Rev. Dr. Aigbedion Etinosa, General Overseer of Divine City of Life Bible Church Worldwide, Gudugba, Iju Ishaga in Ifako Local Government Area, Lagos State, spoke with EJIKEME OMENAZU during the just-concluded annual camp meeting held in the Church auditorium on his journey to God’s vineyard and challenges facing the body of Christ among others. Excerpt:
Could you tell us about your journey in your walk with God? How was your ‘born again’ experience?
My born again experience was amazing. A time came when God spoke to me in a vision. It was like Apostle Peter, the fisherman in the Acts of Apostle. God singled me out of the world and asked me to serve him because he had made me a vessel in His house. It was challenging to accept the task. Thank God for His grace and mercy. I am glad I made the right decision. It is evident today.
Was there any opposition or criticisms from family or friends?
I had a lot of criticisms, but no opposition. Many friends including co-workers criticised my decision to go into the ministry. They were asking me how I would feed my family. However, I had the support of my family. It was at this period that I lost my job. I was undaunted. I believe so much in God’s word in 1 Thessalonians 5:24: “He that called you is faithful and just to forgive all unrighteousness”. I had to separate myself from those friends that mocked me for going into the ministry. But, today, they have all given their lives to Christ. What a mighty God we serve. He draws men unto Himself.
Apart from these, what are the other challenges you faced in your spiritual journey?
The major challenge was finance. Along the line, I lost my job. But, God used some people to support me. I made sure I trusted God for my finances. In many years of ministry, I have learnt to trust God with all my heart and not lean on your own understanding. The word of God in Ecclesiastes 12:13 says, “The end of the matter is: Fear God and keep His commandments.” This has been my motto.
What key lessons have you learnt in your years in the Ministry?
The major lesson I learnt is always to stand and depend on the word of God. It is our dependence on the infallible word that will save us from the cares of the world and lust of the flesh among others. We must absolutely trust in the Lord. This is because what God cannot do does not exist. God is too faithful to fail. I also learnt never to depend on my own understanding.
During the three-day Annual Camp Meeting, is there any revelation on Nigeria or on the current economic situation in the country?
God revealed to me that He had great plans for Nigeria. We should keep hope alive. God had an interest in making this nation great. We should not lose hope in Nigeria. He was with Moses who led children of Israel out of bondage. Very soon Nigeria will see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Nigerians should borrow a leaf from the wise saying of a former American President, John Kennedy, who said: “Ask what you can do for your country and not what your country can do for you”. Nigeria should come first in our thinking, not our personal estate.
The disunity in the body of Christ in Nigeria cannot be over emphasised. What do you see as the cause of the disunity? What solution would you proffer?
The general cause of disunity among the body of Christ in Nigeria is a breakdown somewhere in the relationship with God. By extension, the solution to disunity is for God not to bring everybody together, but rather for each church to restore its relationship with God. We should return to the biblical standard as written in the bible. Ephesians 4:5-6 says, “We have one body, one spirit, one baptism…one God, father of all who is overall and through all and in all”. We have to come together as one and seek the kingdom of God collectively or else the status quo will remain.
Do you subscribe to men of God going into politics?
Yes. Why not? They say politics is a dirty game, but truly, when righteous men are in politics, things will be better for the people. The Bible says: When the righteous are in power, the people rejoice. It is because men of impeccable integrity are shying from politics that the nation is groaning. Men of God should not shy away from politics. God is happy when His children are on the throne, because He knows they will do His will. I believe if more men of God are in politics, the narrative will change. Corruption will be greatly reduced.
Do you have any role model or mentor, whether in the body of Christ or outside it?
Jesus is my role model. I preach the gospel which is the light of the world. However, I have fathers – I mean God’s generals that I looked up to for inspiration. Great fathers of faith like ‘Daddy G.O.’ Pastor Enoch Adeboye of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG); Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church Worldwide and Pastor Chris Oyakilome of Christ Embassy, just to mention a few.
How do you see Divine City of Life Bible Church Worldwide in the next five years?
I see the Divine City of Life Bible Church spreading globally and impacting more lives thereby depopulating the kingdom of darkness.