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The Real Reason I Left Islam for Christianity

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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.

 

The Real Reason I Left Islam for Christianity

 

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.

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Beyond Celebration: Five Powerful Lessons from Prophet Joshua and Prophetess Stella Iginla’s Birthday and Outreach

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Beyond Celebration: Five Powerful Lessons from Prophet Joshua and Prophetess Stella Iginla’s Birthday and Outreach

Beyond Celebration: Five Powerful Lessons from Prophet Joshua and Prophetess Stella Iginla’s Birthday and Outreach

 

 

What began as a joyful birthday celebration for Prophet Joshua Iginla and Prophetess Stella Iginla in May 2025 blossomed into something far more profound—a spiritual statement, a masterclass in leadership, and a public demonstration of grace, unity, and service. It wasn’t just a date on the calendar; it was a deeply impactful moment that resonated with thousands.

 

Beyond Celebration: Five Powerful Lessons from Prophet Joshua and Prophetess Stella Iginla’s Birthday and Outreach 

 

The event, which drew teeming crowds to the massive Champions City of Wonders auditorium in Abuja and trended across social media platforms, transcended mere cakes, candles, or applause. At its core, it unveiled timeless truths that the Body of Christ—and indeed, the world at large—cannot afford to miss. This wasn’t just a party; it was a powerful teaching moment disguised as a celebration.

 

 

Here are five transformative lessons gleaned from the Iginlas’ birthday celebration and their impactful outreach to the less privileged:

 

  1.     Ministry Extends Beyond the Microphone—It Embraces the Masses

 

Beyond Celebration: Five Powerful Lessons from Prophet Joshua and Prophetess Stella Iginla’s Birthday and Outreach

 

In a world where the concept of “ministry” is often mistakenly equated with popularity, large congregations, or eloquent sermons, Iginlas powerfully reminded everyone of what true service embodies. Their post-birthday outreach wasn’t a superficial gesture; it was a genuine expression of compassion. They reached hundreds of widows, orphans, and vulnerable families, extending a tangible hand of support. Bags of food, financial assistance, and heartfelt words of encouragement flowed freely and abundantly. This wasn’t done for the glare of cameras or public acclaim, but rather from a wellspring of profound compassion for those often overlooked.

 

 

Lesson: Authentic ministry is not solely about what is proclaimed from the altar or the size of one’s platform; it’s profoundly about what is done in the shadows, in the quiet acts of service that often go unseen. When the forgotten are remembered and cared for, divine remembrance follows, and true impact is made.

 

  1.     Celebrate Milestones with Meaningful Intent

 

Beyond Celebration: Five Powerful Lessons from Prophet Joshua and Prophetess Stella Iginla’s Birthday and Outreach

 

 

While many individuals celebrate birthdays with elaborate flair and personal indulgence, few do so with such intentional spiritual focus and purpose as the Iginlas. They didn’t just mark another year; they transformed their personal milestone into a sacred altar of thanksgiving and revival. This wasn’t merely a day to receive gifts and accolades; it was a profound opportunity to give glory back to God for His faithfulness and blessings. Their celebration became a testament to a life lived with purpose.

 

 

Lesson: Birthdays should not only mark the passage of age but also serve as a crucial opportunity to measure the depth of one’s impact and spiritual growth. Allow your life events, big or small, to powerfully reflect and reinforce your life’s overarching purpose and commitment to God.

 

 

  1.     Their Unity: A Prophetic Blueprint for Ministry and Marriage

 

Beyond Celebration: Five Powerful Lessons from Prophet Joshua and Prophetess Stella Iginla’s Birthday and Outreach

 

One of the most potent and unspoken testimonies of the entire event was not delivered through words, but was rather visibly observed in the seamless interaction between Prophet Joshua and Prophetess Stella. The effortless synergy, mutual respect, and visible love they displayed served as a powerful, prophetic model for couples in ministry and indeed, for any marriage striving for divine purpose. With clear mutual honor, undeniable love, and a shared sense of purpose, they beautifully illustrated that a spiritual partnership does not require one individual to diminish or shrink for the other to shine. Instead, they amplified each other.

 

 

Lesson: When a couple is harmoniously aligned in spirit and purpose, operating in visible unity, the kingdom of God advances with undeniable power and effectiveness. Unity within marriage is not merely a virtue; it serves as a formidable and strategic weapon in the arsenal of ministry.

 

  1.     Leadership is Best Expressed Through Compassion

 

Beyond Celebration: Five Powerful Lessons from Prophet Joshua and Prophetess Stella Iginla’s Birthday and Outreach

 

At the very heart of the Iginlas’ joint celebration was a palpable sense of compassion. The lavishness and joy of the birthday celebration itself were perfectly balanced and matched by the tenderness and sincerity of their outreach efforts. It was a clear and potent reminder that great leaders do not merely command crowds or preach powerful sermons; they deeply touch hearts. Their leadership wasn’t just about influence from the pulpit; it was about genuine care in the community.

 

 

Lesson: Compassion is not a weakness, nor is it a secondary attribute of leadership; it is a vital kingdom currency that unlocks divine favor and lasting impact. A heart that genuinely bleeds for others, that feels their pain and responds to their needs, will never experience spiritual or emotional depletion; instead, it will be continually replenished.

 

  1.     Purpose Outlives Popularity

 

Beyond Celebration: Five Powerful Lessons from Prophet Joshua and Prophetess Stella Iginla’s Birthday and Outreach

 

While their celebration garnered significant media attention and trended across various platforms, the Iginlas unequivocally demonstrated that popularity was not their ultimate goal; purpose was. Every speech delivered, every prayer offered, and every gift exchanged consistently directed people’s attention back to God and His divine agenda. It was a powerful reminder that while influence is valuable, it must always remain subservient to one’s divine assignment and calling. They used their platform not to elevate themselves, but to uplift God.

 

 

Lesson: Chase your calling, not just clout. Focus intently on the divine assignment given to you, rather than on fleeting public adoration. When you remain steadfastly focused on your God-given purpose, heaven itself will provide you with the necessary platform and sustained influence to fulfill it.

 

In Conclusion: A Celebration That Preached!

 

Beyond Celebration: Five Powerful Lessons from Prophet Joshua and Prophetess Stella Iginla’s Birthday and Outreach

 

Prophet Joshua and Prophetess Stella Iginla’s May 2025 birthday was not merely an event; it was a profound and living sermon. It preached love in action, modeled exemplary leadership, and extended boundless mercy to those in need. In a time when spiritual leaders are under more scrutiny and observation than ever before, Iginla powerfully demonstrated what it truly means to lead with both divine power and unwavering purity of heart.

 

May their impactful example inspire us all to celebrate life’s milestones meaningfully, serve selflessly with genuine compassion, and lead prophetically with integrity and purpose.

 

Beyond Celebration: Five Powerful Lessons from Prophet Joshua and Prophetess Stella Iginla’s Birthday and Outreach 

 

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Every Money has a Spirit Behind it- Dr Chris Okafor

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Every Money has a Spirit Behind it- Dr. Chris Okafor

 

…. You must first understand money before you can be assisted by an angel called Money

 

…… Grace Nation midyear crossover conference set to commence.

 

It is an established fact that only a few people, both rich and poor, understand the Principles of Money; that is the reason why many fall victim.

 

Every Money has a Spirit Behind it- Dr Chris Okafor

 

This and more are the key points enumerated by the Senior Pastor of Grace Nation worldwide, The Generational Prophet Dr Chris Okafor, at the Divine Intervention and Breakthrough service on Sunday, 22nd June 2025, held at the international Headquarters of Grace Nation Global in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.

 

 

Doing justice to the subject Matter Angel called Money with subtitles Knowing Money, The Generational Prophet of God Dr Chris Okafor said Every money has a Spirit Behind it, either it’s a good money with good spirit or a bad money accompanied by a bad spirit, therefore our relationship with money must be dignified, he also declared that we must also understand kingdom keys of Money and also understanding the money trap you must avoid.

 

Every Money has a Spirit Behind it- Dr Chris Okafor

 

Highlighting reasons why we must know money, the Generational Prophet explained that money affects the quality of life and also affects the focus of spiritually, The Clergyman remarks that without Money, it is literally difficult to serve God, not many people can serve God in trust and spirit with an empty stomach, therefore money effect spirituality.

 

Speaking on what should be a christians relationship around money, the Popular Lagos Prophet mentioned that as a Christian you must master money and not allow money master, Control money and not let money control you, this is very important if you allow money control you, he Leads you astray the Man of God remarked, He also said use and send money and not allow money to used you or send you.

 

Every Money has a Spirit Behind it- Dr Chris Okafor

 

Nobody is too educated not to need money, also nobody is too talented not to need money but importantly immediately you Master the Principles of Money through kingdom directives you become a master player in the schemes of money making therefore the angel called Money will be answereth to you and always available The Generational Prophet of God Dr Chris Okafor declared.

 

The realms of the Prophetic took a new dimension with accurate Prophecies from God’s servant, The Generational Prophet, as he mentions the Name of the village, exposing the evil strongman behind the evil altars, destroying the evil Network, and restoring lost Glory, all to the Glory of God.

 

Meanwhile, the yearly midyear Crossover Prophetic conference of Grace Nation is expected to commence this week at the international Headquarters of Grace Nation worldwide in Ojodu Berger Lagos Nigeria,

 

The conference is expected to transform life for the betterment of the second half of the year, while the conference will witness Miracles, Deliverance, Healings, Prophetic Encounter, and Solutions to all cases filed before Elohim.

 

Make preparations to be part of the life-changing Prophetic experience

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At Auchi Youth Summit, Apostle Suleman Tasks Youths on Political Inclusion and Change Ideas

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At Auchi Youth Summit, Apostle Suleman Tasks Youths on Political Inclusion and Change Ideas

At Auchi Youth Summit, Apostle Suleman Tasks Youths on Political Inclusion and Change Ideas

 

 

One of the outspoken Nigerian Christian leaders, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has tasked Nigerian youths to brace up and play active roles that will determine the sustainability of the nation’s democracy. Suleman’s call was the highlight of the maiden edition of the Auchi Youth Summit organized by the Auchi Youth Council, Edo State.

 

At Auchi Youth Summit, Apostle Suleman Tasks Youths on Political Inclusion and Change Ideas

 

At the one-day summit themed ‘From Margins To Mainstream’, which held at Uyi Grand Event Center in Etsako West LGA headquarters, Auchi on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Apostle Suleman, who delivered the keynote address, admonished youths to make use of the opportunity at their disposal to participate in the reshaping of Nigeria’s democracy by using their strength to chart a new course for the country.

 

 

 

Noting that the youths can be the plug that will determine the direction of governance if they are organized, the General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide posited that the fast growth of the youth population in the country shows that state policies will have an impact on them and their future more than any other demography.

 

 

 

 

Highlighting the factors influencing youth participation in governance, Suleman recommended that there is a need for the youth to build strong political platforms that will serve as a pedestal to mobilize fellow youths for political engagement. “The political inclusion of the youths would, no doubt, ignite a movement that unites the citizens under a banner of empowerment, representation, and change. This is particularly a call to action for the youths of Auchi,’ remarked the famous cleric.

 

 

 

Suleman noted that the theme of the summit’s first edition was not only prophetic, but it’s also timely. He declared that the initiative spoke to the yearning of a generation that has waited too long to be recognized, respected, and properly represented. “It’s time to seize the moment,” he asserted, adding that the world is developing at a rapid pace and, therefore, the political, social, and economic dynamics are evolving at a pace that demands a collective participation driven by the eagerness of the youths.

 

 

 

 

Speaking to Auchi youths, Apostle Suleman recalled that, “despite the continuous shifts in hopes and promises, the voices of many young people remain marginalized and unheard. Today, we are yet to explore ways we can collectively empower the youths of Auchi to engage in politics and, above all, governance. We are standing on the edge of a new era. For too long, we have been spectators in the theater of our destinies. For long, decisions have been made about you without your active involvement. But the time is over. The stone that the builders rejected will become the head of the corner. This is your responsibility and a season to take charge and set a new course not just for yourself but for generations yet unborn.”

 

 

 

Political inclusion: Political inclusion is not just a civic right. It is a responsibility. When godly visionary and principled youth enter the political space, they bring light into the dark places. They restore hope where there has been despair. Political inclusion does not start on election day. It starts with education, engagement, and empowerment. It starts with understanding your rights, history, and heritage. It starts with unity, setting aside tribalism, envy, religion, apathy for the greater good of our community.”

 

 

 

To build the current democratic experiment on a sound foundation, Suleman charged that there is the need to work towards improving the youth participation in governance, both as active voters and leaders, urging them to facilitate legislation, sensitization and mobilization to promote their involvement in politics and change the narrative that youths are mere thugs, instruments of violence and anarchy. “Political inclusion is not merely a privilege. It’s right. It is the bedrock of a democratic society where every youth has the opportunity to participate in shaping the policies that govern our lives. For the youth of Auchi, political inclusion means having a voice in local governance, being represented in legislative bodies, and playing a role in the decision-making process. Simply put, our youths are not too young to aspire for positions of authority.

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