T he 62nd National Convention of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria is here. What do Nigerians expect?
Our theme this year is ‘In Jesus Name’, we are therefore expecting the manifestation of the power of God. We are expecting men to have an encounter with the Saviour. The recession that has hit the country has left many seeking answers. This is a great opportunity to meet with a solution which has been designed in heaven by the creator himself. We therefore are planning this convention with the mind that miracles like never before will happen in the camp. We expect a powerful move of the Holy Spirit to change lives for good. We expect a divine visitation.
People have not stopped wondering at your theme: In Jesus’ Name. This seems a rather ‘common’ phrase, an unusual theme. Why this kind of theme at this time?
Jesus said when he is lifted up; he will draw men unto himself. What we are doing this year is to celebrate the name of Jesus. The father in heaven has given us an assurance that we have access to everything in heaven through the name of Jesus because that name is higher and above every other name.
We want to establish one thing in this nation, that the name of Jesus is indeed higher and above every other name. The Bible says at the mention of the name, every knee must bow. The knees of sicknesses, problems, marital unhappiness must bow. And our expectation is that as we celebrate Jesus’ name, he will begin to work in the lives of people. We are talking about a change in circumstance. The Name of Jesus is a final thing because even when you pray, you end it in Jesus name.
It’s a way of saying that there is a solution to every problem when we celebrate and lift up the name of Jesus.
What arrangements are on ground in terms of transportation for those who may wish to attend?
We know a lot of people will be coming. The transportation arrangements have been made at different levels. First in all our local churches, transportation will be available. At the level of the national convention committee, we have made arrangements for buses from Ibadan. At the Ring Road and Ojoo ends, there will be buses leaving for the Camp. In Abeokuta, at Kuto roundabout, in Akure at FUTA, in Lagos at Badagry, Epe, Ikorodu, Sango, Berger and Lagos toll gate, there will be free buses bringing attendees to the Ajebo City in Ogun State for the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria International Convention. Our local and district churches all over the country have also made arrangements to transport interested Nigerians to the Ajebo City and every one can just cue into the arrangement that suits your circumstance. Our people from all countries along the West African coast will also be in attendance at the conference.
Security?
We have made contacts with all the relevant security agencies. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Directorate of State Security (DSS), police and soldiers. All the security officers will be around. They will be within and outside the camp premises. So, we are assured of security. But most importantly, our God will be in attendance. He is our security.
If am not a member of your church, will l be tolerated and accommodated?
This year, we have expanded the available accommodation. So, if you are from outside of Foursquare Gospel Church, what you need to do is get in contact with us, so we can reserve accommodation for you. On our handbills and adverts you can find our contacts. Just call ahead and arrangements will be made to reserve space for you. We invite everyone because we believe they will meet Jesus who is waiting here for them.
There is recession in town. Will there be food?
Of course, by God’s grace we will be feeding people at least twice a day throughout the convention. Quality food, so it is not just the spiritual food that is available but also quality physical feeding like Jesus fed the five thousand with loaves and fishes.
Will the ministers be Foursquare Church pastors only or do we look forward to others?
To the glory of God there will be ministers from different parts of the world. From Ibadan, we have Bishop Francis Wale Oke and the Bamiloyes; from Benue State we have Bro Gbile Akanni of Peace House in Gboko, we also have others from outside the country like our General Overseer Emeritus from America, Rev Gabriel Olu Faroumbi and Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor from Warri, Delta State. These great men of God along with our Regional and District Overseers will all be led by our General Overseer, Rev Felix Meduoye.
Are there special nights for special problems?
The special highlight of this year’s convection is that we have created special booths around on the camp. They are places where you can go and be alone with God so that whatever problems or challenges you have come with you go to the prayer booths and lay it at the feet of Jesus; between you and God. We have prayed specially over these booths that whatever problems you go in there and lay before God, you will leave without those problems. God will answer as you lay it before God.
Every day, each booth will be attending to a particular need. Name it; academic excellence, career growth or even marital challenges. So that once you come, you go into the booth so designated as meets your challenge and pray. Once you look at the programme brochure, you find all needed information to guide you.
This convention: Is it for a certain age group or gender?
No. This is for all age groups and both genders. Our children will have special sessions. On Saturday, there will be the “Next Gen” programme catering to the youths. Our brother, Evangelist Mike and sister Gloria Bamiloye of Mount Zion Drama Ministry has agreed to come along and minister at that youth gathering. So, we are catering to every age and gender.
and then