For Hundreds and thousands of people that found their way to Tafawa Balewa Square, also known as the centre of Lagos, it was not surprising that the heavens opened up and rained down spiritual blessings during the World Anointing Night service held by Bishop Dr Chris Kwakpovwe early this year.
The January 2019 World Anointing Night which was themed: “Story to Glory Night” took off on the 25th of January 2019 from 7.00 pm till dawn. The service was the grand finale of the 21-day fasting and prayer programme that preceded it.
Attendance, both nationally and internationally, was intimidating. The atmosphere was charged for many to receive their blessings from God. Every available space was occupied as the fields and gallery were all filled to the brim with worshippers. As is usually the norm, the service commenced with a series of exhortation, eloquently delivered by the ministers of the Manna Prayer Mountain and ordained ministers of God from selected states and countries. The Manna Voices International Choir, as well as the Children Orchestra and other anointed guest artistes, further increased the spiritual tempo of the evening with their music ministration.
The atmosphere became heightened with the presence of the Holy Spirit as the General Overseer, Bishop Dr Chris Kwakpovwe, was ushered to the podium. Suddenly, the spiritual atmosphere became even more acute as words of prophecy began to come forth from the servant of God!
Bishop Dr Chris Kwakpovwe, in his usual, charismatic style of ministration, skilfully prepared the hearts and minds of thousands of worshippers to receive from God. His ministration was dynamic, accentuated with a strong measure of boldness and rare confidence, in expounding the indelible truths contained in the Word of God as the only path of Man to daily communication with God. The force of the Rhema from the Word spewing forth from the pulpit, drew many to a tearful conviction and deep hunger for a real encounter with the living God. People listened with rapt attention and grasped the truths in the Word in a way that they had never done before. They worshipped with grateful hearts and souls in animated response to a palpable understanding of the revealed Word of God.
Bishop Dr Chris Kwakpovwe left no spiritual stone unturned in his avid exposition of the Scriptures. His passionate delivery was enriched with the presence of state of the art loudspeakers, with voice notes reverberating powerfully across the entire environs of Lagos Island. Television cameras were not left out as they captured the event accurately to the delight of millions of viewers across the world who tuned in through live streaming while one of the most sophisticated drones, captured the event from an aerial perspective. Many souls were stirred up as he read from the Book of Isaiah in Chapter 49 Vs 11 which contained one of the numerous promises of God to His people: “And I will make all My mountains a way, and My highways shall be exalted.”
Bishop Chris then interpreted and succinctly turned this particular scripture into prophecy as led by the Holy Spirit- “You can say you are doing well and there are some battles. But God has sent me tonight, to tell you that this year, no power shall take what God has given to you or demote you. He will surprise you. Your prosperity and good health shall be exalted and finally, every conspiracy against you shall end up promoting you!”
Enthusiastic shouts of ‘Amen’ and “Halleluia,’ rented the nocturnal air in response to such vibrant words of prophecy and this was the norm throughout that night till dawn. Visible miracles and spontaneous testimonies flowed unabated. The overpowering presence of the Holy Spirit was ever so manifest as evidenced by the numerous healings and deliverances that took place as a result. The power of the Holy Spirit was so strong that many unbelievers were convicted and rushed out to give their lives to Christ, including a man who was to be initiated into cultism had he not come to the Tbs programme. Notable amongst the healing miracles were testimonies of deliverance from acute joint pain, liver issues, partial stroke.
Dignitaries present at the program included Mrs Oyindamola Ogunsanwo, a representative of the wife of the Lagos State governor, Mrs Ambode, who delivered her goodwill message. Also present was the Lagos State Gubernatorial candidate of the PDP, Mr. Jimi Agbaje; as well as Rev. Dr. Sam Ogedengbe, a representative of the APC Governorship aspirant, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu.
Others included representatives of the Enugu State governor and the Gubernatorial candidate of Adamawa State, Mr Emmanuel Bello (SDP). Additionally in attendance were eminent personalities and ministers of God from USA, UK, Ghana, Zambia, Cameroun and other religious leaders from different parts of the world.
Mr. Jimi Agbaje, the Lagos State Gubernatorial candidate of the PDP, said he was happy to be at the World Anointing ‘Story to Glory’ night. He gave a short exhortation based on the Book of Hosea Chapter 4 Vs 6 to drive home the need for Nigerians to be much more vocal on political issues affecting them and also to fully exercise their civic rights by voting for the candidate of their choice during elections. Other politicians present at the service, called for prayers against the insurgency, poverty, hardship amongst others.
The representative of the Lagos APC Gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Babjide Sanwoolu, gave a short exhortation based on the Book of John Chapter 10 Vs10 in which he stressed that the riches of the earth belonged to God’s people.
The Bishop concluded the programme with a series of prophetic prayers intended to change lives for the better.
