• He Wasn’t Perfect, But He Tried — A Father’s Day Reflection

    Not every father knows how to say “I love you” out loud. Some don’t attend every school event or express affection in obvious ways. But often, their love shows up in quieter moments — fixing broken toys without being asked, saving the last piece of meat for someone else at dinner, or waiting in the car during a storm to make sure everyone gets inside safely. Their love may not always be loud, but it’s steady — expressed through presence, sacrifice, and small, consistent acts of care.

    Fatherhood doesn’t come with a manual, and many men were raised in homes where emotional expression was mistaken for weakness. Yet, they tried. They built love through action when words failed them. They carried pressures in silence, wore pride like armor, and often battled private storms we may never fully understand. Some fathers showed up through presence, others through provision — both forms matter.

    And for those whose fathers didn’t show up at all, or caused more harm than good — this day is still yours, too. Healing from a fractured father-child bond is a journey of reclaiming your own voice, learning to father yourself, and perhaps, rewriting the story with your own children. You may not have had the model you deserved, but you can become one.

    So today, we honor the trying fathers. The healing fathers. The present fathers. And those who are learning how to be better. This Father's Day, may we extend grace — and where needed, draw boundaries — with love. Because fatherhood isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence, growth, and legacy.
    He Wasn’t Perfect, But He Tried — A Father’s Day Reflection Not every father knows how to say “I love you” out loud. Some don’t attend every school event or express affection in obvious ways. But often, their love shows up in quieter moments — fixing broken toys without being asked, saving the last piece of meat for someone else at dinner, or waiting in the car during a storm to make sure everyone gets inside safely. Their love may not always be loud, but it’s steady — expressed through presence, sacrifice, and small, consistent acts of care. Fatherhood doesn’t come with a manual, and many men were raised in homes where emotional expression was mistaken for weakness. Yet, they tried. They built love through action when words failed them. They carried pressures in silence, wore pride like armor, and often battled private storms we may never fully understand. Some fathers showed up through presence, others through provision — both forms matter. And for those whose fathers didn’t show up at all, or caused more harm than good — this day is still yours, too. Healing from a fractured father-child bond is a journey of reclaiming your own voice, learning to father yourself, and perhaps, rewriting the story with your own children. You may not have had the model you deserved, but you can become one. So today, we honor the trying fathers. The healing fathers. The present fathers. And those who are learning how to be better. This Father's Day, may we extend grace — and where needed, draw boundaries — with love. Because fatherhood isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence, growth, and legacy.
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  • *If Your sugar range is 230, how severe is it to your health and the consequences*:

    A blood sugar level of 230 is considered high or severely abnormal and can have significant effects on your overall health. If you're experiencing this level of blood sugar regularly, it's essential to take action to and prevent long-term complications.

    *Health Risks:*

    - *Organ damage*: High blood sugar can strain your organs, weaken your immune system, and increase the risk of serious complications like heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve damage.
    - *Vision problems*: Elevated glucose levels can cause fluid buildup in the lens of your eye, leading to blurred vision.
    - *Nerve damage*: Excessive sugar can damage the delicate inner lining of your arteries, increasing the risk of neuropathy.
    - *Kidney disease*: High blood sugar can make your kidneys work harder, leading to long-term kidney disease.

    *Symptoms:*

    - Increased thirst and urination
    - Fatigue
    - Blurred vision

    *Treatment and Management:*

    - *Dietary changes*: Focus on eating whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid sugary beverages, processed foods, and high-carb snacks.
    - *Regular exercise*: Engage in physical activity to help lower blood sugar levels.
    - *Monitoring blood sugar*: Regularly check your blood sugar levels to track your progress.
    - *Medications*: You need our natural Herbal Supplement called SPIDEX 15, Fafaron, spudex19 and Sàlud also contain insulin therapy to help manage your blood sugar levels.

    *When to Seek Medical Attention:*

    *If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, or if your blood sugar levels continue to rise above 80/120, consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment. They can help you develop a plan to manage your blood sugar levels and prevent long-term complications.*
    *If Your sugar range is 230, how severe is it to your health and the consequences*: A blood sugar level of 230 is considered high or severely abnormal and can have significant effects on your overall health. If you're experiencing this level of blood sugar regularly, it's essential to take action to and prevent long-term complications. *Health Risks:* - *Organ damage*: High blood sugar can strain your organs, weaken your immune system, and increase the risk of serious complications like heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve damage. - *Vision problems*: Elevated glucose levels can cause fluid buildup in the lens of your eye, leading to blurred vision. - *Nerve damage*: Excessive sugar can damage the delicate inner lining of your arteries, increasing the risk of neuropathy. - *Kidney disease*: High blood sugar can make your kidneys work harder, leading to long-term kidney disease. *Symptoms:* - Increased thirst and urination - Fatigue - Blurred vision *Treatment and Management:* - *Dietary changes*: Focus on eating whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid sugary beverages, processed foods, and high-carb snacks. - *Regular exercise*: Engage in physical activity to help lower blood sugar levels. - *Monitoring blood sugar*: Regularly check your blood sugar levels to track your progress. - *Medications*: You need our natural Herbal Supplement called SPIDEX 15, Fafaron, spudex19 and Sàlud also contain insulin therapy to help manage your blood sugar levels. *When to Seek Medical Attention:* *If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, or if your blood sugar levels continue to rise above 80/120, consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment. They can help you develop a plan to manage your blood sugar levels and prevent long-term complications.*
    0 Reacties 0 aandelen 94 Views
  • https://guardian.ng/sport/football/messi-denied-late-winner-in-club-world-cup-opener/
    https://guardian.ng/sport/football/messi-denied-late-winner-in-club-world-cup-opener/
    GUARDIAN.NG
    Messi denied late winner in Club World Cup opener
    Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were held to a 0-0 draw by Egyptian side Al Ahly on Saturday as FIFA's new 32-team tournament
    0 Reacties 0 aandelen 57 Views
  • Humans are quick to judging others without making inquiries.so sad how perfect pple claim to be #@we are all sinners displaying in different form
    Humans are quick to judging others without making inquiries.so sad how perfect pple claim to be #@we are all sinners displaying in different form
    0 Reacties 0 aandelen 118 Views
  • Humans are quick to judging others without making inquiries.so sad how perfect pple claim to be #@we are all sinners displaying in different form
    Humans are quick to judging others without making inquiries.so sad how perfect pple claim to be #@we are all sinners displaying in different form
    1 Reacties 0 aandelen 119 Views
  • *Public Service Announcement For Real Fathers.

    We are hereby giving advance notice of acceptable *FATHER'S DAY* activities:

    *FATHER'S DAY* *FATHER'S DAY*
    *FATHER'S DAY*

    *Sunday 15th June, 2025*

    *Order of proceedings for the the day:*

    *6: 45 am: Good morning and beginning of receipt of gifts ...*

    *7:00: am Breakfast in bed (fry-ups or Akara/Moi-Moi & Pap with plenty honey).*

    *7.30am to 9:00am:*
    *Men's arrival in the church and prayer.*

    *9:00am to 11:00am: Sunday service.*

    *11:00am to 12:00pm: medical check up.*

    *1: 00 pm: - Mummy (and/or children) takes Father out on her bill.*

    *2:00: pm Chopped fried Plantain with egg sauce or various infusions.*

    *2: 30: pm Lunch - Pounded Yam or Eba, with Efo riro soup or Amala+abula, infused with assorted fresh and dry fish, Periwinkle, and large Snails, served with chilled non-alcoholic wine.*

    *3: 30 pm: Grilled assorted meat and juice, followed 2hrs later by Goat Meat Peppersoup, and more chilled drinks.*

    *8: 00 pm: Unwrap gifts, Nkwobi or Isi-Ewu with more drinks.*

    *9: 00 pm: and if the body endures: Dinner (Jollof Rice with spicy Chicken Wings) + Chilled drinks.*

    *10.00 pm: - lights out.*


    *Please pass this communication to the children and the wives so they do not plan anything "weird" that day.*

    Note: Give this notice timeously, so that they do not come with the excuse *"I did not remember".*

    *God bless us all.*


    *Please do the needful tomorrow, as shine shine women wey una be, our men deserve some treats*
    *Public Service Announcement For Real Fathers. We are hereby giving advance notice of acceptable *FATHER'S DAY* activities: *FATHER'S DAY* *FATHER'S DAY* *FATHER'S DAY* *Sunday 15th June, 2025* *Order of proceedings for the the day:* *6: 45 am: Good morning and beginning of receipt of gifts ...* *7:00: am Breakfast in bed (fry-ups or Akara/Moi-Moi & Pap with plenty honey).* *7.30am to 9:00am:* *Men's arrival in the church and prayer.* *9:00am to 11:00am: Sunday service.* *11:00am to 12:00pm: medical check up.* *1: 00 pm: - Mummy (and/or children) takes Father out on her bill.* *2:00: pm Chopped fried Plantain with egg sauce or various infusions.* *2: 30: pm Lunch - Pounded Yam or Eba, with Efo riro soup or Amala+abula, infused with assorted fresh and dry fish, Periwinkle, and large Snails, served with chilled non-alcoholic wine.* *3: 30 pm: Grilled assorted meat and juice, followed 2hrs later by Goat Meat Peppersoup, and more chilled drinks.* *8: 00 pm: Unwrap gifts, Nkwobi or Isi-Ewu with more drinks.* *9: 00 pm: and if the body endures: Dinner (Jollof Rice with spicy Chicken Wings) + Chilled drinks.* *10.00 pm: - lights out.* *Please pass this communication to the children and the wives so they do not plan anything "weird" that day.* Note: Give this notice timeously, so that they do not come with the excuse *"I did not remember".* *God bless us all.* *Please do the needful tomorrow, as shine shine women wey una be, our men deserve some treats*
    0 Reacties 2 aandelen 171 Views
  • Bishop David Olatunji Abioye:
    The Pastor of Generals

    By Daniel Breakforth

    In the year 1983, a new church called the Living Faith World Outreach Centre was commissioned by Pastor Enoch Adeboye in Ilorin, Kwara State of Nigeria. Shortly after the commission date, the Church moved by divine instruction to Kaduna instead of the initial plan to start off at Jos, Plateau State. The new Church was led by Pastor (later Bishop) David Oyedepo. Oyedepo was not a stranger to Kaduna. In the year 1973, he had attempted to join the Nigerian Air Force at the age of 19 through the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) just after the Civil War. Now a young pastor, he sometimes visited his military friends at the NDA as well as other collocated units within the massive Ribadu Cantonment. However it appears that God had other plans for Oyedepo. In 1987, one of his young pastors, David Abioye who had joined the Church as a staff at the end of his National Youth Service Corps period was sent to Maiduguri to open up a new branch. Shortly after this, by 1988, Living Faith was considered the largest Pentecostal Church in northern Nigeria. In 1989, Bishop David Oyedepo announced to the 3000 members that the Church intended to build Garden of Faith-the largest Church auditorium in Northern Nigeria. The Church opened up a new branch at Iyana Ipaja in 1989 called Winners' Chapel in response to a divine call to Oyedepo-Get down to Lagos and raise me a people.

    That was not all, in his own words, Bishop Oyedepo explains the change of baton that soon transpired.

    THE CHANGE OF THE KADUNA CHURCH PASTORATE

    "In view of the enormous work on ground at Kaduna in the early days of the Lagos church, I was shuttling between Lagos and Kaduna; Lagos this Sunday, Kaduna next. I was always in Kaduna anytime I had any outreach up north.

    On a particular day in May 1990, concluding a seminar in the city of Jos on Saturday night, I started racing down to minister at the Sunday service in the Kaduna church. Suddenly, I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘When you were the Pastor of the Kaduna church’. Immediately, I questioned, ‘Were?’ I did not have the patience to listen to what followed; I shouted, ‘Who then is the Pastor?’ And God said, ‘Send for my servant, David (Abioye), he shall be the shepherd of the flock’. While I ministered at the church that Sunday morning, in my characteristic manner, I shared with the congregation exactly what the Lord told me, and that was how the pastorate of the Kaduna church changed hands by divine order. From that very day, I ceased to see myself as the Pastor of that church. The good news is, there was no rethink or regret but testimonies of growth and expansion. Today, the Kaduna church is a beauty to behold".

    Pastor David Abioye was then transferred from Maiduguri to Kaduna in the early days of the Living Faith Church’s national expansion. This seemed like a routine ministerial reassignment. However, what followed was not just a chapter in church growth—it was the quiet unfolding of a legacy that would deeply influence Nigeria’s military elite.

    Kaduna is home to several of Nigeria’s most critical military institutions, including the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) Jaji, Infantry Centre and School Jaji, Headquarters 1 Division Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base, Training and Tactical Group (TTG), other NAF units, and the famed Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria, among others. Into this unique military atmosphere, Pastor Abioye was posted as resident pastor of Living Faith Church Barnawa—popularly known as the Garden of Faith. He was then consecrated Bishop in 1993 at the age of 32. He remains the youngest to be consecrated Bishop of a mainline Church globally Humorously, Abioye just like Oyedepo had also previously attempted to join the military from Kaduna.

    At a time when spiritual depth and moral guidance were quietly sought by many gentlemen officer cadets of the NDA and in fact, many young and seasoned officers alike, Bishop Abioye’s life and message stood out. His disciplined lifestyle, gentle demeanor and commanding yet humble pulpit presence drew men and women in uniform to the church in large numbers. For almost two decades, the Garden of Faith remained the largest megachurch in northern Nigeria and one of the most spiritually influential.

    NDA was, very tough...to say it very nicely. Consequently, week after week, cadets from the NDA having endured grueling training sessions all week, would find refuge and refreshing on Sundays at the Barnawa church. Midweek services were an unaffordable luxury! For the gentleman officer cadet, 'Heaven at last' was simply not enough as the daily sufferings and challenges otherwise known as Punishment Tutorials Endurance ( PUTTEE) always stretched them physically and spiritually to the limits. They needed reassurance, they needed words of Hope, they needed encouragement and they needed a purpose to stay alive. The Catholic Church is known to be very disciplined with time. Service times are fixed and start and end promptly. However majority of Christian cadets at the time were either non Catholics or at least did not attend the Barracks Catholic Church. Imagine a situation where a Rev Father complains during mass of sounds of 'up, up, up, up up...while voices under duress were counting...33, 34, 35...101, 102 etc behind the Altar (Very few, will understand this). The only other church which had the combined qualities of timeliness and promptness at the time was 'Living Faith'. The cadets could not afford a church that had no respect for time. Time was of essence and the time to come out through Abakpa, Equitation, Kurumashi or Silver Jubilee Gate was not fixed. With the 3 services at Garden of Faith which was the only Living Faith Church at the time, one could always find an early or late morning service that would fit into their 'Up' plans and Bishop Abioye was always on hand and bellowing... There is Hope for you!

    At the time Bishop Abioye took over in Kaduna, members of the NDA 37RC were passing out cadets. General Gwabin Musa would have been a 4th termer and gradually transforming from 'Kati Kati' to Acting Period. Also by the time Bishop Abioye was moved to Abuja in 2004, the members of 55th RC were second termers. This implies that Bishop Abioye oversaw about 18 Academy (Regular) courses (asides various short service courses) as the longest serving Living Faith Church pastor over Garden of Faith.

    Bishop Abioye’s messages were not only encouraging—they were stabilizing. They offered hope, moral clarity and spiritual courage, reinforcing the discipline instilled during military training but anchoring it in godly values. His altar call would always begin with... Say with me Dear God...

    Beyond the cadets, officers stationed across military formations in Kaduna and beyond—AFCSC, ICS, NAF Base, Depot NA Chindit Barracks/NASMP Zaria and even more remote military units—made it a routine to worship under his leadership. His consistency, integrity and rare ability to relate the gospel to leadership and purpose earned him the respect and loyalty of Nigeria’s rising military brass.

    In 2002, he was invited to minister at the Fellowship of Christian Cadets within the NDA. That service made history: For the first time, the NDA’s garrison protestant church auditorium was filled to overflowing. Cadets, officers, administrative staff and even civilians came en masse to hear him minister—a moment that solidified his role as a spiritual compass to many within the armed forces. Though eventually represented by one Pastor Victor Olafisoye, the message he personally sent was well received.

    Over the years, many of those cadets have risen through the ranks to become 1-star, 2-star, 3-star and even 4-star generals in the Nigerian Armed Forces and many other countries within Africa. Yet, they continue to hold Bishop Abioye in the highest esteem—not just as a preacher from their youth, but as a father in the faith whose words and character deeply shaped their journey. Some regularly consult him for prayer and counsel; others simply draw strength from his continued presence, teachings and landmark example of stewardship and loyalty.

    The Transfer of Bishop David Abioye to Abuja

    Bishop David Abioye was transferred from Kaduna to Abuja during a period of rapid church expansion and reactions as well as to douse some inflammable situations that had arisen. At the time, the Church was transitioning from a regional ministry centered in northern Nigeria to a national and international force and strategic placement of senior leaders was essential.

    Bishop David Oyedepo, founder and presiding bishop of the Church, needed to solidify the church's presence in Nigeria’s new Federal Capital Territory and neutralise efforts at rebellion in some quarters. He appointed Bishop Abioye to lead the growing work in Abuja, a move that proved to be both strategic and transformative.

    Upon arriving in Abuja, Bishop Abioye began pastoring at Durumi which was then the only branch in Abuja. This would eventually lead to him pioneering the Church work in the suburbs at Goshen City, the church’s massive 700 acre mission headquarters in the northern region which was built within 13 months with no assistance from the International headquarters and broke the record of Garden of Faith, Kaduna as the largest Church facility in northern Nigeria by 2010 However, even before the establishment of the Goshen facility in 2010, Abioye’s ministry had already gained deep roots in Abuja. His influence in the city, particularly among military officers and senior civil servants, began to grow in a quiet yet profound way.

    This rise in influence among military personnel can be attributed to several factors. First, Abuja is not just Nigeria’s administrative capital—it is also home to major military installations, including the Defense Headquarters, Army, Navy and Airforce Headquarters, National Defence College and numerous officers’ quarters. The proximity of Abioye’s ministry to these centers meant his church was physically accessible to officers seeking spiritual direction and balance amid the demands of national service. After his move to Goshen, they were also willing to do the 30km+ drive out of Abuja metropolis to Goshen on Sundays.

    Second, and perhaps more critically, Bishop Abioye’s personality and leadership style deeply resonated with military culture. He is known for his calm demeanor, disciplined approach to ministry and unshakable loyalty to his spiritual leader, Bishop Oyedepo. These traits mirrored the military’s values of order, hierarchy, loyalty, and self-control—values that often determine who an officer chooses to follow or confide in.

    Abioye’s messages frequently emphasized honor, service, integrity, and responsibility—not only in spiritual matters but in daily life and leadership. His teachings avoided controversy and remained grounded in scripture and character development. For many officers, this was both refreshing and reassuring. He did not pander to status or power but modeled consistency and humility, which earned him long-term trust.

    Moreover, the structure of the Living Faith Church itself—with its protocol-driven services, cell systems and clear chains of authority—created an environment that felt orderly and familiar to those from military backgrounds. It’s no surprise that over the years, many high-ranking officers not only became members of the Abuja church but developed close spiritual affiliations with Bishop Abioye himself.

    Essentially, Bishop David Abioye’s transfer to Abuja was a pivotal moment in the growth of the Living Faith Church in Nigeria’s capital. His personal integrity, disciplined leadership and spiritual consistency made him a natural magnet for military officers and government elites alike. Today, he remains one of the most respected spiritual voices in the region—both within and beyond Pentecostal circles.

    Remarkably, his influence has grown beyond church walls. Bishop Abioye has ministered and lectured at the National Defence College in Abuja, addressing elite military officers from Nigeria and across the world. He continues to engage actively in both physical and virtual fora where military personnel seek spiritual and ethical guidance.

    Recently, Nigeria’s only serving 4-star general was spotted worshipping at the Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, the new phase of Bishop Abioye"'s ministry—an unassuming but telling sign of how enduring and respected Bishop Abioye’s pastoral role remains within military circles.

    Yet, in all of this, he has remained profoundly humble. Never one to boast or seek titles, Bishop Abioye continues to walk with quiet dignity, reflecting the servant leadership he has modeled for about 4 decades. His life is a testament to the truth that divine influence is not always loud—but it is lasting.

    Indeed, his posting to Kaduna and later Abuja was more than a church assignment; it was a divine deployment. In the process, Bishop David Abioye became, almost inadvertently, the Pastor of Generals.

    #ChurchGist
    Bishop David Olatunji Abioye: The Pastor of Generals By Daniel Breakforth In the year 1983, a new church called the Living Faith World Outreach Centre was commissioned by Pastor Enoch Adeboye in Ilorin, Kwara State of Nigeria. Shortly after the commission date, the Church moved by divine instruction to Kaduna instead of the initial plan to start off at Jos, Plateau State. The new Church was led by Pastor (later Bishop) David Oyedepo. Oyedepo was not a stranger to Kaduna. In the year 1973, he had attempted to join the Nigerian Air Force at the age of 19 through the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) just after the Civil War. Now a young pastor, he sometimes visited his military friends at the NDA as well as other collocated units within the massive Ribadu Cantonment. However it appears that God had other plans for Oyedepo. In 1987, one of his young pastors, David Abioye who had joined the Church as a staff at the end of his National Youth Service Corps period was sent to Maiduguri to open up a new branch. Shortly after this, by 1988, Living Faith was considered the largest Pentecostal Church in northern Nigeria. In 1989, Bishop David Oyedepo announced to the 3000 members that the Church intended to build Garden of Faith-the largest Church auditorium in Northern Nigeria. The Church opened up a new branch at Iyana Ipaja in 1989 called Winners' Chapel in response to a divine call to Oyedepo-Get down to Lagos and raise me a people. That was not all, in his own words, Bishop Oyedepo explains the change of baton that soon transpired. THE CHANGE OF THE KADUNA CHURCH PASTORATE "In view of the enormous work on ground at Kaduna in the early days of the Lagos church, I was shuttling between Lagos and Kaduna; Lagos this Sunday, Kaduna next. I was always in Kaduna anytime I had any outreach up north. On a particular day in May 1990, concluding a seminar in the city of Jos on Saturday night, I started racing down to minister at the Sunday service in the Kaduna church. Suddenly, I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘When you were the Pastor of the Kaduna church’. Immediately, I questioned, ‘Were?’ I did not have the patience to listen to what followed; I shouted, ‘Who then is the Pastor?’ And God said, ‘Send for my servant, David (Abioye), he shall be the shepherd of the flock’. While I ministered at the church that Sunday morning, in my characteristic manner, I shared with the congregation exactly what the Lord told me, and that was how the pastorate of the Kaduna church changed hands by divine order. From that very day, I ceased to see myself as the Pastor of that church. The good news is, there was no rethink or regret but testimonies of growth and expansion. Today, the Kaduna church is a beauty to behold". Pastor David Abioye was then transferred from Maiduguri to Kaduna in the early days of the Living Faith Church’s national expansion. This seemed like a routine ministerial reassignment. However, what followed was not just a chapter in church growth—it was the quiet unfolding of a legacy that would deeply influence Nigeria’s military elite. Kaduna is home to several of Nigeria’s most critical military institutions, including the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) Jaji, Infantry Centre and School Jaji, Headquarters 1 Division Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base, Training and Tactical Group (TTG), other NAF units, and the famed Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria, among others. Into this unique military atmosphere, Pastor Abioye was posted as resident pastor of Living Faith Church Barnawa—popularly known as the Garden of Faith. He was then consecrated Bishop in 1993 at the age of 32. He remains the youngest to be consecrated Bishop of a mainline Church globally Humorously, Abioye just like Oyedepo had also previously attempted to join the military from Kaduna. At a time when spiritual depth and moral guidance were quietly sought by many gentlemen officer cadets of the NDA and in fact, many young and seasoned officers alike, Bishop Abioye’s life and message stood out. His disciplined lifestyle, gentle demeanor and commanding yet humble pulpit presence drew men and women in uniform to the church in large numbers. For almost two decades, the Garden of Faith remained the largest megachurch in northern Nigeria and one of the most spiritually influential. NDA was, very tough...to say it very nicely. Consequently, week after week, cadets from the NDA having endured grueling training sessions all week, would find refuge and refreshing on Sundays at the Barnawa church. Midweek services were an unaffordable luxury! For the gentleman officer cadet, 'Heaven at last' was simply not enough as the daily sufferings and challenges otherwise known as Punishment Tutorials Endurance ( PUTTEE) always stretched them physically and spiritually to the limits. They needed reassurance, they needed words of Hope, they needed encouragement and they needed a purpose to stay alive. The Catholic Church is known to be very disciplined with time. Service times are fixed and start and end promptly. However majority of Christian cadets at the time were either non Catholics or at least did not attend the Barracks Catholic Church. Imagine a situation where a Rev Father complains during mass of sounds of 'up, up, up, up up...while voices under duress were counting...33, 34, 35...101, 102 etc behind the Altar (Very few, will understand this). The only other church which had the combined qualities of timeliness and promptness at the time was 'Living Faith'. The cadets could not afford a church that had no respect for time. Time was of essence and the time to come out through Abakpa, Equitation, Kurumashi or Silver Jubilee Gate was not fixed. With the 3 services at Garden of Faith which was the only Living Faith Church at the time, one could always find an early or late morning service that would fit into their 'Up' plans and Bishop Abioye was always on hand and bellowing... There is Hope for you! At the time Bishop Abioye took over in Kaduna, members of the NDA 37RC were passing out cadets. General Gwabin Musa would have been a 4th termer and gradually transforming from 'Kati Kati' to Acting Period. Also by the time Bishop Abioye was moved to Abuja in 2004, the members of 55th RC were second termers. This implies that Bishop Abioye oversaw about 18 Academy (Regular) courses (asides various short service courses) as the longest serving Living Faith Church pastor over Garden of Faith. Bishop Abioye’s messages were not only encouraging—they were stabilizing. They offered hope, moral clarity and spiritual courage, reinforcing the discipline instilled during military training but anchoring it in godly values. His altar call would always begin with... Say with me Dear God... Beyond the cadets, officers stationed across military formations in Kaduna and beyond—AFCSC, ICS, NAF Base, Depot NA Chindit Barracks/NASMP Zaria and even more remote military units—made it a routine to worship under his leadership. His consistency, integrity and rare ability to relate the gospel to leadership and purpose earned him the respect and loyalty of Nigeria’s rising military brass. In 2002, he was invited to minister at the Fellowship of Christian Cadets within the NDA. That service made history: For the first time, the NDA’s garrison protestant church auditorium was filled to overflowing. Cadets, officers, administrative staff and even civilians came en masse to hear him minister—a moment that solidified his role as a spiritual compass to many within the armed forces. Though eventually represented by one Pastor Victor Olafisoye, the message he personally sent was well received. Over the years, many of those cadets have risen through the ranks to become 1-star, 2-star, 3-star and even 4-star generals in the Nigerian Armed Forces and many other countries within Africa. Yet, they continue to hold Bishop Abioye in the highest esteem—not just as a preacher from their youth, but as a father in the faith whose words and character deeply shaped their journey. Some regularly consult him for prayer and counsel; others simply draw strength from his continued presence, teachings and landmark example of stewardship and loyalty. The Transfer of Bishop David Abioye to Abuja Bishop David Abioye was transferred from Kaduna to Abuja during a period of rapid church expansion and reactions as well as to douse some inflammable situations that had arisen. At the time, the Church was transitioning from a regional ministry centered in northern Nigeria to a national and international force and strategic placement of senior leaders was essential. Bishop David Oyedepo, founder and presiding bishop of the Church, needed to solidify the church's presence in Nigeria’s new Federal Capital Territory and neutralise efforts at rebellion in some quarters. He appointed Bishop Abioye to lead the growing work in Abuja, a move that proved to be both strategic and transformative. Upon arriving in Abuja, Bishop Abioye began pastoring at Durumi which was then the only branch in Abuja. This would eventually lead to him pioneering the Church work in the suburbs at Goshen City, the church’s massive 700 acre mission headquarters in the northern region which was built within 13 months with no assistance from the International headquarters and broke the record of Garden of Faith, Kaduna as the largest Church facility in northern Nigeria by 2010 However, even before the establishment of the Goshen facility in 2010, Abioye’s ministry had already gained deep roots in Abuja. His influence in the city, particularly among military officers and senior civil servants, began to grow in a quiet yet profound way. This rise in influence among military personnel can be attributed to several factors. First, Abuja is not just Nigeria’s administrative capital—it is also home to major military installations, including the Defense Headquarters, Army, Navy and Airforce Headquarters, National Defence College and numerous officers’ quarters. The proximity of Abioye’s ministry to these centers meant his church was physically accessible to officers seeking spiritual direction and balance amid the demands of national service. After his move to Goshen, they were also willing to do the 30km+ drive out of Abuja metropolis to Goshen on Sundays. Second, and perhaps more critically, Bishop Abioye’s personality and leadership style deeply resonated with military culture. He is known for his calm demeanor, disciplined approach to ministry and unshakable loyalty to his spiritual leader, Bishop Oyedepo. These traits mirrored the military’s values of order, hierarchy, loyalty, and self-control—values that often determine who an officer chooses to follow or confide in. Abioye’s messages frequently emphasized honor, service, integrity, and responsibility—not only in spiritual matters but in daily life and leadership. His teachings avoided controversy and remained grounded in scripture and character development. For many officers, this was both refreshing and reassuring. He did not pander to status or power but modeled consistency and humility, which earned him long-term trust. Moreover, the structure of the Living Faith Church itself—with its protocol-driven services, cell systems and clear chains of authority—created an environment that felt orderly and familiar to those from military backgrounds. It’s no surprise that over the years, many high-ranking officers not only became members of the Abuja church but developed close spiritual affiliations with Bishop Abioye himself. Essentially, Bishop David Abioye’s transfer to Abuja was a pivotal moment in the growth of the Living Faith Church in Nigeria’s capital. His personal integrity, disciplined leadership and spiritual consistency made him a natural magnet for military officers and government elites alike. Today, he remains one of the most respected spiritual voices in the region—both within and beyond Pentecostal circles. Remarkably, his influence has grown beyond church walls. Bishop Abioye has ministered and lectured at the National Defence College in Abuja, addressing elite military officers from Nigeria and across the world. He continues to engage actively in both physical and virtual fora where military personnel seek spiritual and ethical guidance. Recently, Nigeria’s only serving 4-star general was spotted worshipping at the Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, the new phase of Bishop Abioye"'s ministry—an unassuming but telling sign of how enduring and respected Bishop Abioye’s pastoral role remains within military circles. Yet, in all of this, he has remained profoundly humble. Never one to boast or seek titles, Bishop Abioye continues to walk with quiet dignity, reflecting the servant leadership he has modeled for about 4 decades. His life is a testament to the truth that divine influence is not always loud—but it is lasting. Indeed, his posting to Kaduna and later Abuja was more than a church assignment; it was a divine deployment. In the process, Bishop David Abioye became, almost inadvertently, the Pastor of Generals. #ChurchGist
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  • 29 days.
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    The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup gets underway 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰...
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  • A PASTOR'S BETRAYAL
    PART 8
    The apartment was dark, the air thick with the smell of stale tears and untouched meals. Grace had been lying on the cold floor for hours, her body weak, her mind drowning in regret. The phone, now silent, lay just inches from her limp fingers—the last connection to the family she had pushed away.
    Outside, the rain poured heavily, tapping against the window like desperate fingers trying to wake her.
    But Grace didn’t stir.
    Michael sat at the dining table in their home, staring at his untouched dinner. Sarah, Daniel, and little Joy were unusually quiet, their eyes downcast.
    "Dad," Sarah whispered, her voice trembling. "What if something’s wrong with Mom?"
    Michael’s chest tightened. He had called Grace a dozen times. Sent messages. Begged. But there had been no response.
    Not even a "leave me alone."
    Just silence.
    Too much silence.
    Daniel, always the observant one, spoke up. "What if she’s sick? Or… or hurt?"
    Michael’s hands clenched into fists. He had tried to respect Grace’s space, to give her time. But this—this silence—was different.
    Something was wrong.
    He stood abruptly, grabbing his car keys. "We’re going to check on her."
    The drive to Grace’s apartment felt like the longest of Michael’s life. The children sat in tense silence, their small hands gripping the seats.
    When they arrived, Michael knocked—once, twice, three times.
    No answer.
    His heart pounded. "Grace!" he called, banging harder. "Grace, open the door!"
    Still nothing.
    Panic clawed at his throat. He turned to the building supervisor, who, after seeing the fear in Michael’s eyes, quickly unlocked the door.
    The sight that greeted them shattered Michael’s heart.
    Grace lay crumpled on the floor, her skin pale, her lips cracked. Tears had dried on her cheeks, her eyes swollen from crying.
    "Mom!" Sarah screamed, rushing forward.
    Michael was at Grace’s side in an instant, lifting her frail body into his arms. She was burning up, her breathing shallow.
    "Call an ambulance!" he barked, his voice raw with fear.
    Little Joy burst into tears, clinging to Daniel as they watched their father cradle their mother, his own tears falling onto her face.
    "Grace," Michael whispered, pressing his forehead to hers. "I’m here. We’re *all* here."
    The sterile white lights of the hospital buzzed overhead as doctors and nurses moved around Grace’s unconscious form.
    "Severe dehydration," one doctor said. "Extreme stress. Her body just… shut down."
    Michael sat by her bedside, his large hand wrapped around Grace’s small one. The children hovered close, their eyes wide with fear.
    Sarah, trying to be strong, wiped her tears and held Joy’s hand. "She’s gonna be okay," she whispered, more to herself than anyone else.
    Daniel, ever the quiet thinker, stared at his mother’s face. "Why didn’t she call us?" he asked softly.
    Michael swallowed hard. "Because she thought we didn’t want her anymore."
    The words hung heavy in the air.
    Grace’s eyelids fluttered open hours later, her vision blurry.
    The first thing she saw was Michael’s exhausted face, his stubble rough, his eyes red-rimmed from lack of sleep.
    Then—Sarah, Daniel, Joy. All staring at her with a mix of relief and lingering hurt.
    Grace’s breath hitched.
    They came for me.
    Tears welled in her eyes, spilling over as shame crashed into her. She tried to speak, but her voice cracked. "I—I’m sorry…"
    Michael squeezed her hand gently. "Shhh. Don’t talk."
    Joy, unable to hold back any longer, climbed onto the bed and buried her face in Grace’s neck. "Don’t leave us again, Mama," she sobbed.
    Grace’s arms—weak as they were—wrapped around her baby, holding her tight. Sarah and Daniel joined, their warmth seeping into Grace’s cold bones.
    Michael leaned down, pressing a kiss to Grace’s forehead. "We never stopped loving you," he murmured. "We never *will*."
    Grace closed her eyes, letting their love wash over her. For the first time in months, the storm inside her stilled.
    Recovery was slow but steady.
    Michael took time off work, refusing to leave Grace’s side. The children took turns reading to her, bringing her favorite foods, filling the hospital room with laughter and life.
    One evening, as Grace sat propped up in bed, Michael handed her a cup of tea—just the way she liked it. Two sugars, a splash of milk.
    She smiled weakly. "You remembered."
    Michael sat beside her, his voice soft. "I remember everything, Grace."
    A pause. Then—
    "Pastor Gideon never came, did he?"
    Grace’s smile faded. She shook her head.
    Michael’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t press. Instead, he pulled her closer. "You don’t need him. You have us"
    And for the first time, Grace believed it.
    As the days passed, Grace’s strength returned—not just physically, but emotionally.
    The panic attacks lessened. The nightmares faded.
    Because every time she woke in fear, Michael was there to hold her.
    Every time she doubted, Sarah was there to remind her, "We love you, Mom."
    Every time guilt threatened to swallow her, Daniel would slip his hand into hers, silent but steady.
    And Joy—her baby—would climb into her lap and whisper, "You’re my favorite person in the whole world."
    Grace had spent months believing she was alone.
    But her family had never left.
    Not really.
    The storm has passed now comes the sunrise
    TO BE CONTINUED...
    A PASTOR'S BETRAYAL PART 8 The apartment was dark, the air thick with the smell of stale tears and untouched meals. Grace had been lying on the cold floor for hours, her body weak, her mind drowning in regret. The phone, now silent, lay just inches from her limp fingers—the last connection to the family she had pushed away. Outside, the rain poured heavily, tapping against the window like desperate fingers trying to wake her. But Grace didn’t stir. Michael sat at the dining table in their home, staring at his untouched dinner. Sarah, Daniel, and little Joy were unusually quiet, their eyes downcast. "Dad," Sarah whispered, her voice trembling. "What if something’s wrong with Mom?" Michael’s chest tightened. He had called Grace a dozen times. Sent messages. Begged. But there had been no response. Not even a "leave me alone." Just silence. Too much silence. Daniel, always the observant one, spoke up. "What if she’s sick? Or… or hurt?" Michael’s hands clenched into fists. He had tried to respect Grace’s space, to give her time. But this—this silence—was different. Something was wrong. He stood abruptly, grabbing his car keys. "We’re going to check on her." The drive to Grace’s apartment felt like the longest of Michael’s life. The children sat in tense silence, their small hands gripping the seats. When they arrived, Michael knocked—once, twice, three times. No answer. His heart pounded. "Grace!" he called, banging harder. "Grace, open the door!" Still nothing. Panic clawed at his throat. He turned to the building supervisor, who, after seeing the fear in Michael’s eyes, quickly unlocked the door. The sight that greeted them shattered Michael’s heart. Grace lay crumpled on the floor, her skin pale, her lips cracked. Tears had dried on her cheeks, her eyes swollen from crying. "Mom!" Sarah screamed, rushing forward. Michael was at Grace’s side in an instant, lifting her frail body into his arms. She was burning up, her breathing shallow. "Call an ambulance!" he barked, his voice raw with fear. Little Joy burst into tears, clinging to Daniel as they watched their father cradle their mother, his own tears falling onto her face. "Grace," Michael whispered, pressing his forehead to hers. "I’m here. We’re *all* here." The sterile white lights of the hospital buzzed overhead as doctors and nurses moved around Grace’s unconscious form. "Severe dehydration," one doctor said. "Extreme stress. Her body just… shut down." Michael sat by her bedside, his large hand wrapped around Grace’s small one. The children hovered close, their eyes wide with fear. Sarah, trying to be strong, wiped her tears and held Joy’s hand. "She’s gonna be okay," she whispered, more to herself than anyone else. Daniel, ever the quiet thinker, stared at his mother’s face. "Why didn’t she call us?" he asked softly. Michael swallowed hard. "Because she thought we didn’t want her anymore." The words hung heavy in the air. Grace’s eyelids fluttered open hours later, her vision blurry. The first thing she saw was Michael’s exhausted face, his stubble rough, his eyes red-rimmed from lack of sleep. Then—Sarah, Daniel, Joy. All staring at her with a mix of relief and lingering hurt. Grace’s breath hitched. They came for me. Tears welled in her eyes, spilling over as shame crashed into her. She tried to speak, but her voice cracked. "I—I’m sorry…" Michael squeezed her hand gently. "Shhh. Don’t talk." Joy, unable to hold back any longer, climbed onto the bed and buried her face in Grace’s neck. "Don’t leave us again, Mama," she sobbed. Grace’s arms—weak as they were—wrapped around her baby, holding her tight. Sarah and Daniel joined, their warmth seeping into Grace’s cold bones. Michael leaned down, pressing a kiss to Grace’s forehead. "We never stopped loving you," he murmured. "We never *will*." Grace closed her eyes, letting their love wash over her. For the first time in months, the storm inside her stilled. Recovery was slow but steady. Michael took time off work, refusing to leave Grace’s side. The children took turns reading to her, bringing her favorite foods, filling the hospital room with laughter and life. One evening, as Grace sat propped up in bed, Michael handed her a cup of tea—just the way she liked it. Two sugars, a splash of milk. She smiled weakly. "You remembered." Michael sat beside her, his voice soft. "I remember everything, Grace." A pause. Then— "Pastor Gideon never came, did he?" Grace’s smile faded. She shook her head. Michael’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t press. Instead, he pulled her closer. "You don’t need him. You have us" And for the first time, Grace believed it. As the days passed, Grace’s strength returned—not just physically, but emotionally. The panic attacks lessened. The nightmares faded. Because every time she woke in fear, Michael was there to hold her. Every time she doubted, Sarah was there to remind her, "We love you, Mom." Every time guilt threatened to swallow her, Daniel would slip his hand into hers, silent but steady. And Joy—her baby—would climb into her lap and whisper, "You’re my favorite person in the whole world." Grace had spent months believing she was alone. But her family had never left. Not really. The storm has passed now comes the sunrise TO BE CONTINUED...
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