Friday 21st June 2019 Prayer Devotion
Scripture Reading:- Number 24
Topic:- Biography Of Pastor Isaiah Ghele Sakpo [4]
Text:- Proverbs 22:29
A Prolific Writer:
As a prolific writer and Bible exponent, Sakpo often made his past teachings available in permanent forms. His tenure witnessed a rise in literary activity in the Territory, as he developed the Literature Ministry. He was the First Editor of the Church Newsletter, The Weekly Herald of His Doing.
A defender of the Doctrines of The Apostolic Church, he wrote in simple language that could be understood by both the clergy and laity, developing what can best be described as an expansion of the “Principles and Practices of The Apostolic Church.”
He initiated and promoted a collection of Books published by the Church called “The Apostolic Book Series,” that are read not only by Members of The Apostolic Church, but also by the wider Christian Communities.
At his demise he had to his credit eighteen such titles in print and five in manuscript form, some of which are: Wrestling Alone with God, A Call to Pastoral Ministry, and The Revival We Need. [2]
Apart from taking time to write, he urged the Literature Team of the Church to make written material available to people and to encourage Members to read. He made every effort to see that Books were available at all times and sold at affordable prices, often through subsidy from his private purse.
Many of the Church’s periodicals came into being through his efforts, including: The Voice of God (1984), Wonderful Doings of God (1986), Church News and Magazines (1989), and Monthly Missionary News (1991).
Pastor Adegboyega, on pages 40-44 of his book A Short History of The Apostolic Church in Nigeria, gave the account of this prophecy as follows:
I cannot but state here that before the arrival of the European delegates, there were persistent rumors disseminating from strong quarters in Lagos, Nigeria, that The Apostolic Church of Great Britain did not accept and practice the Doctrine of Divine Healing without the use of medicine; a Doctrine which we Members of Faith Tabernacle Congregation in Nigeria warmly embraced, taught and practiced since 1918.
This was responsible for a division of opinions in our midst as regards the coming of the delegates. Great fears and doubts were created in the minds of people that if we would allow them to come, they would send us back to idolatry.
This consequently led to our sending a Cablegram to the Church Missionary Council in United Kingdom, canceling the invitation already sent to them. It was also one of the main reasons responsible for the holding of a Pastor’s Conference at Ijebu-Ode.
In order to find solution to the problem. And we were indeed grateful to God who gave us a sigh of relief by his sovereign will through Prophetical Ministry and thereby resolving what could have led to a major crisis at that time when we were at the cross-roads.
Before the Conference of Church Leaders at Ijebu-Ode, Pastor I.G. Sakpo had already been staying and working with Late Pastor J. B. Esinsinade with Mrs J. L. Ajayi (Née Sophy Odunlami).
As the Leaders were taking the final decision to send a Cablegram to the U.K. canceling the visit of The Apostolic Church delegates from Great Britain, the Spirit of the Lord moved Pastor I. G. Sakpo, who was not present in the meeting, to come all the way from 24 Abasi Street, Ijebu-Ode, where he was staying in the Mission House, to the Church at 19, Alapo Street, Ijebu-Ode where the Conference was being held.
He humbly stood at the gate when the Chairman beckoned to him to come in. As soon as he came in, he began to Prophesy. Here comes the sovereignty of the Lord our God.
Prayer Point:-
Oh Lord God, help me to fulfill my God’s destiny, vision and dream henceforth by fire, in the name of Jesus Christ!
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