The chairman of the Gbaramatu Interdenominational Christian Fellowship (GICF), Pastor Samuel T. Ukuli, has predicted that the annual Gbaramatu Prayer Day "will eventually become a movement" as the 6th edition of the prayer programme, which began on Friday, October 11, 2024, in Oporoza community, Gbaramatu Kingdom, came to a close on Sunday, October 13, 2024.

Pastor Ukuli also went down memory lane in a brief history and recounted what led to the birth of the annual prayer day in the Kingdom.

"The idea of Gbaramatu Prayer Day was born out of the desire to pray for Gbaramatu in general," said Pst. Ukuli. "It was borne by my humble self (Pastor S.T. Ukuli) when I attended a programme in Egbema Kingdom, organized by the Indigenous Christian Body in 2017.

According to him, "I was amazed with what I saw there! If our brothers in other clan can take up such a huge task through sacrifice in bringing the Light of God (Jesus Christ) to their people and intercede for their own communities for divine intervention, then we can replicate this fantastic idea in our place as well," he said.

With the burden in his heart, Pastor Ukuli met Dr. I.C. Tolar (of blessed memory) to sell this all-important idea to him, that there is need for all Christian denominations to come together with one voice to specifically pray for Gbaramatu Kingdom to attract the presence of God.

"Dr. I.C. Tolar endorsed it and then personally called for an urgent meeting of few Christian leaders of Gbaramatu extraction who can be reachable at that particular point in time. The meeting was eventually centered at Bishop Felix Piniki’s Fire Faith and Praise Ministries Int’l.

"In attendance were Dr. I.C. Tolar (of blessed memory), who presided over the meeting; Bishop Dr. Godwyns Soroaye (JP), Bishop Felix Piniki, Rev. Francis Diawei, Pastor S.T. Ukuli, Apst. Mattias Zion Amaye. Pastor Felix Famutua, Pastor Marvel Zibimoghan, Pastor Friday Mala, Saint Abraham Tebian, and a host of others.

"Immediately after the meeting, appointments were made by the elders present at the meeting to drive the vision without further delay. The persons appointed are: Pastor S.T. Ukuli (Chairman), Apst. Mathias Zion Amaye (Vice Chairman), Saint Abraham Tebiano (Secretary in acting capacity), Pastor Felix Famutua (Publicity Secretary), Pastor Marvel Zibimoghan (Financial Secretary), Pastor Friday Mala (Programme Coordinator), and Rev. M.J. Azapere (Music Director).

"During the meeting, there was a brainstorming session as to the name the organization should be called. A lot of names were suggested, but there was no conclusion to that effect to arrive at a concrete name. At first, we were using ‘Gbaramatu Christian Fellowship Interdenominational’. Later, when few meetings were held, we arrived at Gbaramatu Interdenominational Christian Fellowship’ by the help of the Holy Spirit.

"With the help of God we were able to register this organization with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on 14th April 2022. Also, the Constitution is in place as a guide for this Christian Body," he revealed.

Speaking further he said, "Two years ago, this present leadership wanted a change for another set to take over the helms of affairs for upward movement, but the elders stepped in and insisted on this present leadership to continue until Gbaramatu Prayer Day is fully established. Change is still inevitable because in every organization, the Constitution is our guide.

"In 2021, the executives and few elders met with our revered Father of Gbaramatu Kingdom, HRM Oboro Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, to officially intimate him on the ideas and aspirations of the Christian Body towards Gbaramatu Kingdom. He royally accepted the vision and officially endorsed it with royal blessings that every October 13 of the year is Gbaramatu Prayer Day; he directed that it should recorded and archived.

"Therefore, our Royal Father, HRM Oboro Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, is solidly behind Gbaramatu Prayer Day; and from time to time he is being informed of our activities. He has been of great support since the inception of this great vision and he is always at the forefront of the pre-planning of our yearly programmes with us by bringing mind blowing ideas that will move the Christian Body to the next level. God bless His Royal Majesty and may he live long with divine health and wisdom."

Speaking on the vision of the G Gbaramatu Prayer Day, Pastor Ukuli saud, "During the formation of Gbaramatu Prayer Day, it is clearly highlighted that the vision is not to downplay, interface, overshadow or collide with other existing Christian Bodies that we all belong to in Gbaramatu Kingdom; rather it is to further strengthen all Christians through the medium of intercessory prayers. This massive approach of prayers will ignite the revival fire in our time.

"The first edition of Gbaramatu Prayer Day was held on Saturday, 13th October 2018. It was co-sponsored by Dr. I.C. Tolar (of blessed memory). Since then, it is getting better each year. The elders are as follows: Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Imeleye, Bishop Dr. Godwyns Soroaye (JP), Apst. Newman Bebenimibo, Bishop Felix Piniki, Archbishop Joseph Irawo, Snr. Boan. P.E. German, Apst. Mike Ubebe Ph.D, Archbishop Philip Tonfawei (JP), Snr. Boan. Nelso Ogelegbanwei (JP), Dcn. Isaac I. Gbabo.

"Due to the elaborate work at hand to do as we deem it fit to spread our tentacles by broadening the activities of Gbaramatu Prayer Day in all spheres of life, we are still adding to the executives. Last year, Dcn. Dora Timinimi was appointed as the Treasurer.

"We are poised to spread the good news of our Lord and Saviour Jesus to every nook and cranny, communities and villages of Gbaramatu Kingdom. These dogged activities can only be carried out when prayers are intensified. Psalm 110:3a 'Thy people shall be willing in the day of prayer…'

"The willingness of the people is enforced through the instrument of intercessory prayers. Gbaramatu Prayer Day is not only vision, but a mandate from the Lord which will eventually become a movement. The theme for this year’s 6th edition is the WIND OF REVIVAL. The revival we have been waiting for is here! Hallelujah!"

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