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

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

The Anglican Students Fellowship OAU has missions at the core of its identity. In this piece, we present the second semester missions trip to Abata Egba, aptly tagged “Jesus Christ the Saviour”

This semester, our mission was clear: to spread the word of God and touch the lives of the villagers in Abata Egba with the revelation that Jesus Christ is the Saviour, not merely a man from heaven, a miracle worker, or a prophet as many would think.

Day One: Arrival and Preparation

On the first day of our arrival, the mission commenced with a heartfelt session of thanksgiving and worship. This was followed by an informative address from the villagers, outlining protocols, safety measures, and the etiquette expected during our stay. 

The President then offered words of encouragement, reminding us that our efforts in spreading the gospel are divinely ordained. He assured us that God, who strengthens those He calls, would be with us, and signs and wonders would follow our mission.

After that, the Vice President equipped us with answers to potential questions from the curious villagers, ensuring we were ready for meaningful engagement.

Prepared and spirited, we ventured into the heart of the village for evangelism. Amidst our outreach, we spread awareness of the upcoming revival and drama ministration scheduled for the following evening.

After a day of spiritual labour, we found rest and had dinner, to rise again for flows; hours of fervent prayer before we retired for the night. 

Day Two: Morning Cry and Impactful Teachings

With the break of dawn, we continued our mission in groups of fours with a morning cry,  a door-to-door evangelism effort, followed by general devotion and a fresh start to the day.

After that, we listened intently to a sermon by our pastor on compound interest: making your life count—a metaphor for the exponential growth of God’s kingdom through our efforts in soul-winning. This was followed by a Bible study on the theme of missions, “Jesus Christ the Saviour”

The afternoon brought a shift in focus to physical well-being, as our medical outreach team provided villagers with health check-ups, counselling, and guidance on leading healthier lifestyles.

The Revival…

We continued with evangelism, reminding villagers of the evening’s revival and drama ministration. 

As evening approached, the air was thick with anticipation. The crusade began, and PISTIS Production graced us with a performance that moved hearts on the theme. 

Afterwards, the revivalist came up to preach the message of salvation, and many stepped forward to accept Christ, with children and youth showing remarkable enthusiasm.

The evening concluded with prayer, impartation, and prophecy, with ministrations to the villagers and sharing of the gifts that were brought for them.

After a fulfilling day, we had dinner and retired for the night. At midnight, we gathered for flows, praying until dawn. During this time, our final year brethren prayed for, and imparted on us fatherly and motherly imparted blessings on the rest of the citizens.

Departure

As we departed after breakfast, our hearts were full, not just with memories, but with the evidence of God’s mighty power. Truly, Jesus had shown Himself as the Saviour.

We give thanks for a remarkable second-semester mission, enriched with impactful outreach.

This is the City of God, where we manifest the Kingdom Power!

Olajumoke Adegbite is the Editorial Secretary

PS: The Citizens have put together a collection of pictures and videos here.

“Citizens … Hmm!

Citizens … Hmm!

Citizens … Hmm!”

I know that you might be able to relate with the call and response above.

You will recollect that this was something we were used to on OAU Campus, at our power-packed services during “Announcements”.

The word “Citizens” is not just a cliche. That is who we are.

I am glad to welcome you to the 7th month of 2024. You will agree with me that the race is not for the swift, nor the battle for the strong but for the Lord that shows mercy.

As we journey through this month, let’s cast our mind on our melodious ASF OAU Family Song. I hope that it is still ringing in your ears as it is in my ears? Hence, let’s quickly remind ourselves of who we are.

1. We are God’s own (i.e., we are for Christ)

We are the people of God. We were bought with a price (the Blood of Jesus Christ).

“For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s”.

(1 Corinthians 6:20 NKJV)

2. We fellowship with one another

We don’t forsake the gathering of brethren. We need to always dedicate time to join other believers in fellowship. Remember that we are joint heirs with the Father, and we are bound by Jesus.

3. We check up on one another

Remember that as Citizens we must walk in love.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ”.

(Galatians 6:2 NIV)

4. We manifest the Kingdom Power

We must not forget that we have a duty to evangelise.

“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation”.

(Mark 16:15 NIV)

In doing this, the power of the Lord that is resident in us will be given expression. The earnest expectation of the creatures eagerly awaits the manifestation of the sons of God.

5. We trust solely in the Lord

Through the thick and thin, we remain focused on the Saviour of our souls.

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you”.

(Psalms 84:11-12 NIV)

As we continue our journey in the remaining part of the year, I pray that the Lord will give us the grace to manifest the Kingdom Power.

Dr Babatunde Ayilola currently serves as SFCN's Assistant General Secretary. While in Ife, he served as ASF's President, among other roles. He is a dentist, promoting oral healthcare and putting smiles on the faces of his clients.

Image Credit: A Clay Jar | Medium

(Reference: Hymn 466- Church Hymnal)

On my 7^th birthday, I received a present. It was from my godmother, Mrs Kampson now of blessed memory, it was a flexible wall hanger with the inscription: “IN A TIME LIKE THIS, ALL YOU NEED IS JESUS”. Today as I ponder, there could be no truer or more relevant words for a time like this. With recession happening all around the globe, wars, insecurity, food shortage and the likes, the world has come to accept her realities as VUCAD!

Volatile | Uncertain | Complex | Ambiguous | Disruptive

And understandably so! But for us under the commonwealth of Zion, there is an assurance; one that shields us from the happenings around us. An insurance as of the Israelites in Goshen; it guarantees us of guidance and perseverance when we take cognizance of the inheritance that is ours in Christ.

As we navigate these times, I’ll borrow the words of my mentor (Dr Lanre Olusola): we must begin to engage a higher VUCAD i.e.,

Reignite the VISION for your life | Seek UNDERSTANDING as the men of Issachar to maximize the times| Seek CLARITY from God’s spirit | Develop AGILITY | Self-DISRUPT (push beyond your comfort zone)

“…But upon you that fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise” (Malachi 4:2)

While some spell doom, when for others it’s a casting down, for us it’s the time of manifestation, of lifting up…our opportunity to shine bright!

The call to us all is this, in Isaiah 60:1 (paraphrased) Arise! Shine! For now has your light come and the glory of God is upon you. The earnest expectation of creation awaits your manifestation, oh child of God! (Romans 8:19) – THIS IS YOUR TIME TO SHINE!

And whatever it is you need, be it the oil of gladness, a calm sure retreat, sweetness, fellowship with friends, communion of spirits, eagle’s flight, soaring, glory, heaven on earth etc, it all awaits you at THE MERCY SEAT, come BOLDLY! (Hebrews 4:16)

“…Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. (Matthew 11:28 TPT)

SHALOM!

Ibukunoluwa Oyeniyi

THE BUILDER

Upon arrival at the Anglican church, our gracious host, the vicar, ushered us in with a solemn prayer, marking the commencement of our mission. Laden with luggage yet buoyed by fervent spirits, we joined in harmonious songs of praise, offering gratitude for the opportunity to serve.

Soon after, the village head taught lessons in ethics, etiquette, and safety protocols, laying the groundwork for seamless cooperation while at Tonkere.

Nightfall draped the village and the vice president delivered a stirring exhortation, igniting our zeal for the task ahead, followed by dinner and a vigil of prayer chains that lasted into the early hours.

Saturday

Saturday dawned with a chorus of devotion, as we did morning cries, engaged in a Bible study centered on the theme of light, exploring the profound symbolism of darkness in the human heart. 

This introspective session led to an afternoon of evangelism, where the team shared the gospel’s message with open hearts, returning with testimonies of hope and transformation and rejoicing in the power of faith and miracles that backed our witnessing.

Evening came, and it ended with soul-stirring drama from PISTIS production and fervent worship.

The day concluded with fellowship and rest, preparing for the culminating event – the Sunday service. 

Sunday

It was a mosaic of worship, with citizens joining various local congregations and extension of invitations to the evening revival.

Guided by the revivalist’s impassioned preaching, a wave of spiritual renewal swept through the congregation, and men came forward to accept the life of Christ.

The revival itself was marked by simplicity, power, and the Holy Spirit’s palpable presence. Lives were touched and souls were healed.

Afterwards, dinner was served and every citizen retired to gain some strength for the next thing ahead – FLOWS.

We prayed till dawn, and ended with a thanksgiving session for all the Father has accomplished through us.

Monday morning

The mission’s final act was a prayer walk through Tonkere Orile, a symbolic gesture of blessing upon the land and its people. 

As dawn broke, we departed, leaving behind a village touched by “The Great Light,” carrying with them memories of a mission that transcended mere words.

With hearts brimming with gratitude even though our bodies were tired, we embarked on our homeward journey.

This is the City of God, where we manifest the Kingdom power!

Olajumoke Adegbite is the Editorial Secretary