News
Why I Left United States Of America For Nigeria – Cleric
Published
1 year agoon
By
EditorPastor Justin Epih, the presiding Bishop of Overcomer’s Gospel Church of Christ Mission, Upper Sakponba Road, Benin City, Edo State, has narrated the encounter that led to him leaving the comfort of the United States of America for Nigeria.
According to the Cleric, he left his job in the US to answer the call of God to start a ministry in Nigeria, while other Nigerians are doing everything possible to relocate to the United States.
He added that obeying God’s call has been a life turning one.
He narrated his encounter during the 2022 Annual Thanksgiving service and 2nd anniversary of the church in Benin, adding that his journey to the US started when he was eighteen (18) years old.
He said: “My encounter with God started at the age of eighteen years. It was God that helped me to the US, but even after settling down with my family, God asked me to return to Nigeria to start a ministry.
“I feel so great; I feel so excited, because the promises of God are real, that is my excitement. When God told me I have to come back to Nigeria, it wasn’t so easy, it wasn’t an exciting moment, but I had no option, but to obey. I told God I am not going to walk down to Nigeria, He told me not to worry, within two years he changed everything, and I saw that I wasn’t making money and I realized that I have to go back to Nigeria, that I had no choice. That is why I am here now, and I feel happy obeying God, I feel good, I now understand that the call is from him not man made.”
On the challenges he has faced so far, he said: “The challenges has been how to make people believe; how to bring people together to buy into the vision. I was initially frustrated, I wanted to go back, but because it is an obligation that I should be here. He said come sit down in the church that he is going to meet me.”
READ ALSO: NCC Warns Of Phishing Attack Exploit
While giving advice to young ministers like him, the Cleric said: “My advice to up and coming ministers is to be patient with God, because as a minister, you must have had an encounter with God once and if you believe that that encounter was with God, why do you doubt Him.
“When God says a word he doesn’t change it. So you should go back and start doing what he asked you to do, if you have been doing it your way, your way is not going to be right, the reason is that the evil one will fight you, but if you are in His will, He will protect you.
“Just take a step in His direction, when you take one, two, then He will help you take the third step. Just take doubt away, but you should know that the devil’s purpose is to give you doubt, but if God has done something for you before, why doubt him now.”
You may like
News
How God Saved Me From Firing Squad – Gospel Artiste, Buchi
Published
5 hours agoon
April 28, 2024By
EditorA popular gospel singer, Buchi Atuonwu, simply known as Buchi, has revealed how God saved him from firing squad.
During an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief program on Friday, Buchi said he and some other people were already lined up for execution by the firing squad.
He said despite not being religious, his desperation to be alive made him call on God and make a promise to dedicate his life to serving Him in exchange for his life if spared.
He narrated, “At a point in my life, we were laying up for execution. Indeed, the people who were to execute us were already kneeling, ready to fire. It is true that I called out to a God that I didn’t know, saying if you save me, I will serve you. Since we don’t have all the time, let me just say that He saved me from that firing squad.
READ ALSO: How I Formed Kidnap Gang During My 11yrs In Prison- Suspected Kidnapper
“Then I devoted my life to serving him. To see that my music is not empty and that it becomes an extension of a classroom for me having been a teacher in the university. The stage became an extension of the classroom. Who says musicians can not sing about GMOs, government policies, trends, events, and happenings that inform the quality of life of the people?”
Speaking on what influenced his choice of music, Buchi said his background and an intention to make a change after being spared from death were the factors responsible for his style of music.
“I come from a peculiar background. Night club DJ and at the same time a university lecturer and transiting to the choir of a church having been involved in the campus confraternity, drug abuse, and youth violence amongst others.
“My kind of music has to be somewhat different. Influenced by that background and also with an intention to make a change, it led me to the kind of stories that you are referring to. Stories that manured the songs that I put out, such as gun running and violence,” he stated.
READ ALSO: Man Jumps Into Lagoon, Dies After Being Chased By Mob For Alleged Stealing
No relationship between reggae music and weed
Speaking on a controversial comment that every musician must use performance-enhanced drugs to perform at their best, Buchi said it is a narrative sold by people, adding that there is no relationship between reggae music and weed.
“It is a narrative sold by people interested in the matter. It’s like saying to watch a good movie, I need popcorn. yes, they go together, people buy it and do it. They practice it. It is also like saying to watch a good football match. I need a particular kind of drink with me.
“It is okay to sell your products and ideas but I don’t have to accept it absolutely because I know that I can watch a good movie without popcorn and I can also watch a good football game without the drinks in question. In the same way, there is no relationship between reggae music and weed.
READ ALSO: Lawyer Drags NERC, AGF, Minister Of Power To Court Over Electricity Tariff Hike
“Yes, I have been there, and now I am here. I know for sure that the substances that I took at that time did not enhance my performance. It is true that you have to be in a certain state of mind to give your best, but drugs don’t take you there. There are so many other things like deep thinking and concern for what you are that can take you there.”
In January, the music star refuted claims that his genre of music— reggae was connected to his past romance with marijuana.
His response followed criticisms from those who questioned the inspiration behind a book he published.
PUNCH
A Former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Benin, Edo State, Prof. Pius Iribhogbe, is dead.
Until his demise, Prof. Iribhogbe was also a consultant trauma surgeon, head of the Department of Surgery and coordinator of the School of Paramedics at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
The academic scholar passed on in Saudi Arabia.
UNIBEN’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Benedicta Ehanire, who confirmed the surgeon’s death said the school was yet to issue a statement.
News
Residents Displaced As Rainstorms Wreck Havoc In Edo Community
Published
8 hours agoon
April 27, 2024By
EditorLampese community in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State has been ravaged by rainstorms.
The incident was said to have occurred Friday as a result of a heavy downpour which affected many houses including the electricity transformer.
An eyewitness account described the incident as very unfortunate following the level of devastation.
Residents of the community have therefore called on the state and local governments and all concerned authorities to come to their rescue with a view to proffering urgent solutions and resettling displaced residents.
READ ALSO: PHOTOS: Properties Worth Millions Destroyed As Fire Razes Shops In Benin
Reacting to the situation, the local government council chairman, Tajudeen Suleman, who said he was far away in Enugu State for an official engagement, disclosed that he has mobilised the council officials to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment immediately he got the news, promising to visit victims as soon as he returns today.
He also said he was in touch with the state deputy governor, Marvellous Omobayo and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) on moves to fast track the process of resettling affected persons.
You’re Wicked Soul – Actress Okorie Slams Zubby Michael For Mourning Junior Pope On Instagram
How God Saved Me From Firing Squad – Gospel Artiste, Buchi
400 Bodies Found In Mass Grave In Gaza Hospital
Trending
- News3 days ago
Drama! Supporters Of Yahaya Bello Perform Rituals to Prevent His Arrest By EFCC [Video]
- Headline4 days ago
Drama As Women Fight Dirty, Breasts Fall Out During Spring Break Outing In US [PHOTOS/VIDEO]
- Entertainment4 days ago
Nollywood Actor, Zulu Adigwe Is Dead
- Headline4 days ago
Meet 17-year-old Nigerian Who Won $3.5m Worth Of Scholarships From Harvard, 13 Other Foreign Universities
- News4 days ago
VIDEO: Force PRO Orders Arrest Officers Caught On Video Bashing Driver’s Car
- Metro4 days ago
Edo Cultists Kill Rival In Daughter’s Presence, Abandon Getaway Car
- Headline4 days ago
Video Of Girl Being Bullied, Slapped At Lead British School Sparks Outrage Online [PHOTOS/VIDEO]
- Headline2 days ago
VIDEO: Meet Nigerian Pastor Who Predicted World Will End April 25
- News5 days ago
BREAKING: Dangote Further Crashes Diesel, Aviation Fuel Price
- News2 days ago
Edo: FRSC Threatens Sanction On Truck Drivers Loading Goods, Passengers Together