Marriage was conceived in God's heart out of love for man (Genesis 2:20). Meaning of the words, Help and meet used in Genesis 2 include: to give or provide what is necessary to satisfy a need, save, rescue, succour, facilitate, contribute to the success of, precisely adapted to a situation. The wife is therefore a help meet that means a suitable helper to the Minister.

2. The Role of a Husband (Minister): Marriage is both physical and spiritual. The bedrock is love and trust. The wife is therefore suitable physically, spiritually and morally. The role of the Minister as a husband with regards to his wife include the following:

1. Set territorial boundaries in the home both physically and spiritually. Seek godly counsel in marriage if necessary.
2. This includes showing unconditional love to your wife (Ephesians 5:25). Show love by actions and words. Treat her as a pearl of great price. Bring out the best in her (Ephesians 5:25 - 28)
3. As much as possible, have meals together, as it is fellowship
4. Do not treat her as a domestic servant
5. Do not assault your wife physically or verbally
6. Be a forgiver. A successful marriage is a union of two great forgivers.
7. Learn to apologize when you are wrong.

 3. Leadership of the Home

1. The man is the head of the home in both spiritual and social responsibilities.
2. You are spiritual partners. Seeding your wife's role as your spiritual partner to another especially a woman, is equal to spiritual divorce. Sarah was part of Abraham's blessing (Genesis 17:15, 18:1 - 17). She eventually grew in faith and was listed it the roll call of heroes in Hebrews 11:8 - 12
3. Your Ministry cannot be successful without your wife (1 Peter 3:7)
4. You are the priest of your home, therefore perform the duties of a priest at home. A family that prays together, stays together (Exodus 27: 20 - 21; 30:8)
5. Intercede for your family. For example, Isaac interceded for Rebecca to have a child
6. Learn to play and relax with your wife (Genesis 26:8)
7. Do not commit adultery. Be careful in your relationship with the opposite sex as it can lead to adultery (1 Corinthians 10:12, Proverbs 6:32; 5:15 - 20)
8. A minister should provide for his family (1 Timothy 5:8). The employer of the Minister is God and He will take care of you.

 4. The Minister and His Children

1. Your children are covenant children (Isaiah 8:18)
2. Bless your family just as David did (2 Samuel 6:17 - 21)

For more details on "The Minister and His Children", read Crusader's Voice (July/August 2017 Edition)

Other seminars, business meetings, prayer sessions were held during the conference.

Bringing the Conference to a close on Sunday, was Pastor Isaac Olori (Int'l Director) with the topic "My Presence will go with you" (Exodus 33:12 - 23). Reviewing the discussion God had with Moses, he said, it appeared that in Exodus 33:1, God disowned the children of Israel because He told Moses "the people you brought out of Egypt". God then promised to send an angel and would give them deliverance, yet His presence would not be there. He stressed that not every deliverance (miracle) involves God's presence and prayed that Ministers would never settle for a substitute i.e. an angel and not God's presence. The children of Israel mourned when they were told they would not have God's presence. Moses, therefore insisted on God's presence; he was hungry for it and God filled that hunger. Other excepts from his sermon can be found below:

Benefits of His Presence

1. The secret of obtaining God's goodness is His presence
2. The Name of the Lord will be proclaimed ahead of you as you carry His presence.
3. His presence carries His name, authority, power and majesty.
4. God's presence is personal. If you seek His presence, He will give you His presence.
5. His presence gives rest and victory
6. His presence is evidenced by His grace on your life.
7. His presence separates you. Men and women who are separated can do all things, not by their power, but through Christ who strengthens them.

Why do we have difficulty finding God's Presence?

1. Idolatry - Idols are not just carved items but anything that replaces God in your life has become a god/idol (Exodus 32:1)
2. Stiff-neckedness (Stubbornness) - Exodus 33:3

Present also during the Sunday Service was the wife of the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. (Mrs.) Rachael Dickson and other dignitaries. The Conference ended with a Communion Service. There was much rejoicing as Ministers left the conference ignited for God.

On the 24th of October 2017, I got a call from someone I had worked with several times, referring me to another person that needed my services. I quickly obliged him, since we had worked together. He told me the person that needed my services was due to travel the next day, so it was advisable I meet up with him immediately. Immediately, I called him and booked an appointment for the next day. The next day, I called him and he said I was late but I could meet him up. I initially thought it was around the Igwuruta axis but when I called him, he redirected me to another location, Okomoko road - which was unfamiliar to me. Fortunately, I saw a bike that was headed in that direction, so I parked my car and boarded the bike.

The friend who referred me kept calling me, throughout my journey to know my exact location. When I got to the junction I called the man to notify him that I was there and he sent someone to pick me up. On our way, I realized we were going farther, and it seemed the journey was endless but finally we got to our destination. I had a hunch that something was fishy about this journey but I shrugged it off. When we got to the house, the man who brought me from the junction told me I should ensure I do the job well, that if I do so, he had two brothers he would like me to assist, I didn't put that in my mind since I had not got the job yet.

Thereafter, I noticed how he knocked on the door. The knock was unusual, he did it thrice and then opened the door and we went in. As we walked in, I also observed how the house was built, it had no windows and four doors within. As I waited to receive the man who needed my service, I saw a man dressed in all black come out through one of the doors, so I thought it was him. In a little while, another man dressed in red came through the second door and another dressed in black come through the third door, while another dressed in red come through the entrance door.

The one who came in through the entrance door pushed me forward. They searched me and took all that was on me. The door on my left opened and a man dressed on red having a very big knife with blood stains came through it and said to the man that brought me "na him turn" (it's his turn). The man on my left opened the door and told me to go in. I struggled with them and refused to enter the room, they forced me in and locked the door. Inside the room, I observed that the place looked like a shrine and I also saw a man like a chef slaughtering things, when I looked closely I discovered that it was a human being whose parts have been cut out and the intestines were being pulled out. I began to pray fervently.

Another man came through a door in the room and asked me to step into the big circle in front of where I sat and I refused. I prayed with every strength I had. I later decided to change my strategy of prayer and face the man. As I prayed, he brought out his witch stick, that looked like an "afor" and pointed it to my direction but I kept praying and calling upon the name of the Lord. As he stretched out his stick towards me, a force repelled him. This happened three times and after the third time he shouted "TAKE HIM OUT!". Two men rushed in from the opposite door, took a foam and put in my mouth, tied my eyes and took me out. They put me in a tri-cycle and pushed me away. As I noticed that the tri-cycle had gone a bit far and my hands were not tied, I loosened the strap from my eyes and found out I was in a bush. I noticed some form of movement and then a very faint blue light from afar, I ran towards the light. This was about 10:00pm. God kept and took me home.

To Him be all the glory, Amen.

Greater Evangelism World Crusade Obio South Zone, Port Harcourt, Rivers State West held their 8th Evangelical/Medical Outreach Programmme at GEWC Omachi Church, Zion Street, Rumuodomaya, Port Harcourt from 30th November 2017 to 3rd December 2017. The outreach was tagged: What shall it profit a man? (Mark. 8:36)

This outreach was targeted to win souls for the Lord Jesus Christ and to medically reach out to the community of Rumuodamaya town (Omachi). This outreach was blessed with several souls who gave their lives to Christ. The brethren of GEWC Obio South Zone came out in mass to witness, counsel and attend to members of the community who expressed deep appreciation and looked forward to another opportunity.

We believe that souls have been impacted upon both spiritually and physically. To God be all the Glory in Jesus name, Amen.

Bayelsa State celebrated her 2017 Legal Year on the 27th of October 2017. The thanksgiving service took place at the D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Yenagoa. Ministering during this service was Pastor Isaac Olori (International Director of G.E.W.C.).

The title of his sermon was, "The Judiciary: God's Agent for Justice". The sermon exposed that the Judiciary is not just an arm of Government but also an instrument/agent of God for justice (Rom. 13:1, 4).  He highlighted that all power belongs to God hence, members of the Judiciary are agents of God (Ps 62:11). He explained that when the judges and lawyers of the Bayelsa State Judiciary come to this, their approach to using this power given to them will change. God is interested in justice and judgment hence those placed in seats to bring justice and judgment are occupying God's seat here on earth. He went further to explain that just as there is a hierarchy of courts with the Supreme Court being the highest court and the last stop for every appeal, God is the final place of all appeals.

The Court session started with the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Kate Abiri, reading out the achievements of the last legal year. The challenges faced by different departments of the Judiciary were discussed and the assistance of the Executive arm was requested.

The Court Session ended with the vote of thanks given by the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Mrs. Kate Abiri.

The Help Ministry International held her last Widows outreach program for the year on the 3rd of December 2017 at GEWC Rainbow Town Church. The outreach was packed full of events like powerful chorus sessions, testimonies, exaltation, distribution of items amongst other events.

Evang Victor Ejimadu (Chief Missions Coordinator) was the speaker for the day, he took his text from Daniel 11:32, and spoke on the topic, "My Identity In Christ, The Greatest Thing I Have". He emphasized that our place in Christ is greater than anything we could imagine, it is a treasure.  Husband or no husband, child or no child. He said the challenge is we often forget our identity.

There were many testimonies from the widows of Gods faithfulness, here are a few amongst many others:

1. Eld Juliana Wills of GEWC Mile1 Church, testified of how she slumped and hit her head but God delivered her, even the doctors were surprised it did not result in a stroke.
2. Pst Justina Nwokocha testified of how God delivered her from almost falling into a suck away pit filled with water when she went to fetch firewood from her neighbor's place. She also testified of how God answered the two prayer points she prayed about at the last Widows Outreach, held at Olanada Church (promotion for her and admission into the University for her daughter).

The International Director, Pastor Isaac Olori and his dear wife, Pst, Mrs. Blessing Olori graced the program with their presence and he admonished the widows from 1 Kings 17. He encouraged them not see themselves from a disadvantaged point, or look at themselves with pity but connect to the divine secret of supply which is giving even from the little they have. He reminded them of how the widow of Zarephath fed the man of God from her little and how God sustained her thereafter. He said the secret is to do the work of God, instead of feeling sorry.

Other guests that graced the occasion were Pst R. C. Nwokocha (Administrator General GEWC), Pst Mrs. Comfort Udoh and Pst Mrs. Maudlyn Iyagba.   There was an interesting shopping session tagged "JESUS SUPER MARKET" here the widows came to buy things without money, everyone had something from this session. Various items were also shared to the widows ranging from house hold items to kitchen utensils to food items, wrappers, cloths, money etc. There was joy all over the faces of the participants. A total of about 550 widows were in attendance. 

The leader of the Help Ministry, Evang Ibitoru Okoro advised the widows to serve God and also do something (trade, business etc) to help themselves too. She also appealed to the ministry at large (GEWC) to support the Help Ministry. Referring to James 1:27, she said, true religion is to visit the widows and orphans.

It was indeed an extra ordinary service, the power of God was mighty to save and deliver. We heard two testimonies from our brethren. The first was from Bro. Philip Achugo who had developed an eye problem ten years ago. He visited the hospital and was told that he had a growth in his eyes. As a result of this ailment, he spent about fifty percent of his monthly salary on medical treatments but to no avail. In August, he saw the banner advert for the healing service and decided to come for service and during the prayer session God healed him and till date, he no longer needed medication. The second testimony was that of Pst. Udoka Raymond from Rukpokwu Church, whom God delivered from the hands of evil men in Port Harcourt who desired to use him for evil sacrifice but was delivered (see full testimony here.). Also, the Jubilee Voices had a special thanksgiving, appreciating God for sustaining the choir for twenty years.

The sermon was delivered by the International Director, Pastor Isaac V. Olori. It was a continuation of the August Healing Service Sermon. The title of this month's sermon was "The Prayer of a Righteous man" (2 Kings 20:1-11). God used His servant to make a proclamation prior to his sermon that the Lord will visit every individual according to their level of preparation. He also stated that according to James 5:16b, when a righteous man/woman prays, tremendous power is released. For prayer to be effective and produce results it must be:

1. Fervent
2. Made by a righteous man (a man who has a right standing with God). Whenever prayer is made, heaven is interested in the person to know who is making that prayer and to judge his heart/spirit.

The following points are worthy of note about King Hezekiah:

1. Hezekiah was a man who stood for God in the midst of evil perpetrated by his father, that is to say, he was a godly man. At the time of his sickness, he was thirty-nine years old.
2. The first message of God from Isaiah was not pleasant but Hezekiah chose to trust in the power of God.
3. His position as a king did not prevent him from the sickness that would lead to his death, but in the midst of this, God's word came to him. This implies that no matter our situation, God is able to speak to us.
4. There are times when our position can't be helpful to our situation, thus, we need an extra-ordinary force and that force is prayer.

Analyzing the reaction of Hezekiah when the news came, he pointed that Hezekiah did not begin to cry but turned his face to the wall, implying that, he turned away from helpless sympathizers, the bad news and the person carrying the bad news. Most times, when we face certain situations we should turn to God instead of complaining and looking for who to blame.

Other highlights from this sermon include:

1. We can change our situation through the power of prayer. Hezekiah knew that even though he was due to die, God could change that sentence since life and death is in His hands.
2. From Lamentation 3:32, the Lord expects us to put Him to remembrance and reach out to His compassion and mercies for our situations. This was what Hezekiah did.
3. There are things in our walk with God that show our love and commitment to Him, God expects that we bring that before Him as a strong reason. This does not mean our righteousness will make God answer us but it will give us access and boldness before God.
4. After Hezekiah presented his strong reason before God, he broke down and wept. Sometimes our prayers are not answered speedily because it is just on our lips and not from our hearts.
5. As Hezekiah prayed to God, God instructed the prophet to turn again and give him a good news (2 Kings 20:5).
6. God answers prayers and so we must return to the place of prayer. Our prayers are capable of stirring God to take over our situations and when He steps into our battles, the impossible becomes possible.
7. It was obvious that Hezekiaha's time was up but God did not only heal him but added to him more years because times and seasons are in His hands.
8. God did not stop at Hezekiah and his life but went further to bless and make promises concerning Israel.

In conclusion, according to Proverbs 15:8 and Proverbs 28:9, the prayer of an unrighteous man is an abomination to God. Part of God's message to Hezekiah was for him to put his house in order. Although Hezekiah was critically ill, God was more interested in his house being in order. The house being referred to here isn't the physical house but the spiritual house and only Jesus can put our house in order. The spiritual house can be distorted by sin and any act of wickedness is sin (Psalm 109:7). This can hinder us from accessing God hence we must truly accept Christ into our lives and live for Him.