By Afolabi Olajuwon
On Sunday, June 1, 2025, the Wuse District Headquarters of Foursquare Gospel Church in Abuja, Nigeria, hosted a vibrant celebration marking the grand finale of Family Month. This event aimed to underscore the critical role of fathers, mothers, and children within the family unit, reflecting a broader national initiative that emphasized family unity and spiritual growth across Foursquare Gospel Churches in Nigeria.
Worship and Praise Session: The festivities began with an uplifting praise and worship session led by the Church adult choir. Their harmonious melodies created a spiritually charged atmosphere, setting the stage for a day of reflection on Godly values within the family context. This collective worship experience reinforced unity among attendees, preparing their hearts for the teachings and activities that followed.
The guest minister, Nathaniel Kolo Nmadu, delivered a thought-provoking message on “A Family with Godly Values,” drawing from Ephesians 6:1-6. He emphasized that families should embody values that reflect God’s character, pointing out that caregivers and domestic staff are integral to the family unit.
Guest speaker, Nathaniel Kolo Nmadu touched on various passages from the Book of Ephesians, particularly highlighting the role of children as described in Ephesians 6:1-2, which calls for children to obey their parents in the Lord, noting that this directive applies throughout one’s life and includes a spiritual context. He stressed the importance of accountability, ensuring obedience not just in part, but fully, as illustrated in 1 Samuel 15.
Nmadu encouraged fathers to nurture children with love and guidance as instructed in Ephesians 6:4, warning against provoking children to anger. Galatians 4:19-20 provided further insight into spiritual mentorship and the need for a supportive environment for children’s growth.
Minister Nmadu highlighted the timeless principles of obedience, respect, and mentorship within families, rooted in biblical teachings.
He identified three guiding principles: the presence of God, the relationship between Christ and humanity, and the necessity of personal spiritual renewal as described in Isaiah 49:18,25.
Communion Service with Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu:
The celebration culminated in a communion service led by Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu, focused on the theme for the month of June “Refresh me, oh Lord!” He expounded upon Acts 3:19-21 and Ecclesiastes 3:10-11, discussing the beauty of God’s timing and the prerequisites for spiritual refreshing: repentance, attentiveness to God’s voice, and engaging with the Word of God as echoed in 1 John 1:8 and Isaiah 64.
A series of powerful prayers followed, asking for divine intervention in various aspects of personal and communal life. The prayers aimed at breaking negative cycles, opening new opportunities, overcoming stress, and inviting the Holy Spirit as a perpetual guide and counsellor.
Special emphasis was placed on renewing family bonds and spiritual growth, drawing from Isaiah 49:10-11 to support prayers for transformation and blessing.
In conclusion, the event at Wuse District was not just a celebration of family, but a call to renew and realign households with Godly principles, ensuring that each family member is nurtured and spiritually fulfilled. The commitment to Godly values as demonstrated by this event serves as an encouraging model for families worldwide, emphasizing that a God-centered family is the foundation for harmonious and enriched living.
*Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon is Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Institute of Management Consultants, Chronicle Business School, Abuja, Researcher and resource person at the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja.
