When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is? Mat. 16:13

Jesus did not ask the question above because he had an identity crisis or was suffering from low self-esteem. He willingly chose to humble himself, took on the form of a man, and decided to serve rather than be served. While God the Father called Jesus His only begotten Son, many people considered him one of the great prophets. Demons knew him and called him the Son of the living God. Jesus knew who He was but chose to call himself the Son of man. That is how he displayed humility throughout his earthly life. People who genuinely acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God also submit to His Lordship. When you choose humility and live it out, people will elevate you. The egocentric is dying daily for recognition, but all he gets are holes poked into his over-inflated ego. “… those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 14:11).

 
 
Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us—so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. Ps. 67:1-2

To bless someone is to pronounce what you desire for that person. Jacob and Moses blessed the twelve tribes of Israel, which was prophetic. In many other situations, the blessings are just wishful desires, as has become the norm among many pastors today. When God blesses anyone, the pronouncement will come to pass. Everyone wants God to bless them, but what is in our minds is to prosper and have a good life. God’s blessings are not primarily for personal benefit. God blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others. Israel was blessed so that all nations would know God through them. The Church is blessed so that it will fulfill the same purpose – make His salvation known and people worship Him. God has blessed you already, even though you may be desiring more. How are you making God and His salvation known to those around you?

Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

Pray for Muslims with Prayercast March 22-April 21, 2023

During Ramadan many Muslims go to the mosque and spend several hours praying. In addition to the five daily prayers that are part of the core of Islam, Muslims recite a special prayer called the Tarawih prayer (night prayer).

What is Prayercast?

Prayercast exists because roughly 140,000 people enter eternity every day without a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. And only God has the power to change that number.

So we cry out to Him!

Because when God’s people pray, HE MOVES.

And when God’s people pray, THEY CHANGE.

Prayercast combines the arts and media to unite and activate the global body of Christ to world-changing prayer for the sake of the lost.

Roughly 3 million Prayercast videos are viewed each month in over 190 countries, leading God’s people around the world in strategic, knowledgeable, persistent prayer for the lost.

Join the global prayer movement!

Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the Lord will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my master … Let no wrongdoing be found in you as long as you live. 1Sam. 25:28

Abigail wowed David by the display of the many attributes she had. Read 1 Samuel 25 and be amazed about Abigail. You will discover some of her characteristics: Approachable (Vs. 17): The servants could relate to Abigail but not Nabal. Prompt (Vs. 18): She was no procrastinator at all. Wise (Vs. 18, 19, 28-31): She knew what to do, like packaging supplies for David and his men, knew the right time to tell Nabal the imminent danger he was facing, and advised David to stay guilt-free. Respect (Vs. 23): Though a very wealthy woman, she showed respect to David. Intercessor (Vs. 24, 28): She took her husband’s blame on herself, just as Jesus did for our sins. Prophetic (Vs. 28, 30): She spoke confidently about David’s future. Humble (Vs. 41): Willing to be the servant of David’s servants. Faith. Beauty. Etc. Find out more and imitate Abigail.

Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1Pt. 2:9

Who you are and why you are here on earth are essential questions that require the correct answers. Beyond that, one must live according to the actual answers obtained. A lot of people have identity crises, especially the younger generation. We stress ourselves out chasing purposeless fleeting shadows that only result in hopelessness. If you are in Christ, this is your new identity – Chosen, Royal Priest, Holy, and God’s special possession. Do not listen to what you or anyone else says about you. Your new identity leaves you responsible for declaring the praises of God, who saved you. That is your primary assignment. You declare the praises of God by worshipping Him and presenting Christ to people who do not know Him so that they, too, can worship Him. Know who you are and live out God’s purpose for you.

Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

visit ECWA Jerusalem Pilgrimage website at http://ecwajerusalempilgrimage.org

ECWA USA Israel Pilgrimage
7 DAYS ISRAEL TOUR PROGRAM
NOVEMBER 14-22, 2023

Day 1: Wednesday 15th of November 2023
ARRIVAL IN ISRAEL, NAZARETH, AND MOUNT CARMEL
We are met and assisted by our Israel Partner representative, “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Psalm 118:26). At Ben Gurion Airport we will be served breakfast, following that we will travel north to Nazareth in the Galilee where Jesus Christ grew up a little over 2000 years ago. And so, here, we begin our journey following in his footsteps. After the lunch and brief rest, we will visit the Great Sea – The Mediterranean and Mt. Carmel where Prophet Elijah challenged King Ahab and defeated the false prophets of Ba’al. (1Kings 18). Overnight at Tiberias.

Day 2: Thursday 16th of November 2023
SEA OF GALILEE, CAPERNAUM, TABGHA, JORDAN RIVER, MOUNT OF BEATITUDES
Today we will explore the surroundings of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus began his ministry. We will start by driving to Capernaum, the fishermen town that became Jesus`s new home. We will visit the ancient synagogue where he preached and the new church above Peter`s house. We will continue to Tabgha (seven springs), where Jesus fed the five thousand. We will visit the church of Loaves and Fishes and the Mensa Christy Church, where Jesus gave Peter the primacy. At noon we will cruise the Sea of Galilee on a boat and enjoy some St. Peter`s Fist for Lunch. Following lunch, we will drive to the Jordan River to feel the cold water and climb to the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias.

Day 3: Friday 17th of November 2023
NAZARETH AREA: NAZARETH, CANA OF GALILEE, MOUNT TABOR
After breakfast, we will explore the city of Nazareth starting at the church of Annunciation where Angel Gabriel met Virgin Mary. Then we will continue to St. Joseph Church, built on the remains of his carpentry shop. Following those sites, we will drive to the Mount of Precipice where Jesus fled from the city. We will continue to Cana of Galilee, where we will visit the wedding church where Jesus performed his first miracle of turning water into wine. After lunch, we will climb Mount Tabor; visit the church of the Transfiguration. Dinner and overnight in Tiberias.

Day 4: Saturday 18th of November 2023
WORSHIP AT ECWA GOODNEWS IN TEL AVIV, BETHLEHEM, EIN KEREM: BIRTHPLACES OF JESUS AND JOHN
We will drive to Tel Aviv 36 Levanda street and worship at ECWA GOODNEWS Church, Tel Aviv. We will visit Ein Karem, the place of Zachariah and Elizabeth. There we will visit the Church of St. John the Baptist, which was built above the site of his birth. We will visit the church of the visitation, where Mary and Elizabeth met. We will spend the afternoon in the city of Bethlehem – the native land of King David and the birthplace of Jesus Christ, “Son of David.” We will visit the church of Nativity, which was built by Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, on the site that Jesus was born. We will continue to St. Jerome Chapel where he wrote the “Vulgata” and to the shepherds` Field, where the angels announced the birth of Christ. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 5: SUNDAY 19th of November 2023
GALILEE TO JUDEA: JORDAN VALLEY, JERICHO, AGRIC VISIT, DEAD SEA, QUMRAN
The day will begin by driving south along the Jordan Valley, the way Jesus and his family use to walk to Judea and continue to Jericho the Palm City. We shall then have a visit to Kibitz for Agric tour before driving to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth, and to Qumran where the Essene community lived and where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 6: MONDAY 20TH of November 2023
JERUSALEM: MOUNT OF OLIVES, MOUNT ZION, ST. ANNA CHURCH, VIA DOLOROSA, HOLY SEPULCHRE WAILING WALL
After breakfast, we will go to the Mount of Olives, the best observation point over-looking Jerusalem. We will go down the road where Jesus entered the city as a king on Palm Sunday. We will visit the chapel of Dominus Flevit, the Chapel of Peter Noster, and the church of Agony. We will end at the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was arrested. Next, we will drive to Mount Zion to visit the last Supper room (Coenaculum), King David`s tomb and the Church of the Dormition. Then we will continue to visit the church of St. Peter in Gallicantu. We will enter the Old City walls through St. Stephens Gate (Lion’s Gate) and visit the Church of St. Anne and the pools of Bethesda. From there we will start walking the path Jesus took to his crucifixion-the Via Dolorosa. We will begin from the place of the trial, presided over by Pontus Pilate, and continue walking along the Stations of the Cross to the Golgotha Hill, where he was crucified, buried, and resurrected. Then we will visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, built by Helena. Our day of touring will conclude with a visit to the western wall, which is the remnant of the wall surrounding the Temple Mount then to Jaffa gate market.

Day 7: TUESDAY 21ST of November 2023
JAFFA, ABU GOSH, JP CEREMONY, END OF THE JOURNEY AND RETURN BACK HOME

After breakfast, we will visit the Old town of Jaffa, the oldest port city in the world. From here, John took the boat to Tarshish and here St Peter had his dream to evangelize Gentiles and brought Tabitha back from the dead. After lunch, we will visit Abu Gosh- ancient Kiriat Yearim. Here the ark of covenant rested for twenty years before being brought by King David to Jerusalem. We perform our JP ceremony and leave Jerusalem for the Tel Aviv Airport. We will pray together for a safe trip back.

Cost
For 30 People on the trip: $1550/person for double occupancy in 4-5-star Hotel.
For 30 People on the trip: $1950/person for Single occupancy in 4–5-star Hotel.
Note: If we have more than 30 people, the cost will be less. If we have less than 30 people, the cost will be a little higher.

Included
✔ All rates in US Dollars
✔ Meet & assistance on formalities upon arrival and departure at airports
✔ Fees for entries in Israel as per Itinerary attached
✔ Tour gift by ECWA Jerusalem Pilgrimage and Ground handler
✔ Transportation with a modern and AC vehicle
✔ Accommodation on FULL BOARD (7 lunches)
✔ Health Insurance
✔ Singles: maximum of 20% of the rooms reserved at single rates.

Not Included
X Extras and personal expenses.
X Drinks and meals other than the mentioned above
X Portage services at hotel and restaurants.
X tips (guide, driver, boat ride, etc.)

Airfare: Flying out of Chicago for economy seats is about $1000 round trip.
NB: These prices are tentative and actual costs will be determined by September.

Requirement
✔ US Passport or Green Card holders will get visas on arrival at no cost.
✔ Other passport holders will apply for visas.

On behalf of the ECWA Executive, I bring you greetings in the name of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

As we mark this year’s Bingham University day, I am delighted to express our deepest gratitude to the entire ECWA family for the support given to this promising and fast growing University over the last 18 years. It is indeed a testament to our collective support that the University continues to thrive despite the daunting challenges that comes with nurturing a University.

I am proud to report that by the grace of God through the ECWA family, the University has recorded tremendous progress in its sojourn so far as evidenced by the rising profile of the University.

The University has witnessed astronomical growth in academic programs from 18 in 4 faculties at Inception of the University to 64 programs in 12 faculties as of December 2022. In addition to the above, part-time undergraduate programs were established in 8 areas to Improve access to education.

The University has also witnessed a tremendous growth in the number of full professors from 15 in 2018 to 34, and 6 Associate Professors to 22 Associate Professors in 2023. Our staff are now cited internationally in reputable peer reviewed journals and some have won international engagements and recognition based on excellent performance. For example, Prof. H. O. lsah of the department of Community Medicine has been appointed a Visiting Professor of Public Health at AHRO International University in Glasgow Scotland, UK, Dr. Patricia Esiegbe of the Department of Family Medicine emerged winner of the Besrour Centre Fellowship program in Medical Education research based in Canada and Dr. Uju Ejike of the Department of Biochemistry has won the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) Germany Academic Exchange grant for the DIES International Dean’s Course for Africa 2023/2024.

To the glory of God, the University is now highly rated having been rated number 47 out of over two hundred Nigerian Universities by the National Universities Commission latest rating which was carried out in 2020.
 
 

Author: Rev. Stephen Baba Panya
Rev. (Dr.) Stephen Baba Panya was born in April 1963, to the family of late Rev. (Dr.) Panya Baba, himself a former Director of Evangelical Missionary Society (EMS) and later one time ECWA President. He grew up as a Missionary Kid (MK), and studied accounting. He is a Chattered Accountant and former Banker turned Missionary; a man with a heart burning passionately for Missions and Revival. He obtained his Association of Accounting Technician (AAT), London in December 1982 and Obtained the Best Prize at Level 1 Worldwide. He also obtained his Association of Chattered Certified Accountants (ACCA), London in June 1987. And the Association of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ACA), Nigeria, in 1990.

He is a called missionary who breathes Missions, speaks Missions, lives Missions, and can sacrifice anything for Missions. His life depicts the words of C.T. Studd that, “If Jesus Christ is God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.” He is a visionary leader whose heart’s desire is to see the mighty supernatural move of God in ECWA and the Church of Jesus Christ at large for the salvation of souls, the setting of the captives free from bondage to sinful flesh and the devil, resulting in transformation of lives, the healing of the sick and the diverse blessing of God’s people, the church, for the mighty glory of God.

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness. Rom. 1:18

Wrath is one attribute of God that many do not want to dwell on and consider a misfit for God. God’s attributes are interconnected, and you cannot separate one from the other. They are a chain; everything falls apart once you break one link. A definition of wrath is violent anger or righteous indignation. God’s anger is directly related to His Holiness, Righteousness, Justice, etc. He directs His wrath on those who reject Him and keep living in defiance of His Words. He has a right over us because He created us for Himself to do His will, as we learned last week. Our justification by the blood of Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:9) means that we will not have to face the wrath of God. Thank God for that! However, He will discipline us when we are out of step with His will because He loves us. Tell people the good news to save the lost from the coming wrath.

Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

“…And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:31.
“And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 13:52.
“Walk in the Spirit.” Gal.5:16.
“Be filled with the Spirit.” Eph.5:18.

Introduction

The apostle Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:15-23 is undoubtedly one of the greatest prayers in the Bible. It is a prayer for spiritual discovery. It seems as the petition got more profound as the list increased. The last petition in verse 19 was for the believers to experience the power that raised Christ from the dead. It was not only Christ that was raised by this power, but the believer also. Paul states that this power is the same that made the believer alive in Christ. “And you He made alive , who were in trespasses and sins. … Even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Eph. 2:1,5-6.

This power, like electricity, had coursed through the believer while spiritually dead and made him alive in Christ. But now, in his spiritually alive state, Paul prays that the believer might actively experience this power of resurrection. The Bible states that this power is the power of the Holy Spirit. Rom. 8:11. Christ promised this power during his earthly ministry. ”On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive.” Jn.7:37-39. Jesus alludes to more than the indwelling of the Spirit, but the fullness. He also states that the condition for obtaining this fullness is “if anyone thirsts.” Although on a few occasions, some people obtained the fullness of the Spirit at the moment of conversion Acts 9:17; 10:44-47; 11:15-17, but the norm has been to ask for it. Lu.11:13; 4:29-31. This sentiment is echoed in the Old Testament. “For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground.” Isa.44:3.

1. Not Exclusively A New Testament Phenomenon

The fullness of the Spirit is not exclusive to the New Testament. It is an experience that was well known and experienced by various people in the ancient Biblical times. Bezalel Exo.31:1-3; Prophet Micah, Mic.3:8; Samson, Judg.14:19; King Saul, 1 Sam.10:10. Although there was no permanent indwelling of the Spirit before the day of Pentecost, different people in both the Old and New Testament had empowerment of the Spirit in order to accomplish various tasks. Also, before the day of Pentecost, each of the following characters was filled with the Spirit. John the Baptist, Jn.1:15; Mary, the mother of Jesus, Lu.1:35; Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, Lu.1:41; Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist,1:67; Simeon, Lu. 2:25. Jesus Himself was filled with the Spirit for His earthly ministry. Lu.3:21-22; 4:1,18-19; Acts 10:38.

2. Two Aspects Of Filling

There are two aspects of filling that are described in the Scriptures. This applies also to those in the Old Testament. The first could be described as God sovereignly intervening and filling someone with the Spirit for a special task. Examples of this are Bezalel, Samson, King Saul, Elizabeth, Zacharias, the apostles, Acts 2:4, Paul, Acts 9:17. The second aspect is when the Spirit has a pervasive influence and control of a believer’s life . The believer lives in an abiding state of the fullness of the Spirit rather than a peremptory and temporary in-filling. This second aspect describes a life that is totally surrendered to the Holy Spirit and lived in His power daily. Examples of this are, Jesus Himself, Lu.4:1, the seven deacons, Acts 6:3,5;7:55; Barnabas, Acts 11:22-24. There seems to be no better illustration of this than the seven deacons whose spiritual characteristics are described in Acts 6:3. “Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known (emphasis mine) to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.” NIV. This verse makes it clear that there was a distinction between the seven deacons and all the other men of the Hellenistic stock. Further, Paul makes the same assumption when he commands, ”Be filled with the Spirit.” Eph 5:18.

3. It Is The Required Life

It is so sad that in spite of the above truth, many believers today are comparable to the disciples of John the Baptist whom Paul met in Ephesus. And when he asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” replied, “We have not so much heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Acts 19:1-2. In a previous pastoral Letter (October 2021) I told a similar story of a Bible college student who did not know that there is a difference between indwelling of the Spirit and the fullness of the Spirit. It is extremely appalling that this gaping ignorance exists among believers despite the fact that the Spirit-filled life is the life that God intends for all believers. The fullness of the Spirit is the normal Christian life. Jesus alluded to it when he stated, “I have come that they may have life ,and that they may have it more abundantly.” Jn.10:10. It is undoubtedly in agreement with this that Paul admonishes, “Be filled with the Spirit.” Eph.5:18. “Walk in the Spirit.” Gal.5:16. Evangelist Billy Graham gives this compelling elucidation, “All Christians are committed to be filled with the Spirit. Anything short of a Spirit-filled life is less than God’s plan for each believer.”

4. The Benefits Of Obtaining This Power

There are manifold blessings associated with obtaining the fullness of the power of the Holy Spirit. But due to the constraint of space, only a few will be highlighted.

1. The believer is equipped to live a victorious life. Rom.8:1-11; Gal.5:16-18.
2. The believer is empowered for victorious service.Lu.24:49; Acts 1:5,8; 4:29-31.
3. The believer is enriched for fruitfulness. Jn.7:37-39; 15:5; Gal.5:22-25.

Charles Spurgeon, the famous British pastor elaborates in these words. “But to Christians the instruction comes, ‘be filled with the Spirit,’ for the Spirit of God can give you strength to the highest degree. He can gird you with spiritual strength-the strength of faith…He can give you strength that wrestles in prayer… The Spirit of God gives the strength to suffer and the strength to labor, to receive, and to hope, love, and to conquer temptation, to perform holy action. When you are filled with the Spirit, how strong you are.”

Jesus knew that His followers would need this power, hence He exhorted them to wait for this power before embarking on their worldwide evangelization mission. “Behold, I send the Promise of My father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” Lu.24:49. Cf. also Acts 1:4-5.

Spurgeon adds this insightful comment. ”Whether you are a preacher or teacher or parent or someone who is in the service of God in your ordinary labor, if you want strength with which to bring glory to the Most High, be filled with the Spirit.”

5. How To Obtain This Power?

The formula has been variously presented in different numbers of steps and many times by synonymous titles. However, there are unquestionable unvarying steps that lead to obtaining the fullness of the Spirit. Some of them have been mentioned or alluded to earlier. The believer who wants to obtain this power must follow these steps.

1. Desire, thirst, aspire for it. Ps.42:1-2; 63:1-2; Isa.44:3;Jn.7:37-39.
2. Confession of all known sins. Ps.66:18; Pro.28:9,13; Isa. 59:1-2; Jas.4:2.
3. Ask for it. Jas.4:2; Lu.11:13; Acts 4:29-31.
4. A surrendered life. Rom.6:12-13; 12:1-2.

Conclusion

1 Tim. 1:17. Now unto the King Eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen
A fuller discussion of the above segment is presented in the Pastoral Letter dated October 3,2021 titled Revival And The Life Of The Spirit referred to earlier. That Pastoral Letter and this one supplements each other.

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.2x
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me and use me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.

Author Daniel Iverson.

Author: Rev. Joseph Ezeigbo
Rev Joseph Ezeigbo studied at Grace Collage and Grace Theological Seminary, both in Winona Lake, IN, where he obtained his undergraduate and graduate degrees respectively. He also did some Postgraduate studies at Liberty University and Liberty Theological Seminary, Lynchburg, VA. He is the coordinator, African Missionary Outreach. Rev Ezeigbo is the currently Vice Chairman and Prayer and Renewal Facilitator ECWA USA. He has also served as Secretary and Chairman of ECWA USA DCC. Rev Ezeigbo is an advocate for prayer for the Muslim World and International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, a Bible teacher for ECWA MD and Researcher – Church History and Theology.

Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant, … ‘I canceled all that debt of yours … Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you.’ Matt. 18:32- 33

As Christians, forgiving those who wrong us is not optional. God requires it. We are to forgive no matter the magnitude of the offense. God even encourages the victim to take the initiative of going to the offender to resolve the issue. We are to forgive because God has forgiven us and demands that we do the same for all who offend us. We are to forgive as God forgave us – unconditionally, from the heart, and even forget the offense and never recall it again. Humanly speaking, we do not easily forget the wrongs we suffer from people, but when we forgive from our hearts, remembering such wrongs will lead to compassion and not resentment. A helpful way is to pray for the offender as Jesus and Stephen prayed – Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing. Lord, help us so to do this!

Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.

by Rev. Sunday Bwanhot

You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. Rev. 4:11. King James’ version states that God created all things for His pleasure. The point is that God did not create you for you but for Himself. We entertain the idea that if we live for and serve God, He is obligated to protect, provide, and meet all our needs. We have even graduated from asking to commanding God and decreeing things that we expect Him to act on dutifully. We project ourselves as servants of God while trying to use God for our ends. We cannot hide our motives from Him. How many today will say with Paul, “for me to live is Christ and to die is gain?” (Phi. 1:21). How many will lose every earthly possession, including health, and say with Job, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised?“ (Job 1:21). Only people who know that God created them for Himself and not for themselves will live right.

Author: Rev. Sunday Bwanhot, ECWA USA DCC Chairman
Rev. Sunday Bwanhot is a missionary to America serving with SIM/ECWA. He is an Economist by profession and has worked as a Statistician with Kaduna State Government. He later pioneered and managed the Challenge Press of ECWA in Jos before God’s call to pioneer the Prayer Ministry of ECWA in Jos, Nigeria. In 1993, God called him to Chicago as a missionary and has been serving there since 1995 to date. Currently, he pastors ECWA Chicago which he planted and serves as the Chairman of the ECWA USA District Church Council. Loves being a grandpa of 8 grandchildren and enjoys writing.