By Rachael Oke
As the Christ Apostolic Church Hosanna Chapel, Agbara DCC Headquarters, celebrated her 40th anniversary, the Gospel took center stage, dominating the proceedings as the central theme of the program.
In his opening remarks, DCC Superintendent Pastor Joseph Folorunsho Omolola reflected on the church's remarkable journey, saying, "From humble beginnings to the present day, Hosanna Chapel has been a testament to the power of prayer, perseverance, and the unwavering commitment to the Great Commission. Over the past four decades, we have witnessed the transformative power of the Gospel, as lives have been changed, destinies have been altered, and families have been impacted for generations to come.
The President of Christ Apostolic Church Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samuel Oladele, also graced the occasion, expressing his gratitude to God for the church's remarkable growth.
He recounted his encounter with Pastor Omolola in the 80s, when he first got to know about the church.
"Sometimes around 1986, I was a pastor in CAC, Ijeshatedo Assembly, and he came to see me; he told me of what God was doing through him here in Agbara, and I wondered how a man could come to this particular location way back in 1985." He recalled.
Pastor Oladele praised Pastor Omolola's vision and commitment, noting that it is a significant achievement.
"It is something nobody wanted to do if not for the vision of God and burden laid very heavily upon his heart. That little seed that was sown way back in 1985 has grown to this proportion, and today we are talking of not less than 75 assemblies. That is no mean feat at all." He stated.
In his sermon, Pastor Oladele addressed the central theme "Pursuing the Mandate" (Mark 5:18-20, Matthew 24:14), stressing the importance of preaching the Gospel as the primary mandate given by Jesus Christ.
Pastor Oladele encouraged the congregation to focus on spreading the Gospel within their immediate surroundings.
"When Christ said that the gospel shall be preached all over the world, you may be thinking of going to America, United Kingdom, and other countries, but this does not explain what the world is in the real sense; it rather means brightening the corner where you are."
He then urged the congregation to take the message of the Gospel to their families and friends, just as the demon-possessed man in Mark 5:18-20 was instructed by Jesus to proclaim the testimonies of what the Lord had done for him.
The dedication of the DCC Secretariat and Conference Room was another highlight of the anniversary celebration, representing a major milestone in the chapel's journey.
The program was also grace by the wife of the President, Mrs. Susanna Kehinde Oladele, Superintendent, Pearce Region, Pastor Stephen O. Aluko, Pioneer Vice Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Pastor/Prof. Olubunmi Oshun and other DCC, District superintendent amongst other ministers across Christ Apostolic Church; some of the community leaders were also present at the occasion.
The 40th anniversary celebration was attended by several dignitaries, including the wife of the President, Mrs. Susanna Kehinde Oladele, Superintendent of Pearce Region, Pastor Stephen Aluko, as well as other DCC and District Superintendents.
Hosanna Chapel's rich history dates back to 1985, when it was specifically inaugurated on March 3rd of that year.
The chapel's establishment was preceded by a revival, which began on February 26, 1985, and laid the foundation for the church's growth and impact over the past four decades.
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