By Oluwagbenga Bankole & Evang. Daniel Akinsanmi
The tide of history was shifted at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Ibukun, Yaba Districts' Coordinating Council (DCC) headquarters, Yaba, Lagos on Saturday, September 7, 2024, as its newly built ultra-modern cathedral was formally dedicated by the President of CAC Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samuel O. Oladele.
It is recalled that the first foundation stone of CAC Yaba was laid by the first General Evangelist of CAC Nigeria and Overseas, Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, in 1941. The initial church building underwent extension and renovation under the leadership of Pastor M.O. Aoko in 1989. Furthermore, the foundation stone of the new ultra-modern cathedral was laid by the incumbent Superintendent of CAC Yaba DCC, Pastor S.E.A. Oludare, on Sunday, May 13, 2022.
The multimillion-naira project serves as a remarkable example of God's abundant provision, achieved without the church incurring any debt or loans.
The programme had in attendance President of CAC Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Oladele, General Superintendent, Pastor Emmanuel O. Odejobi, General Secretary, Pastor Emmanuel E. Mapur, Finance Director, Pastor Johnson F. Omitinde and Missions Director, Pastor Caxton S. Fasuyi. The General Evangelist was unavoidably absent and represented by Secretary of CAC World Evangelistic Outreach, Pastor J.O. Makinwa. Other notable faces in attendance are Regional Superintendent of Akinyele Region, Pastor S.A. Adedayo, Regional Superintendent of Pearce Region, Pastor S.O. Aluko, Regional Superintendent of Akilling Region, Pastor E.A. Olusoko, Vice Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola Region, Prof. Olasebikan Fakolujo, Representative of the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministry, Dr. D.K. Olukoya, Special Assistant to CAC President, Pastor T.D. Asokeji, Director of Administration, Pastor Tope Dada, various DCC and Zonal Superintendents, and many others.
While ministering at the programme on the topic "Seeking the Good of the House of the Lord", the CAC President stated that the world would be inhabitable without the church of God.
He noted that the best place to be is the church, urging the congregation not to pay attention to some of the negative things being said about the church.
Pastor Oladele further stated that some negative things being said about the church may be real, but that doesn't mean the church is not the best place to be.
"The media is full of negativity and that is why it will never report anything good about the church. Take away the church from the world the world will become inhabitable. The reason why Nigeria is still liveable is because we have the church there. The power of a nation is those who called upon the name of the Lord. The church is the power of the nation. Christ sees in us what the world doesn't see. Don't join other people to disparage the church," the CAC President stated.
Speaking on 'how to seek the good of the house of the Lord', the Clergyman urged the people to enroll in this noble company, explaining that “It’s a noble company better than any other club on earth. You can't practice Christianity in isolation. Christ was more knowledgeable than the teachers in the synagogue, yet He listened to them when they preached. You need to place yourself under a Pastor."
Pastor Oladele identified 'praying for the church' as one of the ways to seek the good of the house of the Lord.
He explained: “Don’t cause schism in the church. The church is not a place of protest. Pray for the church. Many times many people murmur, without praying for the church. As members of CAC, we need to pray for this church. We need to pray for the peace and unity of Christ Apostolic Church. Pray for the leadership and membership of this Church. Pray for peace, prosperity, sound doctrines, revival etc.
Earlier in his testimony about the cathedral, the Superintendent of CAC Yaba DCC, Pastor S.E.A. Oludare said the project was a spiritual project executed by God and his angels.
He noted that all segments of the project were first carried out in the spirit realm before they embarked on it physically, explaining that “just like Moses who built the tabernacle as the Lord commanded him, we built this church just as the Lord commanded us.”
According to him, the Lord ordered the church to meet Him on seven mountains before they started anything.
He explained that “This directive came just before we started and we obeyed. I led about 40 men to 7 different prayer mountains from where God deployed angelic builders to site to take over the work. These angels specifically came from Ori oke Olorunkole along Ibadan/Oyo Road. God promised that no one’s blood will be shed here nor will any life be lost as a result of a fall or injury. This building is 21 meters tall (about 63 feet) and we did not suffer any casualty. All works were done manually to the topmost floor and yet no one was injured or fell off.”
The Chairperson of the church dedication committee, Deaconess P.F. Jacobs while delivering the welcome address said the achievement marks another significant milestone in the history of CAC Yaba which will celebrate her 84th Anniversary in October this year.
“The journey to this momentous day has been a miracle. Our financial resources were grossly inadequate and the scale of the project seemed insurmountable but by being submissive to God’s divine guidance, unwavering faith and steadfast commitment to obeying God’s instructions, we have witnessed His provision of the necessary resources and guidance. He gave us two specific instructions: firstly, “that the church must not borrow for the project, as He would make funds available for the construction”; and secondly, “that the Superintendent- Pastor SEA Oludare should gather a group of men from the Church to pray at seven (7) different mountains before the commencement of the building”. On their return from the seven (7) mountains, the Superintendent, in obedience to God’s further directions, led the entire congregation in a match round the church seven (7) times before we started pulling down the old church building. Today, we celebrate the fulfilment of these divine promises. The construction of this magnificent cathedral which commenced in May 2022, was completed within a period of Fifteen (15) months despite all the challenges,” she said.
Major features of the programme were presentation of Award of Excellence to Superintendent of CAC Yaba, Pastor Oludare and the first Superintendent of the DCC, Pastor Obafemi. Also, award of was given to the General Overseas of MFM, Dr. Olukoya which was received by his representative. Dr. Olukoya also sent an Orchestra who thrilled the congregation, just like the CAC Yaba choir with their inspiring and melodious ministrations.
Photo Speaks!
