religion
The Real Reason I Left Islam for Christianity
The Real Reason I Left Islam for Christianity
By Apostle Raphael Adebayo
I wasn’t always a Christian. In fact, until July 7, 1998, I was a devout Muslim—a committed member of the Jihad Committee of the Muslim Students Society at Obafemi Awolowo University from 1983 to 1988. My roots ran deep in both Yoruba traditional religion and Islamic teachings.
But that day—July 7, 1998—everything changed.
A Role Model’s Death and a Crisis of Faith
I was living in Arlington, Texas, when I heard the devastating news: Alhaji Chief M.K.O. Abiola, a man I greatly admired, had died under tragic and controversial circumstances. He was my role model—a beacon of leadership and courage.
But his end shattered something inside me.
> “How could someone so loved, so respected, be abandoned in his final hour—especially by those within his own faith?”
I began to question everything. The silence and inaction of fellow Muslims around Abiola’s death left me disillusioned. I felt the love of power and money had overtaken faith and solidarity. In that moment of spiritual disillusionment, I made a vow:
> “I will not pray as a Muslim again—unless I can find clarity about this man’s fate and the silence of his brothers.”
A Divine Encounter: From Disillusionment to Discovery
That vow began a journey that would lead me away from Islam—not out of hatred or rebellion—but out of an earnest search for truth, love, and meaning.
On December 2, 1998, after returning to Nigeria for a short visit, I encountered Jesus Christ in a personal and undeniable way. I decided to give Him six months—just half a year—to prove He truly possessed the love, power, and compassion I had heard about.
It has now been 27 years.
And I’m still walking with Him, stronger and more fulfilled than ever imagined.
From Seeker to Servant: Embracing a New Mission
Through the encouragement of my wife (then my fiancée), I joined The Redeemed Christian Church of God in February 1999. There, my hunger for God grew like wildfire. I immersed myself in the Word, served faithfully, and was soon appointed Head of the Men’s Fellowship, then Head of the Prayer Department.
I became convinced of my divine calling.
> “For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested: to destroy the works of the devil.” – 1 John 3:8
I believed I, too, was called to confront and destroy those same works—especially the most cruel of them all: poverty and homelessness.
America’s Hidden Crisis: The Poor Among the Rich
Having lived in America for several years, I was shocked to see extreme poverty and homelessness—not in developing countries, but in the so-called “richest nation on Earth.”
I saw men and women sleeping under bridges. I witnessed people prostituting themselves for survival. The scenes reminded me of Agege and Oshodi in Lagos.
> “How could this be happening here? How could the wealthiest land be home to the most forgotten people?”
I realized God wasn’t just calling me to preach in churches—He was calling me to the streets.
A Birthday to Remember: Ministry to the Homeless Begins
On December 25, 2003—my 41st birthday—I stepped out in obedience. My wife, our baby daughter, Pastor Obed Dimkpa and his family, and a few others joined me on a mission: to celebrate with the homeless.
We held a church service at a street corner—Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and Malcolm X Blvd in Dallas, Texas.
That day, 18 people gave their lives to Jesus. My spirit leapt. My wife embraced the vision. We started buying fried chicken and handing out meals while sharing the Gospel.
A Door Opens: Tuesday Outreach Becomes Church
In February 2004, God opened a miraculous door. The MLK Jr. Recreation Center offered us a space every Tuesday evening. Just four weeks later, a Nigerian-owned chicken franchise began supplying all our food for free—and has done so faithfully for over 21 years.
After just three months of outreach, my wife said:
> “This isn’t just outreach—it’s a calling. If you want to plant a church for the homeless, I’m with you.”
We searched for a location but found none—until a visiting minister, Mrs. Cynthia Chase, made a radical suggestion:
> “Why not try a funeral home? They’re usually empty on Sundays.”
It sounded crazy. But it worked.
On May 30, 2004, we held our first Sunday service at Eternal Rest Funeral Home in Dallas.
By August 1, 2004, we moved into a rented space at 1705 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, which eventually became our permanent church building in 2014.
From the Streets to Transformation
Today, the area once considered one of Dallas’s roughest neighborhoods is changing. Some call it gentrification—but we know it’s something more:
> “We’ve seen addicts healed, prostitutes restored, and the homeless empowered by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
This isn’t just my story—it’s God’s story through me.
A New Book: A Call to Action
I’ve captured this 21-year journey in my new book:
Moses, David, Jesus: Pastors to the Poor, Homeless, and the Needy
Like Moses, God sent me to bring deliverance.
Like David, I was called to serve those in distress, debt, and discontent.
And like Jesus, I’ve been anointed to bring good news to the world.
Adamawa Progressive Elders Council Felicitates Muslim Ummah @ Eid-el Fitri
The Adamawa Progressives Elders Council under the leadership of His Excellency Brigadier Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) has sent a strong worded message of felicitations to the Muslim Ummah in Adamawa State and indeed the entire country on the occassion of the Eid-El-Fitr celebrations marking the end of the Ramadan season.
In a message sent by the Media office of the Organization, the group extended warm felicitations to the Leaders of APC in Adamawa State particularly the National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and His Excellency Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri. Also the group sends Sallah salutations to the National Vice Chairman North East of the APC, the State Chairman of the party and all members of the state working committee.
While acknowledging that the one month long spiritual exercise was marked by sacrifices and charity, General Marwa said the Council “expects every member of the Council and indeed every citizen of Adamawa state to live in peace with one another and to embrace a culture of unity, fraternity and the pursuit of an Adamawa state that promotes our common heritage and shared prosperity”.
Addressing the core issues related to the establishment of the Council, the leader of the group said in celebrating a spiritual event like Sallah, what normally happens are moments of joy and happiness that transcends our natural faultlines. In his words, “in times like this we normally set aside our differences to rejoice with each other, l therefore enjoin us to carry this spirit beyond the Sallah period. We should build a bond of unity that endures”
The Adamawa Progressives Elders Forum therefore calls on all the people of Adamawa state to rededicate themselves to the peace, unity and progress of Adamawa state.
The group urges the Muslim Ummah to carry on the lessons of piety and charity imbibed during the Ramadan season beyond the end of fasting period.
Speaking further on behalf of the group, General Buba Marwa called on the members of the APC in Adamawa state to approach all the political activities coming up within the INEC timetable with maturity, understanding and brotherhood.
According to him “the goal of the progressive elders council is peace, unity and understanding among all members of the party in the state and by extension the entire citizens of the state”
While reflecting on the recently concluded e-registration of party members in the state, General Marwa celebrated Adamawa state for emerging with the second highest figure nationwide after Lagos State.
He commended the NSA, the Governor, the State Chairman of the Party and State Working Committee members for this unprecedented feat.
Gen Marwa as the leader of the Council believes that this is an affirmation of the confidence the people of Adamawa have in the leadership of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
On behalf of the entire Membership of the Adamawa Progressives Elders Council, His Excellency Gen. Buba Marwa felicitates with the Muslim Ummah and prays for a very successful celebrations in peace, unity and brotherhood. May the season bring abundant blessings to the land and to the people of Adamawa state.
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ANOTHER PROPHECY FULFILLMENT BY PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO OVER THE EXIT OF DR. KENOLY, ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY’S OPEN PROPHETIC REVIVAL
ANOTHER PROPHECY FULFILLMENT BY PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO OVER THE EXIT OF DR. KENOLY, ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY’S OPEN PROPHETIC REVIVAL
– Another Prophecy Fulfillment by Prophet Kingsley Aitafo Following the Passing of Ron Kenoly Ahead of February Open Prophetic Revival
– Prophet Kingsley Aitafo Records Another Prophecy Fulfillment as February Open Prophetic Revival Is Announced
In the released prophecies for 2026, renowned Nigerian cleric, Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, shared a series of revelations touching on Nigeria’s economy, global events, political transitions, natural disasters, religious transformations, and the future of world leaders.
During a special prophetic session, the prophet stated that he foresaw the departure of two world-renowned musicians in 2026 and urged the Nigerian people and the global community to pray for them.
He urged Nigerians and everyone around the globe to pray for the musicians, among other prophecies, and already gave insight concerning them.
On February 3, 2026, American gospel singer, songwriter, and worship leader Ron Kenoly passed away at the age of 81. Widely known as the “Professor of Praise,” Kenoly was celebrated for anthems such as “Majesty” and “Lift Him Up,” which have significantly influenced modern congregational worship around the world.
He was recognized as a pioneer of the contemporary praise and worship movement, leading Scripture-based worship services that became widely adopted in churches across different nations and cultures.
The development has been described by followers of Prophet Kingsley Aitafo as a confirmation of the prophecy earlier declared in the year.
Meanwhile, Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, leader and shepherd in charge of Oneness in Christ, in conjunction with CCC Living Grace Tabernacle, invites everyone to its February Open Revival. It is a prophetic service determined to change lives through miracles, healings, signs, and wonders.
It is not an ordinary service; it is another time for a divine encounter where your faith is strengthened, prayers are answered, and breakthroughs and favour are about to rain. With its theme — Jesus Christ is the same forever — the revival is promised to release the power of Jesus Christ like never before. It is a period of shift and divine encounter.
This revival service is said to hold on the 25th of February, 2026, from 5pm – 8pm at 20, Showole Street, Ewupe, Singer Sango, Ogun State.
It is a season where God is ready to reveal Himself like never before. Members of the public are invited to attend.
Manipulation: Ignorance Is a License to Bondage — Dr. Chris Okafor
“Nothing honours until a spirit interferes.”
Manipulation, broadly defined, is the act of influencing or controlling a person or situation through subtle or overt tactics for personal advantage. In many cases, such influence is perfected through spiritual interference, because the spiritual realm ultimately governs the physical.
This profound subject formed the focus of the midweek non-denominational Prophetic Healing, Deliverance and Solutions (PHDS) Service ministered by the Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Worldwide, Dr. Chris Okafor, at the international headquarters of the ministry in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.
Speaking on the topic “Manipulation”, with the subtitle “The Spiritual Aspect,” Dr. Okafor explained that manipulation exists in two dimensions: demonic manipulation and divine manipulation.
Demonic Manipulation
According to the Generational Prophet, demonic manipulation represents the negative expression of spiritual control, where individuals are influenced by the spirit of darkness to act contrary to their true intentions and divine purpose.
He noted that under demonic manipulation, people often say or do things their inner conscience did not authorize, acting solely under satanic influence. This, he explained, accounts for the increasing hostility, false accusations, and defamatory statements directed at genuine servants of God in contemporary times.
“Many people speak evil against true men of God, maligning those sent by God to help them. Often, it is not entirely their fault—it is the work of demonic manipulation,” he stated.
Dr. Okafor, however, offered reassurance, emphasizing that a prayerful life and proper spiritual alignment provide immunity against such attacks. He stressed that when a believer is connected to a spiritual father and guided correctly, no level of manipulation can stop destiny or destroy God-ordained blessings.
He warned that unchecked manipulation can damage destiny and limit access to divine blessings.
Divine Manipulation
The Prophet further taught that just as there is demonic manipulation aimed at destruction, there is also divine manipulation—the intervention of God to protect, guide, and align His people with His eternal purpose.
“If there is a demon manipulating destinies wrongly, there is also a God in heaven who divinely interferes to preserve glory,” he declared.
Dr. Okafor explained that believers who understand the principles of serving God in truth and in spirit operate under divine manipulation, where God orchestrates events in their favour. Under such covering, no demonic manipulation can prevail.
He added that consistent prayer, commitment to kingdom service, partnership with God’s work, and active soul-winning neutralize every form of demonic interference.
Solutions to Manipulation
According to Dr. Okafor, the ultimate safeguard against manipulation is a disciplined prayer life and total commitment to the things of God. Such spiritual alignment ensures that no demonic influence can infiltrate a believer’s path.
The PHDS midweek service witnessed a mighty move of the Holy Spirit, marked by deliverance, healings, miracles, restoration, and divine solutions to numerous cases presented before Elohim, the God of Grace Nation.
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