Pastor (Dr) Emmanuel Olufemi Adebiyi is the third Sanngo and currently serves as the Ibadan Area Superintendent of The Apostolic Church, Nigeria. The area recently held its inaugural convention, during which Pastor Adebiyi spoke with Adewale Oshodi about how the convention’s theme can be applied to effect personal life changes. Excerpts:
YOU recently had your inaugural convention, what was it all about?
The inaugural convention represents the beginning of a new life in Christ for this area. Established around 12 years ago, this is the first time we are hosting such a convention. We are grateful to God for recognizing our needs and sending us a theme that encourages us to start anew in Him as a community.
You mentioned that the area was established 12 years ago, why did it take this long to have the inaugural convention?
God’s time is the best. I also believe that at the appointed time, He would come, so when it was time, He ministered to us to start the convention. There is no doubt that God has been working before this time in the area, but now is the time for Him to showcase the church; to showcase the area and that was why He allowed us to go ahead with the inaugural convention. However, the convention wouldn’t be possible without the support of the LAWNA Territorial Chairman principal officers, and the Church Council, so now that we have started, it will continue. So the convention means we are starting afresh and anew in Christ.
The theme for the convention is ‘Using God-Given Talent to Profit,’ how can members of the church and Nigerians in general use this to impact their lives?
God has deposited talents and gifts to everyone to profit the kingdom. We were created as rational beings to think; everyone has his or her talent and it is now important to discover those talents and look at how they can be used to change our lives, and our communities and boost the kingdom of God. The journey to the kingdom of God involves taking on personal responsibility. Each individual has a role to play in this journey. Accessing the kingdom of God isn’t something that will be handed to you on a silver platter; it requires actively using the talents that God has given you to serve Him. The great thing about using your God-given talents for His purpose is that you won’t be the only one to benefit from your actions.
Given the current situation in the country, where do you see Nigeria in the near future from your spiritual perspective?
We believe that God is the owner of this nation. In our church, we have been praying for Nigeria since 1944. We are confident that a new nation will emerge very soon. All we need to do is continue praying, remain righteous in our calling, and encourage everyone, especially those in positions of power, to fear God and do good.
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