PFN Conference: Rekindling The Pentecostal Fire

By Honours Akhigbe, Ezeh Goodness

The much publicized 14th National Biennial Conference of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), has come and gone but memories of the three-day event will continue to linger for several years to come.
It was a gathering of who is who in the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria. Tens of thousands participants attended the Christian programme. Indeed, it was one of the greatest gatherings of humans in the history of Nigeria.
Led by Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude, the national President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), anointed grade one generals of the gospel including Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Rev. Dr. Umar Ukpai, Bishop David Oyedipo, Rev. Dr. Mercy Ezekiel, Rev. Dr. Ehijah Abina, Bishop P.C. Nwachukwu, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, Bishop Simeon Okah, Apostle Emmanuel Kure, Rev. Felix Meduoye, amongst others, attended the great event.
These great men of God and many others fed the great multitude of believers and others with sweet heavenly food, amidst healings, signs, wonders, miracles and salvation.
Also present at the heavenly approved believers’ gathering were the Acting President, Rev. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Godwin Obaseki and his wife, Besty, Edo State deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu and his wife and several other political leaders from across Nigeria.
Indeed, the 14th national Biennial Conference of the PFN which was held at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) field in Benin City was a place to be as God demonstrated his awesome wonders and rained his supernatural blessing upon His people.
Stories from some of the sermons presented at the PFN conference are published here under:
PFN Returns Dr. Felix Omobude As National President
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has returned Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude as its National President for a second term of four years. At the 14th Biennial Conference of the Fellowship held in Benin City from 7th -9th February, 2017, the PFN leadership and General Assembly expressed appreciation for the work done by the Omobude-led National Executive Council during its first term in office and voted for it to continue to lead the Fellowship.
To serve with Dr Omobude are Bishop Francis Wale Oke as Deputy National President; Apostle Emmanuel Kure, National Secretary; Rev. Felix Meduoye, National Treasurer; Bishop Goddy Okafor, Deputy National Secretary; Rev. Michael Tosin-Oni, National Financial Secretary; Barrister Alex Izinyon, SAN as National Legal Adviser; Pastor John Ayodele, Internal Auditor; Bishop Emma Isong, Publicity Secretary; Archbishop John Praise Daniel, Welfare Officer and Dr Mercy Ezekiel as National Prayer Coordinator.
The PFN Conference at which hundreds of thousands of Christians from Nigeria and beyond participated, had in attendance the Acting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, Leaders of the Pentecostal Community in Nigeria including Pastor E.A. Adeboye, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Bishop David Oyedepo and others; Delegates from all over Nigeria and the Diaspora, as well as many other dignitaries.
A number of issues of concern to the Church and of national interest were discussed at the Conference and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria resolved on the need for the Federal Government to live up to its constitutional responsibility of securing live and property, especially in the face of terrorist activities by so-called Herdsmen and the killings in Southern Kaduna.
The PFN notes, with appreciation to God, the journey of the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria, from its humble beginnings to the dominant position it now occupies in Christendom and expresses deep appreciation to the founding Fathers of the Fellowship for their vision, sacrifices and tenacity in the pursuit of unity within the body of Christ.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria is concerned at the state of the Nigerian economy and the hardship being experienced by Nigerians. It calls on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to mitigate the pain of Nigerians, curb inflation, stem the tide of unemployment and find solution to the exchange rate that has eroded the value of the Naira.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria wishes President Muhammadu Buhari a speedy recovery and quick return to his desk to carry on with the task of addressing the challenges presently facing the nation.

Rev. Abina Calls For Holiness
The General Overseer of the Gospel Faith Mission International, Rev. Dr. Elijah Oludele Abina has called on Christians to imbibe the virtue of holiness as veritable tool for national progress.
Speaking during the 14th National Biennial Conference of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in a sermon entitled: “from Holiness to Glory”, Rev. Abina also advised Christians to move closer to God and ensure absolute holiness, stressing that for anyone to make heaven his eternity, holiness as a lifestyle is inalienable.
Reading from the Heb.12:14, Rev. Abina who was represented by Pastor Emmanuel Waye, pointed out that many Christians, clergy alike, have chosen to upend ‘holiness’ and have preferred to stress more on ‘peace’ with one another.
“All Christian should make holiness their watchword and forsake evil ways. By so doing, we make our journey to heaven plausible, and God who have the solution to our challenges and future of our land would be happier and move our land from glory to glory.
“That sermons on holiness is fast evaporating from Christian gathering is an ominous truth; with such teaching, people swiftly turn gloomy but receive, with joy and frantic, messages on prosperity. It is important to understand, after all, that holiness is teaching that have limitless significant.
“Men of God in general have roles to play in entrenching the virtue into the laity. Not only should it be topical in Christian meetings, they should express it in their day-to-day lifestyle, as an unholy preacher is more dangerous than an unholy congregation”, Abina stated.

Loose The People For They Are Carrying Abundance

• Mama Omobude
  Pastor (Mrs.) Abiola Omobude is the Chairperson of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Women Wing. She was one of the Christian giants who delivered sermons during the three days 14th Biennial Conference of the PFN.
  In her sermon, Pastor Abiola who is the wife of the PFN National President, the indefatigable Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude, General Superintendent of the New Covenant Gospel Church (NCGC), admonished the Christians to genuinely serve God.
  She told the Christians that it was time for them to move to the next level, saying that Christians have stayed too long in the place characterized with deprivation.
  Pastor Omobude informed the Christians that it was time for them to overcome and overthrow the powers of their adversaries.
  She asserted that for the children of God to be able to overcome their adversaries, they need to engage in sacrificial prayers, adding that there was need for the Christians to stand in the gap for their fellow brethren and their nation.
  The wife of PFN president who disclosed that God was about to release His glory on the Christians, posited that God was raising an army for Himself and admonished every believers to be ready to be part of it.
  According to the PFN women wing Chairperson, only people who are holy will be enlisted into God’s army, noting that living a holy life and engaging in fervent prayer are capable of bringing down from heaven the fire of God.
  “There is need for the fire and anointing of God to continue to burn in the lives of the Christians”, she said, adding that the children of God should be passionate and selfless in their daily prayers.
  “After this conference, our lives must change and we shall begin to touch other lives. Everything concerning us must change positively,” Mama Omobude added.

Love, Forgive Your Enemies Osibanjo Urges Christians
Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, has enjoined Nigerians to embrace love saying the seed of hate was ‘the device of the devil’
Osibanjo said this at the biannual conference of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), held in Benin city, the state capital.
The acting president, who went down memory lane on religious crisis dating back to 1979 with the Matacine clash, that left many dead, urged Christians, whom he said must live eternally, to also die for the gospel.
He charged Christians to embrace the sprit of love, saying “hate is the device of the devil” likely to hinder prosperity of the Christendom.
According to him, our greatest enemy is hate. In the past few years, we have seen the most brutal killing of men and women.
“The history of blood and religious conflict extend every Nigeria government,” he said.
Osibanjo therefore encouraged the people not to refused to be despised by others, saying, “it is the burden of the Gospel.”
On the Southern Kaduna Killings, he said “since investigations are still on-going, I can’t make any categorical statement.
“The federal government has taken steps by first aligning with the state government, working with the police to be the first respondents.
“It is not true to say that the federal government was silent.
“Troops were sent in after a security council briefing was received from the state and police, after they found themselves of not been able to curtail the killings.
“However, every Nigerian leader, whether Christian or Muslim, has tried to solve the problem of religion crisis and none has succeeded.
“Indeed the killing has increased in velocity and intensity.
“In many respect, the failure of our criminal justice system to punish culprits has not helped matters.
“Meanwhile, the suicide bombers and those ready to die along with their victims have added a more satanic dimension to the public.
“Why is it that no government has succeeded in stopping these age long killings? Let me say that it is because the answer to it, the response to gross wickedness, lies with the church.
“Everything about the gospel contradicts our flesh. As far as the gospel is concerned, the way to live and be fruitful is to die for it,” he said.
There was however a loud murmur from the crowd when the acting President urged Christians to love and forgive their enemies irrespective of the harm done to them

Christians, Muslims Should Live Together Peacefully

• Obaseki
  Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo expressing delight to hosting the conference, urged Nigerians to see religion as a life changing tool.
  According to him, “As the present economic situation takes full toll on the social system, causing ethnic and religious conflict, as Christian, we must not allow emotions to take a better part of us but rather we should deploy religion as a tool for peace, national unity and development.
  “I look forward to the Nigeria of our dream where Christians, Muslims and all adherents of different religions will live together in peace and unity.
  According to Obaseki, “I thank you for the opportunity of affording our State the privilege to host this year’s conference. The relationship between Edo State and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) goes back to the pioneering era of Archbishop Benson Idahosa, of blessed memory, the first President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN). So for us in Edo State, this is home coming”.
  Obaseki, who acknowledge PFN’s overwhelming support and prayers for Nigeria in general and the people and Government of Edo State in particular especially in this season economic challenges said, “By the abiding grace of Almighty God and the indomitable power of the Holy Spirit, may we achieve the economic prosperity that we all pray for”.
  He said the title of this Conference ‘From Glory to Glory’ emphasizes the goodness, fullness and continuity of God’s thoughts and plans for His children adding that “the Conference once again affords us an opportunity for a sober reflection on some critical aspects of our national development. We are challenged daily by the hydra-headed evil of socio-economic and political avarice, lack of respect for private and public property as well as the sanctity of human life.
  “We are confronted with the failure of institutions charged with the preservation of law and order because the hearts of men have become more desperately wicked. Laws alone are therefore not sufficient without a deeper appeal to the minds of people through authentic religion.
  “Therefore, this is an appropriate time to remind us that religion holds the key to the hearts of people and that to change society, we must deploy true religion as a life changing tool. Hence Albert Einstein, a great philosopher and scientist, exhorts us to combine insights from religion with scientific discoveries to advance humanity.
  “My meeting last weekend with religious leaders across the State has revealed that many social scourges can be curbed and eliminated if we express our faiths responsibly and if government actively partners with religious bodies. I assure you that my government is committed to this ideal.
  “As the current economic recession takes its toll on the social fabric of our society by causing ethnic and religious tensions and recriminations, as Christians, we must however not allow emotions take the better part of us but rather we should deploy religion as a tool for peace, national unity and development.
  “It is just and Christianly for men of God to guide political leaders in the right direction without necessarily playing partisan politics. I urge all Nigerians not to allow religion tear us apart.
  “On behalf of the people and Government of Edo State, I welcome you all to this Conference. I look forward to the true Nigeria of our dream in which Christians, Muslims and adherents of other faiths will live together peacefully and united. I wish us a successful conference and a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit. May God’s blessings for Nigeria, Edo State and everyone in attendance be from ‘glory to glory”.

Do Not Be Ignorant Of God Ukpai Urges Christians
Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, very compassionate and emotional man, was among the speakers in the event. One of the strong points in his ministration was testimonies about miracles occurrence in the lives of the people. There were testimonies of instant healings, and deliverances, as the cleric urged the mammoth crowd of worshippers to utilize the privileges of their glorious redemption in Jesus Christ, stressing that the problem with many Christians is that they are ignorant of God ability and omniscient availability.
There were several out of the ordinary testimonies of what God has done in the lives of the people. This was confirmed by over 700 persons that matched out in appreciation of their instant testimonies.
Among the most intriguer was that of a man who triggered jubilation when he claimed that he has been healed from blindness.

See God in Your Success, Bishop Okonkwo Admonished Christians
Bishop Mike Okonkwo, the General Overseer of Redeemed Evangelical Mission with headquarter in Lagos, has called on Christians not to see their success as a product of their individual expertise or smartness, but that of the glory of God, whose image they are.
He made the call at the 14th National Conference of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria held in Benin City.
The General Overseer also urged Christians not to treat words from God with levity, adding that “a word from God is capable of changing a person’s destiny”.
Quoting from of Genesis, Chapter 1 verse 26 to 30, he said in the story of the creation of human, “God is the God of glory, and by the virtue of being made in His image, Christians also carry His glory.
According to Okonkwo, “it is very true that glory was then lost to the devil at the garden Eden, however, the death and resurrection of Christ served as the gateway to its express restoration.
“The implication of this, therefore, is that our success is not a fruitage of our smartness or expertise but trophy of God’s glory on us”.
Bishop Okonkwo, however, pointed out that for the glory to manifest, one must be born-again, as the blessings of God are reserved for His true children.

Cleric Calls On Christians To See Themselves As Carriers Of Glory
Rev. Dr. (Mrs.) Mercy Ezekiel, a Pastor and the General Overseer of the Christian Pentecostal Mission, wants Christians to see themselves as carriers of glory.
In her sermon entitled: “Carrier of Glory”, Mrs. Ezekiel defined glory as a high honour and the opposite of shame, stressing that as a divine blessings it comes with fearlessness, it makes one dreaded especially by opposing counsel; and it also enable one to achieve greatness.
She expressed confidence in God’s readiness and willingness to shower it upon His true children who have received a new birth.
The General Overseer explained that Christians should, more importantly seek for the lasting glory which she listed as including one getting wisdom, serving God with one’s strength, and being long suffering as these, she added, have brighter endings.
The cleric went further to list other examples of glory as money, fame, power education, success, family name; she albeit, classified these ones as vain glory as, according to her, they are short-lived.
Open Doors Of Your Heart To Jesus Bishop Wale Oke Tell Christians
Also speaking during the 14th National Biennial Conference of PFN in Benin City, Bishop Wale Oke advised Christians to open the doors of their hearts for Jesus Christ, stressing that only by doing so would the greater that they desire come their way.
“The coming of Jesus Christ into one’s life takes away shame, poverty and the prospect of being in hell as one’s eternal abode; it is instead, the source of glory. Immediately anyone beholds His face, such person would be automatically transfigured to glory,” he stated.
The cleric, however, maintained that to behold the face of God as emphasized in the contest of the sermon was figurative as mortals cannot see God, adding that God can only reveal Himself to oneself.
Highlight of the event were the spirited rendition from the mass choir, the parade by the various state contingents of association and the award of prizes to the winners of the match past

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