“If the axe is dull and one does not sharpen the edge, more strength is needed; but wisdom brings success.”
— Ecclesiastes 10:10

Perhaps one way God is sharpening the axe for this generation is through Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Some approach AI with fear or suspicion, as though it competes with humanity or even with faith. Yet throughout Scripture, God consistently releases wisdom through people — craftsmanship in Exodus, strategy through Joseph, governance through Daniel, and insight through Paul. AI is not replacing man; it is man applying God-given intelligence at scale. Like Moses, who needed helpers to carry responsibility, AI can serve as an assistant that never gets tired — helping draft documents, organise plans, analyse options, or structure ideas while you focus on discernment and decision-making. Delegation has always been spiritual wisdom.

One remarkable thing about AI is its breadth of knowledge. Trained across books, research material, and professional disciplines, it compresses hours of searching into minutes of structured insight. Engineers explore solutions faster, students understand difficult subjects sooner, and small business owners compete more effectively. Ask broad questions, and it responds broadly; ask precise questions, and it becomes surprisingly detailed. It does not replace expertise — it accelerates learning and exposes blind spots early.

In my professional journey as a Software Engineer and CTO at Loopsave (www.loopsave.com), a fintech startup co-founded with another Senior Friend, AI has quietly become part of how we think and build. We explore architectural decisions, stress-test financial flows, draft technical documentation, and challenge assumptions before writing production code. Many costly mistakes are avoided simply because difficult questions can now be examined early. Decisions still require prayer, accountability, and experience — AI simply sharpens the conversation.

Outside work, the impact is even more relatable. Some will use AI for research; others may simply use it to plan family devotions, prepare CVs, write birthday messages, organise travel plans, or model personal finances. I have personally used it to structure presentations, learn new subjects faster, and organise community initiatives. Imagine preparing a family budget or planning a weekly prayer session in minutes, not hours. Many burdens we carry today exist simply because we have not yet learned to delegate wisely.

However, wisdom requires balance. AI can sound confident even when wrong, especially when instructions are unclear. Outputs must be verified — particularly in finance, medicine, or spiritual counsel. Privacy also matters; sensitive information should not be casually shared online. Most importantly, AI should never replace prayer, Scripture, or counsel from trusted believers. Think of it as a brilliant intern — incredibly helpful, but never the final authority.

Getting started is simpler than many imagine. Open a conversational AI tool today and ask, “Help me plan my week.” That single exercise may surprise you. Writing tools help refine messages or teaching outlines. Image tools assist with flyers or church media. Learning assistants explain complex subjects patiently. Across education, healthcare, engineering, and entrepreneurship, millions now collaborate with AI weekly — not because they are experts, but because they were willing to experiment.

So where do you begin? Identify repetitive tasks first — emails you rewrite often, research that consumes hours, documents you struggle to start, or decisions requiring structured comparison. Invite AI into those spaces while keeping wisdom and discernment at the centre.

You don’t have to do everything alone anymore.

Perhaps God, in His mercy, has given this generation a helper that multiplies effort — so we can spend more time loving people, building families, serving His kingdom, and pursuing purpose.

Wisdom in this season may simply be learning to do what matters most.

Akintunde Olanrewaju is a Payment Software Engineer and Senior Friend with experience building secure financial systems across fintech and payments. He serves as CTO at Loopsave (www.loopsave.com), a social finance platform that helps communities build financial stability through technology. He is passionate about faith, innovation, and practical wisdom for everyday life.

Image generated using AI (Google’s Gemini)

I warmly congratulate you all on successfully crossing into the year 2026. To God Almighty alone be all the glory for His unfailing mercies, divine protection, and preservation. Indeed, we are grateful to be among those telling the story of 2025.

The year 2025 was eventful across the globe, and for us in SFCN, it was a season of impact and fulfillment. We witnessed God’s hand through our various activities, the powerful testimonies shared, and most especially the successful Jubilee Reunion. On behalf of the Executive Committee, I sincerely appreciate everyone who contributed to these success stories through prayers, financial support, and selfless service. Special thanks to those who consistently answered the call whenever the network reached out and participated in the various programmes. It would have been truly disheartening to look around and find no one standing with us, but God blessed us with committed brethren.

Now, 2026 is upon us, marking the beginning of the third year of this Executive Committee’s tenure. By the grace of God, we are stronger, more focused, and even more committed to serving you faithfully. We humbly invite you to prayerfully continue this glorious journey with us.

Drawing strength from Nehemiah 9:19–21, we boldly declare that our flourishing in 2026 shall be great. The Lord will be merciful to us and will not abandon us in any situation. We shall not be stranded nor confused. The Holy Spirit will continually guide and instruct us. God will not withhold nourishment from us; we shall lack no good thing. Sickness will not overpower us, we will not be clothed in shame or rags, and we will not embark on journeys of no return in Jesus’ mighty name.

Beloved brethren, to fully access these blessings, uprightness is essential. As Proverbs 14:11 says, “The house of the wicked will be overthrown, but the tent of the upright will flourish.” In our daily walk with God and in our dealings with others this year, we must deliberately prioritize uprightness (living lives of righteousness and integrity). This is not a season to toy with sin or walk in deception. We are called to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts (Romans 13:14). More than ever, we must be intentional about living in complete obedience to God. Like Daniel, when we purpose in our hearts to honour God completely, His abundant grace will be made available to us. By His mercy, the Lord will make our Christian journey and our pursuit of uprightness easier and joyful throughout this year, in Jesus’ name.

As the year unfolds, we will regularly keep you informed of the activities God has prepared for us. We encourage you not to miss out on any of them. By God’s grace, you and I will joyfully tell the beautiful story of 2026, sound in mind, strong in health, and flourishing in prosperity in Jesus’ name.

Happy New Year, and God bless you all abundantly.

Yours in His Service,

Adebayo O. Adeniyi
President, SFCN

The mid-year months focused on the practicalities of our walk and witness. In May, Abiola Fajimi exhorted us to see the marketplace as a mission field, integrating our faith into our professional lives. June brought a powerful two-part series from Oluwapelumi Oloke on “Total Dependency,” sharing her journey from resistance to being posted to Kano to finding divine protection through surrender. As the heat of July set in, Pharmacist Ore Adeyemi reminded us to “Stay Hydrated, Stay Healthy,” emphasizing that our bodies are the physical channels for God’s power. In the same month, Funmilola Oni and Jonah Ibiamagabara began the countdown to our landmark reunion, inviting fifty generations to celebrate God’s wondrous works.

The latter part of the year intensified our spiritual preparation. August featured Grace Ogunlusi on the “Costs and Benefits of Courageous Obedience,” teaching us that obedience is the truest evidence of belief. September saw our “Citizens” taking “The Light to Ogbagba,” a mission trip where healing and salvation were witnessed firsthand. October brought a renewed call from President Adebayo Adeniyi for every Senior Friend to find their place in the family, while November served as a final rallying cry, bridging the wisdom of elders with the energy of youth as we approached our historic Jubilee gathering.

Reunion 2025 was truly the Lord’s doing, a significant milestone that gathered over 250 Senior Friends and students. As the Planning Committee Chairman, Olusola Olawoye, captured in his post-event article, the three-day event was characterized by a powerful Jubilee Praise Night and impactful expert talks. The Chairman noted that the “Outpouring” experienced in Ile-Ife was not a closing ceremony but the beginning of a new half-century of grace, signalling that the best is yet to come for the SFCN family.

As we step into 2026, we welcome every Senior Friend to a new year of limitless possibilities. We look ahead with optimism, confident that this is our year for manifesting the kingdom power throughout all 365 days. The assurance of God’s sufficient grace is available to us all. We encourage you to trust wholeheartedly in God to do exploits and to remain diligent in all SFCN activities. We want to see all of us in our online and physical events. Together, let us walk in the fullness of His power!

Jonah Ibiamagabara is the SFCN Public Relations Officer. He graduated in 2014 having served as the fellowship’s Technical Director and in several fellowship units including the Foundation School and School of Ministry. He now works as a project engineer within Nigeria’s energy industry.

The full Saturday event was memorable. I personally had highlights, like most of you. I loved the keynote addresses and the panel session where we harnessed the power of technology to ensure we got all our senior friends who are experts in their fields to address the topics. I really enjoyed the documentary on the 50-year journey.

It is noteworthy that all speakers were senior friends—a testament that great people who are experts in diverse fields have emerged from the fellowship. What about the laughter during dinner? It was indeed a great time of fellowship.

The wrap-up and thanksgiving service on Sunday at the Church of Pentecost (COP) was the icing on the cake as we received the father’s blessing.

I am indeed proud of everything the Reunion team accomplished. Two years of planning, hard work, and commitment paid off. Thank you for giving fully to the Lord. The support of the central executives has been tremendous. Lastly, all of this could not have been possible without the support of the senior friends prayerfully, financially, and emotionally.

This Reunion is just the beginning of an outpouring that will last another 50 years until we attain a century and beyond. This is a spark to begin something greater in our individual lives and as a fellowship.

God bless you all for participating. See you again in 2027. But before then, I am hoping you will join all our quarterly programs and respond to our calls when we reach out.

Yours in continuous service,

Olusola Olawoye

Chairman, Jubilee Reunion Committee 2025
Vice President, Senior Friends Christian Network

PS: Relive the memories from Reunion 2025 via a collection of pictures, videos, and the e-programme

What exactly is Reunion? Olajumoke Adegbite, a Part 5 Pharmacy student, defines it as a beautiful concept that represents the coming together of Senior Friends and Citizens under the umbrella of the Anglican Students Fellowship. This event expresses a powerful sense of unity, showing that the fellowship remains one body. It is, as Olajumoke notes, a unique, “divine meeting point between generations,” bridging the wisdom of the past with the vibrancy of the present. Olajide Victor, a Part 5 Quantity Surveying student, adds that Reunion is a special event where past members reconnect, bridging the gap to allow meaningful relationships and mutual understanding to grow within the fellowship.

For Citizens, the opportunity to attend is invaluable. Olajumoke describes this gathering as a “fertile ground for the exchange of knowledge, mentorship, and encouragement.” All current students have a vital moment to “reunite with all those whom God has used to bless their lives,” according to Dabin Rinji Musa, a Part 5 Computer Engineering student. Agbapuonwu Ebuka Jefferson, also a Part 5 student of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, stresses that attendees get the opportunity to meet Senior Friends, “hear their stories, learn from their wealth of experience,” and build connections, making it an “amazing networking opportunity.” Students like Olajide also see it as a chance to be motivated by seeing the success of those who once walked the same path, gaining wisdom, guidance, and encouragement for their own journey.

The Alumni are truly the heartbeat of this event. Both Dabin and Ebuka agree that the powerful presence of Senior Friends is what separates Reunion from every other program in the City. Olajide points out its rarity, holding only once every two years, which heightens the expectation and joy. For the Senior Friend, Reunion is your chance to answer that call, to return home, witness the fellowship’s phenomenal growth over half a century, and pour back into the lives of the students coming behind you. It is a beautiful moment to relive memories and celebrate God’s faithfulness in your life and in the life of the City that nurtured you.

This Jubilee Reunion is special because it is a dual-heartbeat event where both generations partner to celebrate God’s faithfulness and legacy over 50 years. It is for all—Senior Friends and Citizens—a moment for deep fellowship and inspiration. Don’t miss this historic gathering!

Register now for the Jubilee Reunion, holding from November 28th – 30th, 2025, at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Register here

This article was put together in collaboration with Victor Adebisi, the current Editorial Secretary of ASF. 

I do not intend to sing Dunsin Oyekan’s song but to say that ASF/AYF OAU Ife has produced several alumni over the last 50 years. Beyond the Power Services, village evangelisms, outreaches, household retreats, prayer meetings, bible study meetings, cell meetings, exam prayer meetings, Choice, Celebrations, New Beginnings, and many more, one thing we share is a deep bond rooted in faith—a foundation built on Jesus Christ that continues to shape our lives long after graduation.

Our alumni association, Senior Friends Christian Network (SFCN), is more than a name on a list or a WhatsApp group. It is an incorporated association, guided by a constitution with aims and objectives. It is indeed a living and breathing community; a community for encouragement, support, and collective impact. It is the product of the efforts of many faithful soldiers who have gone ahead of us; brethren who committed their time and resources to create a structure for us to remain a healthy family after graduation, connecting newer generations to the founding fathers. Hence, participating in SFCN’s events, avails you the opportunity to not only rekindle old friendships and connections, but an opportunity to also uplift others through your story, your testimonies, your prayers, and your presence. Every voice contributes to the harmony of this network. Every story adds a new chapter to our shared testimony (Prov. 27:17). Therefore, your involvement matters a lot.

Another Reunion holds on the 28^th – 30^th of November 2025. Our Reunion is a time to reconnect, to rejoice and to reflect. It is a time to relive those nostalgic moments we once shared as brothers and sisters in faith. Perhaps you are one of those who have not found a reason to attend reunions or you still have one excuse or the other, I plead with you to have a change of mind. Our Reunion is not a time to show off; it is not for status-competition, nor is it not about denominations. I want you to see it as a time to give back to the source that contributed so much to our spiritual growth; a source that supported our emotional, social, welfare and academic wellbeing at those moments that it mattered most. We all have benefited in one way or the other, whether knowingly or unknowingly from the ministry of Senior Friends during our time on campus – those financial supports for the successful programmes we held, those ministers and resource persons that risked their lives embarking on those travels to OAU for no dime that you and I may be blessed. Giving back is not all about money, but you have a story that can shape the future of one student. You have a testimony that can launch another to his/her destiny. You have a presence that can give hope to the faint-hearted. It may even be your own moment to connect with your destiny helper that you have been praying for and seeking for many years. If Zechariah had stopped going to the temple because of his challenge of childlessness, he might not have been located at his angelic post (Luke 1:5-14). That gathering may be your own appointed time to encounter that liberating idea and insight that you need for your next level, and you do not want to miss it.

Maybe you have been away for a while but now you have every reason to make it to this Jubilee Reunion and make it the beginning of many more to come. It is time to return, reconnect, and reignite your place in this family. I do not want us to relive the old time alone but let us create new ones together to the glory of God.

Be aware that a group of brethren, the Reunion Planning Committee, have been meeting fortnightly for almost one year so that you may have a valuable and memorable time at the Reunion. Also, the SFCN prayer team has been meeting fortnightly for a similar period for your sake, and we know that God is answering their prayers. Let us meet at the Jubilee Reunion this November.

I love you all.

Adebayo Adeniyi
SFCN President

Click here to register for Reunion 2025

Day One (Arrival and Preparation)

On a calm Tuesday evening, hearts full of expectation and bags packed with supplies, we set out from campus toward the quiet and welcoming lands of Ogbagba Village. This was not just another trip, it was a mission. We were students but we carried something far greater than books, we carried the Gospel, hope and a burden to touch lives.

The journey itself was filled with excitement and shared anticipation. As we approached Ogbagba, we were greeted by the warm smiles and curious eyes of its people.

The mission commenced with a heartfelt session of thanksgiving and worship. This was followed by an informative address from the Prayer Coordinator and he outlined protocols, safety measures and the etiquette expected during our stay. Then we went into a session of prayers and we brought ourselves to the consciousness that that our efforts in spreading the gospel are divinely ordained. We affirmed that God, who strengthens those He calls, would be with us, and signs and wonders would follow our mission. After that everyone was permitted to rest a bit before the President came up and equipped us with answers to potential questions from the curious villagers, ensuring we were ready for meaningful engagement.

Day Two (Evangelism and Town Cry)

Following the dawn of a new day was an outreach in group of twos with a morning cry, a door-to-door evangelism effort, followed by personal devotion and a fresh start to the day.

We prayed with families and encouraged the hearts of the weary. Messages were simple yet profound and they reminded us that ministry is not just about open spaces but about meeting people right where they are. By the time we prayed together after the outreach, Ogbagba was no longer just a location on a map, it had become part of our hearts.

After we had our something to fill our bellies later that afternoon, we continued with evangelism and reminded the villagers of the revival coming up later that day and how God wants to minister to them through the revivalist. As the revival approached, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation and various expectations.

The crusade began and the revivalist preached the message of the Gospel with children and adults paying attention and gaining clarity. Many people were healed of their infirmities while some gave their lives to Christ. It was a productive night for the kingdom mandate.

Day Three (Revival through the Arts)

The third day dawned with hearts eager and minds alert. We began the morning gathered under the shade of the word, opening the Scriptures for a deep Bible and theme exposition. It wasn just another study, it was a moment of light and it broke into our understanding. Together, we walked through the Word, wrestling with truths and then moved into a special session where we handled difficult questions cleared doubts off wearied minds. Nothing was off the table. From life’s practical struggles to deep theological insights, we searched the Scriptures and encouraged one another in faith. This afternoon carried a different rhythm. First came our male and female discussion groups, safe spaces where we could speak freely, share burdens and learn from one another’s journeys about things that were peculiar to us and it was real, honest and refreshing. This was followed by our routine town cry and awareness of the drama night to come that evening. The evening opened with Drama Night. Laughter echoed and silence fell at all the right moments as each performance carried powerful lessons wrapped in creativity. It was ministry through art, and the message reached both heart and mind. Night came and a night watch was called. Under the absence of sunlight, we pressed into God’s presence. Worship lifted like incense, prayers rose like fire and the hours passed unnoticed. It was a night of surrender, intercession and divine encounter. When dawn approached, we knew Day Three had left its mark in the village, in the mission and in every heart present.

Day Four (Departure)

The final morning came quietly, yet the air was filled with the weight of all we had experienced. Bags were packed, but our hearts were far too full to contain the faces of the Ogbagba people. We prayed together, committing the seeds sown into the hands of the Master Gardener. There was gratitude for every conversation, every prayer, every shared meal. There was also a gentle ache, knowing that though our bodies were leaving, a part of us would remain there. As we waved our goodbyes, the road ahead felt different from the one we came on. We were not simply returning home; we were returning changed. Ogbagba had left its imprint on our hearts, and the mission had reminded us that the Gospel’s reach is limitless.

This article was provided by the current citizens to keep Senior Friends aware that the fellowship continues to keep the fire burning in Ife

Greetings to you in Jesus name. I trust you and yours are doing well. We are constantly praying
for you that the grace of the Lord will continually abide with you and his presence will always
lead you. Amen!
As you are aware, this year, we will be celebrating the Jubilee Reunion, our 50th anniversary as
a body and I thank you for your support so far in ensuring a successful event. Today, I bring you
an update regarding the date change. As we have recently realized that the students will not be
on campus during the earlier slated date— 3rd – 5th October 2025, Reunion 2025 has now been
postponed to a new date— 28th – 30th November 2025. This is to ensure inclusivity of the student
body and to fulfil the purpose of this year’s reunion- to reach out to the entire OAU community.
The essence of our Reunion remains unchanged – to celebrate God’s faithfulness, inspire a new
generation, and refresh our spirits as we gather together in Ile-Ife for a wonderful experience.
We’ll still have the theme “Outpouring”, and we’re excited to share stories, memories, and
experiences that will uplift and motivate us all.
Let’s make this celebration unforgettable!
Stay connected, and let’s look forward to an amazing Reunion.

In His service,
Olusola Olawoye
Chairman, Jubilee Reunion 2025
Vice President, Senior Friends Christian Network

Courageous obedience is therefore following God’s commands and instructions without fear— fear of failure, loneliness, death, people, powers, pain, loss, troubles, pressure or anything.

Obedience to God is not always easy. But every act of obedience is an act of trust and it always proves that God’s way is the best even when it feels costly.

God’s intention for us is to choose His will above our will—that’s what make Him Lord. He has called us to obey Him with all our heart and to do us good not evil. Because we are in the world, the world will hate us because they hate light and love darkness (John 3:19). However, Christ has promised to be with us and never leave us (John 16:33, Hebrew 13:5b). When we obey God, He makes all things to work for our good because our courageous obedience honours Him (Rom 8:28).

“But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

Joshua 22:5

“So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Matthew 19:28-30

What are Christians called to do?

1. To keep all His commands – The Scripture and the Spirit (Romans 8:14)
2. To love God above self and others – Matthew 10:37 “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”
3. To teach and disciple others for Christ: Matthew 28:19-20 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”
4. To preach the Gospel—with our words and our lives
5. To love and pray for others, give, serve God and fellow human beings cheerfully

God has given us His Holy Spirit, the word of God, the fellowship of brethren, examples of believers to encourage our hearts and strengthen our courage. 

Courageous obedience is all about trusting in God’s authority/commands as dictated in the Bible or one’s own convictions by the Holy Spirit and acting on them, despite fear or uncertainty.

It is clear today that we are in the end times and believers have demonstrated too much fear of men that we are losing the fear of God. Preachers are not courageous enough to preach the absolute truth of God’s word because they want a “full church”—they end up making “fools” out of their church members.

We want people and the world to give us accolades even if it means blending with the world and denying the faith. We hate suffering for the sake of righteousness and obedience to God. Workers want favour with authorities that they compromise their faith for earthly benefits and act as if God is dead. Accountability to God is no more a consideration.

Families and marriages are torn apart because love for one another is mere lip service and obedience to the command of “No divorce” is too unbearable. They even divorce for no just cause and remarry while they remain church leaders; normalizing adultery in the church. The question is: can God change? (Mal. 2:16; Matthew 5:31-32, 19:9-10; Mark 10:11-12; 1 Cor 7)

Our Christian youths are after fame and wealth, giving their souls to demons, their bodies to dogs and foxes, exchanging their glory for peanuts, changing their bodies they did not create, burning with unholy passion with same sex, copying the lifestyles, hairstyles and fashion trends of worldly celebrities, comparing themselves with themselves and neglecting the voice of the Holy Spirit because they want to belong—acceptance by men that leads to rejection by God.

What do we say about the dirty secrets people do on the internet and phones such as pornography, cybersex (such as role play, sexting, dirty talk and virtual masturbation), masturbation, etc.? Immorality and idolatry are common practices among single and married believers. Self-denial is no more popular but sin is reigning in the mortal bodies.

Without any laws forbidding us from preaching the gospel, we have shut our own mouths and failed to rescue the perishing, abandoning the lost souls to head to hell because of our misplaced priorities, busyness, fear of rejection, fear of death and spiritual coldness. Cowards will not enter the kingdom of God and the lukewarm Christians the Lord will spew out of his mouth (Revelations 3:16). The signs and wonders Christ promised will follow preaching and outreaches are denied those who need it to be saved and glorify God, yet we expect heaven to smile at us.

We love our lives but not unto the death and yet we want to overcome the devil—apparently impossible! (Rev 12:11) Our comforts are our pride and we cherish our space that we have forgotten that we are called to serve others. We give our best to what brings money and earthly gains, hoping the Lord can manage the little time we offer Him, yet that little is corrupted with distractions and stained with sins. Little wonder our prayers are weak and ineffective and our fellowship are not bringing down God’s glory.

God has given us His Holy Spirit, the word of God, the fellowship of brethren and examples of believers to encourage our heart and strengthen our courage.  Abraham believed God, left his country to an unknown place God was leading him to, ‘offered up’ his only son to God, raised altars for God… and it was counted to him as righteousness, became the Father of faith, a friend of God, and an eternal blessing.

Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did not fear the kings of Babylon but rather, obeyed God. Daniel purposed in his heart not to be defiled by the king’s meat, risked his life and defiled the king’s law to pray to the King of kings. They went through the fire and were not burned, escaped death in the lions’ den, revealed God to the kings, manifested uncommon gifts—interpreting dreams and handwritings of God. They were signs and wonders in a strange land.

Jesus Christ suffered rejection, threats to his life, name-calling, ridicule, shame etc., because he was doing good and fulfilling the plan of God, the Father. Today, He is seated at the right hand of the Father, bringing many sons to glory.

What about Joseph, Deborah, Elijah, the Apostles of Christ (including Paul), Stephen, the Heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 and many great church reformers who passed down the faith to us?

Let us awake unto obedience with courage that our God may restore His peace to us, that we may have deep joy and experience intimacy with God and manifestations of God’s power. 

Finally, brethren “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you” (1 Peter 5:10). Amen!

Image Credit: faithplus.blog

Grace Olufunmilayo Ogunlusi graduated in 1998. She served as a prayer subgroup member, a follow up teacher and also served as the UJCM Family coordinator while in the fellowship. She is a Professor of Chemistry at OAU. She is happily married to Dr. Richard Olaniyi Ogunlusi who is the Vicar of the Anglican Church of the Pentecost, OAU

Why Reunion?

To answer this question, we turn our eyes to you. Yes, you! Are you ready for Reunion? Or, are you wondering why we should even be considering an event that very few fellowships in Ife are able to pull off? Firstly, every Reunion serves to facilitate a reconnection between our alumni (Senior Friends) and current students (Citizens), enabling Senior Friends to reminisce about their time on campus, and strengthening bonds among Senior Friends, and between Senior Friends and current students. We can think about Reunion in terms of Hebrews 10:24-25.

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (NKJV)

For us as alumni of AYF/ASF, we have two strong connecting factors that we share together, namely:

1. Our salvation experience
2. Having passed through AYF/ASF at some point and enjoying times of fellowship, true worship, bible study, prayer meetings, crusades, etc., that helped us to become grounded in faith

Benefits of Attending Reunion Events

Current students would expect to gain the following:

• Seeing enlightened and experienced brethren that are ready to share their experiences and network with the younger generation
• Seeing “known” Senior Friends from recently graduated sets that create an interface with the older generations
• Seeing brethren that can relate their knowledge of the Bible to their practical experiences as Christians in the marketplace
• A time to learn more from the experiences of our senior friends, their challenges and how they are navigating their lives
• A time of winning, dining, and strengthening faith through shared testimonies.

For Senior Friends, Reunion is:

• A time of rejuvenation— where we see old faces, friends, and brethren we have parted with for a long time coming together
• A time of laughter with joy-filled activities
• A time of sharing life experiences, testimonies, challenges and getting good advice to push through
• A time to strengthen and build new networks with Senior Friends positioned in diverse segments of the society
• A time to give back to the fellowship, by sharing our own experiences and building relationships with the current students, providing mentorship and support, etc.

In all, we have another privilege to experience these and more benefits in this year’s landmark Reunion tagged “The Outpouring”, which comes up from 3^rd to 5^th October 2025. It is going to be a time of refreshing in the presence of the Lord.

How You Can Get Involved

Every Senior Friend and Citizen is encouraged to get involved in making the Jubilee Reunion a truly memorable and impactful one by:

1. Planning and preparing to attend physically at Ile-Ife or virtually
2. Sharing the news about Reunion via your network of friends and engaging in the SFCN WhatsApp community
3. Praying towards Reunion 2025 in your personal space and joining the 30-minute bi-weekly SFCN Prayer Meeting
4. Supporting financially by contributing as you are able

At the Outpouring, your presence is required. Come and let us lift our hands together to thank God for 50 years of impact in Ile-Ife and for building ambassadors strengthened by His grace to manifest the kingdom power in the society. See you at Ile-Ife in October.

See details about Reunion 2025

Funmilayo Oni currently serves as the SFCN Financial Secretary. She graduated in 1991 having served in the fellowship’s Prayer Subgroup. Her marriage to another Senior Friend is blessed with children. She now works as a Customer Service Representative in the automobile industry. 

Jonah Ibiamagabara is the SFCN Public Relations Officer. He graduated in 2014 having served as the fellowship’s Technical Director and in several fellowship units including the Foundation School and School of Ministry. He now works as a project engineer within Nigeria’s energy industry.