Benue killings: If one person is down, it affects us all —Bishop Idahosa

Bishop Isaac Idahosa, the General Overseer of God First Ministry, Illumination Assembly, Lekki, Ajah, speaks with SEYI SOKOYA on national issues and life after 53.

 

What would you say are some challenges you have faced in your ministry?

The journey of life and that of the ministry has been interesting. Problems are attitudinal. Anyone that wants to be successful in life must have some challenges, but these challenges are not meant to mar you, rather make you, depending on how one sees the challenges. Personally, I thank God for everything that has happened to me in life. It has not been easy, but God has been faithful in all ramifications. This is one of the reasons I gathered family, friends and associates to celebrate God with me at my 53rd birthday thanksgiving service last Sunday. I cannot thank God enough for my life because His works are unquantifiable. It is a great privilege to be 53, and His grace and faithfulness endears me to return all the glory back to Him.

 

What is your take on the current state of things in the country?

I believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel; any good thing takes time to mature. I want to assure Nigerians that we are on the right path. I know that a lot of people have been clamouring for a whole lot, because their patience had been exhausted. I urge Nigerians to hold onto God and believe in the normal tenacity as a nation, because we have no other country than Nigeria. The Bible says support the authority; pray for the peace and uncommon wisdom of those who are in the authority so that we might have peace. We must all hope for the best and have faith in God that the country will become better.

 

Do you think the church is doing enough in playing its role in national affairs?

We are not just the light of the church, but the light of the world. We are not only the salt of the church, but the salt of the earth. For preservation and sweetness, the church, in her proper place should bring about prayers of preservation and fulfilment of Nigeria’s prophetic destiny.

 

Preparations for the next national elections are gathering momentum. As a cleric, what is your perception of Christians in active politics?

Things are changing; Christians are getting more involved because of the sensitisation. The awareness has increased and we clerics have been advising members to get involved. The truth is that evil will thrive when good men do nothing. If you think you are good to change the system, you cannot do that from a distance. You have to be involved in the system. Light doesn’t fight, it dominates. The involvement is tied to the awareness. It is a good thing that the awareness has increased and the impact will be found and felt in the 2019 election.

You said you would pay a condolence visit to Benue State soon following the killing of people by herdsmen there recently. Why?

We will connect with the authority of the state very soon to inform them of our intention to render our prayers and assist the bereaved. I am so glad that some state governors took it as a point of duty to visit the state. For me, it doesn’t matter who gets down or hurt. Once one is down, we are all down. Not minding where we come from, we must all come together and ensure Benue State stands on her feet. Nigeria will move faster if we don’t mind who takes the credit. So, once we connect with the government, we will pay a condolence visit to the state.

 

How have you been able to impact lives through the Isaac Idahosa Foundation?

The initiative is targeted at impacting lives positively and we have been doing this for quite some time. It is also a platform to raise the hopes of the voiceless. God has manifested Himself though the foundation, because we have been able to assist people in different capacities, such as through scholarships and ensuring widows and widowers find their feet. We thank God that the light we have been able to show through the foundation has become a brighter light for people.

 

Would you say that you have achieved your dream at 53?

I would have been raptured if I have achieved my dreams. Nobody achieves his dreams. We can only be progressive, because one is not shown everything. God shows one step by step and one of the keys to my success is to hear the voice of God and do His will. So, I have not achieved my dream yet. What I do is forget about the past and move ahead, believing God for improvement. I am still learning, because you die the day you stop learning.

 

What are the challenges in the minsitry?

It is when I couldn’t believe God for certain situations in my life and each time I disobeyed God I paid dearly for it. My life is galvanised by ministry. When God is involved the devil can only revolve, but not dissolve it. Ministry has been fun, because I have allowed the Holy Spirit to paddle the course. Also, the challenges make us. If you are not called by God you pay your bills, but if it is God’s project then it His budget. Personally, I am enjoying early satisfaction in life, because I am a product of grace and mercy of God. I feel humble for where I am today, because God brought me from nothing.