The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor E.A. Adeboye has urged congregation at a church dedication not to lose hope irrespective of the challenges they might be facing. Adeboye said this during his message at the widely publicised dedication of RCCG Covenant Sanctuary Arena, Region 21 Headquarters Parish in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Pastor Adeboye taking his text from John 11:32-34 said hope must not be lost, just as in the case of Lazarus where people had already lost hope because Jesus delayed his visit. He said Jesus’ delay was to show his mightiness in the case of Lazarus. Making a reference to the dedicated church, the General Overseer prayed for all that had made it possible.
“For the fact that this project of some years was finally completed, I prophesy to your life that everything that needs to be completed or settled in your life, career and ministry, God will complete it in Jesus name,” he pronounced.
The man of God assured the congregation that there was hope as far as one is still breathing, “where there is life, there is hope, because a living dog is better than a dead lion” he said.
“As believers, we need to believe and have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ on anything we want to accomplish because Jesus is the only one that can help us” (Colossians 1:4), he added.
Pastor in Charge of Region 21, Pastor Oladele Balogun expressed his joy over the dedication and thanked the General Overseer, Pastor E. A. Adeboye for coming to dedicate the arena himself as well as Mummy G.O for their spiritual, moral and financial supports in making the project a reality.
Balogun also appreciated the Governor of Oyo State, Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his wife who were represented by the Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo in company of Chief of staff, Dr. Gbade Ojo and Special Adviser on Solid Mineral, Matthew Oyedokun. Other dignitaries were also appreciated by the Pastor in charge of the Region.
Earlier, the host had welcomed all Government functionaries, Assistant General Overseer, Special Assistants to the General Overseer, Pastors in charge of Regions, National Elders, National Secretaries, Directors, Pastors in charge of Provinces, Assistant Pastors in charge of provinces, Church Growth officers and their spouses and also the General Overseers of other church ministries that were present on the occasion.
He extended his appreciation to brethren in Region 21 who did not lose hope. He also particularly appreciated the commitment of his predecessors to the project and not forgetting his own wife and help mate who gave him a full support.
Meanwhile, Covenant Sanctuary has a seating capacity of 10000 auditorium and a multipurpose hall with 500 people capacity. It has a Gymnasium Centre at the basement and different mini meeting places as well as a well furnished conference room.
In his speech, the Governor of Oyo state, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, encouraged the people not to lose hope in the era of change.
“We should do what we can to make this administration work.
“I am very sure that if we can effect positive changes in our minds and the way we serve God, all will be well,”
Ajumobi acknowledged that the church structure is indeed the biggest in Africa. “I am happy it is located in Ibadan and not Lagos where the seat of RCCG is” he said as chorus laughter followed his statement.
Adding rhythm and colours to the dedication ceremony was the ministration of the Glory House Choir and the good women choir. Wale sax was also in attendance and he ministered in Sax to usher the G.O to the pulpit.
Awards were given on behalf of RCCG Region 21 to those who contributed to the success of the church, like the Honorable Commissioner for Land and Housing Oyo State, Mr. Isaac Omodewu, Chairman African Newspaper of Nigeria (AAN) PLC-Rev. Mrs. Tola Oyediran, Pastor C.O. Osho, Pastor E.O. Daramola, Pastor Odesola, the Chief Host, Pastor Dele Balogun among others.