By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon
On Sunday, October 27, 2024, the Foursquare Gospel Church in Wuse, Abuja, hosted a profoundly moving service centred on the dual themes of prayer and witnessing as crucial avenues for expanding God’s Kingdom.
Under the illumination of a 30-minute Spirit-filled choir ministration, Pastor Adebayo Azeez laid forth a compelling proclamation: “Soul winning is about expanding the Kingdom.”
Pastor Azeez highlighted the divine authority and power bestowed upon Christians to propel the Gospel forward. He underscored the scriptural imperatives as outlined in the theme text Acts 4:31-34, emphasizing that mission work is a collective calling for all believers, not just a select few.
The Preamble to Prayer and Mission:
The service began with Pastor Azeez calling the congregation to identify and pray over specific areas of concern. He reiterated that soul winning goes beyond mere outreach; it is the very expansion of God’s Kingdom on earth.
Encouraging those who have become disengaged to seize this moment as an opportunity to re-engage, he advocated for innovative evangelism techniques, including telephone evangelism, to reach broader audiences.
Scriptural Exhortation and Interpretation
Delving into 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2, Pastor Azeez acknowledged the presence of individuals and circumstances lacking faith, reminding congregants of the apostolic challenges therein.
The multiplication of the church, akin to the narrative in Acts 8:4-9, was presented as a biblical blueprint for growth, calling for unified efforts to share the Gospel and spread its influence.
Prayer: The Weapon for Enlargement and Expansion
Central to the service was the emphasis on prayer as a potent weapon for church expansion.
Pastor Azeez stressed the authority that lies in prayer, urging the faithful to utilize this divine means to meet their spiritual and earthly needs, drawing from Luke 10:19.
He reminded the congregation that all things have been put under Christ’s feet, signifying divine supremacy and empowerment for believers.
Specific Areas of Prayer Included:
Empowerment of the Holy Ghost: Acts 4:29 served as a rallying cry for believers to seek the Holy Spirit’s power to speak God’s word with boldness.
Unity and Oneness: Fervent prayers were offered for harmony within the church, family, and global Christian community.
Deliverance and Overcoming Challenges: The church prayed for deliverance from adversities confronting mission work and sought divine intervention to reach the unreachable.
Kingdom Agenda Expansion: Intentional prayers were made to advance the Kingdom’s agenda worldwide.
Special Prayer Session: Reigning with Christ:
In a dedicated prayer session, the congregation sought for the Lord’s reign across all aspects of life, from personal homes to national mission fields.
The prayers aimed to remove obstacles and facilitate God’s presence in every corner of Nigeria, encompassing all its regions from the North to the South.
This session was a heartfelt plea for new grace and the Holy Spirit’s baptism, equipping believers for extraordinary exploits in God’s service.
The service concluded with a petition for resources to strengthen mission fields, coupled with a desire that every act for God’s Kingdom translates into blessings. Pastor Azeez’s call was clear: steadfast love and unwavering commitment to God’s mission are vital.
Through sustained prayer and witness, believers are not only expanding the Kingdom but also experiencing God’s manifold blessings in their lives.
As attendees left the service, they carried with them the assurance of empowered community, ready to make impactful spiritual strides across Nigeria and beyond.
This gathering at Foursquare Gospel Church was more than a worship service; it was a decisive step toward a global spiritual awakening.
*Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants, Fellow of the Chronicle Business School, Abuja, a Researcher and resource person at the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja.
