HOLYEBONY

MOVING FROM HOLYEBONY TO CONTRACULTUREMAG!

2011-04-03T21:36:00.002-05:00

Contraculture E- Magazine logo

Hi everyone!
This will be my last post on this blog. It has been a fantastic two years with y'all, discussing faith, the African church and related topics. Thank you for coming to visit regularly. Now I am taking things to the next level and this blog will be evolving into a magazine named contraculturemag. I have been able to move all your posts and comments so we will just continue from where we stopped. The difference is that posts are much better organized and so you can better access and enjoy the content!
I will also be bringing you a lot of original content from musicians, missionaries and pastors - people who are engaged in the front-lines of the spiritual battlefield!

So please come over to the online magazine and join me as I take African related spiritual content to the next level!

See you at ContraCulturemag.

Ciao!!

Music: If you ask me by Omawumi

2011-03-28T14:34:00.000-05:00

Hi peeps!
I have been out of circulation abi? No vex for me o, too much wahala for my small head. I will be back with major force, but in the meantime, enjoy this brilliant song and video by Omawumi. It tackles a major societal issue (child molestation) in a very catchy manner. I love Omawumi's music - homegirl is super talented. ENJOY!

Nigerian Presidential Debates

2011-03-21T09:53:00.001-05:00

Serving president Jonathan did not participate. Too busy campaigning. Not a good look by any means.

Hmmm! Our aspiring leaders are not too eloquent oo. Na wah!

Enjoy!

Nigerian pop star in China!

2011-03-16T10:30:00.002-05:00

Our people dey waka oooo! The guy is a star! What? In China? Na wah!! All things are possible true true!
And there is a church connection - he started singing at House on the Rock in Lagos Nigeria. See this super cool video on him:

I cannot knock his hustle o, athough I dunno about all his talk about China in Africa. The jury is still out, but I doubt that its a good thing in the long run.

Anyways, article and more video below:

By JIMMY WANG

BEIJING — The silver scales of Hao Ge’s glam shirt glitter against his dark violet designer suit as a spotlight focuses on him. Female dancers in jumpsuits orbit him as he slowly begins to sing a sugary pop ballad and clenches his fist as if to invoke the gods of love.

Hao Ge was performing on “New Sights and Sounds,” a show on state-run television that showcases entertainers for hundreds of millions of Chinese viewers.

Hao Ge (pronounced How Guh) is perhaps China’s most unlikely pop star: he is Nigerian, and he sings in Mandarin.

His real name is Emmanuel Uwechue, though he is better known by his stage name, which sounds like the words for “good song” in Chinese. Mr. Uwechue, 33, has developed quite a fan base, particularly among the children and middle-aged women who watch “Xin Guang Da Dao,” the “American Idol” knockoff show, where he first gained notice a few years after his arrival here almost a decade ago. He has performed alongside a host of Chinese superstars — including Sun Nan, Na Ying and Han Hong — and has been enthusiastically embraced by the Chinese media.

“The African Who Searches for His Dream in China,” read the headline atop a 2006 article about Mr. Uwechue on QQ.com, a popular social networking site here. Articles by the state-run Xinhua news agency and in the Web-based magazine Sina Entertainment, as well as a television documentary, have similarly chronicled his unusual story. Mr. Uwechue even appears on bus ads: “Good Song Comes From Good Wine,” reads an advertisement for the Guan Gong Fang company, which signed him to represent its brand of wine.

“He’s good — he’s not just another foreigner who got on TV because he could speak and sing in Chinese,” said Yu Na, 40, who lives in northwest Beijing, adding that she likes to “jump up and down” to Mr. Uwechue’s more upbeat songs; many of them are soul-infused versions of classic Chinese love songs, with faster rhythms.

Mr. Uwechue is not the first foreigner to have made a name for himself in China, but he is the first African to have reached widespread success here. Some music industry experts in China credit part of his fame to the close economic and cultural ties — including friendship and exchange programs and other joint ventures — that have long existed between China and some African countries. In a recently televised public performance, Mr. Uwechue dressed up as an oil rig worker and sang alongside a Chinese fellow laborer.

Among nations with close Sino-African ties, Nigeria in particular has benefited from Chinese capital. China has invested more than $7 billion in energy, communications and infrastructure in the country, which exports some $4.7 billion in crude oil to China each year, according to a recent statement by Li Yizhung, China’s minister of industry and information technology.

“This is not just about Hao Ge,” said Long Hu, 38, a music producer and talent scout in Beijing who cultivates young musical talent. “It’s about China and Africa.”

Mr. Uwechue got his start singing in the choir at House on the Rock Pentecostal church in Lagos, Nigeria. After receiving a degree in engineering, he decided to pursue music against the wishes of his father, who “disowned me for a while,” Mr. Uwechue said, adding, “He thought I was throwing my life away.”

A Chinese friend, Li Yayu, who was working in Lagos at the time, was aware of Mr. Uwechue’s interest in singing. When Mr. Li moved back to Henan Province in 2001 to open a hotel, he called Mr. Uwechue and asked him if he wanted to visit.

Mr. Uwechue accepted in 2002, and eventually started performing in bars and hotels in Henan and Hebei Provinces. He got his big break when Liu Huan — a top producer in the music industry here who helped pioneer pop music in China by performing and composing for television — discovered him singing one night at the Big Easy, a bar in Beijing that has since closed. With Mr. Liu’s backing, Mr. Uwechue became a devoted student of Mandarin and eventually gained a following. It was his performance in 2007 at the wildly popular Lunar New Year Gala, seen by hundreds of millions of people on television, that made him a star. It’s the Chinese equivalent of the Super Bowl and China’s highest-rated broadcast event of the year.

Mr. Uwechue is mindful of rigid cultural controls imposed on artists by the Chinese government. His albums — “Red and Black” (2006), “Hao Ge’s Latest Songs” (2008) and “Beloved Life” (2009) — hew to themes of heartbreak, redemption and love, the kind of pop that is played on the airways. He is also frustrated by those strictures.

“I feel boxed in, always singing romance songs,” he said. “I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but I would like to expand the horizons of my distributed work.”

To that end, he has formed a new band, which, in a recent jam session at the One recording studio, played a dozen songs that he conceded had “no chance” of being taken up by China’s pop producers. Mr. Uwechue said he preferred singing upbeat, rhythmic songs to the slower commercial fare — some of it sappy by Western standards — that his producers insist mainland Chinese will listen to.

Mr. Uwechue is working on a new album that he says will be a “radical departure” for him, although it remains to be seen whether it will be distributed or promoted in the same way his previous work has been.

Being a recognizable star and being African obviously has its complications in China. Whatever racism he has felt, he said, has come from “other singers and competitors” within the industry, not from the public.

Despite the fame he has found in China, Mr. Uwechue is aware that many Nigerians harbor mixed feeling about his adopted country, with its increasingly visible global financial power. He says that while many in his homeland are “appreciative of China coming in and helping the economy,” others fear the Chinese presence could be “another form of colonization.”

When Mr. Uwechue took his first album to his friends and family in Nigeria, they were, he said, “a little bit surprised, yet proud” to learn that he had become a pop star in China. He recalled his mother’s response: “‘China? Wow! I never could have imagined.’ ”
source

And he is not a novelty act - really talented dude. Na wah oooo!!
And some youtube videos of him singing. I know they say Liberia, but he is Naija o. Probably the people who uploaded the videos could not tell the difference. This is one dude we are happy to claim - LOL!

Politics: Nigerian Vice Presidential Debates

2011-03-14T10:17:00.001-05:00

The serving vice president refused to participate. And I hear current President Jonathan has refused to debate because he is "busy". Hmmmmmm! Anyways sha, the Nigerian Vice presidential debates took place Saturday. Videos below:

Enjoy!

Politics: Listen to Oyo State Governorship debate here

2011-03-10T12:53:00.002-06:00

The debate train is gathering steam ooo. The Oyo State people have joined in too. Unfortunately it was not videotaped, but you can listen to it. See below:

Edit: The player comes on automatically and I don't know how to stop that, so instead of embedding the link like I did previously, I have chosen to send you to it. Nothing more annoying than a noisy blog!! Go here:

Enjoy the debate!!

Prayer IX: GOD speaking in an audible voice

2011-03-10T06:56:00.003-06:00

Moses and the burning bush

I am so sorry that I could not post this on Tuesday as regularly scheduled. I was a little under the weather. But here we goooo!

The final way (at least from the list we identified here) that GOD speaks to us is in a clear audible voice, you know, like you talk to your friends? Actually, that was the original plan of GOD, we were meant to be HIS friends:

Genesis 3

⁸ Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. ⁹ But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?”

Apparently, Adam and Eve were used to strolling and gisting with GOD before things fell apart. Can you imagine that? Despite the fact that they lost that privilege when they were kicked out of the garden for disobedience (read the rest of Gen 3), several people have been recorded who were able to converse with GOD like Adam and Eve did. I will start with Moses - who unambigously heard the voice of GOD. It began at HIS call:

Exodus 3: 1-6

¹ Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. ² And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. ³ Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.”
⁴ So when the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!”
And he said, “Here I am.”
⁵ Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” ⁶ Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.

Powerful encounter no? And as their relationship progressed, Moses graduated to being able to talk with GOD face to face. Imagine that. Incredible is it not? A very unique relationship it was. So that when Aaron and Meriam, his sister and brother disrespected Moses as he lead the Isrealites, this is what GOD had to say:

Numbers 12

¹ Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married; for he had married an Ethiopian woman. ² So they said, “Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?” And the LORD heard it. ³ (Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.)
⁴ Suddenly the LORD said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, “Come out, you three, to the tabernacle of meeting!” So the three came out. ⁵ Then the LORD came down in the pillar of cloud and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam. And they both went forward. ⁶ Then He said,

      “Hear now My words:
      If there is a prophet among you,
      I, the LORD, make Myself known to him in a vision;
      I speak to him in a dream.

⁷ Not so with My servant Moses;
He is faithful in all My house.

⁸ I speak with him face to face,
      Even plainly, and not in dark sayings;
      And he sees the form of the LORD.
      Why then were you not afraid
      To speak against My servant Moses?”

Just on a side note: There is some controversy in the literature over whether or not this woman was black. If she was, we have the first recorded case or racism here folks - and we also see how GOD felt about it!!

Moving right along, take a good look at verse 8: GOD spoke to Moses - face to face. Wow!

Thinking about this a little more actually, this was also what the disciples enjoyed when they walked with JESUS - they walked with GOD, spoke to HIM and learned from HIM - face to face. I don't need to give verses for that - just read the gospels.

I will end on a thoughtful note: We lost so much when Adam and Eve sinned - including our abilities to communicate freely and easily with our maker. Now along with everything else, it is hard work. CHRIST came to once again open up the lines of communication. There may still be people who talk with GOD like Moses did, but they are not too many. But there will be a day...! Like Paul said:

I cor 13:12

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

Now we see dimly and know in part. But the day will come when we shall know fully - see fully, hear fully.

Stay the course folks. Stay the course.

Next time: How to pray!

Song of the day: I am convinced this song was inspired by Moses encounter at the burning bush:

A version by the incomparable Sandi Patti:

And beautiful choral version - loves it!

Have a wonderful day!

Politics: Lagos State governorship debate

2011-03-04T23:06:00.003-06:00

The aspirants

Sometimes, I do believe there is hope for Nigeria. I was very proud to see that the governorship aspirants of Lagos State were able to come together and have a relatively civilized debate on their plans for Lagos State. I am not gonna lie, the current governor - Governor Fashola really impressed me. Chief J.K Randle however, not so much. I cannot believe that the man came there talking about pedigree and respect for elders!!

Current governor Fashola

Anyways, watch the entire debate on youtube. It gets really juicy in part 5 when they ask each other questions, then the claws come out : meowwwwwwwwwwwwww!! Enjoy it, I did!! Great round of applause to Channels TV. Fabulous job they did though the crowd was a little rowdy!

Edit: Oh MY GOODNESS!! Parts 5-7 is just too sweet. Just toooo sweet. Even if you cannot watch the rest, watch those three parts. Tooooo much! Kai. This Fashola sef, he just looks gentle, the man is a tiger o. Chei. I loved this debate - too sweet!!

Click below to watch videos

Part 1

Part 2

Publish Post

Part 3

Part 4:

Part 5:

Part 6:

Part 7:

Church in the News: Pastor Odulele admits sex offenses

2011-03-03T14:56:00.001-06:00

LORD PLEASE HAVE MERCY!!

Nothing more to add. We should pray for him, and for healing for his victims.

Pastor Odulele who runs Glory House International, admitted indecently assaulting a boy aged 14 and sexually assaulting a 21-year-old man - both former members of his congregation.
He entered the guilty pleas at Bexley Magistrates' Court in south east London and was committed for sentencing at Woolwich Crown Court on a date yet to be set.
Magistrates granted him conditional bail at the brief hearing.
Odulele, who describes himself as a 'teacher, preacher and evangelical preacher', is a major figure in the world of evangelical Christianity.
His east London-based church says it has a congregation of 3,000.

Worldwide following
And Odulele has attracted many more followers around the world through appearances at international evangelic conferences, on religious TV programmes and videos on YouTube.
His website describes him as an author, speaker and preacher, and boasts of his 'charismatic style, prophetic delivery and prolific expression of truth'.
Channel 4 News understands the alleged assaults took place in 2003 and 2004.
The court heard how Odulele, 47, initially denied any wrongdoing after he was arrested last summer by the Metropolitan Police's Major Child Abuse Investigation Unit.
But he later admitted to police that he had been 'battling' with his sexuality for years. He denied the offences were pre-planned.
Glory House International has been a registered charity for 18 years and has a turnover of £2 million a year.
Church leaders were unavailable for comment when contacted by Channel 4 News.

Source

Prayer VIII: GOD speaking through dreams and visions

2011-03-01T08:04:00.001-06:00

How else does GOD speak? Through dreams and visions. Everything we have said about keeping quiet, opening your mind to positive and spiritual things, etc, etc still apply in this case. You have to be attuned to a spiritual channel and ready to receive for GOD to speak to you. Having said that, there are many examples of GOD speaking via this medium in the bible.

A dream is a series of thoughts, images, or emotions occurring during sleep (Source)

Today, we begin by highlighting two famous dreamers in the bible:

1) GOD showed Joseph his future in a dream:

Gen 37: 5-10
Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more. 6 So he said to them, “Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: 7 There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.”
8 And his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.
9 Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, “Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me.”
10 So he told it to his father and his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall your mother and I and your brothers indeed come to bow down to the earth before you?” 11 And his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter in mind.

The dream came true here:
Gen 42:5-6
5 And the sons of Israel went to buy grain among those who journeyed, for the famine was in the land of Canaan.6 Now Joseph was governor over the land; and it was he who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph’s brothers came and bowed down before him with their faces to the earth.

2) And now jumping over the new testament, we have GOD giving another Joseph specific instructions in a dream:
a) First to prevent a broken relationship:
Matthew 1: 18-24
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”
22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son.[e] And he called His name JESUS.

b) And secondly, to save the life of a very special child:
Matthew 2: 13-14
13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”
14 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt,

We can also talk about visions:
A vision is ": something seen in a dream, trance, or ecstasy; especially : a supernatural appearance that conveys a revelation" (source)
One of my favorite examples of visions in the bible is the calling of Isaiah to be a prophet as found in Isaiah 6:

Isaiah 6: 1-8
1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. 2 Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one cried to another and said:
      “ Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts;
      The whole earth is full of His glory!”

4 And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke.
5 So I said:
      “ Woe is me, for I am undone!
      Because I am a man of unclean lips,
      And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;
      For my eyes have seen the King,
      The LORD of hosts.”
6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. 7 And he touched my mouth with it, and said:

      “ Behold, this has touched your lips;
      Your iniquity is taken away,
      And your sin purged.”

8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:

      “ Whom shall I send,
      And who will go for Us?”
Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

Look at the sense of awe that the presence of GOD elicited in Isaiah. We can get close enough to GOD that we experience some of these things too. They are not limited to a special group of people.

GOD is speaking to you today, are you listening?

Today's song speaks of Isaiah's vision:

Church in the News: Nigerian Pastor in Britain charged with sex offenses

2011-02-28T08:43:00.001-06:00

I am not sure of what to think of this one ooo. I am reserving judgment until I hear all the evidence. Hmmm!!

Evangelical pastor charged with sex offences

The pastor of a global evangelical movement based in the UK has been charged with sex offences against former members of his congregation. Dr Albert Odulele who runs Glory House International in London is to appear in court next week. One charge alleges indecent assault of a child under the age of 16. Dr Odulele, who is 47 years old, is a major figure in the word of evangelism. His church, based in east London, says it has a congregation of 3,000, but he has many more followers around the world through appearances at international evangelic conferences, on religious TV programmes and videos on YouTube.
Registered charity
The church has been a registered charity for 18 years and turns over £2million a year. He was arrested last summer by the Metropolitan Police's Major Child Abuse Investigation Unit.

Click below for more news and video

Channel Four News has learned that he has been charged with two offences - an indecent assault of an under 16 year old, and the sexual assault of another male teenager. This programme understands the alleged assaults took place in 2003 and 2004.
The Evangelical Alliance - the group that represents evangelical churches in the UK - gave this statement: "Our overriding concern here is for the care, protection and welfare of children and young people, so it is imperative that all churches adopt safe practice in order to protect children and young people from abuse - and staff members and volunteers from the possibility of false accusation."

Source

One wife, 3 husbands!!

2011-02-24T14:15:00.001-06:00

So, fine! This has nothing to do with faith, or Africa, but its so fascinating, I had to post it. From East, to West to North, to South, in every corner of the globe, women have tried to come to terms with the polygamous nature of the male of the species. All you do is pick one and pray most earnestly that he keeps his pants zipped. However, not everyone seems to buy that idea or accept it as natural. See for yourself:

Na wah o - so any ladies thinking of moving to the Himalayas? LOL!!

Prayer VII: GOD speaking through other people

2011-02-22T09:29:00.001-06:00

The old and new testaments are full of accounts of prophets through whom GOD spoke to HIS people. And yet, GOD spoke many times through ordinary people too. You have to be discerning enough to test the spirit behind what people say to you. But many times, GOD uses the most unlikely people to bring you your answers.

There are several examples in the bible:

For prophets:

There are several, but one of the most poignant is found in 2 Samuel 12. David had sinned terribly, so GOD sent Nathan to him:

2 Sam 12:1-14

1 The LORD sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, “There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, 3 but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him. 4 “Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him.” 5 David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this must die! 6 He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.” 7 Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. 8 I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. 9 Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’

11 “This is what the LORD says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight. 12 You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’” 13 Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” Nathan replied, “The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. 14 But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for[a] the LORD, the son born to you will die.”

Then we have GOD speaking through ordinary people:

Matthew 16:13-20

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter,[b] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[c] will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be[d] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[e] loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Even Jesus had to acknowledge the nature of Peter’s answer as spiritual and not carnal.

The point of this is simple: There have to be GODly people in your life through whom GOD can speak truth into your life. Do not be foolish and surround yourself only with people who say only what you want to hear like this king:

I kings 12: 1-19

¹ Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone there to make him king. ² When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard this (he was still in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon), he returned from Egypt. ³ So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and the whole assembly of Israel went to Rehoboam and said to him: ⁴ “Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.”

⁵ Rehoboam answered, “Go away for three days and then come back to me.” So the people went away.

⁶ Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How would you advise me to answer these people?” he asked.

⁷ They replied, “If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants.”

⁸ But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him. ⁹ He asked them, “What is your advice? How should we answer these people who say to me, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?”

¹⁰ The young men who had grown up with him replied, “These people have said to you, ‘Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke lighter.’ Now tell them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. ¹¹ My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.’”

¹² Three days later Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam, as the king had said, “Come back to me in three days.” ¹³ The king answered the people harshly. Rejecting the advice given him by the elders, ¹⁴ he followed the advice of the young men and said, “My father made your yoke heavy; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.” ¹⁵ So the king did not listen to the people, for this turn of events was from the LORD, to fulfill the word the LORD had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite.

¹⁶ When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, they answered the king:

   “What share do we have in David,
   what part in Jesse’s son?
To your tents, Israel!
   Look after your own house, David!”

So the Israelites went home. ¹⁷ But as for the Israelites who were living in the towns of Judah, Rehoboam still ruled over them.

¹⁸ King Rehoboam sent out Adoniram, who was in charge of forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death. King Rehoboam, however, managed to get into his chariot and escape to Jerusalem. ¹⁹ So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.

What is the price of foolishness? GOD spoke through the elders, but the king did not want to hear. So he paid the price.

Do not be foolish enough to surround yourself only with people who are on your level spiritually. Seek GODly counsel before making decisions. Many times, when you think you have heard the still quiet voice, you need confirmation. If GOD has spoken to you truly, HE will confirm HIS word through GODly people.

As the word says:

Prov 11: 14

¹⁴ Where there is no counsel, the people fall;
But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

GOD is speaking today. Are you listening?

Today's song - refers to the power of GODly counsel and how we are so much better together. Fabulous song, always stirs my soul:

Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon explains why he speaks too much grammar

2011-02-19T12:47:00.000-06:00

I had earlier mentioned this dude here and one of the people who commented thought that it was a fake posting. Since then, everybody has come to know the honorable and his big big English. Now he explains how and why he does it. I am not sure that the explanation does not leave you even more confused though!! LOL!

Pastor Adeboye on CNN

2011-02-15T17:36:00.002-06:00

The general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of GOD, Pastor EA Adeboye was recently featured on CNN's African voices. See the video and transcript of the interview below:

What do y'all think - particularly of his answer to the question about protests versus prayers? Particularly in light of what just happened in Egypt? Oya, discuss!!

Here is the transcript of the interview:

Every week CNN International's African Voices highlights Africa's most engaging personalities, exploring the lives and passions of people who rarely open themselves up to the camera. This week we profile Enoch Adeboye, one of the world's most influential spiritual leaders.

Lagos, Nigeria (CNN) -- Dressed in simple trousers and a shirt and bowtie, Enoch Adeboye's modest appearance belies the enormous influence and power he wields.
The Nigerian pastor, known to his flock as "Daddy," is one of the world's most influential spiritual leaders. On any given night, he can draw more than a million to his service at Nigeria's Redeemed Christian Church of God.
His fervent sermons, coupled with his magnetic personality, have turned the Pentecostal church into one of the fastest-growing evangelical congregations across the globe.
His numerous followers include national leaders, such as Nigeria's president Goodluck Jonathan, as well as industry executives -- many of whom often turn to him for advice.
Pentecostalism has swept through Nigeria and Africa in recent years, offering the promise not just of entry into heaven in the afterlife but of prosperity and healing in this life.

On a religious frontline

The Redeemed Church, which was founded in 1952 by Josiah Akindayomi, claims to have over 5 million members across 20,000 branches in 140 countries worldwide.
That's a long way from the 40 branches Adeboye, a former mathematics lecturer, inherited when he took over the church in 1981.
Despite his congregation's remarkable growth, Adeboye has no plans of slowing down. "We want to reach the whole world," he says.
Adeboye, who was named by Newsweek as one of the world's 50 most influential people in 2008, spoke to CNN about the role of religion in Nigeria and his future plans.
The following is a full transcript of the interview.

Q. “How did you find God?”
A. “I came to know God in a fairly dramatic way. I was born into a christian home and always gone to church because my parents said we had to go. But after I grew up and left home – I drifted away from church until I had a little problem that defied all solutions and then someone invited me to the Redeemed Christian Church of God – I came expecting the pastor would just pray and my problems would just go, but instead he said I would have to give my life to Jesus Christ first – that if my sins are gone, my problems would disappear. So of course I resisted for a while but eventually I surrendered and as he said gave my life to Jesus Christ and my problems disappeared.”

Q. “When was that?”
A. “1973 – I was just over 31.”

Q. “If you don’t mind – what was the problem?”
A. “If you don’t mind (laughs) – as the problem is gone now, we may as well leave it there.”

Q. “You’re originally a student of mathematics how was that change to become a pastor?”
A. “Well, it didn’t quite change – once a mathematician – always a mathematician. But at that time I was a lecturer at the University of Lagos – that’s when I met the Lord. And after the founder of the church saw my zeal – he ordained me as a pastor, and when I became a pastor – I began to travel – going to universities, colleges and other institutions to share with them – my testimony, my experience. And when the founder died – we read in his will that I was to succeed him. To take over the leadership of the church – now, there was no way I could command the two, I couldn’t continue as a lecturer and still do my duties as the general overseer – that’s where mathematics had to stand aside for Christ to take full control.”

Q. “Must have been heady days – beginning of evangelical movement in Nigeria – how did you feel at the time, travelling the country?”
A. “Well, evangelical moves had been on before I became born again but yes it was quite exciting in those days – travelling across the country – meeting young people, lecturers, sharing with them – realising that many of us had been living in ignorance and then seeing the joy.”

Q. “In 1981 you were made the general overseer – how did you feel?”
A. “That was quite an experience. Of course I didn’t want to have anything to do with working fulltime for Christ – I preferred the way I was doing it – teaching at the university, preaching the gospel – because that allowed me more or less to be my own master. The university was paying me – in those days lecturers were well paid – and church was very poor. But then when the time came – I discovered, I might lack some things but I have a joy that money can’t buy. So it was quite fulfilling – challenging, but fulfilling.”

Q. “How do you feel when you’re at the altar, preaching?”
A. “Of course you feel excited. You feel fulfilled- you are being used by God to meet the needs of so many people at a time which is probably one of the greatest joys of being a pastor. In the university, yes you are influencing lives, teaching them – moulding them – but they are very few in number – I think the largest number of students I had in one class must be less than 100- now to see you could influence 1million people at a time can be very exciting.”

Q. “What is the Nigerian way of worship?”
A. “Our freedom of worship – the way we dance, shout, enjoy the almighty God – so I think that bit of us, bubbling enthusiasm – all is a good influence.”

Q. “Your style is not as loud, people describe you as being very humble, no expensive suits – why is that? Is there a reason behind it?”
A. “I believe the gospel is for all people. But I believe it is even more for the masses and majority of the masses – if you are going to reach for them you have to be at their level. If they see in you someone they can relate to – it’ll be easier for them to listen, to hear from you. One thing I’ve discovered about the masses – even though they might be poor and not high up there – there’s still something in them that doesn’t like being looked down upon. So they relate to someone who will talk to them at their level. But not just that – the so called high and mighty – if you get close to them, you will know that underneath the beautiful dresses – they’re human – presidents, heads of states, CEOs – they all still go to the toilet – they all still get tired, all feel pain – so if you go to the basics you will reach everyone. Because in every man there is that basic need.”

Q. “What do you think explains the explosion of evangelical churches?”
A. “Maybe we’ll say the economic situation, social problems that we face have been a very good catalyst in bringing people to Christ. I must add that some people exploited that – setting up fake churches – knowing that people will come to wherever they hear God is healing. But , like I keep telling people – any time you see a counterfeit – it means the original must be somewhere. You won’t see a counterfeit N2000 note – cause there’s no original.”

Q. “What happens if you find con-artists?”
A. “If we discover such a fellow – we dismiss him – we don’t compromise at all. And our people know that. If you find a pastor twisting the word of the bible to his own advantage – all you have to do is let me know.”

Coming up after the break – Religion and Politics
Quote – Pastor Enoch Adeboye
“Who is it who said man is a political animal. Everybody should decide who is going to rule over him and you should not complain about anything you permit.”

PART TWO
General shots of Nigeria / people
Nigeria is a country of 150 million people divided roughly between a Christian south and a Muslim north.
It is a fault-line along which there are often deadly clashes. Both sides stand accused of encouraging such violence.
Quote – Pastor Enoch Adeboye

Q. “Do you think Nigeria is on a religious frontline?”
A. “There’s no doubt about that.”

Q. “That can become violent. Is that part of the course?”
A. “I believe – anytime light begins to shine – there’s bound to be a little resistance from darkness. So that’s a settled matter. Unfortunate as it may seem – some politicians go in the guise of religion to perpetrate evil. I do not think genuine Christians and genuine Muslims will fight. If you kill a Muslim – you are killing a potential convert – someone who is dead cannot be converted and of course a Muslim killing a Christian – you are also killing a potential convert. But I think most of the crisis are not really religion – it’s politics. Some politicians choose to use religion as a tool for their own ulterior motives.”

Q. “Do you think the church can play a role in politics?”
A. “Of course – who was it that said man is a political animal. Everybody should decide who is going to rule over him and you should not complain about anything you permit. If you fail to vote, fail to participate in the political situation and someone gets to become your ruler and you say you don’t like the way he’s ruling you – who’s fault? Where were you when he was being voted into power? And if someone gets into power and he’s not doing what you expect him to do – then vote him out.”

Q. “Does the church play enough role?”
A. “Maybe they should do more. Because I believe in the past – the people have been so focused on making it to heaven that they don’t want anything to do with politics – politics has gizzards, which is another way of saying politics can be dirty. Christians are the light of the world – should be shining a light not being the salt of the earth which is only of use if its applied – so I think we should be doing more than we are doing now.”

Pastor Adeboye and President Goodluck Jonathan during church service
But noone is quite sure how much Pastor Adeboye is doing
Tonight’s service is attended by Nigeria’s President – Goodluck Jonathan, as well as various other state governors and politicians.
All seeking guidance.
But, particularly with controversial national elections in April – the degree to which his support and advice is listened to is unclear, also unclear.

Quote – Pastor Enoch Adeboye

Q. “You have the ear of presidents – do you support, talk and support certain candidates?”
A. “When I am consulted I do talk. But then all you can do is advise – you can’t command – you can say this is the way I think this thing should be done then they’re free to decide whether they will take your advice or ignore it. You are free once in a while to make a move that will show the man on top the feelings of the masses because we are very close to the masses. I’m into saying presidents and governors are not close to the masses – but you know fully well, that if there’s total black out in the nation – lights will still be on in state house. But as we live with the people on a daily basis – we can feel their pulses better. So when things become a little too uncomfortable for the masses – we take some actions.”

Q. “Try to make them sway for a particular way to vote?”
A. “No. I mean – when you have this kind of congregation – you have members of every party in the congregation and if you want to retain their respect for you – you must be neutral. My suggestion would always be – make sure you vote for the person of your choice – if the choice you make turns out to be right – glory be to God, if your choice turns out wrong then maybe another time.”

NAT SOUND – Congregation praying
Congregation Praying
Services last throughout the night with numerous prayer sessions
And each sermon is simultaneously read aloud in English and the local language Yoruba
there are choirs, music, as well as donations and more controversially – healing.
Despite the Redeemed Church’s promise of an improved standard of living for the average Nigerian – the UN estimates 80% of people in the country still live on less than $2 a day.

Quote – Pastor Enoch Adeboye

Q. “People want better life – not just in the afterlife but today – would it not be better to protest outside government house?”
A. “Prayers can move mountains. Protesting outside government house – how much has it achieved? You go there – you carry placards, if you’re fortunate – you will return home alive, if you are not fortunate – some overzealous police officer might accidentally discharge some bullets. And you protest day after day after day and after some time you get tired.”

Q. Do you think church has brought people out of the widespread poverty?”
A. “Sure – we are trying our best – the problem is huge – we might not see results to soon but we are doing our best we have programmes that are talking about how to start little business, we have seminars on small scale farming, seminars on almost everything – in other words we’re saying don’t look onto government for everything – be creative.”

Coming up – apart from religion, what else is important in Pastor Adeboye’s life?

Q. “What else do you like doing apart from the Redeemed, religion?”
A. “I love fishing. I used to be a boxer – unfortunately I can’t box anymore, except box the devil maybe.”

PART THREE
Adeboye on Newsweek front cover
In 2008 – Pastor Adeboye was featured in Newsweek magazine, as one of the world’s top fifty most influential people.

Quote – Pastor Enoch Adeboye

Q. “How did you feel about Newsweek?”
A. ‘I felt humbled. Because – how could they possibly leave all the archbishops and big, big names and chose a small pastor in one little jungle. I was surprised and humbled and drove me closer to God.”

Q. “Is it a responsibility – the influence you have on people?”
A. “Of course it is- if I had my way, I would not want influence over anyone but my little family. Particularly as the bible says on the day of judgement – judgment is going to be based on this influence – how have you used this influence – for good or evil. One man was complaining to a great preacher – the preacher said what is your problem, the man said – my congregation is only fifty people in number. And the preacher said – you have a lot of people to answer for when you get to heaven – you should thank God there are only fifty.”

The Redeemed Church dominates Adeboye’s public life and what little of a private life remains – he keeps mostly to himself.

Quote – Pastor Enoch Adeboye

Q. “What else do you like doing apart from the Redeemed, religion?”
A. “I love fishing. I used to be a boxer – unfortunately I can’t box anymore, except box the devil maybe. And I go for walks, long walks. Unfortunately I don’t have time for any other thing. It’s difficult for me to now even walk in the streets – everybody wants to come and ask me to pray for them. Occasionally I want to go to market – to buy things for myself – but last time I went to the supermarket I had to run back into the car because the people who were around the shop left the shop and wanted to turn the place into a crusade ground. So I can only walk in the night when they’re supposed to be sleeping and they can’t disturb me – and once in a while I go to fish in a place that is excluded – just for the fun of it.”

Q. “Would you like to retire? Will you keep going until the end?”
A. “I would have loved to retire – I had plans of what I could do in retirement – when you are retired – you are more or less your own master – wake up whenever you like, go where you want, when you want. If I’m retired I don’t have to be in charge of the congress – I can just come and enjoy.”

Q. “Where would you like to see Redeemed go from here?”
A. “Still a long way from our goal. We want to reach the whole world – want to have churches in every nation and have members in every family in the whole world and that’s where we believe God will take us before I leave this world.”

Pastor Enoch Adeboye
That time, his congregation hope – is still a long time to come.

Christian Purefoy. CNN. Redeemed Church, Lagos, Nigeria.

Source

Prayer VI: GOD speaking through circumstances

2011-02-15T08:21:00.000-06:00

Another way GOD speaks is through circumstances. When GOD is trying to tell you something, HE sometimes closes doors and opens others so that what HE is saying is very, very clear.

There are several examples of this, but I will just highlight two:

a)Jonah and the whale

Jonah 1:1- 15

1 The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” 3 But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD. 4 Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. 5 All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. 6 The captain went to him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us so that we will not perish.”

7 Then the sailors said to each other, “Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity.” They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. 8 So they asked him, “Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What kind of work do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?” 9 He answered, “I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” 10 This terrified them and they asked, “What have you done?” (They knew he was running away from the LORD, because he had already told them so.)

11 The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?” 12 “Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” 13 Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. 14 Then they cried out to the LORD, “Please, LORD, do not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, LORD, have done as you pleased.” 15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. 16 At this the men greatly feared the LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to him.

You can read the rest of the story. It was clear from Jonah’s circumstances that he was supposed to head to Nineveh. And the route to every other place was closed until he went!! I think GOD was speaking loud and clear in this instance.

b) Balaam and his donkey.

Numbers 22: 21-32

21 Balaam got up in the morning, saddled his donkey and went with the Moabite officials. 22 But God was very angry when he went, and the angel of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him. 23 When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, it turned off the road into a field. Balaam beat it to get it back on the road. 24 Then the angel of the LORD stood in a narrow path through the vineyards, with walls on both sides. 25 When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, it pressed close to the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot against it. So he beat the donkey again. 26 Then the angel of the LORD moved on ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn, either to the right or to the left. 27 When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, it lay down under Balaam, and he was angry and beat it with his staff. 28 Then the LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and it said to Balaam, “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?” 29 Balaam answered the donkey, “You have made a fool of me! If only I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now.” 30 The donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?” “No,” he said.

31 Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown. 32 The angel of the LORD asked him, “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me.[a] 33 The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If it had not turned away, I would certainly have killed you by now, but I would have spared it.”

There are so many lessons to be drawn from this, but I will just let the word of GOD speak to each person individually. You pray, GOD speaks to you in your heart through the still quiet voice, but sometimes, we just don’t want to hear it. So sometimes, drastic measures are required to get your attention. Perhaps you need to miss that flight, or get caught in that holdup, or that dude needs to walk away from you in order for you to be able to understand what GOD wants from you.

GOD is speaking to you today. Are you listening?

The song for today is a prayer for GOD to work through our circumstances:

Valentine's day music playlist_2011

2011-02-14T17:16:00.003-06:00

Hello people,
Hope you are having a wonderful val's day? I put together a val's day playlist last year, and then decided to do same this year. You can view last year's playlist here or here.
I enjoy secular music once it is clean and appeals to our higher (not baser) instincts. I think all these songs do that to some extent and there is one for every possible val's day scenario. Enjoy the selection after the jump.

Eyeing a new love?

Trying to make up with an old love?

Trying to ascertain that your love is real?

Are you just in love and you cannot hide it?

Making a commitment? This may help:

Already have a commitment?

And finally, you just want to rock out with your man or woman, regardless of how long you have been together? Welllll,,,,

Enjoy the selection, You can view an expanded selection here - remember that love is more than an emotion. May true love be your lot this year!

Ciao!

Church in the News: Acid attack after girl branded a witch by pastor

2011-02-09T15:18:00.001-06:00

Okay, this is just one of those stories that makes you want to SHOUT! Shout something reallly bad. But I wont. I will just post it so that you can see for yourself the products of fanaticism, illiteracy and poverty and what a fatal cocktail they can be when combined:

For those who don't know her, Comfort Sunday is the 14-year-old girl whose father poured acid on her after a pastor convinced her family that she was a witch and the source of all her family's problems. The father took her to an uncompleted building, where he poured a tin-full of corrosive acid on her.

Comfort was until the incident a JSS II student of Government Secondary School, Akwanga, and was living with her father, Sunday James, 61, and her stepmother, Justina Abimiku, 52. She lost her mom at a tender age and had been severally maltreated by her step mum.

Very disturbing pictures and more after the jump:

According to a 2010 Daily Trust Report...

After taking her to the uncompleted building, the father blackmailed her into swallowing the corrosive substance, saying if she does that without throwing it out, she is not the devil being thought of. But if she does throw it out, then she was confirming the fears that she is a witch which has been smothering family members, including her late mother. So, she tried drinking it, to prove her innocence. It hurt, biting her tongue. She threw it out immediately. She was guilty of the deaths in the family, including of her very mother as her father declared. So her father overpowered her and ran the acid on her face, then he left.

James was acting the script of a pastor whose name Weekly Trust could not obtain because he and the entire family is concealing his identity. The priest pointed at Comfort and accused her of the deaths in the family, alleging how she is in a cult which demands blood from her all times and called her a witch. He did not allow her to deny, as he took his fee and left without casting out the demon.

Comfort was first accused in 2008 by her stepmother of being a witch. She accused her of being responsible for the ill-health of family members. Headache, stomachache, fevers; everything was blamed on her. Her father, a security guard at the Catholic Church in Alushi area of Akwanga, believed his wife’s story of how Comfort is the virus causing all illness around the family. The stepmom had this to say: “I have eight children with one of them dead. One day, about three years ago, after my husband brought Comfort to stay with us from the South-West and all my children and myself fell inexplicably sick.”

Matters got worse for Comfort, as after being pushed her next door to her grandparents, her grandfather, Auta Anaku fell ill at this time and he passed on. Confession upon confession sprang up about how Comfort had told family members she is a witch. So, when James’ younger sister, Barmami fell ill in 2008, and was rushed to Abuja, she decided to explore other means to cure her illness. She ran to the pastor who followed her down to Akwanga to make the accusations. What followed was the acid bath.

Better Leven, an NGO based in Akwanga, is trying to rehabilitate Comfort who had been in its custody since then. Timothy Tashi, programme officer of the NGO said on several occasions he contacted James and brought up the condition of Comfort, but that the father has always refused show any remorse even as the girl’s condition is not improving. Also, the NGO is having problems attracting government’s attention to her, just as the police have continued to look the other way. James is walking the streets scot-free after he made statements to the police.

Meanwhile, a doctor, who chose to remain anonymous, stressed the urgent need for surgery to be done on Comfort’s face, as her condition may worsen, making correction difficult or even impossible.

Victor Labesa, Nasarawa State coordinator of the Legal Aid Council, described the deed of James as barbaric and callous. He said with the Child’s Right Act domesticated in the state since 2005, James committed a crime against humanity and must be brought to book. But the police cannot act, as Comfort remains in pain, victim to the superstitious beliefs of those supposed to love and care for her.

***

A January 2011 Daily Trust update on the issue...

Stepbrother allegedly attempts to poison ‘Acid Bath Girl’
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the police in Nasarawa State is investigating one Alexander Sunday, half-brother of Comfort Sunday, whose face and respiratory system have been disfigured after her father emptied a can of acid on her face in 2008 on the suspicion that she was a witch. Alexander, 22, is currently in detention after he was arrested by the police in Akwanga last Sunday, (January 2011) for allegedly poisoning the food of his half-sister the previous day at the family’s residence along Mai-Doki Street in Akwanga.

Their father, Sunday James, has been in detention and will be arraigned in court on February 3, for allegedly bathing his daughter with acid in 2008. James walked freely initially, but pressures from the Tashi A. Tashi-led NGO currently giving care to the teenage girl, as well as the Legal Aid Council, have compelled the police to re-arrest him for prosecution, while he awaits arraignment in court.
Comfort lost her mother while she was still young and had grown up under tough conditions because of maltreatment from her father and stepmother as well as her half-brother and sister, all of whom have raised emotions against her, alleging she is responsible for deaths in the family.
Alexander was caught with a pot of food his half sister kept in her room, by other occupants of the house who insisted on knowing what his motives were. On opening the pot, they discovered the food in it was foaming with a black substance suspected to be poison.
Comfort’s statement to the police indicates that she had long suspected her half-brother’s malice. She said Alexander had threatened to send her out of the house because she is responsible for the detention of their father.
State police spokesman, ASP Richard Akoji, confirmed the incident and the arrest, saying the police are investigating Alexander for the alleged poison.

Source: Linda Ikeji and Daily Trust

I have no words. Really.

Prayer V: Music and prayer

2011-02-08T08:05:00.002-06:00

So we are still talking about how GOD speaks right? Today we are talking about music. When we meet in person ladies, we will talk about this a little more in depth. Suffice to say that music is not just for entertainment purposes. When used right, it is a tool by which we communicate praise, worship, adoration, supplication, petition, etc to GOD, and a medium by which HE can communicate comfort, peace, joy and provision to us.

The entire book of psalms is full of songs that are used as prayers – David was a “melancholy” full of emotion and feeling and music was his vehicle of communicating with GOD. And as for GOD’s responses, here are a few passages that speak to the phenomenon of GOD speaking through music:

Job 35:10

But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker, Who gives songs in the night

Psalm 42:8

The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, And in the night His song shall be with me— A prayer to the God of my life.

Psalm 77:6

I call to remembrance my song in the night; I meditate within my heart, And my spirit makes diligent search.

The three verses tell us a few things:

First GOD gives songs – songs for your situation. Tailor made for you.

At night, when things are dark and blurry, the song will be with you, to strengthen and comfort you.

And you can in every situation, call this song to remembrance. You can recall it and say – When I was facing a nighttime situation, GOD gave me a song. I remember that I am comforted.

However, as with GOD speaking through HIS word, this only works if your ears are open to hear. It only works if you are listening. And it only works if your head and mind are not full of complete rubbish. If the only songs you know are songs that glorify sex and violence, debase woman and ignore GOD, where is the material for GOD to speak to you with? I am not hating on secular music o, please understand me. I have a large collection myself – everything from romantic to socially conscious music. BUT any music you own, spiritual or secular must pass the following test:

Phil 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things

Does your music pass this test? The beat may be nice, but the lyrics are even more important! Remember that whatever u feed your mind and your emotions with is part of your spiritual arsenal. In the days of trouble (and they will come), GOD can use it, or the devil can use it – depending on what it is.

GOD is speaking – are you listening?

As for the song for today, that is hard because really where do we start with worshiping GOD? But I choose one of my very favorite worship songs from my favorite choir and one of my very favorite singers. Enjoy!

President Goodluck Jonathan at the Redemption Camp

2011-02-07T15:28:00.001-06:00

Pastor Adeboye is a powerful man oooo! Are you impressed by President Goodluck, or you think of it as a political gimick? Lots of people were very upset when pictures of The president kneeling before the Man of God came out. How do y'all feel about it? The happens @ the 13:21 minute mark.

Pastor Bakare's sermon on his decision to run.

2011-02-04T20:03:00.003-06:00

I am sorry that this is turning into Bakareville. I am just sooo fascinated by his decision to run. I have listened to Pastor Tunde Bakare's teaching for years and I have always loved it. I am really curious about what he is thinking in taking this decision. Well, you can hear from the horse's mouth here:

It is a powerful sermon, particularly towards the end. He seems to infer that this is GOD's will. I find all of this very, very confusing. Well sha, Like I said, GOD knows.
Find below article to which he was referring :

Source:

Run Bakare, run by

Dimgba Igwe

Wanted: a powerful candidate to give President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, a good fight at the general election in April. Enter my colleague, Dele Momodu, public intellectual, Dr. Pat Utomi, Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, former EFCC boss, Nuhu Ribadu and former head of state, General Muhammadu Buhari.

Each of the above candidates parade requisite credentials for good leadership. Momodu and Utomi are running on intellectual platform which usually in Nigerian context, hardly ever translate into votes. Their chances are as limited as the limited resources and structures at their disposals. One day, Nigeria would mature into politics of ideas but until then, we can only thank Utomi and Momodu for their courage to dare at least.

Shekarau is coming into the race with a background of two successful tenures as governor of volatile Kano State who rode on the crest of religious-cum-populist bubble to become governor in a fairy-tale manner that may be difficult to replicate in a highly polarized and heterogeneous national platform. With captive support in Kano State and expected reasonable impact in some part of North West, he certainly has a spoiler’s chance in a limited territory. Such men are dangerous, but they are no national competition.

Ribadu is waving his highly controversial anti-corruption achievements and truly, for a nation so deeply mired in the cesspit of corruption, this would have amounted to much, but he also carries with him, the political incubus of President Olusegun Obasanjo’s desecration of the anti-corruption agency under Ribadu’s watch for selfish political goals, including the third term gambit.

Enter the ascetic former head of state, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, perhaps one of Nigeria’s most incorruptible leaders. He had been oil minister, head of state and head of the Petroleum Trust Fund that used petroleum revenue to develop various sectors of the nation, but without enriching himself. On account of his moral probity, despite his harsh record of human rights abuses as a head of state, Nigerians have come to respect as well fear him. He is respected for his moral integrity and feared by Christians who think he is an Islamic fanatic who may turn out to be a Taliban! It was after all under his watch that Nigeria commenced romance with the controversial Organisation of Islamic Countries, (OIC), a romance that was consummated to a limited but controversial degree under the presidency of Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida. Since then, many Christian electorates had feared Buhari’s presumed potential to islamise Nigeria far more than they respected his incorruptible personality.

Twice Buhari ran for presidency and twice he lost, even when he insisted that he actually won. Many who rode on his name to power as governors under ANPP soon dumped him to cut survival deals with ruling PDP and in turn, his party repudiated his court battles at electoral tribunals. But unlike the typical politicians who cut deals to survive, Buhari had remained faithful to his uncompromising principles, a fact that had endeared him to the masses of the north, making him today potentially the most popular political figure in the north. Students of branding have a good subject in Buhari on how to grow a personal political brand without spending a kobo. In a nation where politics is a game of money—at times, running into billions—Buhari and his followers barely scratch by to pay their most basic bills.

But the absence of money to spend has not diminished Buhari’s brand; if anything, it has enhanced his connection with the masses, making him extremely popular. It is said that Buhari is the only man capable of pulling a million-man crowd in many northern cities without spending money on publicity.
This type of profile makes Buhari a candidate to beat in the north and therefore, President Goodluck Jonathan’s stiffest opponent in the north. The snag however, for Buhari is how to translate his popularity in the north to the south. This has been tough because of Buhari’s perception as an Islamic fanatic. For him to pick a southern candidate, Buhari not only needed a Christian, but a credible one at that who commands respect of the people. On this score, many of the popular politicians just didn’t make the scratch.

Enter fiery and iconoclastic preacher, Pastor Tunde Bakare, general overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly and also the convener of Save Nigeria Group, (SNG). Report in The Guardian of Thursday states that Bakare was being persuaded to become Buhari’s running mate for the April presidential election. Unfortunately, Pastor Bakare has been dragging his feet. One, he didn’t want to run for political office. Nonsense. Here was Bakare preaching to few thousands and God says it was time to preach by words and action to 150 million audience and he is dithering and developing sentimental qualms? Second, Bakare didn’t want it to look as if the reason he formed SNG was really as a political platform to sell himself for political office. Well, then, Bakare, a lawyer, ought to show me any section of the Bible and the Nigerian constitution that says that if you form a non-partisan association that exposed your leadership gifts to the world, you should not offer yourself to serve the people if they so desired. Imagine what would have happened if Joseph had told Pharaoh that he would not serve as prime minister in Egypt because people would think that was why he was dreaming and interpreting dreams! Or what God would have thought of Daniel if he had declined public office in Babylon simply so that nobody would consider him opportunistic!

The question is: why do I want Bakare to run as Buhari’s running mate? First, it has to do with Bakare’s eminent qualification for the position. His profile fits that of Buhari like a pair of gloves. As a former Moslem, he would best understand the mindset of a typical ascetic Moslem like Buhari and how best to deal with him. Bakare is extremely bold and well able to speak his mind to powers that be, and that is, to speak the truth as he perceives it—a simple virtue that is in acute shortage in the corridors of power in Nigeria, giving lily-livered sycophants a field day. As a lawyer groomed in the chambers of both the fiery radical, Gani Fawehinmi and the arch conservative Chief Rotimi Williams, both now late, nobody would be able to pool the wool over his eyes. As a pastor, a minister of righteousness, he would not go into public office to amass wealth.

In terms of leadership by example, where the president and the vice president are not soiling their hands with corruption, God helps anybody in their administration who would steal public funds. Buhari had proved his mettle from different public office positions that he would not enrich himself from public fund, neither would he be afraid to take bold decisions, including firing or jailing corrupt leaders. If his natural ascetic lifestyle made that unnecessary in his younger days, it would be crazy to think he would do otherwise in his old age. In other words, his character is no longer forming, it is already set and unchangeable. This would be dangerous for those of us in the media since Buhari patently seems to dislike media freedom, but then we would give him the fight of his life on that, trust us.

The corruption challenge is on Bakare. In other words, wouldn’t the lure of office corrupt Bakare as many before him had fallen under the spell of corruption? Well, Bakare was a successful lawyer before he came into the ministry. He passed through the tutelage of the Pentecostal fundamentalist, Pastor Kumuyi of Deeper Life Bible Church and Pastor E. A. Adeboye of Redeemed Christian Church before he founded his ministry, Latter Rain Assembly.

He had refused to join the prosperity bandwagon; preferring to play the role of an Old Testament prophet who had been the scourge of fellow Christian leaders whom he accused of sundry offences including cultivating personality cult around themselves, doctrinal deviations and diverting into building human monuments rather than focusing on the core purposes of the church. Meaning that his passion is not amassing wealth and it would be unbelievable human tragedy if he changes now. Men who had definite purpose in life are not likely to be swayed by material circumstances as much as those who are merely opportunistic and lack definite purpose or spiritual anchors.

If the Buhari-Bakare ticket happens, it would be the pairing of two strong personalities who would certainly give the Jonathan-Sambo-Incumbency ticket a run for their money at the polls. Win or lose, their candidacy would enhance the profile of the election from a potential walkover for Jonathan to a real contest where the winner would be somebody that would pass through the crucible to offer real values to the electorate.

At the PDP convention, we saw a coronation of Jonathan, not a real contest, and this was all down to the power of incumbency. But Jonathan’s possible victory at the polls is not the problem; the absence of keen competition would be the problem that would undermine the credibility of the election. We must grow beyond “se-election” to real electoral contest; that is the only way to extract accountability from public office holders. They must sweat to get into power and be threatened with sack if they didn’t perform.
If anybody asked my opinion on whether Bakare should accept to become Buhari’s running mate or not, I would borrow a prophetic trumpet and mount on the rooftop and blow: Run Bakare, Run…

Church in the News: Christ embassy ordered to stop miracle ads in South Africa

2011-02-04T15:20:00.001-06:00


Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome in the news again. I am not a Christ Embassy hater o, please, I just report the news as I see it. Have you ever seen any of those crusades on TV, heard the testimonies on the healing line and wondered what was going on? Apparently you are not the only one. The government of South Africa was wondering the same thing, have concluded that the testimonies are not real (at least in Christ Embassy) and have ordered the TV station airing healing ads to "cease and desist". I believe that faith healing does happen, but there are a lot of buts! Anyways, that is another story for another day.
So what do y'all think of the article below? Should Nigeria have a similar law?

A charismatic church cannot prove that its pastors can perform healing miracles, the Advertising Standards Authority of South Africa (Asasa) has ruled – and the church has to withdraw all such advertisements from e.tv.
The Christ Embassy is an international organisation headed by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome with branches in Cape Town and Gauteng and a number in other countries.
The church paid R2.6 million to have its 24-minute “faith healing” programme run on etv for 52 weeks where it claimed that people could be cured of illnesses and diseases such as Aids and cancer.
The Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) lodged a complaint with Asasa in November 2009 and on Wednesday the advertising body ruled that e.tv had to remove the programme.
The TAC lodged the complaint after a woman who was on tuberculosis medication stopped her treatment when she was “cured” by the church, but subsequently died.
The ruling stated that the programme was by definition an advertisement promoting cure by faith.
The Advertising Standards Authority has banned the Christ Embassy church from airing its claims of faith healing, following a complaint from the Treatment Action Campaign.
Independent Newspapers
This is against Asasa’s code since the Christ Embassy did not register with the Medicines Control Council to offer a product or service which cures diseases.
Christ Embassy said it would appeal the ruling and is adamant that it can convey the message to people that “they will be cured by the grace of God”.
Sean Sim, attorney for Christ Embassy, said: “My client feels that people can be healed through the grace of God and that there is nothing wrong with conveying that message.
“We are not going to back away from this, there is nothing to apologise for and nothing untoward about the programme. My client maintains that people can be healed through faith.”
Sim said they had 20 days to appeal the ruling.
Etv, which is legally bound to the Asasa code, has been ordered to withdraw the advert. The Christ Embassy programme has run its course but the ruling applies to any similar programmes.
The TAC’s Nathan Geffen said although the contract between e.tv and Christ Embassy came to an end some time ago, the channel was still broadcasting the programme two weeks ago in which the pastor, Chris Oyakhilome, claimed to have healed a woman with a breast tumour.
At Thursday’s media conference Geffen said the Christ Embassy programmes were “life destroying”.
The TAC lodged the complaint after a Cape Town doctor notified it that one of his patients had stopped taking her XDR TB medication because she believed the Christ Embassy could heal her.
“She gave up her medicines because she believed Christ Embassy could cure her. She became ill again and died – but only after transmitting XDR TB to her children,” Geffen said.
E.tv’s spokesperson, Vasili Vass, said on Thursday that it would abide by the ruling and withdraw the programme. - Cape Times

Source

Church in the News: Tunde Bakare: From pulpit to soap box

2011-02-04T09:16:00.000-06:00

Just came across this very interesting opinion piece. The writer thinks that Pastor Bakare is wasting his time and should have stayed in advocacy. What do y'all think? Win or lose though, I think Pastor Bakare will be the big news item of this election cycle.

It has the colouration of a transmutation, but to those who know Pastor Tunde Bakare, General Overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly, Ogba, Lagos, fairly, closely, his acceptance of General Muhammadu Buhari’s offer of running with him in the April presidential election is not in any way out of sync with his character; it is really an opportunity for the fiery cleric to accomplish his desire of being an agent of change in the country.
Long before it became expedient for him to convene the Save Nigeria Group (SNG), Bakare had said in an interview that, “I’m a trained lawyer. I trained under Gani Fawehinmi and Rotimi Williams. I wanted to practise my profession. I had three things at the back of my mind in my life: to be a successful legal practitioner, to get to the peak of my career and to be a successful millionaire. I wanted to use both law and business to go into politics. That was my triangle.”

Being a man of uncommon determination, Bakare, at a relatively young age, was close to achieving the goal he had set for himself. He was already making wave as a brilliant lawyer, winning landmark cases one after the other and he was doing well in business. He brought Skoda Motors into Nigeria and had a number of factories to boot. He was also doing well in international business.
However, before he could perfect his plan of using business and law as his route to politics, there was a divinely ochestrated detour; Bakare was called into the ministry and he had to subjugate his personal desire to the divine will.
Though taken out of mainstream politics, Bakare has always been interested in the polity. He is about the only clergyman who never passes up an opportunity to air his views on the polity, no matter how unpopular.
He has consistently commented on the polity over the years, showing the leaders where they erred and availing them the mind of God about the nation.
Being a pastor of the prophetic bent, Bakare has pronounced many prophecies; some coming to pass with the precision of a laser guided missile and others completely off the mark.
On April 3, 1993, while the nation was warming up for the presidential election, the fearless cleric said though there would be an election, there would not be any result. He also prophesied that both the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC) would fail and everything happened just as he prophesied. He also sent a warning to the winner of that year’s presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola, urging him not to go ahead with it, saying it would not end well with him, if he pursued his ambition of becoming the nation’s president. Abiola later died in detention.
Also in 1993, while the nation was concerned that General Ibrahim Babangida would perpetuate himself in office after the annulment of the presidential election, Bakare clearly declared that, “Ladies and gentlemen, the Lord said to me, either before or on that day, he (Babangida) will make some mistakes and he will have to go.” Again, it turned out exactly like that as the former military president on August 27, 1993 announced that he was stepping aside and installed an interim government.
However, after the election of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, Bakare prophesied, “Obasanjo is not your messiah, he is ‘King Agag’; he will be the first victim of a prophetic axe. It is coming; it is coming upon his head before May 29.” Bakare explained that Obasanjo was not the Messiah the nation expected at the time, adding that he should have been slaughtered by General Abdulsalami Abubakar but since the former Head of State spared him just like the biblical King Saul spared Agag, who he should have killed, God had made up His mind that Obasanjo had to die and it would be before May 29, 1999. But that did not happen.
It is not only political leaders that have been at the receiving end of Bakare’s acerbic criticism; church leaders too have come under his unsparing attack. Bakare has had cause to criticise his fellow pulpiteers for not taking up the challenge to be the agent of change in the nation. He is of the belief that church leaders should have no qualms about squaring up to political leaders and showing them where they are wrong.
In an interview, he said, “the church has become a theatre; a place where people come to amuse themselves, because they don’t know that the church is a war zone, where soldiers of the cross are trained. It’s where the standard of discipleship is raised; where you become an agent for change in a nation. I’m not talking of rascality. I’m not saying let’s go on the streets and be displaying rascality. I’m talking of constructive engagement and constructive dismantling of the oppressive forces over our nation.
“It is not only about praying, but having a head-on collision with them and calling a spade a spade. If that’s the role the church had been playing in Nigeria, we wouldn’t be in this mess. But we’ll rather take them to a side and tell them to come to a particular location once a week or once a month to get special prayer and lay empty hands on empty heads. That’s not Christ, that’s not church.”
Probably concerned that his pulpit advocacy was not yielding the kind of results he expected, Bakare, at the time the nation was heading for the precipice while the late President Umaru Yar’Adua was on the sick bed in Saudi Arabia, started the Save Nigeria Group (SNG).
In an interview, Bakare, speaking on the essence of the SNG, said, “At the time Save Nigeria Group began, it was to address a major and vital issue - the issue of power hijack. Those who were not elected to serve in the office of the presidency of the country were exercising the authority to do what they liked.”
Those close to Bakare say his acceptance of the CPC’s offer is hinged on his belief that he will help Buhari in the implementation of his plans to transform the nation just as the biblical Joseph helped Pharaoh with the translation of his dream into reality.
Be that as it may, it is hardly disputable that Buhari picked Bakare, a man of opposing religious view, principally to remove or cover the tag of an Islamic fundamentalist which he has been associated with over the years. But apart from being the principal’s alter ego, a vice-presidential candidate must also add electoral value to the ticket. That is one area where Bakare is likely going to have a serious challenge.
Bakare’s immediate constituency is the church, but how many church leaders will openly campaign for his candidature? The truth is that not many will probably do so. People vote for those they are comfortable with and it is doubtful if many pastors are comfortable with Bakare.
Will Bishop David Oyedepo tell his congregation to vote for Bakare’s party? Will Pastor Enoch Adeboye direct the mammoth crowd that monthly gathers at the Redemption Camp to support Bakare and Buhari? Will Reverend Felix Meduoye of the Foursquare Gospel Church instruct his members to vote for Bakare? Will the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) or the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) even subtly campaign for him?
History has shown that advocacy and governance don’t usually find convergence in a person. While Bakare has made a mark in advocacy, it is doubtful if he will be so successful in politics. That is why Chief Gani Fawehinmi, despite his long years of advocacy, did not really succeed as a politician. That is why Wole Soyinka’s party will just remain a participant in the political process without winning any election.
Pastor Bakare’s foray into politics may not produce a result different from his forbears’ in advocacy. Source

Church in the News: Oba orders church closed

2011-02-02T12:09:00.000-06:00

The closed church!!

This is my last post today I promise. I should be doing so many other things at the moment that its not even funny. But I just saw this and thought that the gist was too sweet not to share. When you think that you have heard it all, you then hear something new. Na wah for waya oooo!!

Hundreds of worshippers at Saint Paul African Church, Alagbado, Ogun State, on Sunday took to their heels as some hoodlums in the area attacked them with canes, stones and other weapons, preventing them from having normal Sunday service in the church.

The hoodlums, who were said to have arrived the church as early as 6am, stayed in the church premises until 12noon; successfully preventing the church service from holding.

PUNCH METRO gathered that the closure was the culmination of a cold war between some elders in the church and the town's new monarch, Oba Adedayo Shyllon. It was gathered that the monarch ordered that the church be closed for three months and the hoodlums were merely enforcing the king's order.
The Peoples' Warden and head of administration of the church, Mr. Sola Akinsanya, told our correspondent that the attack on the church by hoodlums suspeted to be the king's loyalists was as a result of a simple security measure taken by the church, which the king was not happy with.

According to him, the elders in the church met on Saturday, January 22, and decided that there would be no church service the following day because they feared that there might be a violent protest in the church.

He said, "There was a court injunction, which was served on the church. The injunction prevented Shyllon from parading himself as the king. The elders met and decided not to hold church service on that day."

"Ironically, that Sunday the elders decided to close the church coincided with the day that the new monarch chose for the thanksgiving of his coronation in the church.

But one of the elders in the church, Chief Theophilus Amodu, said there had been violent protest against the king by the youth and market women, prompting the elders to believe that his presence in the church might cause problem. "That Saturday, a young man was killed and we feared that our church might become the centre of another protest, hence the closure," he said.

However, the elders' action put the king in bad light as he and his visitors were stranded and had to quickly relocate to another church for the service. The angry king was said to have vowed to close the church for three months.On Tuesday, January 25, the king made good his promise by locking all the entrances to the church. But the elders broke the lock and reported the case to the police.

Akinsanya said, "I called the vicar of the church and we went to the police station to make statement. The Divisional Police Officer said we should break the lock which we did. On Saturday, we wrote to the DPO requesting two armed policemen at our service today (yesterday). This morning, the sexton of the church, Mr. Wale Ogundimu, called to tell me that the church was locked again. Later we learnt that the sexton had been abducted by the thugs sent to the church.

"We went to the police station, where we also found the sexton. We made statement and the head of the station patrol and guard duty sent five policemen with us to the church on the DPO's instruction.

"When we got there, we were prevented from entering the church by the thugs numbering about 22, sent by Shyllon and led by one Fatai. After discussing with the policemen, Fatai instructed his thugs to beat everybody, we fled."
However, Amodu said that the elders would not allow the king to lock the church for three months. "We want the whole world to know our plight and we want our church opened," he said.

But the monarch said he did not send anybody to the church. "As you can see, I am just coming back from a service in another church. I don't know anything about anybody attacking them," he said.

He however admitted that he gave instruction that the church should not be opened for three months.He said, "I went to the church last week and I met it closed. I went there with the Primate of the African church and also the Bishop of Ifako Diocese; not to talk of about four kings that accompanied me. I was totally embarrassed.

"I have my instrument of office since December 23, 2010. The coronation was just a ceremony. If somebody went to court, what is the business of the elders of the church; were they joined in the suit? What protest were the talking about? There was no protest, the boy that died was killed on Monday during the clash of the butchers at the market there, not here. My father was among the five people that established that church; I am the Patron of the Archdeaconry and they locked me out.

"Of course, I said that since the elders wanted to close the church, the church would remain closed for the next three months. I said it before the bishop and the primate and they said nothing. I am the king of this town. I don't know anything about today's disturbance, but I know I said that the church would remain close for three months." Source

Incredible abi? There is nothing that I won't hear in this world oooo. See developing country in action. LOL!!

What the h*&l is going on in Northern Nigeria?

2011-02-02T11:09:00.001-06:00

Seriously people,
Have we become so desensitized that we really don't care about all these killings anymore? Is it now everyman for himself even among us so called educated elites? This is getting ridiculous now! Really!! Check out the following news reports:

Bauchi State:

Apparently reacting to the recent crisis that engulfed Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi state, the Council of Elders and Traditional Rulers Forum from the council area and Bogoro Local Government have debunked the claim on the number of casualty recorded, saying that 35 people were brutally killed.

Addressing newsmen in Jos, the National Secretary of the Forum, Mr Dam Manah, debunked the claim that the crisis was as a result of a fraca between two youths over a game of snooker and stated that the violence that followed the disagreement was unimaginable.

According to him, the violence escalated with more shooting and burning of houses, adding that at the end Sayawa houses, shops and churches in Tafawa Balewa and Arewa were burnt, while 15 people were killed and another 20 waylaid and killed at Zwall while travelling from Bauchi to Tafawa Balewa.

The Council of Elders and Traditional Rulers Forum blamed the Bauchi State government for the repeated conflicts based on its refusal to actualise the Chiefdoms.

It noted the setting up of a reconciliation committee on peace and reconciliation by the state government adding that the committee at its deliberations recognized the non-actualization of the Sayawa Chiefdom and their fears on the voter registration as factor for the angry actions.

The Forum chided the Bauchi State government for the sudden transferred of all the students of the Government Girls Secondary School, Tafawa Balewa, to the Government Girls Secondary School, Yana, in Northern Bauchi State because of their safety.

“Predictably, the non-Muslims students refused to be transferred and they were abandoned to their fate in the school, while taken away with them all food items for their feeding.

“If the government cannot guarantee the safety of Muslims students in a predominant christian community, how can the same government convince parents of the non-Muslim students that their lives are guaranteed in a predominantly Muslim community? “
The forum, therefore, called on the Bauchi State government to stop the relocation of students.

Source

Note the burning of churches in the report above.

Plateau and Borno States

THE National Prayer Movement (NPM), on Tuesday, said the ceaseless carnage in Borno and Plateau states portended danger for the corporate existence of the country.

In an open letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, the organisation asked him to immediately demonstrate the necessary political will by tracking down the masterminds of the crises before the situation got out of hand.

According to the NPM in the letter signed by the general secretary, Mr. Olugbemiga Olakunle, the sponsors of the violence and political killings are not ghosts but humans who live among the people.

It further stated that the administration should handle the security challenge posed by the current development with the urgency it deserved because of its far-reaching implication for the April poll and the survival of the country.

“Under normal circumstances, the Federal Government ought to have declared a state of emergence in Plateau and Borno states to effectively tackle the security challenges in these states.
source

I could post a whole lot on the Jos crisis, but there is no need. Just google it and be amazed. Or you could just view these pictures. Let me warn you that they are extremely disturbing! How long are we going to sit by and watch this mess? And what should be the appropriate response? Killings going on in 3 states (at least at the moment) and we all dey siddon look. Hey peeps, our house is on fire!!!!

Devotional: Prayer IV

2011-02-01T08:29:00.001-06:00

Looks like we will be talking about prayer for the foreseeable future. I guess I should stop calling it a devotional and instead call it a bible study because that is what it is. But anyways, just hunker down and enjoy the ride. LOL! So we were talking about how GOD speaks to us the last time and the focus was on the quiet voice that we need to listen for. Actually, that is the primary way GOD speaks. All the other ways that we are going to examine are all supporting mechanisms so to speak. The quiet impression from GOD – that is the most important and fundamental mechanism that needs to be cultivated.

Today, we examine GOD speaking through HIS word. As the word says:

2 Tim 3:16

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness

And:

Heb 4:12

12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

When you combine these two passages, do you know what you get?

The living word of GOD that is personalizable(is that even a real word??) to you! Yep. You ever walked into a church and wondered who told the pastor all your stuff? LOL!

So here is how it works with prayer: When you are looking for direction or an answer, or asking GOD for a plan of action, GOD can speak through HIS word. Many times, once again through the still quiet voice, HE can lead you to a particular passage of scripture and personalize it for your situation. Or after prayer you are reading a particular passage, and it just GRABS a hold of you and starts to make a special kind of sense. You know you have read it a million times, but all of a sudden – it makes sense. Sometimes its an instruction, sometimes it’s a promise, sometimes its comfort or reassurance, but always, its GOD speaking. It does not always happen immediately though. At times, you are doing something else when the word is dropped into your spirit.

Now for it to work – you have to know the word. Yes, GOD will use the scripture that you know to speak to you. That is why the prayer, bible study and meditation always go together – that is what you do in quiet time. And as I stated the last time, for those of you who fill your mind with Lady Gaga, MTV crap, popular culture, politics, mindless entertainment 24/7 – without leaving any space in your mind for the word, for meditation or for prayer, well guess what? There is nothing for THE HOLY SPIRIT to use when HE wants to speak to you.

So, today, take some time out to listen to GOD. HE is always speaking. Hear HIM.

Song for today: very funky - I loved it back in the day, and Hammer is now a man of GOD. ooooh Yeaaaaah! I want some hammer pants. LOL!

Enjoy.

Church in the News: Pastor Bakare picked as Buhari's running mate

2011-01-31T23:08:00.001-06:00

General Buhari

Pastor Bakare

He is one of Nigeria's most famous pastors, known for stating his opinion without fear or equivocation. I personally have always dug his style and his conviction - fantastic bible teacher. Gen Buhari, running for president on the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) platform, is a former head of state (by coup) and an unrepentant advocate for Sharia law. You can read a great interview where he states his opinion on the matter here.

Strange bedfellows no? I am still not sure what to make of it. I have no idea whatsoever whether to clap or cry. This could be great, or it could end veeeery badly!! Well sha, GOD knows.

Article below:

The presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC),Gen Muhamadu Buhari has picked fiery preacher; Pastor Gbolahan Babatunde Bakare as his running mate for the 2011 presidential election as the deadline for nomination of candidates expires today.

The frontline runner for the highest political office in the land hinged his choice on the need to put the best feet forward in what promises to be a decisive political challenge for the soul of Nigeria.

"We have seen the uncommon enthusiasm of our people to register to vote in spite of the many challenges of the exercise, that speaks to their desire to do what Tunisians and Egyptians are doing on the streets through the ballot box in April.
There is a compelling need to give them a ticket that will make all their sacrifices worth the while and that is what we have done” he said.

General Buhari also condemns the wave of serial violence in Borno,Plateau and other parts of the country which have left casualties in it's trail and with the Federal Government appearing totally helpless.

"It is sad that these dastardly acts are taking place without any coordinated response from the government to guarantee the safety of lives and property.

A responsible leadership must not agonize over the virtual breakdown of security in parts of the country, it must organize the security system to deal with the situation first and create the atmosphere for social justice to flourish to end the conditions that make citizens to let loose against each other".

While condoling with the Borno State Government and people as well as all those who have lost loved ones in these pockets of violence, General Buhari sues for peace among all Nigerians and called on the government to sit up and bring an end to this palpable state of insecurity.

On the unfounded allegation by Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido that his supporters are responsible for a hate text message circulating after the PDP primaries,Geneneral Buhari said it is regrettable that some people can't appreciate that certain offices require a high degree of responsibility in utterances.

"What evidence has he got to say that the text came from any of my supporters? Has he gone to the service providers and they told him the text originated from a phone traceable to anyone who is my supporter? I condemn any attempt to spread hate among Nigerians but I suspect this may be a mischief from our opponents who cannot face issues but dwell only on weeping up emotions.And it may appear that the governor may be aware of those behind this hatchet job"

General Buhari added that he has never been involved in the zoning debate because the Federal Republic of Nigeria with all the people within no matter how they talk to God is his constituency."Those who don't want the progress of our people have spent fortunes over the years to raise silly propaganda about me.I have been around for some years and vie challenged them to bring out one person I ever discriminated against based on faith but they are yet to take up the challenge. They should continue to tell lies about me just as I will continue to tell the truths about them" He insisted that the weapons that worked for them in the past will not produce this time around.

"We will force them to discuss issues. They must explain why poverty has increased from 45 per cent in 1999 to 76 percent in 2011 in spite of unprecedented revenue under the PDP Government. Nigerians want to know how we got to a situation where 98 per cent of our children now fail NECO examinations whereas we had 54 per cent pass in WAEC examinations in 1999.The Global Financial Integrity recently reported that an average of $15b left the shores of Nigeria in illicit transfers in the eight years it surveyed under PDP rule"

‘ Yinka Odumakin
Spokesperson to General Buhari

Source

Church in the News:Jos crisis: PFN warns Christians against retaliation

2011-01-28T12:51:00.000-06:00

Na wah oooo! So which one are we to do now? Retaliate or not? So the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) says retaliate. They are a group that is more conservative - the more mainline churches. The Pentecostal fellowship (PFN) though says Praise GOD through it all.

I found this particularly funny :

Williams said that giving praises to God would change the situation of the country, especially the killings in the north and kidnapping in the south Eastern region.” Williams explained that it was always good to praise God in the time of persecutions and war, calling on Nigerians to worship the almighty with their songs.
“Through this alter of praise, war will subside. We will challenge God with our praises even in this period of challenges,” he said.

So someone comes at you with a dagger and you praise your way out of it. Well sha, what do y'all think? Who is right - PFN or CAN?

Article when you click:

Jos crisis: PFN warns Christians against retaliation

Written by Kunle Awosiyan, Lagos Thursday, 27 January 2011
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has urged Christians in the northern part of the country not to retaliate any attack by sect groups in the region, calling on them to maintain peace at all time.
The national vice-president of PFN, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, said this at a news conference in Lagos, on Wednesday.
He said that the Christian body sympathised with Nigerians who had lost their relatives, friends and properties in Jos, Plateau State crisis, but added that revenge would not solve the crises.
Lamenting that the frequency of the violence is disturbing, Oke said, “It is time the government found lasting solution to the killings of innocent Nigerians. It looks as if there is no government in place with the incessant killings of our people.”
He directed the church in Jos to always react to any attack on them with love, endurance and spirit of reconciliation, stating that any attempt for them to retaliate might trigger war in the land.
He said, “violence undermines evangelism and should not be encouraged among Christians.
Instead of retaliating violence with violence, our church in the north must resist it with love and peace.”
At another forum, another Christian group, “The Altar of Praise” has concluded arrangements to organise a praise session to usher in peace to the country as it prepares for another general election in April.
The national coordinator of the group, Bishop Kayode Williams, said that various gospel singers would be paraded at the event to bring the mercy of God on the country.
Tagged, “Altar of praise for the nation,” Williams said that giving praises to God would change the situation of the country, especially the killings in the north and kidnapping in the south Eastern region.”
Williams explained that it was always good to praise God in the time of persecutions and war, calling on Nigerians to worship the almighty with their songs.
“Through this alter of praise, war will subside. We will challenge God with our praises even in this period of challenges,” he said.

Source

Ugandan Gay rights activist murdered

2011-01-27T18:02:00.001-06:00

So homosexuality is something that has been thoroughly discussed on this blog. See: Homosexuality Part1 Part2 Part3 Part4 and this well thought out response. While it is clear from the comments that we don't really agree on the topic, all thinking people, whatever their views on the topic should be outraged by what happened in Uganda. Every life is sacred, and the law should provide equal protection for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation. If you don't agree with them, pray for them, minister to them, but do not kill them. HABA!! Having said that though, I am not sure I agree with politicizing the situation. The US needs to leave Uganda alone to figure out their gay policy. I just don't think that policy should involve killing anyone.
Hmmm!!
Article and video below

KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — A prominent Ugandan gay rights activist whose picture was published by an anti-gay newspaper next to the words "Hang Them" was bludgeoned to death. Police said Thursday his sexual orientation had nothing to do with the killing and that one "robber" had been arrested.
Activists were outraged over the death of David Kato, an advocacy officer for the gay rights group Sexual Minorities Uganda. His slaying comes after a year of stepped up threats against gays in Uganda, where a controversial bill has proposed the death penalty for some homosexual acts.(Scroll down to watch an interview with Kato.)
Kato, who had received multiple threats, was found with serious wounds to his head caused by an attack with a hammer at his home late Wednesday in Uganda's capital, Kampala. Kato later died on the way to the hospital.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues," U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said. "We urge Ugandan authorities to quickly and thoroughly investigate and prosecute those responsible for this heinous act. David Kato tirelessly devoted himself to improving the lives of others.

Human Rights Watch called for an urgent investigation, saying that Kato's work as a prominent gay rights campaigner had previously seen him face threats to his personal safety.

"David Kato's death is a tragic loss to the human rights community," said Maria Burnett, senior Africa researcher at HRW. "David had faced the increased threats ... bravely and will be sorely missed."
Kato and two other gay activists sued Rolling Stone over claims that it had violated their constitutional rights to privacy and won the case earlier this month. A judge issued an injunction banning the publication of the identities and personal details of alleged homosexuals.

A police spokesman, Vincent Sekatte, said Kato was killed by robbers who have so far killed more than 10 people in that area in the past two months. He said there was no indication the death was connected to any anti-homosexual sentiment. Kato was hit by a hammer that has been recovered by police, Sekatte said.
Police arrested one suspect, a driver for Kato, Sekatte said. A second suspect is being hunted. That suspect had been hired as a house helper and had recently been released from prison, Sekatte said
Kato's lawyer told The Associated Press on Thursday that his client had become noticeably more worried about his safety in the wake of the Rolling Stone publication
"He was conscious that something could happen," said John Francis Onyango.
Family, friends and neighbors gathered to mourn at Kato's house on Thursday. Several women lay on the floor of the living room. The room where he had been killed was closed off by the police. A funeral is planned for Friday.
"I feel very lonely," said John Mulumba Wasswa, Kato's older twin brother. "My brother was a very brave person, very courageous."
Homosexuality is illegal in Uganda and gay men and women face regular harassment. The controversial bill introduced in 2009 and still before the country's parliament would see the death penalty introduced for certain homosexual acts. The bill prompted international condemnation and hasn't come up for a vote
Human Rights Watch called on the Ugandan government to offer gay people in the country sufficient protection.
In a statement, the group said that witnesses had told police that Kato was hit twice on the head by an unknown assailant who had been spotted entering his property. The assailant was then seen leaving by vehicle, the statement said. Frank Mugisha, the chairman of Sexual Minorities Uganda, said he has asked religious and political leaders and media outlets to stop demonizing sexual minorities in Uganda.
"Across the entire country, straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex Ugandans mourn the loss of David, a dear friend, colleague, teacher, family member and human rights defender," said Mugisha.
The introduction of the anti-homosexual bill in 2009 followed a conference in Kampala that was attended by American activists who consider same-gender relationships sinful. The U.S. evangelicals believe gays and lesbians can become heterosexual through prayer and counseling. Some gay Ugandans still resent that American intervention.
"David's death is a result of the hatred planted in Uganda by U.S evangelicals in 2009," said Val Kalende, a Ugandan gay rights activist. "The Ugandan government and the so-called U.S evangelicals must take responsibility for David's blood."

source

Church in the News: Archbishop urges clergy to re-evangelise USA

2011-01-27T06:40:00.000-06:00

Hey folks, I thought this was very funny! Particularly the "leading them in the path of holiness and righteousness” part. Not that its not appropriate - its just funny. What say ye?

ARCHBISHOP and President of the Gospel Baptist Conference of Nigeria and Overseas, Most Rev. Professor Magnus Adeyemi Atilade, weekend, urged Nigerian missionaries to lead in the re-evangelism of America that has been overtaken by materialism and carnality.
Atilade, who spoke at the ordination and commissioning of Pastor Dr. Theophilus Lambo at Mushin, Lagos, said: “Americans brought the gospel to Nigeria, but now is the time for Nigerians to assist them by leading them in the path of holiness and righteousness.”
Noting that the church already had missions endeavours in West Africa, Atilade said it felt obliged to support a Nigerian pastor who was relocating to America in the missions task of re-evangelising that continent.
He said the church would support mission work in Asia whenever it had missionary volunteers there.
Earlier, the Rector of the church’s seminary, Bishop Dr. David Omole had compared the commissioning of Pastor Lambo to that of Prophet Jonah, but indicated that while Jonah resisted the divine call, Lambo was willing and ready to respond.

Source

Church in the News: CAN orders Christians to defend selves in Borno

2011-01-26T22:40:00.003-06:00

What say ye? Good decision? Or its against the "turn the other cheek principle'? Actually, what is the right way to deal with persecution?

CAN orders Christians to defend selves in Borno

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno State Chapter has called on Christians in the state to do everything possible to defend themselves against any aggression and attack by any group or individuals as Christians should no longer fold their arms and watch churches being destroyed and their members killed.

Addresing newsmen at the CAN secretariat in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital on Tuesday, the CAN Chairman, Reverend Yuguda Midurvwa, said the atrocities perpetrated by some group of “unidentified persons” who had taken it upon themselves to annihilate Christians in the state can no longer be condoned saying “enough is enough.”
He said while they had visited mayhem on Christians in Borno State, destroying churches and killing Christians without any provocation whatsoever, the Christians though peaceful people who, believe in living peacefully with their neigbours as taught by the Holy Bible, failed to understand the failure of the security agencies in protecting life and property. He said Christians were no more prepared to look on while church members are being silently killed and churches destroyed.
“We call on all members to go back to God in prayer and fasting, we will resist any attack on our people as killings and destruction of our members and churches are still going on without any checks on these criminals,” he explained.
Reverend Yuguda further said the decision of CAN Borno State to opt on self defence was informed by attacks on over 12 churches by some Muslim groups and the continuos silent killing of Christians in the state.

Source

Devotional: Prayer III

2011-01-25T06:44:00.001-06:00

The last two devotionals have focused on the essential nature of prayer. We have started to answer the question “Why should we pray?” So far we have identified the following reasons:

a) We pray because it is essential to our spiritual growth.

b) We pray because Jesus did

c) We pray to hear from GOD, understand his purpose for our lives and get his direction and guidance in every situation.

I only briefly alluded to the third reason for prayer in the last post, so today we will deal with this reason in a little more detail.

The last time, we established that prayer is a conversation. Even if it feels like it, its more than you just talking to yourself. You are communicating with a living GOD who speaks back when HE is spoken to. We all need to cultivate the discipline of being able to hear HIS voice, so that in the moment of decision, at the crossroads of life, when we are wondering what to do, we can call and KNOW that HE will answer.

In the last devotion, we also established that JESUS spoke to and heard from GOD regularly. HE spoke very often about hearing HIS voice, and thus making perfect decisions because GOD was the guide of HIS life. There is nothing like knowing what GOD wants you to do and then doing it. NOTHING. However, for most modern Christians, hearing from GOD is something that they only read about, hear about, but never experience. We read so many stories in the bible of GOD speaking, but for most of us, it’s a myth. It does not happen.

So today, the focus will be on hearing from GOD. What does this mean?

There are several ways that GOD has always spoken – from Old Testament times to now. They are:

a) Still quiet voice

b) The word – revelation knowledge

c) Music

d) Circumstances

e) Other people

f) Dreams and visions

g) Audibly

In today’s teaching, we will focus on the first one:

a) The Still quiet voice:

This is the most common way that GOD speaks. Many times it is just a quiet thought that comes to us and just lingers and lingers – if we allow it to. Like I said the last time, we often kill this method of hearing from GOD because our minds are super occupied with STUFF – some legitimate, most not. TV, music, movies, internet forums, chat rooms, facebook, skype are some of the time wasting things we fill our minds with so that our thoughts are never free of stimulation so that GOD can speak. This is how it works for me: After I have prayed, I try to have just some moments of silence, emptying my mind of everything and everyone and just focus on HIM. Then HE drops a though in your mind – get distracted and you miss it. And when it’s a divine idea, you know it. We need times of quietness of mind and of Spirit to be able to have GOD speak to us in the still quiet voice. Where did that phrase come from?

I kings 19: 11-13

¹¹And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:

¹²And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

¹³And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?

Elijah was in great distress - you can read the story in I kings 19, and HE needed to hear GOD. But GOD was not in the noise, or in the show – HE was made manifest in quietness. Elijah was a prophet of GOD, and HE recognized HIS voice in the quiet. That still small voice is the most important voice that you will ever hear. You need to learn to shut off all the other stuff sometimes and listen for it. It will show you the way to go.

A great modern illustration of this would be the example given by Jim Cymbala in one of my very favorite books “Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire”. To provide some context, the pastor was struggling with being a young, inexperienced and overwhelmed spiritual leader. So, he took some time off to seek GOD’s face.
This critical passage is found on page 25 of the book:

“Lord, I have no idea how to be a successful pastor,” I prayed softly out there on the water. “I haven’t been trained. All I know is that Carol and I are working in the middle of New York City, with people dying on every side, overdosing from heroin, consumed by materialism, and all the rest. If the gospel is so powerful…”

I couldn’t finish the sentence. Tears choked me. Fortunately, the others on the boat were too far away to notice as they studied their lines in the blue-green water.Then quietly but forcefully, in words not heard with my ear but deep within my spirit, I sensed GOD speaking:

If you and your wife will lead my people to pray and call upon my name, you will never lack for anything fresh to preach. I will supply all the money that is needed, both for the church and for your family and you will never have a building large enough to contain the crowds I will send in response.

I was overwhelmed. My tears intensified. I looked up at the other passengers still occupied with their fishing. Nobody glanced in my direction.I knew I had heard from GOD, even though I had not experienced some strange vision, nothing sensational or peculiar.

You enjoying it? Well, get the book. Its great I tell you. I read it at least once a year. Always gets me praying again. And in case you were wondering, they did pray and GOD showed up. The Brooklyn Tabernacle today is one of the most vibrant churches in America. They are at the forefront of spiritual warfare, and they are winning!!
GOD wants to speak to you today. Are you listening?

Enjoy a great song on the topic - Speak to my heart by Donnie McClurkin.

We will talk about the other ways GOD speaks next week.

Ciao

Martin Luther King Jr. , the Christian beyond the pulpit.

2011-01-17T13:44:00.002-06:00

Hi Folks,

It is my pleasure to introduce guest writer Hilary, a giant with the pen and a strong believer who will also play a huge part in some major changes that are about to come to Holyebony. Stay tuned as exciting things are planned for this year. In the meantime, enjoy his reflections on Martin Luther King day.

Martin Luther King Jr. , the Christian beyond the pulpit.

by Hilary Afeseh Ngwa, http://afeseh.blogspot.com/

As we pause at this time of the year to commemorate the life of Martin Luther King Jr, a man who might have been small in physical stature but in many ways towered intellectually and morally high above the average person, I am touched by how he brought his pulpit Christianity to his life without the boundaries of Church buildings.
A man who like all of us, without God’s grace is as imperfect as any man can be, yet even in his times of trepidation and wavering and imperfection, he sought as far as the human eye can see, with almost everything in him, to reach out even through many fiery furnaces to that almost elusive ideal, which mirrors the Christ in the lowly places, with prostitutes, tax collectors, fishermen and you name it. In a time when there is an ever increasing tendency to shrink the Church to the pews in steepled buildings in stead of expanding the shores and boundaries of Christendom to carve out with the ink of love, the Christian life on the pavement of our neighborhoods and stamp Christianity on our society and politics, there is a dire need to recalibrate the steps of the Church. There is a clarion call for a Church which loyally follows the compass of Christ Jesus. The shift of one degree by a mighty ship may seem imperceptible at first but over time and miles of covered seas, it ends up in the wrong place.

This excerpt from the Letter from Birmingham Jail captures the spirit of the man when he wrote:

“There was a time when the church was very powerful–in the time when the early Christians rejoiced at being deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society. Whenever the early Christians entered a town, the people in power became disturbed and immediately sought to convict the Christians for being “disturbers of the peace” and “outside agitators.”‘ But the Christians pressed on, in the conviction that they were “a colony of heaven,” called to obey God rather than man. Small in number, they were big in commitment. They were too God-intoxicated to be “astronomically intimidated.” By their effort and example they brought an end to such ancient evils as infanticide and gladiatorial contests. Things are different now. So often the contemporary church is a weak, ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound. So often it is an archdefender of the status quo. Far from being disturbed by the presence of the church, the power structure of the average community is consoled by the church’s silent–and often even vocal–sanction of things as they are.

But the judgment of God is upon the church as never before. If today’s church does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authenticity, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant social club with no meaning for the twentieth century.”

The Church ails from a paralyzing and shameful apathy, largely allergic to the Gospel of the cross, the lowly place, allergic to the Gospel whose heart throbs with the refining fire of suffering and pain that is ever conforming imperfect human vessels to Christ, the first born, co-heir with the Christian, the one who was the lamb, the alter and the priest of that ultimate redemptive sacrifice, the one for whom even the agony of the cross could not quench the habit of a lifetime, prayer!

By and large, for too long now the Church has been nothing but a thermometer taking the temperature of the times, validating and sanctioning the mores of the modern days either by its voice or its silence, in stead of being the thermostat that it ought to be, calibrating and regulating the temperature of every fabric of society from home to government.

The late Prof. Bernard Nso’kika Fonlon of Cameroon perhaps captured it in a more trenchangtly truthful manner, stating the problem and proffering a solution when he wrote in 1973 :

“In a world that is rank and rotten with materialism, where hedonism is the principal philosophy, where luxury is the Summum Bonum; there is the crying need for dedicated souls who would go to the other extreme and espouse the spirit of genuine religion, the spirit of poverty, the spirit of austere abstemiousness in order to wage war against the onslaught of materialist godlessness.”

It is time to go back constantly and live from the cross, from the throne of extravagant amazing terrific grace.

We need a Nigerian Christian leadership conference

2011-01-12T18:09:00.001-06:00

I got this in my email and thought I should share. What do y'all think?

A Plea To Seven Ministers of God:
We Need a Nigerian Christian Leadership Conference

by Ahmed Olayinka Sule, CFA,

http://zangodare.wordpress.com/

11 January 2011

So often the contemporary church is a weak,
ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound. So often
it is an arch-defender of the status quo. Far from
being disturbed by the presence of the church, the
power structure of the average community is
consoled by the church's silent and often even
vocal sanction of things as they are.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

The church must be reminded that it is not the
master or the servant of the state but rather the
conscience of the state. It must be the guide and
the critic of the state and never its tool.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

To:

Pastor E.A. Adeboye
Pastor Tunde Bakare
Pastor W.F. Kumuyi
Bishop Mike Okonkwo
Pastor D.K. Olukoya
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
Bishop David Oyedepo,

Grace, mercy and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In the aftermath of the successful Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1957, Martin Luther King, Jr invited 60 other black ministers to the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta to discuss the formation of an organization to address the injustices melted upon members of the African-American community. The organization, which was named The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), was formed to draw on the unity of the churches to fight for racial justice through nonviolent resistance. In explaining the purpose of the organization, Martin Luther King stated that “This conference is called because we have no moral choice, before God, but to delve deeper into the struggle—and to do so with greater reliance on non-violence and with greater unity, coordination, sharing, and Christian understanding’’.

A similar climate of injustice and oppression is prevalent in today’s Nigeria as in yesterday’s America. Income inequality in Nigeria is at an all time high, life expectancy is on the decline, while infant mortality and maternal mortality rates are on the rise. Corruption, tribalism and religious strife are plaguing the country. The
masses continue to be oppressed by some sections of the privileged class including the political and economic classes. Nigeria has become a giant Ponzi scheme in which the sweat, toil and earnings of the masses at the bottom of the pyramid have been used to improve the fortunes of a privileged class at the top of the pyramid.

Consequently, the average Nigerian has become tired of being tired, frustrated of being frustrated and sick of being sick. Unlike the Civil Rights era in the USA where a strong majority oppressed a weak minority, in today’s Nigeria, a strong minority is oppressing a weak majority. Similarly, while a number of African-Americans were lynched and hung on trees or buildings, many Nigerians have met their untimely deaths on the nooses of inadequate health facilities and poor roads; while African-Americans experienced racial segregation, many Nigerians experience class segregation whereby the 'have’s not' are denied access to justice, quality education and healthcare.

As a result of the above, a similar combination of vision and practicality is needed now in response to the oppression, injustice and classism currently taking place in Nigeria. In short, we need a Nigerian Christian Leadership Conference (NCLC). You may wonder, why I have chosen to select and write to you out of the numerous church leaders in the country. I have done so for two reasons. First, I want to direct
the letter to a target audience as this could make it more personal than the general nature of my previous letter titled An Open Letter To the Nigerian Church, which was addressed to over 500 ministers.
Second, you happen to be either at the vanguard in the fight for social justice or you shepherd some of the fastest growing churches in the country and your congregationcuts across a varied segment of the Nigerian society.

Why Do We Need a NCLC?
Unfortunately, there is a perception among a large section of Nigerians that thechurch has aligned itself directly or indirectly to the privileged class oppressing the masses. Politicians have used a number of church gatherings for photo opportunities in order to sway potential votes in their direction. Furthermore, the church has often
been silent to the corruption perpetuated by the political class and has accommodated criminal bankers that have impoverished millions of depositors and shareholders. The church has become a radio that broadcasts the ideas and principles of the privileged class to its congregation rather than a television that exposes the injustices of the oppressor. The formation of a NCLC should go a long way in correcting this perception.

Another reason why a NCLC is needed is because of the significant role the church plays in the Nigerian society. The church is one of the major pillars of Nigerian society and plays an important role as one of the moral guardians of the community. Every Sunday, millions of Nigerians gather at various churches around the country to worship God. As a result, the church leadership as well respected members of the community can play an important role in mobilizing the congregation towards demanding social justice from the ruling class.

Moreover, as shepherds to their congregation, the church leadership cannot afford to remain silent when government policies and actions negatively impact their flock. Afterall, who is better positioned to articulate the concerns and aspiration of the people more than the church leadership?

In addition, Scriptures is full of expressions of social justice. From the Gospels, we understand that Jesus had compassion for those at the lowest end of the social and economic ladder. Consequently, the Nigerian church leadership has a moralobligation to follow the footsteps of Moses and tell the Pharaoh of oppression, injustice and classism ‘LET MY PEOPLE GO’.

Finally, a broad based organization like the proposed NCLC could help to effectively amplify the Christians cry against injustice, oppression and classism. Currently only a few Christian leaders are vocal and active on issues relating to social justice; as a result, the cry of these lone voices standing in the wilderness of concern have been drowned by the silence of the majority of Christian leaders sitting on the mountain of
apathy.

Structure of NCLC
What form should the NCLC take? What issues should it address? How should it be structured?

As the name suggests, the NCLC could be formed by a coalition of leaders from the various churches in Nigeria. An elected Board comprising of representatives from the various church leadership and representatives from the laity could govern the NCLC. For the NCLC to be successful, membership should comprise of individuals who are committed to eradicating oppression, injustice and classism in Nigeria. Membership could also be open to non-Christians.

The objective of the NCLC would be to use Christian principles to confront all forms of oppression, injustice, tribalism and classism in Nigeria. The NCLC would begin by engaging with policy-makers to ensure that government policies and actions protect the people at the margin of society. The second task of the NCLC would be to highlight and attempt to address the poverty and income inequality that is prevalent in Nigeria.
The third task would be to engage with leaders in the Muslim community with a view to promoting and encouraging harmony between Christians and Muslims. Like the SCLC, the fourth crucial task of the NCLC would be to frame the struggle of the millions of oppressed Nigerians in moral terms. Where actions of the privileged class impede the economic, political or social rights of the masses, the NCLC should
be at the vanguard of resisting the oppressors. The NCLC should not be afraid to challenge corrupt politicians, unscrupulous bankers, greedy oligarchs and uncivilized
civil servants.

The NCLC could use various strategies to achieve these tasks including advocacy, sermons, dialogue and mobilization of its large congregational base to carry out nonviolentpeaceful mass protests. However, in carrying out its tasks, the NCLC should always have as its foundation the principle of love as instructed by our Master and Lord Jesus Christ.

Conclusion
Nigeria currently faces a lot of challenges, but I have faith that God will see us through the shadow of the valley of despair. However, all hands must be on deck to secure a brighter future for our great country. The formation of a NCLC or a similar organization by the Nigerian church leadership should be a step in the right direction. I strongly believe that the church leadership must be ready to face the moral challenge of the day and stand up and be counted. Failure to do so will have the pages of history record that that there was once a generation of church leaders in Nigeria who had an opportunity to lead the fight against oppression, exploitation and classism, but due to their complacency, apathy and indifference; the oppression continued in the land. I will conclude by rephrasing what Martin Luther King wrote a couple of decades ago
while in prison for leading a mass protest against injustice: If the Nigerian church leadership does not recapture the social justice spirit of the early prophets and apostles, they will lose their authenticity, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant bunch of Disc Jockeys (DJs) with no meaning for the twenty first century.

God bless.
Your fellow citizen of the Household of God
Ahmed Olayinka Sule, CFA
suleaos@gmail.com

PS: If you would like to discuss the issues raised in this letter with me, feel free to contact me using the email detailed above. Also feel free to forward this letter to other church leaders.

Devotional: Prayer II

2011-01-11T08:21:00.004-06:00

Like I said earlier, we will be talking about prayer in month of January. Part 1 of this series can be found here

Today, the focus is on praying because our example, JESUS prayed.

Why should we pray?

It is a way of building intimacy with GOD. Everybody knows that no relationship will survive without communication. How weird would it be if you were dating/married to someone, and you only spoke to each other in public when you went out together, at the park or at a party. However, when you are alone, you have nothing to say to each other. What kind of relationship would that be? And how long will it last? Now when we communicate with someone, it’s a two way thing – we make eye contact, we listen, we speak, we hear what they have to say, they respond to us, we listen to them.

Most people do not pray because they have not yet been able to connect spiritually, so that they are not able to get that feedback to know that they are talking to a living GOD who longs to speak to us. In fact, as HE says it:

Jer 33:3

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

But many times, we walk in darkness convinced that GOD does not speak anymore, because we don’t pray. He says

Jer 29: 12-13

Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart

But for too many of us, too often, prayer is hard because prayer is dry, lifeless, one sided. There is no connection, no breakthrough, hence no response.

And why is prayer dry, lifeless, onesided, boring and hard work? Many reasons:

a) Too much crap on our minds. So here is what often happens – we spent the day working, then we come home and veg out in front of the TV watching real housewives, Snooki, some other reality show, or some movie or show that promotes GODlessness. When we have time off during the day, we spend it with an ipod in our ears, listening to Lady Gaga , Justin Bieber, Psquare or Dbanj. Or we are on Facebook 24/7 playing worthless games or just wasting time. There is no spare time for GOD to even get a peek in.

b) Too little time with GOD: After all that activity, then we want to pray for 15 minutes and expect GOD to reveal the secrets of heaven and earth to us.

LOL!

How did JESUS do it?

Mark1:3

And early in the morning, while it was still dark, He arose and went out and departed to a lonely place, and was praying there.

Mark 6:45-46

And immediately He made His disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side to Bethsaida, while He Himself was sending the multitude away. And after bidding them farewell, he departed to the mountain to pray.

Mark 14:32-34

And they came to a place called Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, "Sit here until I have prayed." And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled. And He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch." And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground, and began praying.)

Luke 4:42

And when day came, He departed to a lonely place; and the multitudes were searching for Him, and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from going away from them.

Luke 5:16

But He Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.

Luke 6:12

And it was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God.

Now the SON of GOD Himself had to “often slip away”, “spend the whole night in prayer”, ‘depart to a lonely place”, and did not even start HIS ministry without fasting and praying 40 days (Matthew 4:2).

As the writer of Hebrews says:

Hebrews 5: 7-9

who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, ⁸ though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. ⁹ And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.

HE survived the days of HIS flesh, difficult though they were, because HE prayed!

If The SON of GOD needed to pray – who are you?

There were a lot of things that happened because JESUS prayed – most important was the HE heard the FATHER – clearly:

John 5:30

I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.

John 14:24

He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.

HE knew the words and the will of the FATHER. Why? Because HE prayed.

If we want to live according GOD’s will and purpose, if JESUS is our example, if we want to live as HE did, we need to pray. HE lived by prayer, we must too.

As we continue to consider this topic, enjoy this prayer by Yolanda and Donnie - my favorite version of this song:

And don't forget to make prayer a part of your life today.

Enjoy!!

What Nigerians think of each other

2011-01-07T14:46:00.000-06:00

This is a great video I think. Although it only covers the three major tribes in Nigeria, it applies to every country in Africa. Thanks to the filmmakers for making it. And now we all need to go think about it. We will make no progress as a continent if we continue to hold on to these prejudices. Enjoy:

Church in the News: Worshippers pay to enter Chris Oyakhilome's church

2011-01-05T16:33:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I will admit that I have never been a huge fan of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and his Christ Embassy Church and this is one of the reasons why:

Christ Embassy Church in Lagos, South-West Nigeria, is being turned into show business as members were made to part with N1, 000 each as gate fee before they could enter their church to attend the New Year’s Eve service, P.M.NEWS can reveal.

P.M.NEWS confirmed that only members who could afford the N1, 000 gate fee were allowed into the premises of Christ Embassy Headquarters at Oregun, Lagos, where self-styled cleric and business man, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, preached on 31 December 2010.

Indigent members who could not afford the N1, 000 tickets, were denied access and sent back by security men at the gate, it was learnt.

The church, a source said, realised about N25 million from about 25, 000 members who bought the tickets.

It was gathered that the church informed its members that it decided to impose a gate fee to control the huge crowd that always besiege the church on the New Year’s Eve church service.

“Pastor said that to control the crowd and only allow genuine members who could do anything to be in church, it was good to pay a gate fee. Last year for instance, even senior pastors in the church could not secure a seat in the church on New Year’s Eve service,” our source said.

The ticket, bought by our correspondent, was still on sale today, five days after the New Year’s church service took place.

A copy of the ticket has the following information printed on it: “one service…different locations worldwide impact! Time: 7 pm, Venue: Loveworld Convocation Arena, N1,000, December 31st New Year’s Eve Service With Pastor Chris.”

There is also a bold picture of Oyakhilome wearing one of his flashy suits. On the background there is a huge crowd in adulation of the man who once boasted that he will never be broke in life.

At the back of the ticket is a bold inscription : “ This ticket admists one person.”

The development, described as scandalous by those who got a glimpse of it, is unprecedented in the history of Christianity in Nigeria.

In the medieval period, similar scandals led to the break-away of Martin Luther from the Catholic church. This led to the formation of the Protestant movement.

At that time, Catholic priests were collecting money, known as indulgences, from worshippers before they could confess their sins.

These indulgences had become big business in much the same way pledge drives have become big business in Nigeria.

The development outraged Luther and others who kicked against it, quit the church and founded the protestant movement.

The latest scandal in Oyakhilome’s church comes only weeks after he appeared before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to answer questions on money laundering allegations.

According to TheNews magazine edition of 13 December 2010, the alleged laundering of $35 million by Christ Embassy was traced by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission with the help of foreign partners.

The magazine reported that Oyakhilome and money have had a bitter-sweet relationship. While money has brought him a lush lifestyle: an eye-popping auto collection, a movie-star wardrobe of stylish suits and choice properties that include a stunning church auditorium, it has also brought him an arm-long list of scandals.

Source

You can also go to the source to view a copy of the ticket. I am trying to wrap my mind around this and not really succeeding. Any thoughts? Na wah!

Devotional: Prayer (I)

2011-01-04T07:51:00.001-06:00

Every new year, we all make New Year resolutions - something that we are going to do differently in the new year. For most people, it is losing weight - which reminds me that I need to work the gym back into my schedule (sigh)! However, I hope that prayer featured prominently in your new year resolution list, because it did in mine. Prayer is the most important activity you will ever partake in as a christian and in 2011, you need to commit to praying often, regularly, persistently and fervently. So for the month of January, all the devotional posts will be on prayer. It is foundational, it is important, without it, you will make no spiritual progress. Believe me.

I will begin today by highlighting the centrality of prayer to the Christian. JESUS spoke often about prayer, and when HE did, HE assumed that it was something that was happening regularly. HE said "when you pray" - not if you pray.

Examples:

Matthew 6:5

And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

Matthew 6:6

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Matthew 6:7

And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.

Mark 11:24

Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
So in today's post, first we establish that prayer is fundamental. You have to pray. I had this conversation with somebody recently, and this was the illustration I used. In order for the human body to survive, it needs three basic things - air, food and water. Everything else is extra that makes life comfortable. I know that somebody will say something about clothing and shelter, but in warmer climes, those may not be necessary. No human being anywhere on earth can survive for too long without food , water and air.
Similarly, once a person is born again, they need two things to nurture and grow their recreated spirit - prayer and the word. Without those two things, the spirit will shrivel up and die. So we don't only eat because we want to - we eat because we have to. Therefore, we should not only pray because we want to, but because we have to. I will die if I don't eat, and my spirit will be stunted if I don't pray.

I must pray!! Is it easy? Nope not always. Will I always feel like? Nope, not at all, but I must pray, and so must you.
One of my favorite books that motivates me to pray is "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire" by Jim Cymbala, pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle. Its not a book on prayer as much as a testimony to the results of prayer. I highly recommend it.

This topic will be covered through out this January but I want to encourage you to prioritize prayer this year. Your life will be completely transformed when you do.

I leave you with one of my favorite songs with which to enter the throne of grace: Baba by Sonnie Badu. There is just something that happens when I play this song. Enjoy HIS presence today

Blessed new year!!

2011-01-01T02:36:00.000-06:00

Its been a really long time since I have been to a watchnight service African style. I just left one and I am all fired up and ready to face this year. It was nothing short of fabulous!! A very lovely lady ministered in dance to this song and I feel that it is a message to you in this new year.so I am sharing it with you. No matter what is going on, know that GOD is able! This is going to be a fantastic year. I can feel it!! Enjoy the song:

Why can't unmarried black women find a good man?

2010-12-26T22:02:00.000-06:00

I found this conversation fascinating. I am not African American, but the issues are relevant across races I think. The higher you go, the harder it becomes. I know its a lot of videos, but its riveting stuff. Enjoy!!

Part 1:

Part 2

Part 3:

Part 4:

Part 5:

Part 6:

Part 7:

Part 8:

Nigerian Christmas Music - 2010

2010-12-22T21:16:00.003-06:00

So I had a posting on this last year and could not really find much to point to in terms of music for the season from the homeland. However, it appears that our musicians are beginning to step up to the plate.

My favorite this year would be this masterpiece from Tosin Martins. When I saw the title "Silent Night", I groaned and wondered if it would be another cheesy remake of the classic song. Boy was I wrong! This can only be described as absolutely brilliant!

Watch for yourself:

Then there is the star studded song commissioned by Ovation magazine, which is becoming a yearly tradition I suppose. Last year's song was also a starfest. While I am not a fan of the magazine, the song is pretty catchy. Here is "Christmas is green".

It is also available for free download here or here

Then there is "Thank GOD its Christmas" by Skales. Its a hiphop christmas song, and I really like it. Listen to it here.

The urbertalented Yemi Alade has also recently released this Christmas song "Xmas in the air". Homegirl has a powerful voice dang! It is available for free download here. Note: for some reason it won't play unless you download it.

Finally, we have a cover of the popular Christmas tune "Me and my drum" by Christine Ben-Ameh. Nicely done! You can also listen to it and download it here.

That was all I was able to scrounge up this year. I will update this post if anything else comes out before the end of the year.

Edit: I have also added the following:
Grip Boiz with "holiday". You can listen to them here
ChiDynma - "All I want for Christmas", available here
Ijeoma "Love in the air" available here

Have a fantastic Christmas folks, and remember, CHRIST is the reason for the season.

Ciao.

Delia Knox miracle

2010-12-21T23:12:00.001-06:00

Hi folks!
I came across this story in one of Britain's most popular papers, and I just had to post it. There is a story in the book of Acts where Peter and John face the lame men sitting in front of the temple. He had been lame from birth, but that did not seem to stop the two disciples. Instead of silver and gold, they gave him healing in THAT NAME - the name of JESUS. And immidiately, the guy stood up and entered the temple - walking, leaping and praising GOD. I have always wondered what it would be like to witness something like that. Well, it appears that Delia Knox's story is the modern equivalent. Apparently, Delia is well known in christian circles in Mobile Alabama where she pastors a church with her husband. She has been in a wheelchair for the past 22 years. 22 YEARS! This past August, something happened. Watch for yourself:

Incredible!! It brought tears to my eyes. But even more compelling is the video of Delia's return to that church:

Her performance of that song just gives me goosebumps! Incredible. You can feel the emotion, the power, her gratitude, her worship. When GOD shows up, its incredible!!

And she also gave her testimony there:

And apparently the press took notice:

There is also a feature on her on the front page of the Daily mail, one of England's biggest news websites!! You can read the whole thing here.

There are skeptics all over the place, claiming that she is a fake. Apparently her story also showed up on CNN, and the responses range from those who believe to those who think she is a fake. See here I am always careful about posting things like this, but from my investigations, it does appear that she was well known for her music ministry - she had been ministering in her wheelchair for years. So this appears to be an authentic, original miracle!

Be encouraged folks, GOD is still working. I was so touched by this today, I just had to share.

Ciao!

Devotional: The name of Jesus

2010-12-21T07:09:00.007-06:00

Why do we pray in the name of JESUS? Why is that name so powerful, so strong, so effective? I was reflecting on the weapons of our warfare recently, and I thought about the name of JESUS - and I just could not help but get into this song:

What is it about the name of JESUS? What is the something about that NAME?

Well as the bible says:

Phil 2: 9-11

9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Why should this happen? Because HE earned the right:

Phil 2: 5-8

⁵ Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, ⁷ but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

And why should every thing bow to HIM?

Col 2: 13-15

¹³ And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, ¹⁴ having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. ¹⁵ Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

Demons tremble at that name, because they remember the day HE triumphed over them. They thought they had beaten HIM , but then to their horror, they discovered that the way of death was the way of triumph. HE made a spectacle of them, creating a path wherein men can find their way back to GOD.

So the demons fight back by trying to harass us, those of us called by HIS name. But the name still works the same today. Demons still tremble at that name – use it against fear, lust, anger, pride, poverty, sickness. Curse them all in the name of JESUS. And watch them flee.

Victory in the name of JESUS!!

I Cor 15: 57

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Oh yes, we have victory in the name name of JESUS. That is why there are so many songs out there that reflect on that NAME, so many bible verses that talk about power in THAT name.

For instance

Prov 18: 19

¹⁰ The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are safe.

And JESUS himself said:

Mark 16: 7-8

¹⁷ And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; ¹⁸ they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Did I say that there is power in that name? No matter what is going on in your life, think about the name of JESUS, think about the process he went through to be able to earn the right to THAT NAME, and use it with authority and confidence. Because really, demons tremble, yes, they tremble at that name.

Hallelujah!!

Here is some music to help you reflect on the awesomeness of the name of JESUS:

Some of my favorite old school songs:

Go reflect on the wonderful power in HIS name today, and send a few demons fleeing!!

GOD bless you.

Church in the news: Bishop Eddie Long in Mediation

2010-12-08T09:33:00.007-06:00

So I normally don't comment on 'he said/ he said" (in this case) issues because there is no real way to find the truth. However, this morning, I woke up to the headline that Eddie Long has decided to go into mediation in the sexual misconduct lawsuit brought against him by four young men in his church.

CNN has a video that summarizes the case:

Does it mean that he is guilty? Noo, but....

This dude here has a nice post on the way it looks though:

Bishop Eddie Long agreeing to mediation of sexual coercion charges is an end-run around the universally accepted moral and ethical responsibilities of any ecumenical leader. Mediation of sexual allegation grievances is tantamount to an admission of “some” guilt, “some” form of ministerial misconduct. Innocent folk don’t make deals if the claims against them are baseless and untrue. Mediation for the accused is a forfeiture of the right to ever claim innocence and readers should be absolutely clear on this point.

source

Its not a good look. It smells of all those Catholic church settlements and we all know how those turned out.

What do y'all think?

Hmmmm!

Daily Devotion: Dealing with death

2010-12-04T10:23:00.003-06:00

Hi folks!
Yes, I know, I have not been showing up everyday. Its not easy, please no vex. I will try to show up as often as possible though. One of my little darlings just recently lost her dad, and it has been a time of grief for our community here. We have rallied around her, doing the best we can to comfort her in her time of grief. And then this morning, I just happened to come across this news item:

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcchicago.com/video.

Apparently he was an active member of Nairaland, and they are still struggling to come to terms with his demise as seen in this thread. Condolences to his family and all who knew him.

The truth is that the fatality rate on earth is 100 percent so its something we all have to think about. How should we as Christians approach this topic?

With hope. Because we do not cease to exist, we just move on to a more exciting dimension.

Here is how Paul explains it:

I Cor 15: 35-56
35 But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?” 36 How foolish! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 37 When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else. 38 But God gives it a body as he has determined, and to each kind of seed he gives its own body. 39 Not all flesh is the same: People have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds another and fish another. 40 There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another. 41 The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor.

42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.

If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”[f]; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. 46 The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven. 48 As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man.

50 I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
55 “Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

I place particular emphasis on verses 42-44: Sown in weakness, raised in glory!!

Let that comfort you if you are facing any grief at the moment, or the thought of death terrifies you. It is not something to fear even though fear is our most natural reaction to death. It is something to look forward to after we have fulfilled our purpose on this earth. Its a life in a new, perfected dimension. Its life forever with GOD.

As we ponder these difficult but necessary thoughts, I leave you with one of the songs we sang at the memorial for my friend's dad just last week (although I don't recall us singing it this well! LOL!!). And to remember that either in life or in death, HE is always faithful.

Have a wonderful day!

I have always, always loved the Cece version, it just gives me goosebumps! But the Isreal Houghton version is inspiring too.

Daily Devotion: GOD will make a way

2010-12-01T08:14:00.005-06:00

Happy new month!!

The title of this post is also the title to one of my favorite songs actually. It might be old school, may be out of fashion, but its like comfort food. I always fall back on it.

Here it is with lyrics for whoever does not know it:

Great song!!

But do you know where the inspiration for the original lyrics came from?

Particularly the bridge "By a roadway in the wilderness HE leads me, rivers in the desert will I see?"

Its from one of my favorite verses:

Isaiah 43:18-21

¹⁸ “ Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
¹⁹ Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.
²⁰ The beast of the field will honor Me,
The jackals and the ostriches,
Because I give waters in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert,
To give drink to My people, My chosen.
²¹ This people I have formed for Myself;
They shall declare My praise.

Isn't that powerful? Rivers in the desert. A road in the wilderness - a way where there should not be a way!

Its like those movies - actually I caught the last few minutes of NCIS last night - where the bad guy had his knife to a victim's throat and was just about to slice it. She had given up hope, he thought he had won, and then from out of nowhere, shots ring out, at the very last minute. Suddenly the bad guy is dead, the 'almost victim' is safe and the officer who showed up is a hero.
I think they got inspiration from Isaiah 43 too.

There are many examples in the bible of GOD showing up to be the hero when all hope was lost - we have Joseph in prison, counting his pet roaches, wondering if life would ever change; we have David, wandering in the desert, wondering if he would live long enough to ever be king; we have Moses, set adrift on the Nile, his mother scared to death that he would not live long enough to see his first birthday; we have Esther, appearing before the king, terrified that he would say "off with her head!!".

They all fulfilled their destinies through very dramatic circumstances. I like to think of GOD as the original scriptwriter. And he does it better than all these Holly/Bolly/Nollywood peeps anyways! LOL!

GOD will make a way. Have a blessed day.

Ciao.

Daily Devotional : Fear

2010-11-30T06:59:00.006-06:00

I have always thought of fear as a feeling. Because you know, something goes wrong, or you face some uncertainty, and you feel afraid - right? Then I had an experience with fear that went above and beyond a feeling. You know how it is - you are thinking about the situation, worrying, worrying, you go to bed, worrying. You finally fall asleep. But then in the dead of the night, when all is quiet, this 'thing' wakes you up. Its not just worry - its raw undiluted fear. It starts to speak to your mind at that time, and oh, the things it says! Tells you what a miserable failure you are. Tells you how you will not make it, tells you how your situation is irredeemable. Tells you how insignificant you are, how worthless you are. Grinds your self worth and self esteem into the mud. Hmmmm! If ever you are able to go back to sleep, you are discouraged at best, at worst you are terrified! Then I understood - fear is a spirit. Its a devilish, insidious, dark, twisted spirit. And you have to deal with it, the only way you deal with spiritual things - by the word.

When you are being tormented by fear, worry, uncertainty, loss - the unknown, uncertain future, know that you are not alone. GOD is with you. And you have the tools to deal with that horrible spirit.

There are a few major tools to use:

I) Speak the word. There are a few bible verses to use. Shout them out to that spirit. It knows authority when it hears it. It will back off, it has no choice. Which verses?

I Tim 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind

That is the most common, and frankly effective one. Personalize it. claim it. Say it, believe it. I refuse to own this fear! It is not mine. It is not from GOD, so I reject it. GOD has not given me a spirit of fear!! Hallelujah!!

Instead of fear, go read some verses that remind you of the power and character of GOD Like

a) Psalm 27

and

b) Isaiah 43: 1-7

II) Music: I am a melancholic, a deep feeler - ( if you have no idea what that means, you need to check out the book spirit controlled temperament by Tim Lahaye). I identify really well with the biblical David, because dude knew how to encourage himself in the LORD (I Samuel 30: 6)

How did he do that? With psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Even on days when prayer is hard, there is nothing like a great song with uplifting lyrics to lift your spirits. Nothing at all.

SO try this:

or this:

or even this:

Yes, Whitney Houston. That song can only be a prayer! It has gotten me through many a hard day believe me!!

I am not going to lie, I have a catalog of "songs for the night" (Psalm 42:8), and one day I will share them with you - music so powerful that it literally lifts you up from the depths. Good music - its an amazing tool for spiritual strength!

III)Pray. Pray as much as you can - it can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be. GOD always hears you. HE will never leave you, HE will never forsake you. HE will always love you.

As the word says:

Phillipians 4: 6-7.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

IV) Seek help:

Never be afraid or ashamed to seek GODly counsel. We were not made to walk this christian walk alone. Sometimes all you need is somebody to pray with you and you are able to see things from a christian perspective. Seek a GODly person to talk about your fears with and to pray with. Afterall, a problem shared is a problem solved!

Have a wonderful, fear free day.

GOD bless you.

Ladies Daily Devotional

2010-11-30T06:50:00.003-06:00

Hi Folks!

Because of some stuff going on around me, I feel led to start a devotional on this blog. I mentor some young ladies, and the number one issue that has come up very often is "I don't know how to study the word" - or what to read, or where to start, etc, etc. There are many devotionals out there on all kinds of subject matters, but I am starting this one with my young ladies in mind. But please feel free to use it if it is a blessing to you. I am just laying the background in case anyone is wondering how come it is so touchy feely! LOL!! This will be challenging of course because I will have to do this regularly (as close to everyday as a possible), but GOD is asking me to do it, so I know HIS grace is sufficient.

Enjoy your day!

Ciao

Gospel Music Spotlight: Gabriel Eziashi

2010-11-22T10:16:00.006-06:00

So its thanksgiving week in the USA. Time for family, friends and turkey right? Meeeh!
I actually think its an opportunity to praise GOD from the depth of our hearts for what who HE is and what HE has done. So, I will take the opportunity this week to highlight my very favorite praise and worship minstrels.

First up: Gabriel Eziashi. His bio from his church website says:

Pastor Gabriel Eziashi is the pastor of Milton Keynes Tabernacle in Milton Keynes. He is also a prolific song writer and recording artist and has as written songs like "Come On to Me", "Make My Life" and "Lord Most High", all found on his debut release album "Stand By Me". Originally from Jesus House For All Nations (a member of the RCCG), Gabriel Eziashi is committed to bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to people through the word of God as well as empowering worship experiences.

Gabriel Eziashi received the vision for Milton Keynes Tabernacle in 2005 whilst worshipping at Jesus House For All Nations. Over the years the ministry has experienced rapid growth.

As well as this church that he pastors, he is also a very much sought-after christian praise and worship leader as well as conference speaker. He is also known for his practical approach to the Bible and regularly encourages people to pursue a personal relationship with God through his son Jesus Christ. Gabriel Eziashi and his wife, Dayo, have 2 children and live in Milton Keynes.

I love his music. LOOOVES IT!! The song below, I play it almost everyday - I enjoy it that much! Check it out:

you can also watch him perform it live at Jesus House London, with powerful testimony preceding:

"I no get moni! You no want moni!!!" I tell you, one of my favorite praise songs ever!! EVER!! Always puts a smile on my face.

Okay, I wills stop gushing now. The album is called "Intimate moments" and it is available on itunes, and also on cdbaby here

Enjoy!!

The queen is dead!

2010-11-13T12:12:00.002-06:00

I saw this video on Sahara reporters, and I was so disturbed. So disturbed!!

What kind of suffering is this? Why are we so wicked to the least among us?

Lord have mercy!!

Amazing technology, or just creepy?

2010-11-11T22:37:00.002-06:00

This has nothing to do with the Africa or faith (not yet at least) but I could not resist.
So the Japanese, famous for marrying pillows and creating "personal" robots have outdone themselves this time. They have created a new pop star - in holograph form. Yup! See for yourself:

Is it a triumph for technology? Or is this something just strange and sinister? As if all the crazy pop princesses were not bad enough!!

Beached whale in Lagos

2010-11-08T11:43:00.002-06:00

I do a little bit of research into food related matters in developing countries, and it is easy to think about food insecurity as an academic endeavor without really thinking about what it REALLY means.

Well here is what it really means: a dead whale ( I was going to say fish, but a whale is a sea mammal right?) washes up on a Lagos beach. What happens? Well, see for yourself:

That is poverty. That is food insecurity!! I am not an animal rights activist, so I am not up in arms about people eating a whale - please eat whatever will nourish your body. But a whole population happily consuming a decaying animal with unknown cause of death is a major cause for alarm. And where are the public health officials in this matter? What kind of government sits back and watches its citizens apply for diarrhea at best and at worst death? Because lets face it, we have no idea how this animal died.

It is so sad. Really.

Black people have a problem???

2010-11-01T08:25:00.005-05:00

I know that I have not published for a while and I apologize most profusely to anyone who has been following my blog and dealing with my tardiness. I have been really, really busy, but I could not resist posting this. Gave me a huge chuckle this morning.
Tell me what you think of our dear Rev Manning. Is there some truth to his assertions? Something we are all thinking but afraid to say??

Say something black people!! Say something!! LOL!!

O jigbi jigbi!! Revd Manning will not kill me o. "You need to hear the truth, and I am gonna tell it!!"

LOL!!

Midnight crew in Minneapolis!

2010-06-08T06:05:00.005-05:00

Hey people!
Enjoying your summer? You may or may not be aware, but the fabulous Midnight Crew has been touring the US this Spring and Summer, and now they are coming our way. Yes, they are coming to the Midwest.

See details in the poster below:

I plan to be there - what about you??

Enjoy!!

Prayer, and the blessedness of possessing nothing

2010-05-20T23:11:00.003-05:00

So I have had a rough couple of weeks where I have been feeling emotionally overwhelmed for many reasons. My first reaction was to throw a pity party, and complain bitterly about life. But the funny thing is , that is where GOD first started to answer me, even though I was not coherently talking to HIM yet. On the day when I was most down in the dumps and in a horrible mood, I got two most unexpected emails. One of them was from one of my closest friends who lives in another country now. I had not talked to her for months. She said she was just thinking about me, and wanted to know how I was doing. When I told her that I was having a wild pity party all by my lone self, she laughed at me. "Girlfriend, GOD does not attend pity parties," she said. "Hang in there, you will be alright." That was all I needed on that particular day. Really raised my spirits. The second mail was from another really old friend. We had not been in contact for over a year. Was also just thinking of me, wanted to write in and wish me well.

They were just being friendly, but for me on those days, it was heaven sent.

Lesson #1: When GOD drops a person in your heart, contact them and pray for them. You never know what that will mean to that person at that point in time.

I did eventually realize of course, that grumbling never did anybody any good, and so I took my issues to papa GOD for serious analysis. I started off by complaining, then by asking, then by claiming - all legitimate forms of prayer by the way. Then, I having exhausted all other options, I finally came to the point where I was able to listen, and surrender. There is nothing on earth like getting to the point where you just let go. Where you wrestle, and then surrender. It cannot be taught, it cannot be preached, it has to be experienced to be understood. The weight literally just shifts off your shoulder, and you make your peace with GOD and HIS will.

Lesson #2: Surrender is not something you say, it is something you do, after you get to a point in prayer where you touch heaven. As the bible says:

Eph 4:6-7
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Note that the peace (aka surrender) only comes after some real quality time with GOD. I am not a drinker or a smoker, but I fully suspect that the release people get from those activities cannot be compared to the release found in effectual, fervent, heartfelt prayer. Nothing like it!!

After that experience, I got home, and was led to pick up a book I have owned, but have not read for probably 6 years: A.W Tozer's "The pursuit of GOD". I am normally a speed reader, and its a little book, so I could have zipped through it in 45 minutes. But having just been taught the lesson about listening, I started to digest it in little bits and pieces. The second chapter is sooooo goood! Arghhh! Just fabulous.

The title of the chapter that GOD so eloquently used to speak to me today? "The blessedness of possessing nothing". There is nothing in there that I do not understand in my head, or that I have not even taught about myself. But this time, it just bypassed the brain, headed straight for the heart and stayed there. What was the basic message of this brilliant chaper?

"The way to deeper knowledge of God is through the lonely valleys of soul-poverty and abnegation of all things. The blessed ones who possess the Kingdom are they who have repudiated every external thing and have rooted from their hearts all sense of possessing. They are “poor in spirit.” They have reached an inward state paralleling the outward circumstances of the common beggar in the streets of Jerusalem; that is what the word “poor” as Christ used it actually means. These blessed poor are no longer slaves to the tyranny of things. They have broken the yoke of the oppressor; and this they have done not by fighting but by surrendering. Though free from all sense of possessing,they yet possess all things. “Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”Let me exhort you to take this seriously. It is not to be understood as mere Bible teaching to be stored away in the mind along with an inert mass of other doctrines. It is a marker on the road to greener pastures, a path chiseled against the steep sides of the mount of God. We dare not try to bypass it if we would follow on in this holy pursuit. We must ascend a step at a time. If we refuse one step we bring our progress to an end.

You can read the whole book here

Don't rush through it. Chew on it slowly. The language of the book is simple, but the message is heavy. After all these years (it was written in the 1940s), you can feel the anointing in the words, they go straight for the heart.

Anyways, for anybody out there who is going through, wrestle your way through the darkness, fight your way through the fire, and eventually you will get to the place of peace and surrender. This message is meant for somebody, I don't know who, but I tell you, it is well.

And for those of you who know who I am in real life - I am okay o. LOL! GOD and I just had to have a little talk. We have made our peace.

Ciao.

Have you seen "Welcome to Lagos"?

2010-05-17T00:47:00.001-05:00

So the BBC made this documentary that sharply divided the Nigerian audience. While some people felt that it was derogatory and small minded and petty and paternalistic and was post colonialistic (sorry, I am tired of blowing grammer! LOL!!)in outlook, others thought it was brilliant film-making. I fall in the latter category actually. Yeah, its washing of dirty linen in public, but it was very well done. The main argument against the series was that it did not reflect all of Lagos. Which is valid. But perhaps trying to make some kind of contrast documentary would have made things look even worse? Who knows? Anyways, the controversy has been raging for a while, and I think it was only replaced by the death of president Yaradua. If you have not seen it, check it out. It will make you grateful for what you have, and perhaps, to be more compassionate towards the working poor. Lord have mercy!!

The rest of it is on youtube. Check it out if you have time.

And yes, it appears that vocal slender's star is on the rise after appearing in that documentary. Dude is going to perform in London with Basketmouth. I don't think he will be on that dump much longer. Love a Cinderella story!!

Okay now, enjoy the documentary if you can watch it all, and drop a line to tell me what you think. Yes I know I am late, but not everyone has been following this story abi? Ehen now, if I was to first to break it to you, abeg drop a line and let me know what you think.

See ya!

First good look at acting president Goodluck Jonathan

2010-04-13T15:41:00.002-05:00

So, he is currently in the US, has met with president Obama, and is now doing the publicity tour I guess. He appears to be an intelligent man, some of the answers are longwinded, and some are overly political, but in general, he seems to have some grasp of the issues. Our first Phd leader! Hmm. Yes dude can talk the talk, but can he walk the walk? Time will tell.

Enjoy:

How long will it last?

2010-04-05T06:29:00.001-05:00

Even I think she's crazy.......

My Masai Mr Right: Why is this middle-class woman giving up a life of luxury to live in a mud hut with an African warrior?

Like many young women in love, Colette Armand believes she was hit by a coup de foudre when she first saw her future husband. 'The attraction was instant,' she says. 'We had an immediate connection.'

Photographs testify to the strength of their bond, showing a beaming young couple clearly delighted by each other's company.

That, however, is where the conventional nature of their romance ends. For Colette's intended is a Masai warrior whose home is a mud hut on the vast African plains.

Like many young women in love, Colette Armand believes she was hit by a coup de foudre when she first saw her future husband. 'The attraction was instant,' she says. 'We had an immediate connection.'

Photographs testify to the strength of their bond, showing a beaming young couple clearly delighted by each other's company.

That, however, is where the conventional nature of their romance ends. For Colette's intended is a Masai warrior whose home is a mud hut on the vast African plains.

Meitkini's tribe have no possessions and no running water, and their food is either plucked from the ground or killed with a spear.

Nonetheless, after a courtship of three years, Colette, 24, is preparing to abandon all the comforts of her western lifestyle to join her life permanently with his - even though, to date, she hasn't shared so much as a kiss with her 23-year-old fiance, as Masai rules forbid physical contact between men and women who aren't married.

What's more, she has to accept that, in the future, she may have to share her husband with other women, as Masai tradition permits any number of wives.

'In time I may have to accept that he will marry again,' she says. 'I hope he chooses not to take another wife, but if not then I will compromise.'

Colette admits that she never expected her life to end up on such an unusual path.

The daughter of a nurse and a businessman, her father's job, as director of a large mining company, took the family all over the world.

Academically gifted, at 17 she was studying literature at the Sorbonne in Paris. At 21, disillusioned with her studies and with a failed romance behind her, she decided to take a gap year - 'I realised I needed to have an adventure and try and find myself.

I had always wanted to go to Africa, so I found a job working for an organisation that runs orphanages in Kenya,' she says.

'In the space of a week I quit my studies, withdrew all my savings and got on a flight to Nairobi. I didn't tell anyone what I was doing, except my mum, who was hysterical. She thought I was throwing away all my hard work. But I'd made up my mind.'

So, within 24 hours, Colette had swapped the comfort of her apartment for a rug on the
Meitkini's tribe have no possessions and no running water, and their food is either plucked from the ground or killed with a spear.

Nonetheless, after a courtship of three years, Colette, 24, is preparing to abandon all the comforts of her western lifestyle to join her life permanently with his - even though, to date, she hasn't shared so much as a kiss with her 23-year-old fiance, as Masai rules forbid physical contact between men floor of the orphanage, which had no electricity nor running water.

'Yes, it was basic, but the funny thing was that I felt instantly at home,' she says. 'Working with the children helped give me perspective. Most of them had been abandoned because they were disabled, which was very humbling.'

Among them was Mumbe, a nine-year-old boy who, prior to Colette's arrival, had never spoken a word. 'One day, he turned to me and said "mummy",' she recalls. 'It was a huge shock, and everyone at the orphanage thought I had magical healing properties.'

So much so that word spread, and a few days later, one of Colette's supervisors told her that the head of a local Masai tribe wanted to meet her. The tribe lived several hours drive away over dusty, uneven terrain.

'When I got there I was taken to meet the chief, Kehmini, who was incredibly welcoming. I was lucky that the tribe spoke quite good English, so I could communicate well. Kehmini then invited me to stay, and showed me to a hut that would be my home while I was there,' she recalls.

Even after the privations of the orphanage, her first night was spent in insomniac discomfort. 'There are no doors on the hut, so I was terrified a snake would slither in,' she recalls. 'I lay there listening to every movement.'

The next morning she was further shocked by the harsh realities of life in the Masai. 'The only water came from a small muddy tributary that's home to snakes and crocodiles,' says Colette. 'I was too scared to bathe, so I had to resort to having a makeshift wash in water boiled on the fire - which is what I ended up doing for months to come.'

Nonetheless, she quickly grew to love the simple rhythm of life with the tribe. 'A typical day starts at 4am and ends at 6pm, when everyone sits around the campfire, and cooks and talks. You go to sleep at seven. In the morning, the men go out hunting and the women look after the children and work in the fields. The beauty of sitting under a vast African moon by the campfire, or watching the sun rise over the plain, is hard to describe.'

The tribe quickly took her to their heart, and after two weeks Colette was told the community had decided to sacrifice a goat as a welcoming gift - a huge honour.

'They slaughtered it in front of me, which was horrible, then put its warm blood in a cup for me to drink. It tasted disgusting, but I had to do it as I would have hugely offended them otherwise. I just closed my eyes and tried not to be sick.'

'My mother sees it as a family scandal and won't speak to me'

On other occasions, it was animal life of a different kind that was hard to stomach. 'One night I left the hut in the small hours to answer the call of nature, only to see a black mamba snake rearing its head just a few feet away. They are deadly, and I was terrified. My screams woke the whole camp, and men came running with sticks and managed to carry it away. I was still very shaken.'

But for all these privations, Colette soon realised she had no desire to leave - a feeling enhanced when, a few days later, she first saw her future husband while she was picking coffee beans in the fields. 'Meitkini was the chief's brother, but I hadn't seen him before as he'd been away hunting for several weeks. When I first saw him he was striding towards me carrying a lion he had helped kill, and he looked like this incredibly masculine force. I was smitten.

Later, when I was introduced to him by the chief and we started talking, it was like speaking to my double. He was clever and articulate, and there was an immediate connection. From then on I was in love.'

Meitkini, she says, felt the same way, but Masai relationships do not adhere to the same conventions as they do in the West. 'The Masai don't marry for love but for power and social position, so it is a slightly alien concept. It was a long time before we were able to acknowledge our feelings for each other, and we couldn't express them physically, as Masai rules forbid physical contact between unmarried men and women. It was frustrating, but I had to respect their culture. I was a visitor and it would have been a gross insult to behave any other way.'

Instead, Colette waited, hoping the tribe would grow to trust her. 'Five months later, Kehmini told me the community had accepted me and would be happy for me to live there permanently. It was a huge honour.'

Yet there was one final hurdle to overcome - Colette felt an overwhelming urge to finish her studies back home before she could commit to her new life in Kenya. 'It was tough because I loved him, but the intellectual side of me wanted fulfilment too.' Colette recalls.

'I talked to Meitkini about it and he told me he would wait for me.' Matters came to a head when, in October 2008, with civil unrest sweeping the country, a passing UNESCO charity worker told her that, as a white woman, she was in huge danger and urged her to leave Kenya for a while. 'I was scared but also upset - I didn't want to leave Meitkini, but he said I should take the chance to return to England and study for a while. There were a lot of tears.'

But there were happier tidings too: before she left, the tribe's chief gave Colette and Meitkini his blessing to marry. 'He said the whole tribe felt something special had happened between us and that we were destined to be together.'

Colette returned to England, moving in with friends into a small flat in south-east London, and quickly being accepted onto her PhD course. But life in the West no longer felt familiar.

'For three weeks, I barely left my room. I felt like a stranger in my own culture - the sheer noise of city life gave me a splitting headache. I realised I now thought of Africa as my home, and I was determined to go back.'

Unsurprisingly, her conviction has proved incomprehensible to many of her friends, who cannot grasp why Colette wants to turn her back on the luxuries of western life. 'Obviously, some of them have found it hard to understand - they just cannot conceive of what my life is like there. At the same time they can clearly see how happy I am, and none of them have tried to talk me out of it,' she says.

Sadly, the same cannot be said of her mother, who is still unable to accept Colette's decision and remains estranged from her daughter. (Her father's opinion isn't known, as he walked out on her mother when Colette was 12, and hasn't seen his daughter since.) 'The fact that I'm going to marry a Masai is a scandal in the family and, as a result, she and I don't speak. It's sad, but we're very different people,' she says.

And so Colette is making the final plans for her wedding. It will be a two-day affair, with Masai travelling from miles around to celebrate their union, and an ox slaughtered in honour of the happy couple. That, however, is where the festivities will end, and afterwards Colette will be back in the fields at dawn, planting grain or harvesting coffee beans.
'It's a simple life, and one that would be anathema to most people in the West, but it makes me happy,' she says. 'I have no problem with giving up my western ways. When I'm there I feel so alive and free. Living with the tribe has taught me to live in the present. It taught me what matters.'
source

In this instance, I have to see reason with the mother. This is craziness pure and simple. Abi how you see am? Na wah o.

Shell Apologises?!!!??????!!!!!!!

2010-03-29T10:45:00.003-05:00

Update: This appears to be a prank by The Yes Men (thanks mauricef3). A real apology would have been nice though!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First of all, let me make an apology myself. I have not been blogging regularly, and I am so sorry. I know I have readers who keep wondering when I will update this blog. Sorry for the disappointment and the long wait, but now, I think I am back. I will try to find time to write, and when I do write for other sources, I will point you in that direction as well.

Having said all that, I saw something this morning that left me totally flabbergasted. I NEVER thought I would see the day - shell apologising for their Niger Delta operations? Knock me over with a feather!! First I thought it was an April fool joke. Is it an April fool joke? Actually, I still think it is an April fools joke. I cannot believe that any corporation will expose themselves to the lawsuits that are bound to follow that kind of declaration. Its probably some group with their own idea of what Shell should be saying. But on the off chance that it might even slightly be true, here is the video of shell's "alleged" mea culpa.

And the statement they supposedly put out:

The Hague, 27 March 2010

Today, Royal Dutch Shell is holding back the tears no more. Shell apologises to all inhabitants of Nigeria’s Niger Delta for the many years of human rights violations, for which Shell takes full responsibility.

Confronted with massive evidence of human rights violations that can only be attributed to its operations in the Niger Delta, Royal Dutch Shell is extremely proud to be the first international petrochemical company to publicly say:

We are sorry.

Since Shell first discovered oil in the Niger Delta in 1956, the company has ravished the land and polluted the environment. “We thought these people didn’t know what was good for them,” explains Bradford Houppe, Vice-President of Shell’s newly established Ethical Affairs Committee. “We never knew that we were bringing them impoverishment, conflict, abuse and deprivation. Now we know.” Shell acknowledges that it is responsible for large-scale oil spills, waste dumping and gas flaring. Each year, hundreds of oil spills occur, many of which are caused by corrosion of oil pipes and poor maintenance of infrastructure. “Our failure to deal with these spills swiftly and the lack of effective clean-up greatly exacerbate their human rights and environmental impact,” says Houppe. “And that is wrong. It’s just really wrong.”

More than 60 per cent of the people in the Niger Delta depend on the natural environment for their livelihood. But due to the oil pollution, many of them use polluted water to drink and to cook and wash with, and eat fish contaminated with oil and other toxins. Oil spills and waste dumping have also seriously damaged agricultural land.

The destruction of livelihoods and the lack of redress have led people to steal oil and vandalise oil infrastructure in an attempt to gain compensation or clean-up contracts. Armed groups engage in large-scale theft of oil and the ransoming of oil workers. Government reprisals frequently involve excessive force and the collective punishment of communities, thus deepening general anger and resentment.

Between 2005 and 2008, the Nigerian government received around $36 billion in taxes and royalties from Shell. “They have never, not in the slightest, held us to account for all the wrong we did,” says Houppe. “So without taking back any of our apologies, by all means: blame them too!”

A comprehensive Plan of Action, featuring general apologies, detailed apologies, apologies in Braille and apologies in rhyme that Shell employees will hang on the walls in their offices, will be presented at Shell’s Annual General Meeting on 18 May 2010 in The Hague.

Source

I am sorry, but I find it waaay too funky for words. I am not a believer. What about you?

Special Nigerian Valentine day playlist

2010-02-14T00:11:00.004-06:00

Today is valentine’s day. It’s a day set aside for appreciating that special somebody in your life. You know who I am talking about:

The one that makes your heart go KPO KPO DI KPO

Who whispers sweet and DELICIOUS nothings in your ears

You can promise to be her HERO

Or let her know that she is THE WOMAN

And to her, you swear allegiance TILL YOUR DYING DAY.

Yes ladies, tell him that he KNOWS what to do:

And dudes, tell her that she is TRULY your woman:

Tell them how they mean EVERYTHING to you :

Yes folks, its valentine’s day.

Tell somebody you LOVE them today.

You can view the entire Nigerian lovesong playlist here , or click on the left and right arrow keys and watch them all below:

You can also read the associated articles with many more songs here

HAPPY VAL'S DAY FOLKS!!!!!!

Pat Robertson on Haiti earthquake

2010-01-14T03:08:00.000-06:00

Sooo, in the middle of all the suffering in Haiti, we have a scandal prompted by some comments made by Pat Robertson, televangelist and founder of the Christian broadcasting network (CBN).

Here is what he had to say on the earthquake:

Pat Robertson comments

And the full text for your convenience:

PAT ROBERTSON: And, you know, Kristi, something happened a long time ago in Haiti, and people might not want to talk about it. They were under the heel of the French. You know, Napoleon III and whatever. And they got together and swore a pact to the devil. They said, "We will serve you if you will get us free from the French." True story. And so, the devil said, "OK, it's a deal."

And they kicked the French out. You know, the Haitians revolted and got themselves free. But ever since, they have been cursed by one thing after the other. Desperately poor. That island of Hispaniola is one island. It's cut down the middle. On the one side is Haiti; on the other side is the Dominican Republic. Dominican Republic is prosperous, healthy, full of resorts, et cetera. Haiti is in desperate poverty. Same island. They need to have and we need to pray for them a great turning to God. And out of this tragedy, I'm optimistic something good may come. But right now, we're helping the suffering people, and the suffering is unimaginable.

KRISTI WATTS (co-host): Absolutely, Pat.

His comments have led to quite the media storm, leading to this response from the Haitian ambassador to the US - dude was very visibly ticked:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

How do you even begin to say something like that at a time like this? Sensitivity training anyone?

Na wah o!!

Devastation in Haiti.

2010-01-14T02:34:00.000-06:00

So its barely two weeks into the new year, and major disaster has already struck. I am sure that by now, you have all heard that a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck in Haiti a couple of days ago, leaving apocalyptic like destruction in its path. Its hard to imagine the fear, the pain, the loss that people are feeling right at this moment. Unbelievable!

Picture: The presidential palace before and after the earthquake

Haitians piled bodies along the devastated streets of their capital Wednesday after a powerful earthquake crushed thousands of structures, from schools and shacks to the National Palace and the U.N. peacekeeping headquarters. Untold numbers were still trapped.

It seemed clear that the death toll from Tuesday afternoon's magnitude-7.0 quake would run into the thousands. Among them was the Roman Catholic archbishop of Port-au-Prince, and France's foreign minister said the head of the U.N. peacekeeping mission also was apparently among the dead.

"Parliament has collapsed. The tax office has collapsed. Schools have collapsed. Hospitals have collapsed," President Rene Preval told The Miami Herald. "There are a lot of schools that have a lot of dead people in them."
more and more

A few more pictures:

There are lots of organizations that are working around the clock to get aid to the victims. Even if you cannot go, please send a donation. This is not just a Haitian tragedy, its a human tragedy, and it should touch us all.

You can give to any of these organizations to help:

International charities are appealing for donations to help Haiti. Here are some of the ways you can help:

In the UK:

British Red Cross

Christian Aid

Medecins Sans Frontieres

In the US:

Doctors Without Borders

Operation Blessing International

The Global Orphan Project

These organisations also have ways to donate:

International Red Cross

International Medical Corps

World Food Programme

Concern Worldwide

ActionAid

International Relief and Development

I also know that other organizations like Compassion international are also soliciting funds for the cause.

LORD have mercy!!

The save Nigeria Rally in Abuja

2010-01-12T16:04:00.000-06:00

Hi folks!

Happy new year. Been a while abi? Sorry o, I have had so much going on in my life ehn! But I just had to come out of hibernation and make this posting. In the past few months, I have not heard much to be proud of as a Nigerian - first we have a president who has been missing for 50 days and counting, then we had a Nigerian underwear bomber, then we were labeled a terrorist nation by the US.

There has not been much to be proud of for a while, but today, I was really proud of Nigerians. Honestly. As a people we have started to say enough is a enough to our band of crazy, greedy, irresponsible, lying, twofaced, so called leaders, that have been lying to us left right and center for so long. The event was the Save Nigeria Rally in Abuja. I am so proud of my fellow citizens, I could burst!!

Here is some video of the event, and of the so called message of our sick president to the BBC this morning:

There are more pictures of the rally here

The revolution has begun folks. We are tired, tired of being ruled by vermin! Tired I say. There are a series of other protests planned:

London protest .
Friday 15th January 2010
12pm
Trafalgar square, move to parliament square- then ends at Nigerian High Commison.
Nigeria House
9 Northumberland Avenue
London WC2N 5BX
Encouraged to come with Nigerian flag, Homemade banners, Dress warm . Contact 07984212553 or e mail info@nigerialiberty forum.org. uk London Metropolitan Police will provide security.
Key point for Protest - Where is Musa Yar'Adua, Nigerians are no terroristsStop the criminalisations of Nigerians,Fight against corruption and add as you may wish

Australia Protest
Tuesday 12th January 2010
Time: 12 PM
Venue: Nigerian High Commission Canberra.
26 Guilfoyle Street,
Yarralumla, ACT 2600Ph: +61 2 6282 7411.
Contact Abiola Falayajo Jr. abifas@hotmail. com for more details.

As I get more info on more planned gatherings, I will post them here. Please people go to a protest if you can. We have to send a message to these parasites and leeches - enough is enough.

GOD bless Nigeria. We shall overcome o!!

Merry Christmas !!

2009-12-25T00:29:00.000-06:00

We are snowed in here, but hey! CHRIST is still the reason for the season. Have a fabulous day. Eat, drink, love the ones you are with, and be grateful. Always be grateful.

Ciao.

Gospel Music spotlight: Gbenga Owoeye-Wise

2009-12-20T04:01:00.000-06:00

I owned Gbenga's first cd. Well, kind of - someone made me a copy and I remember playing it at my house when I had company. It was really popular until one of my "friends" finally stole it. Is it considered stealing if the person who takes the stuff tells you they took it, but have no intention of returning it? Hmmm!!
After I threatened fire and brimstone, and was met was met with no response, I finally went to investigate how to get another copy. I guess my loss was your gain, and I guess, Gbenga's too, because I bought a legitimate copy and now I can tell you where to get yours too.

Bottomline is, his music is that good - for praise or for worship. Back when he released the first cd, it was THE cd - very popular!! Unfortunately though, Mr Wise does not seem to be as prolific as many of his colleagues in terms of output, and its hard to find his stuff on youtube or any of the usual online suspects. In fact, after some intensive digging, this was all I could find to show you:

This song is from his second cd "colorful". It is unfortunate, but he does not seem to have produced anything since that album in 2004.

A little about him:

His name is GBENGA OWOEYE-WISE but he’s called GBENGA WISE by his fans since he came into the mainstream gospel scene in 1992. Gbenga’s musical career began as a praise and worship leader in a local church in Lagos Nigeria called Winners Chapel. He served under the leadership of Bishop David Oyedepo in what is one of the fastest growing churches in the world. Gbenga was a worship leader there for seven years to the congregation of over sixty thousand members. As an up and coming vocalist his fisrt cd was released in 1995 as a dual. He was profoundly involve in church ministries through music and was tenacious in this domain. He joined the House on the Rock Church in Lagos in 1997 as the Praise and Worship leader there. In 2000 he traveled to the United States with group of church members to attend the Potters House in Dallas, Texas (Pastored by Bishop T.D Jakes) to perform at the dedication ceremony of their new auditorium. Gbenga has now made to transition to lving in the U.S. and over the past few years he has ministered in songs many churches through his powerful music. He recently performed at a concert hosted by Bobby Jones on aids awareness in Harlem New York. Gbenga recently won the Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2006 for the Best Gospel Artist.

source

Gbenga, despite being out of circulation, still has two great cds out, which are widely available for purchase. African praise 1 was one of the first and most popular praise compilation cds out there. It was released in 2003. The second album colorful was released in 2004. Both are widely available for purchase. You can find them on amazon and I suspect itunes (which I still refuse to use!!), and cdbaby among several other online sources.

You can learn more about him on facebook and on his myspace page.

Enjoy!!

Gospel music spotlight: Sammie Okposo

2009-12-15T23:04:00.000-06:00

Sammie Okposo is basically the king of gospel music in Nigeria - no contest. I own all of his albums and jam to them all the time. His albums contain everything from praise, to worship to inspirational, to chillout, to dance music. He sings in a whole bunch of genres too. Just love his music.

About Sammie:

Born in the late sixties, Gospel Artiste Sammie Okposo hails from Delta State, Nigeria. Growing up, Sammie dedicated time to his Church playing Piano for the Choir. His music profession started as a producer in 1995 when he joined the Nigerian Movie Industry as a Sound Track Producer and later ventured into Music Producing. Today, he is credited for producing hits for some of the biggest names in the Nigerian Music Scene.

In 2000, Sammie took Nigerian Gospel Music to another level with the release of his debut album titled Unconditional Love. The hit track off the album “Welu-Welu” gained international popularity. In, 2004 Sammie was invited to Perform at the 2004 Martin Luther King Day and July 4TH Independence day Celebrations respectively in Lagos and has featured prominently in Concerts in all over Nigeria, Africa, Europe and America. Labeled as one of the most electrifying and inspiring voices in Gospel Music, his music has won him not only a wide audience and critical acclaim, but also numerous Awards in appreciation of his work.

1994 — Most Promising Male Artiste (Fame Music Awards)
1997 — Best Sound Track (The Movie Awards- Nigeria)
1998 — Best Sound Track (The Movie Awards- Nigeria)
1999 — Best Sound Track (The Movie Awards- Nigeria)
2000 — Best Sound Track (The Movie Awards-Nigeria)
2001 — Best Gospel Artiste (Amen Awards- Nigeria)
2002 — Best Contemporary Gospel Artiste (Power of Music and Praise Awards)
2002 — Gospel Artiste Of The Year (Power of Music and Praise Awards)
2003 — Best Gospel Male Artiste in Africa Nominee (KORA Awards, South Africa)
2005 — Best Male Contemporary Gospel Artiste in Nigeria (Amen Awards)
2005 — Best Male Gospel Artiste in Africa (KORA Awards, South Africa)
source

Yes, he is a much decorated singer. He has had three albums out, and they are all wonderful.

Video from the albums -

Album 1: Welu Welu Reloaded

Album 2: Addicted

Album 3: No more drama

I have to say, great as all his albums are, the second one is my favorite by far. Just a masterpiece, fabulous from beginning to end.

So where can you get his stuff? Lots of places actually.

All three are available on cdbaby, the last two are available for download on amazon and also here in the US. UK buyers can get his music here. I am sure there are numerous other outlets for our UK folk.

You can learn more about him on his website.

Enjoy!

Gospel Music spotlight: Samsong

2009-12-14T20:54:00.000-06:00

I have no idea why this singer has never blown up as a gospel artiste in Nigeria. He is a super talented and very creative singer. Anyways, before I analyze the problem, first an introduction:

Samson Uche Mogekwu (Samsong)has been singing since he was eight years old, taking his music more seriously by being part of a group called Praise Creation (PeeCee). The group released their first album in 1996 titled 'Best of Life'. Now Samsong, as a solo artist, has released two albums. His debut album titled 'Count Your Blessings' has done extremely well at home and abroad. He has recently released his second album titled 'World of My Dreams' featuring the hit single 'Bianule' and guest appearances by Styl Plus, Onyeka Onwenu amongst others.

Samsong has received a handful of awards and accolades, including the Psalmist Award. He was nominated as the "Best Gospel Artist" in the Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA) in New York 2008.

source

Some samples of his music:

Bianule

One love, ft Onyeka Onwenu

Count your blessings

Brighter day

He obviously has a beautiful voice right? Why isn't he well known? I have no idea. So I am connecting you to Samsong's beautiful voice and inspiring music.

You can find out more about him on his Myspace and on his wiki bio here.

His music is available for purchase here for US buyers, and here for UK buyers.

Isn't the amount of talent in the gospel genre amazing?

Ciao.