United States-based cleric, Pastor David Ojo, has urged believers to trust God as the ultimate source of elevation and transformation. He spoke at the fourth edition of the Festival of Praise and Community Outreach held on Saturday, October 24, at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The event, titled “Divine Lifting,” brought together gospel ministers and worshippers for a programme that combined musical ministrations, preaching, prayer and community support.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the annual gathering, Pastor Ojo, who is founder of Christ Love International Church in the United States, said the initiative began after a period of prayer four years ago.
“I was in a place of prayer, and God told me it is time to give back to the world. And I heard the word very clearly. God said, you start in your country,” he said. Pastor Ojo, a gospel recording artist who has spent 36 years on stage, said music was central to the programme because of its power to attract and engage people.
“I have a music background, and I know that music attracts more people. Yes, you can preach. But there’s a flavour that music brings,” he said.
He noted that the festival had grown steadily — from a church in Surulere in its first edition, to a field in Ikorodu, then a larger field, and now the National Stadium — a growth that had come with increased financial and logistical demands.
Saturday’s event opened with a ministration by gospel singer Bukky Oyigiyigi, before Pastor Ojo delivered his message on divine lifting.
Ministering thereafter, Pastor J. T. Kalejaiye drew from Acts 3, the account of Peter and John and the man lame from birth at the Beautiful Gate. He used the account to illustrate how an encounter with God’s power can change a person’s circumstances.
“Your present location is not your final destination,” he told the worshippers, urging them to remain hopeful despite prolonged difficulties. He also charged the congregation to recognise the people God could use to bring help into their lives.
The gathering continued with ministrations from David Sax, Minister Emmanuel, Segun Taiwo, NG Greater and other gospel artistes, including visiting minister from the U.S., Pastor Bob Harding.
Prayer sessions and a raffle draw formed part of the programme, which climaxed with Pastor Ojo joining lead singers including NG Greater, David and Bukky Oyigiyigi for a joint ministration.
Beyond the spiritual activities, the festival featured community outreach, including food, drinks, free medical check-ups, toys for children and giveaway prizes. Ojo said the outreach was motivated by his desire to bring relief to people in difficult circumstances, drawing from his own experience.
“I just want to put a smile on the face of people,” he said, adding, “I myself, I have been poor. I’ve been through so many tough days before God brought me here. So it’s always my joy to bless people.”
He recounted testimonies from previous editions, including people who had prayed for children and for breakthroughs in different areas.
Reiterating his central message, Pastor Ojo said: “No matter where they are, God is the lifter. If God doesn’t lift you up, you can’t be lifted. He’s the lifter. He’s the giver. He’s the helper.”
