Faith Cathedral International Church, Egbeda, Lagos, recently hosted its annual Christmas Carol service, an event filled with music, drama, and the joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The evening was more than just a seasonal gathering; it was a heartfelt expression of faith, unity, and the church’s commitment to nurturing its members, especially the youth.

A Night of Spiritual and Cultural Delight

The highlight of the celebration was the Christmas Carol, where angelic voices filled the air with songs of hope and redemption. The event also featured a beautifully staged miracle play that vividly portrayed the nativity story, reminding attendees of the true essence of Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of humanity. Adding a touch of elegance and artistry, a group of young performers graced the stage with a ballet dance, captivating the audience with their graceful movements that symbolized the joy and peace of the season.

Sister Omo, who coordinated the event, shared her thoughts on the significance of involving young people in such activities. “We are passionate about ensuring that the youth are not just spectators but active participants in celebrating and glorifying God. This season is a time of reflection and joy, and we believe guiding these kids in the right path through events like this can have a lasting impact on their lives,” she explained.

Voices of Gratitude and Inspiration

One of the participants, Pearl Ngozi Nwosu, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to be part of the celebration. “We thank God and the church for allowing us to take part in this wonderful experience. Being in the presence of God and celebrating His love fills us with joy and gratitude,” she said.

The church’s General Overseer, Pastor Fred Obetoh, also delivered a powerful message during the event, emphasizing the importance of faith and the need to counter the distractions of modern life. “We are thrilled to see young people excited about serving God. In a world where materialism and wokeness are increasingly influencing the youth, it’s heartening to see them dedicating their talents to the Lord’s vineyard,” he remarked.

He also reflected on the meaning of Christmas, saying, “This season is a time to remember God’s immense love for us, demonstrated by the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Christmas is not just a holiday; it’s a joyful celebration of God’s grace and the hope He brought to the world.”

A Church Rooted in Community and Faith

Faith Cathedral International Church, located in the bustling neighborhood of Egbeda, Lagos, is more than just a place of worship; it’s a community that embodies the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. Known for its vibrant programs and inclusive approach, the church is a spiritual home for individuals and families seeking to grow in their faith.

Under the dedicated leadership of Pastor Fred Obetoh, the church has become a beacon of hope, particularly for young people. Its numerous initiatives, such as youth mentorship, skill acquisition programs, and outreach projects, reflect its commitment to shaping a morally upright and empowered generation.

The annual Christmas Carol is a cornerstone of the church’s calendar, bringing members together to reflect on the message of Christ’s birth while fostering a sense of togetherness and spiritual renewal.

A Season to Reflect and Rejoice

As the evening came to a close, it was clear that the event had touched many hearts. The laughter of children, the melodies of timeless carols, and the profound words of gratitude and hope shared by Pastor Fred and others painted a picture of a community united in faith and love.

The Christmas Carol at Faith Cathedral International Church wasn’t just an event; it was a reminder of the enduring power of faith and the importance of coming together to celebrate God’s greatest gift to humanity.

 

Engr. Roberta Edu, CEO of Moppet, a leading producer of natural and organic baby formulas, has shared insights into the integral role that faith and church have played in her personal and professional journey. Speaking on society and religion, she emphasized the importance of church as a source of motivation and strength throughout her life.

“Going to church has been an integral part of my life, journey, and success,” Edu stated. “As much as we talk about religious issues, we should also highlight its success stories. Before motivational speakers and easy access to content, church was the platform where we could connect, receive the urge to forge ahead, build resilience, and tap into our inner power to achieve great things.”

Edu pointed to one Bible story that has remained particularly influential in her life—the parable of the ten virgins. “I love Jesus’ stories; if you follow his personal accounts, you will be highly inspired. The story of the ten virgins speaks to being prepared, building resilience, and being ready for opportunities even before they come. That’s been a guiding principle in my life.”

A regular churchgoer, Edu explained her approach to prayer and faith. “I go to church every Sunday, and I don’t ask God for a miracle. I don’t ask Him to cheat my brother or sister to bless me. Instead, I ask for wisdom to do the things that will allow me to build a strong foundation. I ask to be reminded of what I must do today for a brighter tomorrow, for strength to persevere, and for direction in my path. I want my blessings to be worth it. And the Lord has continually done this.”

Reflecting on her experiences after completing her program at Purdue University, Edu revealed that she was the only one among her peers to secure well-paying opportunities. “I wasn’t just ready for opportunities; I took advantage of them all,” she said.

As she looks to the future, Edu continues to rely on her faith for guidance. “Today, I am here again in the presence of God, asking for direction and guidance in my next path, my next breakthrough.”

Ending on a reflective note, she asked, “What are you praying to God for today?”

 

 

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

 

In an era where the boundaries of right and wrong often seem blurred, Pastor Fred Obetoh stands out as a beacon of faith and integrity. Recognized as a chosen vessel of God, Pastor Obetoh will be celebrating his birthday, offering a special thanksgiving for God’s mercies, goodness, and health, enabling him to continue his divine mission.

As the General Overseer of Faith Cathedral International Ministries in Egbeda, Lagos, Pastor Fred Obetoh has distinguished himself through steadfast devotion and scandal-free leadership. His commitment to truthfully following God has set him apart in the often tumultuous landscape of Pentecostalism, underscoring his divine selection for God’s work.

Tributes have already begun to pour in from congregants and well-wishers. The church, via a heartfelt Facebook post, declared: “Happy birthday to God’s general! Show me a man who loves God more than anything else and is never ashamed of the gospel of Christ. A man whose daily activity revolves around God’s service in His vineyard.”

The message continued, highlighting Pastor Obetoh’s multifaceted role: “He’s a teacher, a friend, a mentor, a father, and a philanthropist; blessed with godly wisdom and a listening ear. A terror to the kingdom of darkness; a gift to the body of Christ, here’s a giant who’s unassuming and humble to a fault.”

In a personal note to Pastor Obetoh, the church added: “Daddy, as you clock a year wiser today, we join the hosts of heaven to celebrate the gift of you! We appreciate the efforts, prayers, and intercessions; the advice, the corrections, and the many sacrifices of love towards us, your children. We love you and we pray that God’s grace will be multiplied upon your life daily and your ministry will never suffer shipwreck. You will not fail, fall, falter, nor faint in Jesus’ name. Once more, happy birthday, Daddy!”

The celebrations mark a significant moment for Pastor Fred Obetoh and the Faith Cathedral International Ministries community, reflecting on his unwavering dedication and the profound impact of his ministry.

 

Anthony Emeka Nwosu
Faith Cathedral International Ministries
Egbeda, Lagos

**#PastorFredsDay #FCIM**

Fr Angelo Chidi Unegbu (29.01.2022)

Putting on an Isiagu dress, red cap, holding a local fan or even an Ikenga alone, does not make one a traditional person. Living in a mud house, performing a traditional wedding, naming ceremony or joining a masquerade group alone, does not make one a traditional person either. The main questions are: do you know the reasons behind those acts/ behaviour? Do you know the values they carry? Do you know that every culture or tradition tells a story, gives a direction or sounds a warning? Do you know the story, direction, warning and values behind the culture you are practicing today? Do not forget that customs/ cultures are not arbitrary. They are not done for doing sake. Culture does not simply mean a return to antiquities. It is not just about going back to the past. Even when we need to look into the past, the aim is to retrieve values that build the community and not to live in the past. The Chinese, Europeans and many others seem to have understood this very well. Our forefathers did not live in the past of their own ancestors. They rather improved on the past of their ancestors and made sure that the storyline was not broken. They were open to changes. They willingly borrowed traditions of their neighbours that they found useful. Some celebrations or groups like Ekpe cult or some food we have today like rice, cassava, beans, tomatoes, onions and so on were not there from the beginning. They were borrowed and indigenized. It is no longer a secret that some of our ancestors willingly accepted Christianity and Western education. We do not fight for the restoration of culture so as to remain in the past. Not at all. We do that in order to restore our core values and storylines so that we may base our growth on the achivements of our forebears; because it is only by so doing that we can achieve an organic, a stable and meaningful growth.