EXCITING NEWS: TNG WhatsApp Channel is LIVE…
Subscribe for FREE to get LIVE NEWS UPDATE. Click here to subscribe!
Faithfuls of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) on Sunday celebrated the General Overseer (GO) of the church, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, on his 82nd birthday.
Adeboye, born March 2, 1942, has been described as a Gospel revivalist and good home advocate for the contemporary generation.
Activities heralding the event commenced on Thursday, with an 82-hours non stop praise by the church’s youth choir.
A Special Holy Ghost and Thanksgiving Service was held at the church’s Redemption Camp, Redemption City, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The congregation, however,thanked God for the gift of life of the pastor and prayed for good health and sustenance in his endeavours.
The event, with the theme “On Eagles’ Wings”, highlighted the pastor’s stride over the years in the service of God and mankind.
The redemption camp hosted people from across the world who came to pay tribute to the clergy and appreciate him for his inspiring counsel.
Speaking on the birthday celebration, the Head of the National Ushers for the church, Pastor James Akinyemi, described Adeboye as one with special covenant with God, adding that the celebrator has remained consistent in his calling.
“Daddy, just like good wine, gets better with age. We pray that in this year’s special Holy Ghost Service, God will give him the choicest birthday present,” he said.
An Administrator at the camp, Pastor Kunle Ajayi, said Adeboye has been a father to all, with many children carrying out the daddy’s GO mandate of preaching the good news.
“It is our prayer that God gives him a fresh oil to triumph the more,” he said.
Some members presented gifts to show love to the pastor.
Pastor Adeboye recalls near death experience
Speaking at the Redemption Camp, off Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun, on Saturday as he clocked 82, with congregants celebrating him, Pastor Adeboye says he is alive because God is wonderful, recalling how he once escaped death by the whiskers.
Adeboye narrated the incident, which many years ago, according to him, could have claimed his life, if not for a miraculous intervention of God.
He referred to an earlier narrative by his former driver of several accidents in which the cleric and his wife escaped death in various incidents on the way to Ilorin, Kwara.
Adeboye said that the most frightening was one in which their vehicle came face to face with a trailer that was coming at full speed on a narrow path, by a bridge which had a river by its side.
“Somehow we passed,” he said, noting that it was a miracle that they escaped unhurt in the incident, which left both him and his driver shaking.
Adeboye said the escape amazed his driver, that all the way to Ilorin, all he was repeating was ‘wonderful.’
“That I’m alive today is because His name is called wonderful,” he said, and prayed that God would be wonderful in the lives of the people.
Adeboye appreciated the church members for celebrating him, praying that none of them would die young, and that they would be greater than him.
He said that his 82nd birthday anniversary also marked the 38th anniversary of the annual Special Holy Ghost Service organised by the church.
Adeboye thanked God for the lives that had been touched through the programme.
The cleric, at the event, went on to preach on the theme of the Holy Ghost Service – On Eagles Wings.
Preaching from Exodus Chapter 19, he said, “When God hears and takes notice of a person, the life of such a person changes for better.
“God can grab you from the lowest point on earth and put you on the throne.”
According to him, when one’s case is beyond any human assistance, the God who knows will send help.
The cleric said that all God required was faith and holiness, and He was able to give sweatless victory.
He prayed that God would hear the cries of the people, carry them on eagle’s wings and deliver them totally like He did for the children of Israel.
Abiodun praises Pastor Adeboye at 82, calls him exceptional leader
Earlier Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State had described Pastor Adeboye, as an exceptional leader whose teachings have impacted many lives positively.
This was contained in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Saturday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Lekan Adeniran to mark Adeboye’s 82nd birthday.
In the statement, Abiodun said that Adeboye had always been consistent in advocating for peace, unity, and the socio-economic wellbeing of the country.
“On behalf of the people of Ogun State, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to you on the occasion of your 82nd birthday.
”Your life and ministry have been a source of inspiration and blessings to millions of people around the world.
“As the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, you have demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the spiritual growth and development of your followers,” the governor said.
He said that Adeboye’s teachings and guidance had touched the lives of countless individuals, offering them hope, encouragement and a deeper understanding of the word of God.
“Your impact extends beyond the walls of the church, as you have consistently advocated for peace, unity, and socio-economic development in our nation.
“We are grateful for your selfless service and dedication to the betterment of humanity.
“Your humility, wisdom, and integrity are qualities that we deeply admire and strive to emulate.
“As you celebrate this milestone, I pray that God will continue to bless you abundantly and grant you good health, strength, and many more years of fruitful service,” the governor said.