By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon
On Sunday February 22, 2026 at the Nyanya District Headquarters in Abuja, the sanctuary echoed with fervent worship and spiritual anticipation as the service unfolded. The theme, “Exploring Partnership for Exploits in the Decade of Soaring,” set a tone of reverence and renewal, with the choir leading the congregation in worship designed to align hearts with a prophetic mandate for the coming years.
Rev. Babatunde Idowu, PhD, District Overseer of Wuse Headquarters, delivered a profound, Scripture-rooted message that outlined a strategic spiritual direction for the church.
February is designated as Loyalty Month within the Foursquare movement in Nigeria, a period dedicated to emphasizing commitment to God, faithfulness to the local assembly, and unity across districts through ministerial exchanges. The 2026 theme, “Doing Exploits in the Decade of Soaring,” underscored a profound conviction: extraordinary spiritual achievements are not accidental but spring from intentional partnership, both with God and with fellow believers.
Drawing from pivotal biblical texts, Rev. Idowu presented a two-dimensional framework crucial for spiritual exploits:
Vertical Relationship: Partnership with God
Horizontal Relationship: Partnership with fellow believers
He defined “exploit” not merely as a remarkable achievement, but as a deliberate act of study, investigation, research, and effective utilization of God-given resources. “To soar in this decade,” he asserted, “we must deploy what God has entrusted to us: faith, gifts, relationships, and obedience.”
Rev. Idowu meticulously unpacked the biblical imperative for partnership, illustrating its transformative power through key narratives.
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10: The Power of Mutual Upliftment
The preacher first turned to the wisdom literature, quoting Ecclesiastes 4:9–10: “Two are better than one… For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.” He explained that this ancient wisdom, reflecting on the futility of isolated striving, underscores the principle of covenant interdependence. In its original context, Ecclesiastes often laments the meaninglessness of solitary effort; conversely, it celebrates the multiplied strength and benefit found in companionship. Rev. Idowu’s insight affirmed that partnership inherently increases value, quality, strength, and capacity. Theologically, this text reveals God’s design for humanity as relational beings, where synergy is paramount.
Isolation weakens, while collaboration multiplies. Whether in the covenant companionship of marriage, the comradeship of society, or the kingdom partnership within the church, this principle holds true. “Partnership,” he noted, “invokes energy, vigour, stamina, and resilience. It ensures that no believer remains defeated.”
Exodus 17:8–15: Synergy in Spiritual Warfare
For the horizontal dimension of partnership, Rev. Idowu drew upon the powerful narrative of Exodus 17:8–15, detailing Israel’s battle against Amalek. In this historic account, Moses stood on a hill with the staff of God. Whenever Moses lifted his hands, Israel prevailed; but when his hands grew weary, Amalek gained ground. Recognizing the urgency, Aaron and Hur came alongside Moses, supporting his hands until victory was secured at sunset.
Rev. Idowu offered a layered exposition of this text as follows:
Synergy: Joshua fought valiantly in the valley below, while Moses interceded on the hill above. This demonstrates the indispensable convergence of spiritual and physical efforts. The church, he emphasized, must work together, with various members fulfilling diverse roles, to achieve its objectives and “go far.”
Strength: Moses’ lifted hands symbolized Israel’s utter dependence on divine power. Human effort alone, however valiant, cannot secure lasting victory. It is God who grants the triumph.
Sensitivity: Aaron and Hur’s actions highlighted the importance of spiritual awareness and discernment. They perceived Moses’ weakening state and the critical need for immediate support, thereby sustaining the collective victory.
Support: This narrative powerfully illustrates that every believer has a vital role. Not all are called to lead on the hill, but all are essential in providing support and standing in solidarity.
Success: God’s ultimate intention for His people is triumph, not defeat, a success often manifested through collective obedience and partnership.
He underscored that “without God, exploits are impossible.” Faith, he affirmed, is not a passive belief but an active trust that translates into courageous obedience. This dependence on God produces excellence, courage, and ultimate victory.
Transitioning from theological insights to practical church life, Rev. Idowu stressed that partnership must be tangibly visible within all facets of the church, from various ministries, the Council of Foursquare Men (CFM), and Foursquare Women International (FWI), to youth/teenagers fellowships and intergenerational relationships.
True exploits, he articulated, demand:
* Desire
* Cooperation
* Determination
* Collective action
He encapsulated the essence of teamwork with the acronym: TEAM: Total Effort Among Members (Together, everyone achieves more). “Working together makes us go together,” he declared, urging members to form godly alliances and supportive bonds within the church community.
The message positioned partnership not as an optional add-on but as an essential ingredient for enlargement, expansion, and sustainable kingdom impact. Spiritual exploits, he concluded, are not solitary feats but collective victories, anchored firmly in God and powerfully strengthened by community.
The sermon concluded with the congregation standing in solemn prayer, as Rev. Idowu led them in a closing supplication that reinforced the dual emphasis of his message: divine preservation and communal perseverance.
As the Foursquare faithful dispersed, the resonance of Scripture lingered, instilling a renewed conviction: in an era demanding courage and collaboration, the church must proactively cultivate both vertical intimacy with God and horizontal unity with one another. This Loyalty Month observance served as a powerful reaffirmation of a timeless biblical truth: exploits are born where faith meets fellowship, and where dependence on God aligns with disciplined partnership among His people.
Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon is a freelance writer and Christian educator based in Abuja, Nigeria, with a passion for documenting faith-based initiatives and their impact on communities.
