By Adegbaju Temitope 

Church members, family members, friends, well-wishers and admirers of gospel musician and clergyman, Very Rev’d David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi, popularly known as Aremolekun, on Sunday thronged the auditorium of Motailatu Church of God, Oke-Idahun Parish, Akure, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ministry.

The anniversary service, marked by thanksgiving, music, prayers, testimonies and prophetic declarations, provided an opportunity for Aremolekun to reflect on the journey of the parish over the past two decades.

Speaking on “The Journey So Far: Down Memory Lane,” Aremolekun recalled how the ministry began, the challenges encountered along the way and the numerous interventions of God that enabled the church to survive and grow.

He spoke about some of the difficult moments he and the ministry had experienced, including challenges associated with the early years of the parish, financial difficulties, setbacks and other trials that threatened the progress of the work.

According to him, however, the challenges never succeeded in bringing the ministry to an end, as God repeatedly provided people and resources at critical moments.

Aremolekun also used the occasion to appreciate the many individuals who had contributed in one way or another to the development of the church and the successes recorded over the years.

He acknowledged not only those who are still part of the ministry but also people who had left at different stages of the journey, noting that each person had, in one way or another, contributed to the history of the church.

One of the highlights of the service was a special musical presentation by Aremolekun, who joined the church choir to render melodious songs of thanksgiving.

The gesture came as no surprise to those familiar with his musical background, as the cleric and founder of Pillar of Bethel Angelic Voices (POBAV) has remained actively involved in gospel music for decades.

He was professionally supported by Evangelist Rufus Adegbola, popularly known as Aro & Sax, whose dexterity on the saxophone added colour to the rendition and kept the congregation and guests engrossed.

Delivering the prophetic sermon, Rt. Rev’d James Akinadewo drew inspiration from the book of Isaiah to assure the congregation that God would use the anniversary as a springboard for a new chapter and undiluted testimonies.

Rev’d Akinadewo, Minister in Charge of Motailatu Church of God, Oke-Ira Parish, Ogba, Lagos, told Aremolekun and the congregation that the prophetic declaration concerning a change of story for the better was already coming to fulfilment.

He, however, admonished the congregation not to lose hope, stressing that God was determined to restore what had been lost in the past and give His people a new name.

Rev’d Akinadewo, who is also the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of Motailatu Church of God Worldwide, urged the people to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in God’s ability to complete what He had started.

The anniversary also featured a special performance by the Gospel Musicians Association of Nigeria (GOMAN), Ondo State Chapter, led by the Chairman of the Akure Zone, Pastor Raph Ajatta.

The guest artiste, Evangelist Mary J. Omotehinse, accompanied by her band, equally thrilled the congregation with a special musical performance.

Other prominent gospel musicians and GOMAN leaders who contributed to the success of the celebration included veteran musician and GOMAN leader Pastor Ebenezer Ologunowa, former GOMAN Governor Pastor Tunde Ayodele, Vice Chairman of the Akure Zone Evangelist Roseline Osewa, and Evangelist Isaac Jegede (Omo Alara).

The celebration also attracted several ministers and representatives from different churches and Christian organisations.

Among them were representatives of the church of Aremolekun’s grandfather, Oke Igbala-Olu Missionary Society Cathedral, Ondo, led by Supt. Apostle Ebenezer Akinboboye.

There was also a delegation from the Motailatu Church of God International Headquarters, Ondo, led by Snr. Apostle General Abayomi Daramola.

Motailatu Church of God, Mount Sinai Parish, Ibadan, was represented by Snr. Apostle Christian ‘Sesan Abolu, who also served as the Leader of Service during the anniversary celebration.

The C&S Movement Church, Throne of Mercy District, Akure, was represented by a delegation led by Pastor Benjamin Oladimeji.

Others at the celebration included Prophetess Olowolade of His Mercy’s Church; Most Senior Apostle Eniola Fadayomi of Ijare; Prophet Lanre Adebayo (Omo Adaniwaye); and representatives of New Ona Iwa Mimo Onimajemu, Agbala Iyanu No. 1, Alagbaka, and No. 2, Isinigbo, Akure.

The representatives of the Chairmen and Chairpersons of the anniversary also expressed their joy openly, describing the occasion as a remarkable testimony to God’s faithfulness. They celebrated the progress recorded in the ministry over the past 20 years and thanked God for sustaining Aremolekun and the congregation through the various challenges encountered along the way.

The gathering was marked by songs, prayers, goodwill messages and thanksgiving as the celebrant and the congregation looked back at the 20-year journey with gratitude.

For Aremolekun, the anniversary was more than a celebration of the survival of a church; it was a testimony of what can happen when a divine calling is pursued with faith and perseverance despite daunting circumstances.