"Groundwork: The History of Foursquare Gospel Church, Akobo-Ojurin, Ibadan, Nigeria, 2007-2013"

By Sesan Michael JOHNSON, 08099312551, [email protected]

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“The Groundwork”

By

Sesan Michael Johnsonwww.smbafrica.org

[email protected]

The History of FoursquareGospel Church, Akobo-Ojurin,

Ibadan, Nigeria, 2007-2013

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.smbafrica.org/



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CONTENTS1. Dedication2. Acknowledgment3. Preface: A Word from the Author4. THE VISION: Occupy Till I Come5. Founding Members:6. The Founding Day: April 01, 20077. THE FOREMAN: Pioneering Pastor8. The LAND: The Location of the Church9. THE JOURNEY SO FARi. (April 2007 – October 2007): The Beginning of the Beginningii. October 2007 – October 2008: Moving on with the zealiii. October 2008 – October 2009: Consolidatingiv. October 2009 – October 2010: On Eagle’s Wingv. October 2010 – June 2011: Occupy Till I Comevi. July 2011 – June 2012: Un-usual Capacityvii. July 2012 - June 2013: The End of Akinlolu Years10. History at a Glance11. Biographies of Pastors12. A Clarion Call

Dedication:



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Deservedly to all pioneering members and all the members of FoursquareGospel Church, Akobo-Ojurin;To the memory of Reverend Gabriel Olanrewaju Akande;And in appreciation of the grace of God upon His Church.



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Acknowledgement:I am indebted to so many people for the emotional and spiritual support thatmade this historical work successful. Many thanks go to Reverend & Pastor(Mrs.) Isaac Folarin and the Church Advisory Council for their approval andsupport for this work. Significantly, I specially appreciate Pastor (Mrs.)Titilade Akintola, Mrs. Aderonke Akinbileje and Reverend Akinlolu Akintolafor their time during the oral interviews conducted with them in the course ofwriting this book.I also thank my dad & mum who taught me how to write and brought me up inthe way of the Lord. I will not fail to appreciate the spiritual and ministerialtutelage of Reverend & Pastor (Mrs.) Akinlolu Akintola and Reverend & Pastor(Mrs.) Isaac Folarin. In the same vein, I acknowledge the training given to meby my professors and teachers at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife. Finally, Ithank my wife (Oyebola Rachael) for her belief in me and his constant prayers.My daughters (Ayomide and Ayomiposi) have all been sources of inspirationand encouragement.



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A Word from the Author

I got no doubt about the sovereignty of God over all of history (Isa 46:8-11).History is His story just as much as that of humanity and the cosmos.Therefore we have an opportunity through the study of the history of aChurch to see how God protected and preserved his people from thebeginning to the present day so as to bring about the sure accomplishment ofhis redemptive purposes in Jesus Christ. Without mincing words, God’s worksare mysterious; hence, it is very difficult to elucidate, however, writing thehistory of a Church helps us to see through those acts of obedience, walks offaith and the likes by men and women and how these had attracted divineactions. Taking a censorious look into the history of a Church, one will observeconcretely that the Christian faith is historical in character – dealing with realpeople in real places in real time (Luke 2:1-2).Without mincing words, for me this project was both challenging anddaunting. As a trained historian, I knew that not all of the stories I will tell willbe uplifting or even positive; they may present some difficult realities thatrequire some hard works on the part of the pastors and people. However, as ahistorian and a Christian, I am fully aware that as a writer, my aim is to be atruth-teller, armed with appropriate sensitivity as well as a bit of holyboldness.As a trained historian, I believe history is progressive. Calculatedly, I chose toadopt chronological historiography in writing the history of this Church,though, I took a swipe into some thematic issues. This historical writing onlycovers April 2007 to July 2013. Though, I did my best in capturing the history

“And now, go, write it before them on a tablet and inscribe it ina book that it may be for the time to come as a witness

forever.” - Isaiah 30:8

“It seemed good to me also, having followed all things closelyfor some time past, to write an orderly account for you,

most excellent Theophilus.” - Luke 1:3



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of the Church in this historical period, yet, I am of the opinion that otherChurch historians can still revisit this period, hence, this work will serve asone of the important sources that can be relied on.Fundamentally, it is my belief that this work will be helpful to the localChurch, Foursquare Gospel in Nigeria and the universal Church of Christ.Evidently, it will open up new opportunities for proper appreciation of God’smiraculous works and concerted efforts of individuals and families, and alsogolden opportunities for reflection and recommitment.Blessed be the name of the Lord and thanks to the Church congregation andleadership for their blessings and support for this project particularly as theChurch celebrates her seventh anniversary.As you read this work, I wish you an exciting reading moment.Yours sincerely,Sesan Michael Johnson08099312551, [email protected]

THE VISION: Occupy Till I Come

“And he who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new."Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." -

Revelation 21:5



http://www.apostle-smb.blogspot.com/


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No Church is born in a vacuum. Foursquare Gospel Church, Akobo/Ojurin(Chapel of Faith) is a ‘baby’ of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria. TheFoursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria operates under the auspices ofInternational Church of the Foursquare Gospel. The Foursquare Movementwas founded by Aimee Semple Macpherson in 1923 and the internationalheadquarters of the movement is located in Los Angeles. Reverend GlennBurris Jnr. is the current president of International Church of the FoursquareGospel and Reverend Felix Meduoye is the General Overseer of the Church inNigeria.Aimee Semple McPherson was born in 1890 in Ontario, Canada as the onlydaughter of her parents, James and Mildred. Her mother had a call for ministrybut later got engaged as a nurse in the home of the Kennedys to care for thewife. After Mrs Kennedy’s death, the fifty year old Mr. Kennedy proposed toyoung Mildred (also called Minnie). When members of the Salvation ArmyChurch came to visit her mother after Aimee birth, they reported the death ofCatherine, the wife of General William Booth. She was dedicated at the Churchwhen she became three weeks old.Young Aimee got married to Robert Semple on 12th August 1908 in her familyfarm house in Ontario and later described him as ‘my theological seminary,my spiritual mentor and my tender, patient, unfailing lover’. Robert worked ina factory by day and preached by night. Robert preached while Aimee playedthe piano, sang and prayed for the converts. The couple went on mission workto Hong Kong in 1910. There, Aimee and her husband contacted malaria, onAugust 17, 1910, two months after arriving at the mission field, Robert diedleaving Aimee alone with her pregnancy which she delivered a month later onSeptember 17, 1910 and named her Roberta Star.She re-married on February 28, 1912 to Harold. While in an intensive careunit of a hospital, she started preaching and finally left home for ministry in1915. For seven years, she crossed the United States six times and between1917 & 1923 she preached in more than 100 cities with meetings rangingfrom two nights to a whole month.



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The missionary work of Foursquare Gospel Church was brought to Nigeria in1954 by Revd Harold Curtis and his noble family. He started a vocational openair Bible School in front of his resident with three of the founding fathers aspioneer students namely: Revd James A. Boyejo, Revd. Friday C. Osuwa andRevd. O. Odunaike. The teachers were Sister Margret Season, Revd Curtis andhis wife, Faye.The first place of formal worship was at no. 68 King George Avenue known asthe Yankee bar and it was inaugurated on 31st October 1955. The first set ofworshippers included: Revd Harold Curtis, his wife – Faye, Revd MargretSeason, Brother S.O. Odunaike, Brother J. Boyejo, Revd F. Osuwa, the sons ofthe Curtis – Roland and Gerald and other Bible school students. The firstnational pastors were Revd F.C. Osuwa and Revd J.S. Boyejo whose salarieswere paid by T.L. Osborn for one year. The work continued in earnest. Thesecond church was established at Idi-Oro in 1961 by Revd F.C. Osuwa. It laterbecame the first Lagos Divisional (District) headquarters at Shomolu.Organically, Akobo/Ojurin- Foursquare Gospel Church is situated withinIbadan District and Iyana Zone. Iyana Zone was created in 1990 during thetenure of the then Ibadan District Overseer, Reverend J.A. Adesina (1990 -1993). The zone was then named Iyana Zone II headed by Pastor Dr O.A.Agbede. The zone grew in leaps and bounds and became the missionary zoneof the district to the extent of creating many zones from it. In line with thespirit of ‘Barley Harvest’ and ‘Decade of Multiplication’, Iyana Zone had givenbirth to the following zones (Molete, Shalom, Iwo Road and Lagelu).When Foursquare Gospel Church, Akobo-Ojurin (Chapel of Faith) was born,Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was the President of Nigeria, with Chief AbubakarAtiku as the Vice President and Chief Alao-Akala as the governor of Oyo state.The Church is located in Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo state withinIbadan city. The Church is invariably opposite Oludegun Petrol Station; closeto Alao-Akala junction which transverses Okebadan Estate.The vision to establish the branch was birthed during the leadership of thethen Zonal Superintendent, Reverend Gabriel Olanrewaju Akande of blessedmemory. This was a period when Reverend Adedimeji A. Adegbesan was the



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District Overseer of Ibadan District and Reverend Dr W.A. Badejo was theGeneral Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria. ReverendAdedimeji A. Adegbesan succeeded Reverend Idowu Obakin before moving toAbeokuta in 2003 as the District Overseer and he was succeeded by ReverendE.A.A.O. Adejoro El-Shaddai in 2010. In 1999, Reverend Dr W.A. Badejosucceeded Reverend Faronmbi and in 2010 he too was succeeded byReverend Felix Meduoye as the General Overseer of Foursquare GospelChurch in Nigeria.The vision to establish Foursquare Gospel Church, Akobo/Ojurin fell withinthe season of Barley Harvest in Foursquare Organization in Nigeria. The visionof Barley Harvest as an evangelistic drive came during the leadership ofReverend Dr W.A. Badejo as the General Overseer of Foursquare GospelChurch in Nigeria and it was designed to forge an aggressive drive for missionand evangelism, as well as rapid Church planting within the Foursquare fold.Evidently, this movement orchestrated the planting of so many FoursquareChurches in Nigeria.Also, the vision came at a time Ibadan District bequeathed a land to IyanaZone. Reportedly, a land was released as a gift by a woman to the FoursquareOrganization at Lagos. Reportedly, the release of the land by this woman was afulfilment of her vow she made when she received a miracle from the Lord.Afterwards, ownership of the land was transferred to Ibadan District. Hence,there arose the need to put the land into use. Coupled with this is the fact thatas at this point in time there was no Foursquare Gospel Church at Akobo axisof Lagelu Local Government Areas of Ibadan.According to reliable sources, in order to start Akobo-Ojurin Church, eachChurch in Iyana Zone (this was before Iyana zone was delineated into three)was asked to ‘donate’ at least a member/family. Subsequently, Iyana Zonalheadquarters Church released Pastor Akinlolu Akintola and his family as thefounding pastor; likewise, Bashorun Church released the family of Mrs RonkeAkinbileje. Thus, these two Churches were the ones that responded to thisclarion call for the release of members. Hence, the Church was started bythese two families from Iyana and Bashorun Church.



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Founding Members: Reverend Akintola family (from Iyana Zonalheadquarters Church) and Akinbileje family (from Bashorun Church):(Reverend Akinlolu Akintola, Pastor (Mrs) Titilade Akintola, TijesunimiAkintola, Glory Akintola, Kehinde Akintola, Taiwo Akintola, Mrs Ademulegun,Mrs Ronke Akinbileje, Jesumbo Ayanfe, and Ibukun Akinbileje – (Four adultsand six children).The LAND: The Location of the ChurchThe land upon which the Church is located is a gift to FoursquareOrganization. From the National and District headquarters the land wasallocated to Iyana Zone and thereafter to Akobo-Ojurin Church. With therelease of the land to Iyana Zone, the then Zonal Superintendent putmachineries in motion. The land was cleared and a temporary shed was put inplace to accommodate the worshippers.In the words of an observer, “on the day of the inauguration of the Church, Isaw some of the worshippers sitting on the walls that demarcated the land theChurch was situated from the other landed properties nearby but the sound ofthe tambourines and the clapping of hands as well as the lifting of joyful voicesin the praises of God Almighty inspired me that day that I must join theChurch”. To the glory of God at this point of writing, the observer is currentlythe scribe of the Church.However, by 2008 when construction started on the land, a land speculatorstopped the work and demanded for one million and two hundred thousandnaira (#1.2 million).The case was reported to Iyana Zonal headquarters. Withthe intervention of the zone and that of one of the Church neighbours, a sumof one hundred thousand (#100,000) was eventually paid. Thereafter, workcommenced to the glory of God.THE FOREMAN: Pioneering PastorPastor Akinlolu Akintola (now Reverend) is a man that have been preparedfor the work that was about to start at Akobo-Ojurin in 2007. He was born to



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the family of late Sergeant Simeon Olusegun Akintola and late Mrs TaibatAkintola in Ibadan on the 8th day of February, 1968. Though, he had a Muslimbackground, he got born again in the year 1981 at the age of 13 at FoursquareGospel Church, Oke-Bola, Ibadan.He attended Oyo state Co-operative College, Eleeka, Oyo between 2002 -2003and later went for his Diploma course in 2004 – 2005. He bagged HigherNational Diploma (HND) in Co-operative and Economic Management fromFederal Cooperative College, Eleyele (2007- 2011). He also, attended MountZion Institute of Christian Drama in 1992 for certificate in Christian Drama. Heattended LIFE Theological Seminary for Certificate in Theological Education(1995) and Bachelor of Theology, B Th. (2004). He, also, earn AdvancedLeadership Certificate from Haggai Institute of Advanced Leadership (2011).He had served in different areas of Christian ministry: Head-Usher, ChildrenTeacher, Youth president, Drama Group Leader, Choir, Sunday School Teacher,Church Council Member, Church Secretary, House Fellowship Pastor, AssistingPastor, Chairman Planning Committee at various level, Pastor-in-Charge,Zonal Mission Co-ordinator, Zonal Treasurer and District Board Secretary(2000).He was the pioneering Pastor of Foursquare Gospel Church, Agboowo(September 1999 – November 1999), Foursquare Gospel Church, Ifesowapo(2002 – 2003) and he was part of the pioneering team of Egbeda Church, IwoRoad Church, and Kusela Church. Pastor Akinlolu Akintola got married toformer Miss Titilade Margaret Adegbolagun on 21st December 1996 at Ikire,Osun state and the marriage is blessed with beautiful and wonderful children.He was ordained a Reverend in November 2007.Reverend Akinlolu Akintola is a play write, an author, an evangelist and ateacher of the word with practical examples. He has authored a book titled“Evangelism at this end-time”.



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THE JOURNEY SO FAR

(April 2007 – October 2007): The Beginning of the BeginningBefore 2007 there were attempts to establish a branch of the FoursquareChurch at Akobo area to serve the needs of Foursquare members leavingaround this axis of Ibadan. One of such attempts was spearheaded by PastorOlaide Olalere at St Paul Anglican Primary School, Yangbule-Bashorun area.The Church started through this attempt did not last long. Another abortiveattempt was made at Reverend Olasunkanmi’s house. ReverendOlasunkanmi was formerly a Foursquare national officer.The Founding Day: April 01, 2007Globally, April 01 is a day proclaims as “April fool”. Observably, this is a daythat is usually characterised with avalanche of lies and inordinate tricks andgimmicks. Arguably, no one would have thought, a great thing that seemssmall is taking place at Akobo axis of Lagelu Local Government of Ibadan. Onewould have thought why did the then Zonal Superintendent late Reverend G.OAkande selected a day such as April 01 (April Fool) as the Founding Day of aChurch? Fundamentally, it is a considered opinion of a member of the Churchthat the day was chosen by providence to fool the Devil and its cohorts. So,while some people were busy fooling themselves around, something strategicand spiritual was taking place at Akobo.On this historic day (April 01, 2007), the Church was inaugurated by the thenZonal Superintendent of Iyana Zone, Reverend Gabriel Olanrewaju Akande (ofblessed memory). The only physical structure put in place was a shed; thiswas put in place by Iyana Zone. Evidently, there were still bushes around thecompound. However, the congregation that gathered that day refused to bediscouraged, the day was a day of fulfilment of vision and mandate.Some equipment (drums, pulpit, PA system, etc) from Foursquare BodijaChurch were given/transferred to the Church. A megaphone was also given bythe Iyana zonal headquarters Church. Eighteen chairs were given by a Churchon the platform of Iyana Zone. Premised on these, services commenced. At thebeginning of the work, there was shortage of workforce; however, the few



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ones available were committed. It was in the midst of this that EvangelistRaheem Safiriyu, a Warrant Officer of the Nigerian Army came in during aservice and decided to join the Church and her workforce.October 2007 – October 2008: Moving on with the zealThe Church was just six months old by October 2007at the beginning of thisChurch Year. The Church and her members participated in most of the zonal,district and national programmes. In January 2008, the Church observed theNational Fasting and Prayer programme. This was a yearly programmeobserves by Foursquare Organization in Nigeria at the beginning of the yeardesigned to spiritually prepare members for the challenges of the New Year.Also, 2008 Easter Programme was observed locally in the Church. It was aglorious time to remember the life, death and resurrection of Christ.No doubt, the workload on each member was still enormous because of fewworkers in the vineyard. This formed part of the corporate prayers of theChurch at this point in time. Consequently, at the beginning of this ChurchYear, a prayer project tagged “Operation One Family, One Month” waslaunched by Pastor Akinlolu Akintola. This was targeted at seeking the face ofGod for an additional family to the Church, that is, a family to be added eachmonth. Without mincing words, testimonies abound to the faithfulness of God.For examples, the families of Evangelist Raheem and Adekanmbi areanswered prayers.Sunday Worship services were held weekly. Bible Study was held weekly onWednesday by 5:30pm. The weekly Bible Study programme is an importantarm of the teaching ministry of the Church. The Church as well as FoursquareOrganization believes in the equipping of the saints through the teaching ofthe Holy Scripture. Indeed, the belief in the Holy Scripture is one of the 22tenets of Faith of Foursquare Organization.Likewise, Friday weekly prayer meetings were held. Significantly, first Fridayswere tagged ‘Do It Yourself ’. The “Do It Yourself” prayer programme isdesigned in such a way that on every first Friday, members and worshippersenter the Church and begin to pour out their minds unto the Lord just like



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Hanna at Shiloh without waiting for the pastor or any other prayer leader tolead them in prayers. It is always an awesome time with opportunities toexpress oneself freely in the presence of the Lord while praying all manners ofprayers as instructed by the Holy Scripture. Testimonies abound for what Godis doing through this special programme. The programme is still beingobserved till date.The first Church anniversary celebration was held on Sunday 27th July, 2008.The theme was “Be Glad & Rejoice: Phil 4:4”. According to the foundingPastor, the first anniversary celebration was a glorious and challengingprogramme.For a young Church you can imagine the daunting work of putting in place achoir and worship leaders having in mind that the music ministry is animportant aspect of Christian ministry. Though, with shortage of man power,the choir was already in place and functioning to the glory of God. The choirled the Church in worship sessions during weekly services and Sundayservices. Also, the choir participated in local, zonal and district programmes.By December 2007, the first Christmas Carol was held.Though the Church started with just a youth/teen (Ayanfe Jesumbo) and fivechildren, however by this Church year, the pastorate has put in place acombined unit for the youths and the teens. No doubt, this was done becauseof the few memberships of both the youths and the Hi-Crusaders. Historically,the first (Acting) Youth/Hi Crusaders President (in person of Sister AyanfeJesumbo) was appointed during the second Annual General MembershipMeeting of the Church in October 2008. Youth Week 2008 was observed bythe youths in the Church and Reverend James Olowobola ministered. It was arefreshing time for the youths, the Hi-Crusaders and the generality of theChurch. There was a representative of the youths of the Church at the annualNational Youth Camp (KC 2008).By the second Church Year, the children unit was already functioning.Strategically, Pastor (Mrs) Titilade Akintola, the wife of the pioneering pastorwas appointed as the first (Acting) Children Co-ordinator. The children



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participated in the District Children Rally. Also, the Children’s Week was dulyobserved. There was also the existence of Children Sunday school class.Fundamentally, the Sunday school department is very critical to theFoursquare Message. This is where new converts are equipped; workers aretrained as workforce and for membership. Thus, from inception, the Pastor-in-Charge considered the department as very pivotal to the Church. During theChurch Year, sister Ronke Akinbileje was appointed as the first (Acting)General Sunday School Superintendent (G.S.S.S.) at the second Annual GeneralMembership Meeting.By the second Church Year, there were three Sunday school classes (AdultClass, New Converts Class and the Children Class). Strategically, the NewConverts Class was a Hausa Speaking Class. Sister A.O. Adekanmbi effectivelytook the class because of her grasp of the Hausa language. Significantly,members of the class were converts the Church got from the Odogbolu ArmyBarrack. Using the native language of these converts was tremendously usefulfor their understanding of the words of God. Odogbolu Army Barrack locatednot too far from the Church has been one of the places within the Churchcommunity that God is using his Church to minister to. The Church is blessedwith members from this barrack. These members include: Evangelist &Deaconess Raheem, Sister Fatimah & her family and Mr Ben Ivinegbor & hisfamily.A Sunday School Rally was held as part of the activities of the Sunday schooldepartment. It was a mind blowing experience in the presence of the Lord. Itwas a time for Sunday school students and their teachers to be examined forthe study done so far. Evidently, it was a fruitful rally.The Foursquare Women International (FWI), no doubt, is one of thesignificant arms of Foursquare Organization and it comprises of the women inthe fold. For effective running of this important arm, the Founding Pastorappointed Sister A.O. Adekanmbi as the first (Acting) FWI President duringthe second Annual General Membership Meeting. The women participatedactively in various local, zonal, district and national programmes. Mothers’Day was held by the women in the Church. The National June Women Rally



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was also attended by FWI members of the Church. In the same vein, the Big ‘M’Day was held in the Church and during the celebration a member wasaccepted. The women supported the Church in the decoration of the Churchbuilding.Significantly, the Church appointed her first Advisory Council. Also, thepioneering pastor, pastor Akin Akintola was ordained a reverend during theChurch Year at the 2007 National Convention held in November 2007.The Church lost an active worker, Evangelist (W.O.) Safuriani A. Raheem, onSunday 20th April, 2008. This late brother joined this Church in her first yearof existence. According to him, he was guided by the Holy Spirit to join theChurch. He walked in during a service and from then henceforth, he becamean active member. He did not mind his status as an Army officer; he wasalways involved in the cleaning of the Church and clearing of bushes withinthe compound of the Church. He also brought in his wife and children to jointhe Church. His wife, Deaconess became the first Choir Mistress and one of hischildren was a good drummer. As a matter of fact, Sunday Raheem was thefirst drummer of the Church. Evidently, the Church was bereaved with thedemise of this beloved brother but was consoled with the fact that he has goneto rest in the Lord.October 2008 – October 2009: ConsolidatingThe 2008/2009 Pastorate included: Reverend Akinlolu Akintola (Pastor-in-Charge); Reverend Hanson Nyoh; Pastor Sesan Johnson; and Pastor IdowuAremu. The 2008/2009 Church Advisory Council membership included:Reverend Akin Akintola (Chairman); Sister Adekanmbi (Secretary); SisterRonke Akinbileje (Treasurer); Sister Titilade Akintola (member); DeaconessDeborah Raheem (member); Pastor Sesan Johnson (member); and PastorMichael Idowu Aremu (member).The Church officers for this Church Year were as follow: Reverend & MrsAkinlolu Akintola (Pastor-in-charge); Sister Adekanmbi (Secretary/FWIPresident); Sister Ronke Akinbileje (Treasurer/GSSS/Head Usher); SisterTitilade Akintola (Children Co-ordinator); Deaconess Deborah Raheem (Choir



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Mistress); Sister Ayanfe (Youth/Hi Crusader President); Pastor Sesan Johnson(Prayer Group Co-ordinator).The Church and her members participated in most zonal, district and nationalprogrammes. In January 2009, the Church observed the National Fasting andPrayer programme. 2008 Easter Programme was observed. The weeklySunday services were strictly observed. Bible Study services were held onWednesdays by 5:30pm. In addition to the teachings conducted by the localpastorate, the Church also undergone series of teachings from invited guestssuch as Deacon (now a Pastor) Biodun Atanda and Brother Olumide Okeyodefrom the Zonal headquarters.In addition to the three existing Sunday school classes (Adult Class, BaptismalClass, & the Children Class), the Sunday school department established anadditional class for the Teens. The new class was targeted to specifically caterfor the spiritual needs of the teenagers.The weekly Friday prayers continued; first Friday’s operation “Do It Yourself”was still maintained; and Last Friday of the month Vigil was maintained. Thespecial prayer project tagged “One Family, One Month” was sustained alsoduring the Church Year.For strategic spiritual warfare and intercession, a Prayer Warrior Group wasinaugurated and Pastor Sesan Johnson was appointed by Reverend AkinloluAkintola as the Prayer Warrior Group Co-ordinator. According to Pastor SesanJohnson in his report for the Church Year, “the prayer group meets to pray andintercede on behalf of the Church, families in the Church, individuals, Akobocommunity, Ibadan city, Oyo state, Nigeria and the nations of the world”.During the Church Year, the Second Anniversary Celebration of the Churchwas observed with a 3- day crusade at Akobo-Ojurin motor garage betweenThursday 23rd and Saturday 25th April 2009. Pastor (now a Reverend and theZS of Apata Zone) Biola Ogunwusi, the then District Mission Director was theguest minister. During the crusade, the Church showed a film (Jesus’ film).Reverend Hanson Nyoh supplied the film to the Church for free. The theme ofthe anniversary was “The Good News: Luke 2:14”.



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In the pursuit of the Great Commission as commanded by the Lord JesusChrist in Matthew chapter 28, during this Church Year, the Church initiated a“Go Ye” Evangelism drive every second Sunday of the month the Churchembarks on evangelism around the Church environs before thecommencement of the Worship service.The doors and louvers of the Church building were fitted and the interiorplastering was done. As part of the answers of the Church prayer projecttagged “One Family, One Month”, Reverend Hanson Nyoh and Pastor Aremuand their families joined the Church during the Church Year. Notably, theseare Foursquare’s families. Indeed, Reverend and Reverend (Mrs) HansonNyoh are long time children ministers in Foursquare Organization in Nigeria.Significantly, Reverend Hanson and Pastor Idowu Aremu immediately joinedthe Church Pastorate. No doubt, their addition was of tremendous blessings tothe body of Christ.Sister A.O. Adekanmbi, the FWI President continued to lead the women. Thewomen participated actively in most local and zonal programmes, as well as inthe District and National programmes. The women attended the Pre-Alabasterprogramme organized at the District headquarters Church, Oke-Bola.Likewise, Mothers’ Day was celebrated in the Church. Also, the National JuneRally held at Ajebo camp was attended by the women. Significantly, theChurch FWI initiated a Health & Personal Hygiene Programme for the Youth.It was an eye opening programme. It benefited not only the youths but thegenerality of the people of the Church. More also, the Church FWI participatedactively in the Iyana zonal Evangelism Programme held at Erunmu. During theBig ‘M’ celebration held, two women were added and accepted to the FWI fold.Fathers’ Day was observed by the men for the first time in the Church.Though, there was no functioning CFM unit in the Church, yet, the menpresented two ceiling fans as gifts to the Church to commensurate the day.Deaconess Deborah Raheem served during the Church Year as Choir Mistress.Though, the choristers were few in number, yet, they were active in all thelocal programmes of the Church as well as in most zonal and district



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programmes. To celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus in the Church, a XmasCarol Service was held in December 2008.The youth/Hi-Crusaders of the Church under the leadership of Sister AyanfeJesumbo continued to wax strong in the Lord. The youths held a ‘Get together’programme which was tagged “I have a dream”. It was an awesome time inthe presence of the Lord. It was an avenue to galvanize the youths of theChurch in order to be more useful in the house of God and to develop untomaturity in Christ Jesus. Youth Week tagged “Remember now thy creator:Ecclesiastes 12:1” was held during the Church Year.For proper positioning of the Church in this digital age, the Youth Crusaderswith the support of Pastor Sesan Johnson opened an email address([email protected]) for the Church. Also, a quasi-website(www.foursqaureakobo.cfsites.org) was designed for the Church. The emailaccount and the websites are still being maintained and are still functioning.The mummy of the house, Pastor (Mrs) Titilade Akintola was still the ChildrenCo-ordinator during this Church Year. The children participated in local, zonaland district children programmes. Children’s Day was observed in May. Thechildren attended the Children Camp Meeting organized by the RescueMission Ministry. One of the children of the Church participated in ‘Draw theSword” and she came first. Another got the ‘Best Behaved Boy’ award. Fourchildren were added to the Church (Tobi Aremu, Itunu Aremu, TestimonyAremu, and Peace Aremu).The Church acquired a wireless microphone and a cord microphone. Amember donated a generating set to the Church.October 2009 – October 2010: On Eagle’s WingThe 2009/2010 Pastorate included: Reverend Akinlolu Akintola (Pastor-in-Charge); Reverend Hanson Nyoh; Pastor Sesan Johnson; and Pastor IdowuAremu. Members of 2009/2010 Church Advisory Council were: ReverendAkin Akintola (Chairman); Pastor Sesan Johnson (Secretary); Sister A.O.Adekanmbi; Sister R. Akinbileje; Pastor (Mrs) Titilade Akintola; DeaconessDeborah Raheem; and Pastor Idowu Aremu.



http://www.foursqaureakobo.cfsites.org/


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The Church officers for the Church Year were as follow: Reverend & MrsAkinlolu Akintola (Pastor-in-charge); Pastor Sesan Johnson (Secretary/PrayerGroup); Sister A.O. Adekanmbi (Treasurer/FWI President); Sister RonkeAkinbileje (GSSS/Head Usher); Pastor (Mrs) Titilade Akintola (Children Co-ordinator); and Deaconess Deborah Raheem (Choir Mistress).Generally, the Church observed all the programmes as laid down by theFoursquare Organization. According to documented statements of the Pastor-in-Charge, all National, District and Zonal programmes take precedent overthe local programmes. As a matter of fact, he would say, National programmesare superior to District programmes and District programmes are superior toZonal programmes, while the Zonal programmes are also superior to localChurch programmes. Indeed, he ensures that the pastorate and all thesectional leaders adhere to this principle.National Fasting and Prayer programme was observed in January 2010.Easter Programme was held in April 2010. Sunday and Weekly services wereheld. The 3rd Church Anniversary did not hold due to prevailing situation ofthe Church. Monthly Evangelism was observed for all the months. Fathers’Day was observed.Pastors and Pastors’ wives forum (Pastoral Retreat) was initiated and held inAugust, 2010. Reverend & Pastor (Mrs) Akinlolu Akintola, Pastor & Mrs IdowuAremu and Pastor & Mrs Sesan Johnson participated in this maiden edition ofPastor & Pastors’ wives forum of the local assembly. It was an interactivesession, combined with strategic prayers for the couples, the children, thefamily and their ministry. It was an opportunity to pray for the Church. Nodoubt, the forum also serves as an avenue for increasing the cordialrelationship among the ministers and their wives. Participants were glad thatthe programme was instituted by Reverend Akinlolu Akintola. In fact, one ofthe participants, Pastor Idowu Aremu stated that the forum was timely anddemanded that it should be sustained. It was a refreshing time in the Lord.The Choir was still being led by Deaconess Deborah. The choir was activethroughout the year. They participated in Zonal, and District programmes. Thechoir was active during the 2010 District Convocation held at Oke Bola



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District headquarters Church. Xmas Carol was held in December 2009 locally.Other choristers from Foursquare Churches within Iyana zone and otherChurches within the Church neighbourhood were invited for ministration. Itwas a joyful time in the Lord celebrating the birth of Christ.The Church FWI President (Sister A.O Adekanmbi) was appointed Iyana ZonalFWI President. More women were added to the FWI fold. Pre-Alabasterprogramme held at the Oke Bola District headquarters Church was attendedby some of the women in the Church. Mothers’ Day was observed in theChurch. The National Women Annual Convention (June Rally) held at Ajebocamp was attended. The Big ‘M’ Day was held and three women were acceptedinto the FWI fold.A local Women Fellowship was initiated. It is a rotational fellowship amongthe women. This fellowship is usually hosted in a woman’s home and it wasdesigned to increase the cordiality among the women in the Church. Also, itwas meant to facilitate fervent prayers for the women folks and for theChurch. So far, it has been fruitful. During the Church Year, two women (SisterTaiwo Aremu and Sister Oyebola Johnson) were blessed with children.Still under the leadership of Sister Ayanfe, the youths and the teensparticipated in the Zonal, District and National programmes. The AnnualYouth Camp (KC 2010) was attended by some of the youths. The 2010 YouthWeek was observed locally in the Church. Also, the youths participatedactively in the zonal youth vigils.The children participated in Zonal, District and National programmes. 2010Children’s Day was observed. The children participated in the District childrenprogramme held at Oke-Bola District headquarters Church on May 27th, 2010.The Children Week was celebrated locally on May 29, 2010. Also, the childrenparticipated in an inter-denominational children camping programme held atIgbo Oloyin, Ojoo, Ibadan. During the year, there was a demand for thebuilding of the Children’s Church and the Pastor-in-Charge promised to lookinto that request.



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The Ushering Unit under the leadership of Sister Ronke Akinbilejeparticipated in the seminar held at the District headquarters. The ushersparticipated in Zonal Usher’s Week held at the Zonal headquarters.The Senior Pastor (Reverend Akinlolu Akintola) observed that much workwas not done on the Church building during the Church Year; nevertheless, itwas properly maintained. The Church toilet was completed for the comfort ofthe worshippers. The Church acquired a PHCN Meter which was facilitated bySister Oyebola Johnson. A dozen of chairs were purchased.October 2010 – June 2011: Occupy Till I ComeA new policy from the National Office of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria,restructure the Foursquare Church Year. Henceforth, the church year beginsin July. Thus, this Church Year was abruptly truncated and it lasted just foreight months. Though, it was a challenging change, yet, the Church adjustedand adapted to this National directive.2010/2011 Pastorate included Reverend Akinlolu Akintola (Pastor-in-charge); Reverend Hanson Nyoh; Pastor Sesan Johnson and Pastor IdowuAremu. The Church officers (2010/2011) were Reverend & Mrs AkinloluAkintola (Pastor-in-charge); Pastor Sesan Johnson (Secretary); Pastor IdowuAremu (Prayer Group); Sister A.O. Adekanmbi (Treasurer/FWI President);Sister Ronke Akinbileje (GSSS/Head Usher); Pastor (Mrs) Titilade Akintola(Children Co-ordinator); Deaconess Deborah Raheem (Choir Mistress); andSister Ayanfe (Youth/Hi Crusader President)2010/2011 Advisory Council of the Church included: Reverend Akin Akintola(Chairman); Pastor Sesan Johnson (Secretary); Sister A.O. Adekanmbi; SisterR. Akinbileje; Pastor (Mrs) Titilade Akintola; Deaconess Deborah Raheem; andPastor Idowu Aremu.Conventionally, all the Zonal, District and National programmes wereobserved by the Church. National Fasting & Prayer programme was observedin January 2011. Sunday and Weekly services were held as scheduled. The 4thChurch Anniversary was celebrated with an evangelistic outreach to AbaaEgba within the Lagelu Local Government area of Ibadan and was concluded



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with a thanksgiving service. The celebration was between Friday, May 20 toSunday, May 22, 2011 with the theme “Crown of Glory: Isaiah 62:3”. PastorIdowu Aremu served as the Chairman of the Anniversary Committee.The Mission outreach during the anniversary was an eye opener for theChurch towards the lost souls. Most members slept on the mission field. Thevillage head on behalf of the village welcomed the Church. A vigil was held andevangelism was carried out. An open air crusade was executed in the villagewith Pastor Idowu Aremu, Pastor Sesan Johnson and Reverend AkinloluAkintola ministering. The Choir also ministered. There were testimonies. Infact, a known herbalist in the village gave his life to Christ.Speaking to the Church members on the mission field, Reverend AkinloluAkintola declared the outreach is a missionary work to populate the kingdomof God and depopulate the kingdom of the Devil. He encouraged Churchmembers that though the local Church needed to increase in numbers,however, they should never mind that the mission outreach may not be ableto achieve since it is very far from the local assembly, however, it will bringglory to almighty God.The Monthly Evangelism outreach was observed during the Church Yearexcept for some Sundays. Fathers’ Day was observed. Family Fellowship wasinaugurated and some families hosted the Church during the year. The Churchbuilding was maintained. Concerning the maintenance of the Church buildingand acquisition of useful tools in the Church, the Senior Pastor appreciatedmembers for their unrepentant acts of giving.The Children’s Church building demanded during the last Church Year wasstarted and the Senior Pastor stated that by the grace of God it would becompleted during the year. The Pastor’s office was started. The Senior Pastorcharged the Council of Foursquare Men (CFM) to be aggressive in completingthe Pastor’s office. The Senior Pastor opined that the office is very germane forsmooth and effective administration of the Church.Existing Sunday school classes were maintained during the year however, itwas observed that attendance is declining and that students usually came late.



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The General Sunday School Superintendent attended a seminar at the Districtheadquarters.The Church FWI President was still the Iyana Zonal FWI President. Pre-Alabaster programme was attended. Mothers’ Day was observed in theChurch. The National Women Annual Convention (June Rally) was attendedby some FWI members. Big ‘M’ Day was held. Three women were acceptedinto the FWI fold. The women participated in the Village Mission of the Churchheld during the Anniversary. A Health Seminar was held for all members ofthe Church by the FWI.The youths and the teens participated in the Zonal, District and Nationalprogrammes. KC 2011 was attended by the youths. Youth Week was observed.The children participated in Zonal, District and National programmes. 2011Children’s Day was observed. The children participated in the District childrenprogramme held at Oke-Bola on May 27th, 2011. Children Week wascelebrated locally. The children participated in an inter-denominationalchildren camp programme held at Igbo Oloyin, Ojoo, Ibadan.July 2011 – June 2012: Un-usual CapacityThe Church officers (2011/2012) were as follow: Reverend & Mrs AkinloluAkintola (Pastor-in-charge); Pastor Sesan Johnson (Secretary); Pastor IdowuAremu (CFM President/Mission & Evangelism); Sister A.O. Adekanmbi(Treasurer/FWI President); Sister Ronke Akinbileje (GSSS/Head Usher);Pastor (Mrs) Titilade Akintola (Children Co-ordinator); Deaconess DeborahRaheem (Choir Mistress); and Brother George (Youth/Hi Crusader President).2011/2012 Advisory Council included: Reverend Akin Akintola (Chairman);Pastor Sesan Johnson (Secretary); Sister A.O. Adekanmbi; Sister R. Akinbileje;Sister Titilade Akintola; Deaconess Deborah Raheem; and Pastor IdowuAremu. 2011/2012 Pastorate were: Reverend Akinlolu Akintola (Pastor-in-charge); Reverend Hanson Nyoh; Pastor Sesan Johnson and Pastor IdowuAremu.National Fasting & Prayer programme was observed in January 2012. Sundayand Weekly services were held as scheduled. The existing Sunday school



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classes were maintained during the Church Year. Sunday School Rally washeld. The Monthly Evangelism outreach was observed during the Church Yearexcept for some Sundays. The GSSS attended a seminar at the Districtheadquarters. The Council of Foursquare Men was inaugurated this year andPastor Idowu Aremu was appointed as the president. Fathers’ Day wasobserved. Home Alive Fellowships were held.The works on the Pastor’s office were still on-going. The interior of the Churchwas painted and little decoration was added. Importantly, the painting wasdone by one of the assisting pastors, Pastor Idowu Aremu. Without argument,this is a good example that was laid by the Senior Pastor (Reverend AkinloluAkintola) and it is being emulated by the pastorate and members. Accordingto the current Church Secretary “the Senior Pastor can be regarded as theforeman of the Church. As he is involved the clearing of the Church environs,he will be doing electric work and at the same time he will be doing somebricklaying job. No doubt, the Senior Pastor is rugged and I am seriouslylearning the rudiments of Church planting from him. It was through him Ilearn learnt that pastoring a Church, especially beginning a Church is morethan preaching on the pulpit.”The 5th Church Anniversary was celebrated. Members of the 5th ChurchAnniversary were: Pastor Sesan Johnson (Chairman); Mrs Adekanmbi A.O.;Deaconess Raheem Deborah; Mrs Amos; Pastor (Mrs) Titilade Akintola;Brother Vincent George; and Sister Esther Akintola. The anniversary was heldbetween Thursday 26th and Sunday 29th April 2012 with the theme: “UnusualCapacity”. It started with an Indoor Revival which covered the first two days.A Youth Conference was held on Saturday’s morning at the Church auditoriumwith the topic: “Unusual Capacity: Davidic Experience” with Reverend KunleOloyede as the guest minister. The evening of that Saturday was dedicated fora film show titled “Ogo To Sunkun” at the space outside the Church besides themain road. The 5th Anniversary Celebration ended with a thanksgiving serviceon Sunday with Reverend (Prof) Agbede as the Guest Minster.Pre-Alabaster programme was attended. Mothers’ Day was observed in theChurch. Women Annual Convention (June Rally) was attended in June. Big ‘M’



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Day was held. Three women were accepted into the FWI fold. A HealthSeminar was held for all members of the Church.The youths and the teens participated in the Zonal, District and Nationalprogrammes. KC 2011 was attended by the youths. Youth Week was observed.The children participated in Zonal, District and National programmes. 2011Children’s Day was observed. The children participated in the District childrenprogramme held at Oke-Bola on May 27th, 2012. Children Week wascelebrated locally. The children participated in the inter-denominationalchildren camping programme held at Igbo Oloyin, Ojoo, Ibadan.July 2012 - June 2013: The End of Akinlolu YearsThe Church officers (2011/2012) were as follow: Reverend & Mrs AkinloluAkintola (Pastor-in-charge); Pastor Sesan Johnson (Secretary/GSSS); BrotherPeter Dosu (CFM President); Sister A.O. Adekanmbi (Treasurer/FWIPresident); Sister Ronke Akinbileje (Music/Head Usher); Pastor (Mrs) TitiladeAkintola (Children Co-ordinator); and Sister Omolaraeni Lasisi (Youth/HiCrusader President).Evangelist Michael Idowu Aremu and his family were transferred toFoursquare Gospel Church, Olorunda-Abaa as an acting pastor of the Church.The re-deployment of this minister post serious challenge to the Church. He isa man that has serious drive for evangelism and prayers. More also, his firstson was a skilled and talented drummer. In fact, he is the only drummer of theChurch. Evidently, as at the time of writing this book, the Church has not beenable to fill the gap left behind by the talented drummer, though, concertedefforts are being put in place to train the likes of Adekanmbi Adeleke andBrother Peter Dosu. On the transfer of Evangelist Idowu Aremu, the seniorpastor remarked that he takes solace in the fact that his re-deployment is formore work in the vineyard of God. He further pointed that at the right time,the Lord of harvest will give His Church good replacement for the ministerand members of his familySignificantly, the family of Reverend Isaac Folarin was transferred fromFoursquare Gospel Church, Agboowo to Chapel of Faith. Hence, Reverend



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Isaac Folarin and Pastor (Mrs) Deborah Folarin joined the pastorate.Reverend Isaac Folarin is an ordained minister of Foursquare Gospel Churchin Nigeria. He had been in charge of Churches in Maiduguri and Bodija. Beforejoining Chapel of Faith, he was an assisting pastor at Agboowo Church. Fromthe Church records, it was found that the Church has been expecting theirarrival for almost a year after there have been an official pronouncement oftheir transfer from Agboowo Church. Reasons for the delay in theirdeployment were far fetching. However, upon their arrival, the family hasbeen a great addition to the Church.The Church adhered strictly to all her local, zonal, district and nationalprogrammes. The ceiling (PVC) of the Church was started and completed.According to the senior pastor (Reverend Akintola Akinlolu), the initial cashthat was used to kick start the PVC project was a gift from a member of theChurch. Strategically, the Church/Pastor office was put in place.More works were done on the lightings of the Church and the public addresssystem of the Church. Three microphone stands were purchased to augmentthe performance of the choir.Two members of the Church, Deaconess A.O. Adekanmbi and Pastor SesanJohnson served as members of the Inauguration Committee for LageluMissionary Zone. Coupled with this, this duo served in Zonal Rally Committeeof Iyana Zone. Six of the Church’s choir: Mrs Akinbileje, sister Omolaraeni,Ronke Adekanmbi, Esther Akintola, Folarin Marvellous and MarvellousIvinegbor were part of the Zonal Choir that ministered during theinauguration of the zone. In addition, two members of the Church – PastorSesan Johnson (Zonal Youth Minister) and Reverend Isaac Folarin (ZonalTreasurer) are now members of the Zonal Council.During the Church Year, a special prayer programme tagged ‘Possess YourPossession’ was initiated. The programme holds every last day of the month.According to feedback from Church members and the coordinator of theprogramme, God has been answering prayers of participants on a monthlybasis.



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Fundamentally, in line with the spirit of decade of multiplicity, Iyana Zone wasdelineated into three zones (Iyana zone, Iwo Missionary zone and LageluMissionary zone). Consequently, this Church falls within Lagelu Missionaryzone and by extension into the newly created district (Shalom District).Remember, Shalom District is one of the three newly created districts out ofthe former Ibadan District. Other districts are Molete and Sango Districts.With the creation of Lagelu Missionary Zone, consequently, the PioneeringPastor of Foursquare Gospel Church, Akobo/Ojurin – Reverend AkinloluAkintola was appointed and installed as the Pioneering Zonal Superintendentof the zone. Thus, this led to his automatic transferred to the Olodo Church,the zonal headquarters. With this, Reverend Isaac Folarin was installed as theSenior Pastor of the Church in July 2013, thereby signalling the end ofAkintola Akinlolu’s era. To God be the glory, honour and praises.History @ a glance

The Founding Day: April 01, 2007 “Operation One Family, One Month” was launched by Pastor AkinloluAkintola in 2008 ‘Do It Yourself ’ prayer programme was launched in 2008 The first Church Anniversary Celebration was held on Sunday 27th July,2008. The theme was “Be Glad & Rejoice: Phil 4:4”. By December 2007, the first Christmas Carol was held. The first (Acting) Youth/Hi Crusaders President (in person of SisterAyanfe Jesumbo) was appointed during the second Annual GeneralMembership Meeting of the Church in October 2008. Pastor (Mrs) Titilade Akintola, the wife of the pioneering pastor wasappointed as the first (Acting) Children Co-ordinator. Sister Ronke Akinbileje was appointed as the first (Acting) GeneralSunday School Superintendent (G.S.S.S.) at the second Annual GeneralMembership Meeting. Sister A.O. Adekanmbi as the first (Acting) FWI President during thesecond Annual General Membership Meeting.



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The pioneering pastor, pastor Akin Akintola was ordained a Reverendduring the Church Year at the 2007 National Convention. The Church lost an active worker, Evangelist (W.O.) Safuriani A.Raheem, on Sunday 20th April, 2008. Sunday Raheem was the first drummer of the Church. The Church appointed her first Advisory Council during the Oct 2007-Oct 2008 Church Year. In 2008, a Prayer Warrior Group was inaugurated and Pastor SesanJohnson was appointed by Reverend Akinlolu Akintola as the PrayerWarrior Group Co-ordinator. The Second Anniversary Celebration of the Church was observed with a3- day crusade at Akobo-Ojurin motor garage between Thursday 23rdand Saturday 25th April 2009. Pastor (now a Reverend and the ZS ofApata Zone) Biola Ogunwusi, the then District Mission Director was theguest minister. The theme of the anniversary was “The Good News:Luke 2:14”. During the Oct 2008 – Oct 2009 Church Year the Church initiated a “GoYe” Evangelism drive every second Sunday of the month. In Oct 2008 –Oct 2009 Church Year, the Church FWI initiated a Health &Personal Hygiene Programme for the Youth. In Oct 2008 –Oct 2009 Church Year Fathers’ Day was observed by themen for the first time in the Church Pastors and Pastors’ wives forum (Pastoral Retreat) was initiated andheld in August, 2010. During the Oct 2009 – Oct 2010 Church Year, the Church FWI President(Sister A.O Adekanmbi) was appointed the Iyana Zonal FWI President. During the Oct 2009 – Oct 2010 Church Year, a local Women Fellowshipwas initiated. The 4th Church Anniversary was celebrated with an evangelisticoutreach to Abaa Egba within the Lagelu Local Government area ofIbadan and was concluded with a thanksgiving service. The celebrationwas between Friday, May 20 to Sunday, May 22, 2011 with the theme



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“Crown of Glory: Isaiah 62:3”. Pastor Idowu Aremu served as theChairman of the Anniversary Committee. July 2011 – June 2012, The Council of Foursquare Men was inauguratedthis year and Pastor Idowu Aremu was appointed as the president. The 5th Church Anniversary was celebrated. Members of the 5th ChurchAnniversary were: Pastor Sesan Johnson (Chairman); Mrs AdekanmbiA.O.; Deaconess Raheem Deborah; Mrs Amos; Pastor (Mrs) TitiladeAkintola; Brother Vincent George; and Sister Esther Akintola. Theanniversary was held between Thursday 26th and Sunday 29th April2012 with the theme: “Unusual Capacity”. It started with an IndoorRevival which covered the first two days. A Youth Conference was heldon Saturday’s morning at the Church auditorium with the topic:“Unusual Capacity: Davidic Experience” with Reverend Kunle Oloyedeas the guest minister. The 5th Anniversary Celebration ended with athanksgiving service on Sunday with Reverend (Prof) Agbede as theGuest Minster. During the July 2012 –June 2013 Church Year, Evangelist Michael IdowuAremu and his family were transferred to Foursquare Gospel Church,Olorunda-Abaa as an acting pastor of the Church and Significantly, thefamily of Reverend Isaac Folarin was transferred from FoursquareGospel Church, Agboowo to Chapel of Faith. Hence, Reverend IsaacFolarin and Pastor (Mrs) Deborah Folarin joined the pastorate. Also, two members of the Church, Deaconess A.O. Adekanmbi andPastor Sesan Johnson served as members of the InaugurationCommittee for Lagelu Missionary Zone. Coupled with this, this duoserved in Zonal Rally Committee of Iyana Zone. Six of the Church’s choir:Mrs Akinbileje, sister Omolaraeni, Ronke Adekanmbi, Esther Akintola,Folarin Marvellous and Marvellous Ivinegbor were part of the ZonalChoir that ministered during the inauguration of the zone. In addition,two members of the Church – Pastor Sesan Johnson (Zonal YouthMinister) and Reverend Isaac Folarin (Zonal Treasurer) are nowmembers of the Zonal Council.



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During the Church Year, a special prayer programme tagged ‘PossessYour Possession’ was initiated. The programme holds every last day ofthe month. With the creation of Lagelu Missionary Zone, consequently, thePioneering Pastor of Foursquare Gospel Church, Akobo/Ojurin –Reverend Akinlolu Akintola was appointed and installed as thePioneering Zonal Superintendent of the zone. Thus, this led to hisautomatic transferred to the Olodo Church, the zonal headquarters. Reverend Isaac Folarin was installed as the Senior Pastor of the Churchin July 2013, thereby signalling the end of Akintola Akinlolu’s era.

The Pastorate:The pastorate comprises of all the pastors that served during the periodcovered by this book. This list included Reverend and Pastor (Mrs) AkinloluAkintola, Reverend and Pastor (Mrs) Hanson Nyor, Pastor Sesan Johnson,Pastor Michael Idowu Aremu and Reverend Isaac Folarin.Pastor Michael Idowu AremuPastor Michael Idowu Aremu before joining the Akobo/Ojurin Church hasbeen part of Molete and Oke-Bola Church. He joined the Church together withhis wife and children. He is an evangelist by calling and he is likewise calledinto the prayer ministry. Upon joining the Church, he was active in the Mission& Evangelism department and prayer ministry. He was also a member of thePastorate and the Church Advisory Council. Together with his family he hadbeen transferred to Olorunda-Abaa Church, he served as the Zonal Evangelistof Iyana Zone and currently, he is the District Evangelist of Shalom District,Ibadan.Reverend and Pastor (Mrs) HansonReverend and Pastor (Mrs) Hanson have been active members/minsters ofFoursquare Gospel Church for years. They were at a time members of Ikorodu



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Church under the leadership of Reverend (Mrs) Florence Oluwasanmi – thefirst lady-pastor of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria. Upon moving toIbadan, the couple and their family continue to serve the Lord under theumbrella of Foursquare Church. Significantly, the couple have a strong callingin the areas of children ministry. They have a Children Ministry that caters forspiritual well-beings of children and teenagers. In 2008, the couple joinedAkobo/Ojurin Church and immediately, they have been active in the pastorateand in the children arm of the Church. Till date, they are still part of theChurch.Pastor Sesan Michael JohnsonPastor Sesan Michael Johnson was born into the Foursquare Gospel Church, atthe Ikorodu Zonal headquarters Church (now Ikorodu I District): 7- 8 SundayAdebanjo street, Aruna, Ikorodu. Together with his wife and daughter, hejoined Akobo/Ojurin Church in 2008 Church Year. He has special callings inthe areas of Youth/Teens Ministry, Internet Evangelism, Teachings and PrayerMinistry. Upon joining the Church, he has served in the pastorate, evangelism& mission unit and Youths & Teens Ministry. He is presently the ChurchSecretary, and an assisting pastor. Coupled with these, he is presently, theZonal Youths Minister of Lagelu Missionary Zone.Reverend & Pastor (Mrs) Isaac FolarinReverend Isaac Folarin is an ordained minister of Foursquare Gospel Church.He had served as a minister in Maiduguri Church and Bodija Church. He alsoserved as an assisting pastor at Agboowo Church under Reverend Tayo A.Adegbola and Pastor Segun Adekola. He joined Akobo/Ojurin Church with hisfamily in 2013. He served briefly as an assisting pastor under the pioneeringpastor (Reverend Akintola). In July 2013, he became the Senior Pastor ofAkobo/Ojurin Church. He is currently the Zonal Treasurer of LageluMissionary Zone.Pastor (Mrs) Deborah Iyabo Folarin is an amiable assistant in ministry to herhusband. She has a unique calling in the prayer and prophetic ministries. Sheis a gift to the body of Christ.



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A Clarion Call!Why history? Why writing the history of a Church? Of what value is history? Inorder to understand where we are going, we need to understand where wecame from. This is the value of history in general. Knowing your trajectoryallows you to understand yourself better, to put your experience in the properperspective. What then is the value of the history of a Church? Without thehistory of the Church, Christian theology becomes theoretical rather thanpractical. Christianity is first and foremost the acts of God in time - andultimately in Christ - more than its morality, doctrinal formulations, or aworldview.Engaging history of a Church provides perspective on the Church’s interactionwith surrounding culture and communities. Telling the story of a local Church- how it came to be and how it has grown and changed over the years - isalways a worth-while task. If no one ever stops to remember ‘what happened’way back, the congregation has lost a valuable piece of its identity and how ithas managed to circumvent the varied complexities and challenges faced.Once the memory is gone, it is all but impossible to recover. And certainly inmany Churches, long memories can sometimes block much-needed change.Unfortunately, many modern people often think of history as a luxury, or ahobby for certain people with extra time on their hands, or an aptitude forremembering names and dates. But truly knowing and understanding yourstory is never a luxury. It tells you not just where you came from, but who youare and where you are headed. In fact, it is helpful to think of the local Churchhistorian’s task as a research into a congregation’s DNA, and its particularpersonality. No doubt, the present-day character of a local Church often hasdeep historical roots.Some of the fundamental questions that often arise when writing the historyof a Church are: Was the Church formed as a result of a missionary effort,perhaps beginning life as a struggling act of faith? Or what is it a result of aprotest or an opposition to a particular set of theological ideas or adenominational action? As it is true with people, early circumstances do notcompletely determine what a Church will become, but they can certainly setthe agenda for what follows, often in subtle and surprising ways.



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Fundamentally, I am advocating for serious efforts in documenting the historyof churches. This will go a long way in the understanding of the past & presentchallenges, achievements, moves of God, etc. Importantly, trained historiansshould be contacted in order to have a thorough and professional work.



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Reference & Sources:

Oral interviews (Reverend Akinlolu Akintola, Mrs. Aderonke Akinbileje,Pastor (Mrs) Titilade Akintola etc) Church Records Church Secretary’s records Minutes book of Church Advisory Council Annual General Membership Meeting booklets Lagelu Missionary Zone Inauguration programme booklet Shalom Missionary District Inauguration programme booklet Seminar paper presented by Reverend Rasaq Akinwale at ShalomDistrict headquarters Church in 2013 titled: “Historical Perspective andthe Organogram of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria”.



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Blurb

About the bookIt is helpful to think of the local Church historian’s task as a research into acongregation’s DNA, and its particular characterisation. No doubt, the present-day character of a local Church often has deep historical roots. Hence, thisbook surgically looks into the microcosm and internalities of the FoursquareGospel Church, Akobo-Ojurin, Ibadan, Nigeria. It x-rays the visionaryaffirmativeness that laid the foundation of the church, the organization andthe people that orchestrated it. It throws lights into how God protected andpreserved his people from the beginning to the present day so as to bringabout the sure accomplishment of his redemptive purposes in Jesus Christ.The vision to establish the branch was birthed during the leadership of thethen Zonal Superintendent, Reverend Gabriel Olanrewaju Akande of blessedmemory. Paradoxically, the church was founded on April 01, 2007. As atrained historian, the author believes that history is progressive. Calculatedly,he opts for chronological historiography - writing style, though; he takes aswipe into some thematic issues. This historical writing only covers April2007 to July 2013.About the authorSesan Michael Johnson is a man endowed with avalanche of divine grace,inundated apostolic poise and atypical prophetic mandate with global affectstraversing both the ecclesiastical circus and secular milieu. He is aprofessional speaker, editor, SEO expert, blogger, internet evangelist and acustodian of the mysteries of Jesus Christ. He has a background in churchministry, web development, customer service & teaching and has hadeducation at the University of Ibadan (Statistics), Ibadan; Obafemi AwolowoUniversity (History & International Relations), Ile-Ife; and Christ InternationalCollege of Ministries, Ibadan (Ministry & Communication). His careertrajectory, spanning more than one decade, has had him function at varioustimes as documentation officer, information technology officer, customers



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service executive, internet evangelist, online-trainer, blogger, and teacher ofhistory & world affairs. He is currently engaged as editor at FoursquareAmbassador, key partner at Research and Strategies Inc., trainer at InternetPositives International, Ibadan, zonal youth minister of Foursquare GospelChurch - Lagelu zone, associate pastor at Akobo-Ojurin Foursquare Gospelchurch and a history teacher at Lifeforte International School, Ibadan. As anascent historian and researcher, his interests include history of ideas, churchhistory, environmental history, social media history and African studies. Hispublications include “Internet Evangelism in Nigeria”, Joshua the Son of Nun”,and “the Summary of the Book of Mark”. Upcoming books include: “Ministeringto Digital Generation”, “Sodomy: De-construction & Reconstruction”, and “MyYears of Isolationism: A Memoir”.


"Groundwork: The History of Foursquare Gospel Church, Akobo-Ojurin, Ibadan, Nigeria, 2007-2013"

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