From the Superintendent's DESK

Tolu and I have been in Nigeria enjoying the start of the annual Western and Central Africa (WECA) camp meeting. It began on Sunday, August 11, at the Faith City, Igbesa, campground, and continues through Sunday, August 25. We arrived a few days in advance, accompanied by Mark Mfandarahwa, the Western Europe District Superintendent, and his wife, Marble.

The first few days of the camp meeting have already been a tremendous blessing to all in attendance. Though the theme is “Come, Let Us Repair the Altar of the Lord” (from 1 Kings 18:30), the feeling that has pervaded the services is one of “Praise and Thanksgiving.” Not only does this year mark the 80^th anniversary of the Apostolic Faith work in Africa, but also the miraculous completion of the tabernacle roof in Faith City. For the first time, the entire congregation has been able to gather and worship together under the main tabernacle dome.

The camp meeting was preceded by a workers’ conference on Friday with over 6,000 in attendance. After an opening song and prayer, Tolu and I, and the Mfandarahwas, were given a warm welcome that included gifts and a presentation by elementary students. Then, three main sessions, followed by several shorter ones, highlighted the theme of “Good Stewardship.” The first session drew inspiration from Numbers 7:1-9, with a devotional titled “The Significance of Tent Pins” that brought out how all workers operating under God’s Spirit are of equal importance. The second underscored staying focused on the things that matter most, such as preaching a pure Gospel and evangelizing. The third session, titled “Worldliness and Worldly Amusements,” touched on issues of Christian conduct. The conference was marked by a spirit of unity and commitment to serving God, and it closed with a prayer meeting.

The opening day of the camp meeting began with Sunday school for all ages. There was excitement in the air as young and old alike gathered and were led in singing a joyous “To God Be the Glory.” Then a children’s program highlighted the life of Josiah in a skit called "Repair the Altar." It reminded everyone of the need to return to God’s altar for forgiveness and deliverance. Ololade Ayoola taught the adult Sunday school lesson on the "Fruits of Christianity." He emphasized the importance of showing respect and impartiality to all, regardless of status.

The morning service began with a procession. As the choir sang “O Mighty God,” the brass orchestra played while marching onto the platform, followed by the ministers. Then Isaac Adigun, the WECA District Superintendent, welcomed the over 20,000 in attendance and declared a day of thanksgiving. He said meeting under the shelter of the tabernacle roof was a miracle, so the day would be set aside to appreciate God. He asked every congregant to stand and raise their voices in adoration and thanksgiving for the marvelous things God has done. The congregation stood, and for a few minutes praised, thanked, and glorified God in prayer.

The service continued with the orchestra playing “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” followed by the choir singing “Praise the Lord for He Is Gracious.” After congregational singing, James Tifase, the WECA Board Member, led in prayer, asking God to pour out His blessings during the camp meeting.

During the announcements, Brother Isaac introduced special guests and read greetings from around the world, including from Darrel Lee, the former Superintendent General, and his wife, Debbie. Then he praised God again for the ability to meet under cover of the dome, saying the project was completed on the wings of faith. (Click here to see a video of the Faith City tabernacle with its new roof.) He noted that it was done in five months, without one accident, without solicitation of funds, and amidst economic and security challenges. He concluded his remarks with, “If God can build this tabernacle, He can undertake for your needs also.”

The praises continued with the choir song “Let All the People Praise Thee” and a Scripture reading from Psalm 150:1-6. This was followed by a vocal solo of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” Then, I had the opportunity to extend greetings on behalf of the board of directors and saints at the world headquarters in Portland. I also expressed appreciation for God and His people who make sacrifices for the Gospel. I noted that the work in Africa began as a tiny seed—prayer meetings in the home of Timothy Oshokoya—but has grown to produce many churches worldwide.

The message was titled “The Power of Praise” and was taken from Psalm 150:1-2, which includes “Praise God in his sanctuary. . . . Praise him for his mighty acts.” The congregation was informed, “We are in the right place at the right time. We are in God’s sanctuary by a mighty miracle. We have reason to sing and shout His praises.” The message concluded with a plea for the saints to use the tabernacle as a place to spark a renewed love for the Gospel. There was a great response to the altar call and closing prayer. The altar benches at various points within the tabernacle quickly filled, and a wonderful prayer session followed.

The first youth service of the camp meeting was held in the afternoon and was marked by a spirit of fervent worship. It began with an organ prelude and the orchestra playing “Come, Holy Spirit.” The choir performed uplifting pieces including “The Goodness of God,” which set the tone for the testimony service. The message was delivered by Tobi Popogbe from Mark 1:40-42 on “Jesus, the Greatest Repairer.” He brought out that the leper’s situation was hopeless, but nothing is impossible for Jesus. He urged the youth to bring their challenges to Christ, who is the ultimate solution to every problem.

The evening service was filled with worship, beginning with an organ prelude and a choir rendition of "Sing for Joy." During the testimony service, one sister shared how God saved her during last year's camp meeting. Another testified of God’s healing power, and a brother spoke of being delivered from kidnappers. Before the message, the choir sang “Why Not You?” Then Brother Isaac took his text from Ezekiel 34:26 and spoke on “There Shall Be Showers of Blessings.” He encouraged the congregation to surrender all to God and prepare for not just a trickle, but an abundant shower of blessings during the camp meeting and beyond. The service concluded with earnest prayers going up around the altars.

On Monday morning, a dedication was held for a museum on the campground that highlights eighty years of Apostolic Faith history in Africa. We first gathered outside the front doors with a large crowd of saints. A brief introduction to the museum was given, exhorting all to continue the legacy set by the first leader of the work in Africa, Timothy Oshokoya. He created the motto “Africa for Christ” and later changed it to “The World for Christ.” Today, the fruits of this endeavor are seen all over the world in congregations that have roots in Nigeria.

I had the privilege to cut the ribbon in the “name of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Then we went inside for a guided tour of exhibits, which consisted of photos, memorabilia, and literature, chronicling the work from 1944 to the present day. The museum showcased what God has done and is sure to inspire the next generation to move the Gospel forward, should the Lord tarry.   

In the evening, we viewed a documentary chronicling the history of the Apostolic Faith work in Africa, beginning with the Azusa Revival in 1906. You can also watch it online by clicking here.

The start of the camp meeting has been wonderful, and Tolu and I are so glad we could be there for it. We are now on our way home, though the camp meeting is scheduled to continue through Sunday, August 25. We ask prayer for traveling mercies and also that God will draw hungry hearts during the remainder of the camp meeting, allowing His blessings to flow in abundance.