The first six months of 2017 will be challenging —Revd Ademuyiwa

Reverend James Ademuyiwa is the Senior Pastor of In His Presence Christ Tabernacle Church, Lagos State, which also has presence in the United Kingdom. He speaks with OLAIDE SOKOYA on the challenges Christians are facing and the way forward. Excerpts:

How would you describe this year?

The year is very interesting; it is a mix of performance strengths and challenges; challenges in terms of the economic situation and foreign exchange, which got to a very bad state. However, there are strengths in terms of the process of nation building which is going on right now. In spite of the challenges, there is hope that at the end of the day; there will be joy for everyone.

How would you describe your experience in the ministry?

My experience in the ministry has been very consistent. The rock of the ministry is Jesus Christ, that is why I said it had been consistent. My experience has been enjoyable because the person who is leading me is the Man who knows it all and He cannot fail. In spite of all the ups and downs of life, I can see the end of the road which is glorious.

You’re known to be quite close to the Osile of Oke Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuosho. What is the relationship between you and him?

My relationship with him is like that of a father and son. I have known him for over 25 years and we have become very close in the last 15 years. I love him so much because he is a godly traditional ruler who loves Christ totally; that made me love him. He is not just Christian in word but also in action.

Has God revealed any message for Nigeria for 2017?

I will not say God has revealed anything to me but I will say that I can perceive what is going to happen in the coming year. I see that the first six months of 2017 will be challenging; I can see that clearly. The latter part of 2017 will be a time for harvest for those who believe in God. The Lord gave me a theme for 2017 in my church as “A Year of Glorious Harvest.”

What is your advice for Christians on the current economic situation?

I will urge all Christians to return to God and continue to trust in God and not compromise their stand. I have found that most Christians quickly deny their faith when they face challenges.  In spite of the challenges, God is able to see us through without us losing our faith in him. Also, let us know that He who is the head of the church, who is Jesus Christ, has never failed and he would never fail, if only we can trust him and look unto him as the author and the finisher of our faith. I can say it by faith that all would be well with us and Nigeria at large. Christians need to focus on God and not on man. If our focus is on God, there will be no unnecessary distraction. Crises will arise, whether within the religious sector or outside the religious sector, but if we focus on God alone and have pure hearts towards our neighbours, we will definitely avoid crises. Crisis happens when someone feels cheated but the Lord God requires us to be at peace with all men. However, being at peace with all men does not mean that there will not be a situation for crises, but we will find grace to handle situations that call for crises without creating crises.

What would you advise government to do regarding the current economic hardship?

I will continue to tell people in government to return to God. Any other solution will create further crisis. As you can see, we are moving from one problem to the other, that is why we should return to God like the people of Samaria. We will find out that somehow, someday, the Lord that ended the famine in Samaria within 24 hours will create a way for us in Nigeria and give us lasting solution that will surprise everyone. So, Christ truly is the answer.