 |
| Cross section of men at the programme |
By Osifuye Samuel Olamide
The resplendent auditorium of Christ Apostolic Church, Akinyele Regional Headquarters, Ebute-Elefun, Lagos was once again adorned with an air of spirituality and jubilation as Men of Faith gathered to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of the Men Association (CACMA) of the region on Friday August 11, 2023.
With the theme "Man and His Faith in Christ," the programme proved to be a momentous occasion filled with inspiration, devotion and recognition of spiritual leadership.
It commenced with a melodious praise session by the Men’s choir, followed by a thought-provoking keynote address by the Regional Superintendent of Akinyele Region, Pastor S.A. Adedayo ably delivered by the Akinyele Regional Secretary, Pastor E.O.O. Oyedeji.
Pastor Adedayo told the men that they cannot thrive or function in full capacity without faith in Christ.
He told them that as men, faith is one of the most central parts of their with God, adding that: “no matter who we are, no matter what our walk in life, there will be trying times for us. These difficult moments test our faith and trust in God. Our faith is tested daily — by terrible news stories that remind us of death and cruelty, by personal troubles, by the human failings of our family and friends. And yet the more we live in faith, the better we are able to make our way in the world, to trust in God and his ultimate plan for the human race.
“Oswald Chambers, a Scottish Baptist evangelist and teacher says ‘faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading.’ We must be ready to journey with Christ in great faith particularly because we are men and we shoulder a lot of expectations and responsibilities. The centrality of faith in Christianity reflects the significance given to it in the bible. The bible teaches faith towards God, and also the doctrine of justification by faith (Romans 5:1). Moreover, Faith includes belief in the written word of God and also belief in the trustworthiness of God’s ability to keep His promise of reward to his followers (John 14:1-3). the bible records that the fathers of faith like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and others pleased God through the exhibition of their faith. The bible also makes it clear that it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6).”
Pastor Adedayo noted that we can only please God by walking with Him faith; we must trust Him completely and rely on Him totally as our father and closest friend.
He added that: “we manifest our trust in God when we pray to Him. The existence of God is settled in the mind of anyone who is a true Christian. Therefore, whenever a Christian prays to God, He is demonstrating faith in God’s existence. When a Christian repeatedly refuses to pray to God, He ignores God. However, God desires that all Christians pray continually. We must constantly and earnestly present our requests and supplications to Him in prayers, with full confidence and assurance that He answers the prayers of His children.”
After the welcome address, series of powerful prayer sessions followed, creating an atmosphere of unity and connection. The heartfelt prayers were a testament to the association's commitment to fostering a strong spiritual foundation among its members.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of an award to the immediate past leader of the Regional Men Association, Pastor Popoola. With humility and gratitude, he accepted the award, recognizing the collective efforts of the association's members and the transformative power of faith in shaping his leadership journey.
The program also acknowledged the presence of "Fathers of Faith" within the Region who have consistently demonstrated a deep and unwavering commitment to their faith and the Association. These venerable figures shared personal anecdotes and insights, offering wisdom gleaned from their own spiritual journeys. Their presence served as a living testament to the enduring strength of faith across generations. Among those honored were Akinyele Regional Superintendent, Pastor S.A Adedayo, Secretary, Akinyele Region, Pastor E.O.O Oyedeji, CACMA National Coordinator, Pastor Gideon Obiwale amongst others.
As the programme came to a close, it was evident that the 3rd anniversary celebration of CACMA, Akinyele Region had achieved its goal of reinforcing the bond between faith and men. Through the keynote address, heartfelt prayers, melodious music, recognition of leadership, and the guidance of Fathers of Faith, attendees were reminded of the profound impact that faith in Christ can have on every facet of a man's life.
The event not only celebrated the past accomplishments of the association but also laid a foundation for continued growth and spiritual transformation in the years to come. It was a poignant reminder that the journey of faith is not solitary, but a communal endeavor that strengthens and uplifts all who partake in it. The 3rd anniversary of the CACMA, Akinyele Region will undoubtedly be remembered as a significant milestone on the path of spiritual enlightenment and personal growth for all those in attendance.
Photo Speaks !
