By Sam Eyoboka & Olayinka Latona

THE 17th Holy Ghost Congress of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, with a unique theme, ‘The great Shepherd’ kicked off with an impressive crowd of worshippers on Monday night with the General Overseer of Sword of the Spirit Church, Bishop Francis Wale Oke preaching the first message.

The opening prayer was taken by the Special Assistant to G.O. and member RCCG Governing Board Co-Ordinator Central African Region, Pastor Ezekiel Odeyemi .

Lifting praise and worship

The day’s session also featured high praise from the Mass Choir of the church led by Pastor Kunle Ajayi and renowned gospel singer, Evangelist Dupe Olulana who ministered at the offering.

The opening programme started with a heart lifting praise and worship led by the church national choir.

The hospitality group of the Redeemed Christian Church of God dancing during the praise and worship on the first day of the on-going 2014 Holy Ghost Congress of the church at Km 46, Lagos Ibadan expresway. Photo Lamidi Bamidele

An Assistant General Overseer in the mission, Pastor M.O. Ojo was the one who led the congregation in thanking God for the past congresses, an annual spiritual programme which began at an open space in Lekki, Lagos with the theme, Divine Visitation.

Speaking on the topic: “He is worthy to be praised”, Bishop Oke who enjoined the impressive crowd on the first day of the spiritual exercise to develop a life of gratitude to God, explained that it is only God that deserved all our praise for all He has done for mankind, praise Him for His goodness notwithstanding challenges that come ones way.

Describing the uniqueness of God’s awesomeness and the importance of thankfulness, the Sword of Spirit founder said that it is worthy to appreciate God concerning the nation, family and individual citizens.

He further explained that unthankfulness is an act of wickedness, unholiness, a mark of pride and ingratitude, stressing that it is only God who makes way where there seems to be no way and is deserving of all our praises.

“When one praises God, He delivers one from all known and unknown enemies and makes one to finish well and strong,” he said, adding “it is only God that is worthy to be praised, He is holy, good, righteous, wonderful, great and worthy. There are some people who are great but not worthy, God is not an oppressor, He is absolutely just, upright, merciful, good shepherd. He is free but not lawless”.

Delivering his first message of the event titled; “Defender of the defenceless”, the General Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye who was dressed in a blue trousers and a sparkling white shirt, explained that it is a horrible thing to be defenseless in a hostile world.

He urged the congregation to put their utmost hope and faith in God who is the great shepherd, adding that it is only God who can deliver, protect and defend the defenceless one who put their hope and trust in God.

Adeboye further warned that those who put their hope in the high and mighty mortal men who will die will be disappointed but rather trust in God who lives for ever and answer the prayers of the weak.

In his words: “Unless God comes to our aid speedily we are done for and the God whom we serve is mighty to save and He alone has the ability to kill and to save. He heals the wound and has the final say.

“God has promised to strengthen the weak, uphold His children, disgrace their enemies, reduce the enemies to nothing and cause the enemies to perish,” he noted.

The cleric therefore advised the congregation and all those who will be joining the programme, not to take the six-day spiritual event with levity, saying it is an outstanding programme from the good shepherd whom, he said, never lies.

DAY THREE (WEDNESDAY) Programme

MORNING SESSION

9.00am       10.00 am.   Prayer & Intercession 

10.00am.      10.30am    Praise & Worship

10.30           11.30am   Talks & Prayers-”Names above all names”

11.30am       12. noon   Offering

12.00 noon.     1.00pm    Ministration

AFTERNOON

4.00pm       4.15pm         Praise, Worship & Prayers

4.15pm       4.30pm         Offering

4.30pm       5.30pm                 Talks & Discussions

a). Marriage: Overcoming the fears of the unknown

1. b) Managing in an unstable environment
2. c) Parenting in the Internet age 11(The teenage years)
3. d) Special Talk: (ministers only)

EVENING SESSION

6.00pm.       7.00pm      Prayer & Intercession

7.00pm        8.00pm     Praise, worship & choir 

8.00pm.       8.15pm.     Greetings & announcements

8.15pm         8.35pm  Special prayer one:”Prayer for the education sector”

8.35pm.       9.10pm       Talk one: “I   can do all things”

9.10pm.       9.30pm.      Special prayer 2 “The singles, widows, & the apparent barren

9.30pm       10.00pm.       Greetings

10.00pm.      10.30pm.      Offering

10.30pm       10.50pm.      Choir ministration

10.50pm       12.30am.      Talk two – “The Greater Restorer”