JOYS OYEDEPO CELEBRATES DAD!!

READ WHAT SHE SAID ABOUT LAST WEEKEND, because it was her birthday and her father's birthday. (Father and daughter were born on September 27)

"I ESCAPED DEATH 25 TIMES" ...BISHOP OYEDEPO

After the outpouring of goodwill messages by some of the guests present, the celebrant, clothed in a white agbada, was asked to respond. And he recounted how he had escaped death over 25 times. 

“When I was 50, I realized I had escaped death 25 times. I then took a decision to stop counting because the God that has kept me those 25 times, is capable of keeping me all the days of my life,” he began. Continuing, he said, “and that’s why I have said that life is absolutely a gift; it is not a right; it is the grace of God that brought us all to life. It is the same grace that is preserving us. I have escaped accidents and attacks of all kinds; God has been faithful. To Him alone be all the glory.”

...AND MORE PHOTOS

MORE EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS FROM PAPA'S B'DAY

WHAT ARCHBISHOP MARGARET IDAHOSA SAID ON PAPA'S B'DAY

The second message came from the widow of the late Benson Idahosa, Archbishop Margaret Idahosa of the Church of God Mission with headquarters in Benin, the Edo State Capital.  She said, 

“Greetings to everyone who have come to celebrate a man whose life and work transcend generations. We were driving in and I said Covenant University will remain until Jesus comes. I have known the celebrant for years before my husband went to be with the Lord. At the funeral, many people came to tell me, ‘Dr. Margaret, don’t worry, when you need anything, just call us.’ I have seen many faces, but the face of the celebrant has not changed; it remains the same, and as a matter of fact, it has become stronger. There’s a covenant that he and the Idahosas cut. And I say that a covenant does not end with those that you covenanted with. Even though my husband is no longer here, these two that are seated here today are here and they have stood by me and are still standing by me. I want to say to you sir may you continue to lead a fruitful life that will continue to touch lives.”

Continuing, she said, 

“Archbishop Benson Idahosa is no longer here but you are here. And by the time we check out or step aside, the covenant continues. One of my children is here – Daisy Idahosa – and she is sitting with the fruit of this covenant. And I believe when we are no longer here, you all will keep the covenant going. I pray for increase for the celebrant: increase in anointing, increase in fellowship, compassion, focus, and as the minister of agriculture said earlier, everything that this man has touched has prospered. And I pray that this prosperity continues until Jesus comes.”

READ PASTOR ADEBOYE’S SHOCKING ADVICE TO OYEDEPO @ 60

PST ADEBOYE PRAYS FOR THE OYEDEPOS

Pastor E.A. Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has advised Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church, aka Winners’ Chapel to be extra careful especially with people around him, in his calling as a man of God. He gave this subtle but far-reaching advice during the 60^th birthday celebration of the Apostle of Faith on Saturday, September 27, 2014. Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the General Overseer of the RCCG, in a short sermon, reminisced on his youthful days as a boxer and asked the celebrant, which he described as a special son, to watch his steps. His words:

GENERAL GOWON’S GOODWILL MESSAGE TO PAPA @ 60

The first to give a goodwill message at the reception hall that sat over 5000 guests was former head of state General Yakubu Gowon, who also gave the welcome address as the chairman of the occasion. His words: 

“…I speak on behalf of those of us who are from the Northern part of Nigeria, to say that the celebrant is ‘Dan Kaduna.’ We’ve known him over the years when I was privileged to be in Ahmadu Bello University and the chairman of the Chapel. He used to come for revival meetings for the students. In those days, he was very active and focused, just as he is today. We always enjoyed his coming then. And the church in Kaduna was really a centre of celebration and worship. Since 1983 when we knew each other, one thing I love about him is that he is very consistent. When he cares for you, he does so consistently; even when I was away in politics, he never forgot about me; he has always prayed for me, always advised me, always directed me, always loved me. Sir, we thank you, we are delighted for this day, and as the banner behind you says, this is just the beginning. The Lord will continue to promote you, bless you, and make you a blessing to others. And may you continue to be my friend.”  

View Exclusive Photos from Papa's 60th Birthday Celebration (1)

CELEBRATING PAPA @ 60!! (9): READ WHAT PST. ADEBOYE SAID ABOUT OYEDEPO

On Saturday September 27, 2014, Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo celebrated his 60^th birthday in a grand style. Dignitaries from all walks of life, including 79-year-old former Head of State, General Gowon and ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo graced the occasion. And the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, the revered Pastor E.A. Adeboye was not only present; he preached a short but powerful message during the church service before the reception. It was during this message that he said the following about the celebrant. Hear him:

“There are cars and there are cars; the Rolls Royce is in a class of its own. Bishop Oyedepo is a Rolls Royce Bishop. He is a special son to me, and it is only in Christianity that a pastor will be a father to a bishop (laughs).”“He is a very diligent man, and when God opens doors, it means harder work.”“He is a man of influence – you may not like him, but you can’t ignore him.”

The great man of God affectionately referred to as Daddy G.O by his followers, ended his sermon by praying for the celebrant. 

“Father, you have made him big, let him become bigger and never let him fall." 

This was greeted with a thunderous ‘Amen”. And from all of us at the Press and Publicity Unit, it is a big “Amen!”

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Celebrating Papa @ 60!!! (8): Read What His B'day Mate & Daughter Said About Him

Beautiful Joyce Oyedepo (@joysoyedepo) took to the social media recently to wish her dad, which she called "my first male love", a happy birthday. Read it here:

Here's another one:

Celebrating Papa @ 60!!! (7): One-On-One With Bishop David Oyedepo

“MY GRANDMOTHER MADE A MAN OUT OF ME AS A CHILD”

BISHOP DAVID OYEDEPO Talks About Life @ 60

Today September 27, 2014, the president of the Living Faith Church Word wide, Bishop (Dr) David Olaniyi Oyedepo celebrates 60 years. This Omua-Aran, Kwara State-born cleric will celebrate the event at Canaanland where his 50,000-seater capacity church, Covenant University, etc. are located. Having been born-again at a tender age of 15 in 1969, this grandfather apostle of faith was called into the ministry on May 2^nd, 1982 in what is known among his followers as The Mandate, in an 18-hour open vision, where God gave him the marching orders to what has today become a global Commission.

This great man of God had his mission spelt out for him by God Himself: “To liberate the world from all oppression of the devil, through the preaching of the Word of faith.”

Born in the church at Osogbo, Osun State, he grew up addicted both to God and the church. He is married to Pastor Faith Abiola and they are blessed with two boys (who are both pastors) and two girls. A few days ago, he spoke to TOPE OLUKOLE of Faith Tabernacle News, Press and Publicity Unit of Winners’ Chapel International, where he revealed some moments of his 60-year sojourn on earth. Excerpts:

Celebrating Papa @ 60!!! (6): Read Mama's Touching B'Day Message To Her Hubby

  To my Husband:

In 60 years, you have by the help of God made your footprints stick in the sands of time. 

I pray that Proverbs 4:18 will continue to be your experience!Your light shall continue to shine brighter and brighter!Fresh oil will be the order of the day for you!Greater unction and greater impact shall be your testimony!Better days alone, shall you see ahead in Jesus’ name! 

You are the most daring, fearless, thorough, humorous, visionary, energetic, passionate, generous, spiritually depth-filled and diligent man I know and I celebrate you with passion! 

I am excited to see what more God is set to do through you and am so privileged, blessed and honoured to be such a part of you. 

Happy birthday, my affectionate husband of over 30 years!With love and deep appreciation,

 Faith Abiola Oyedepo

Celebrating Papa @ 60! (5): WHAT PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT BISHOP DAVID & PST (MRS) FAITH OYEDEPO

It was the Almighty God himself who said in Genesis 2:18, that “…It is not good that the man should be alone. I will make him a help meet for him.” By the grace of God, the union between the president and founder of the Living Faith Movement, Dr. David Oyedepo and his HELPMEET, Pastor (Mrs) Faith Oyedepo, is a testimony to this verse of the Bible. Despite several seemingly unpalatable experiences, Mama, Oyedepo’s wife is fondly called, stood by her “crazy” fiancé who later became her equally “crazy” husband. But today, no one is in doubt that indeed, this union was ordained from heaven. Below are a series of events in the lives of these blessed couple who weathered the storms together and have now become a force to be reckoned with globally. You are permitted to laugh out loud at some of the stuff you are about to read! Let’s go!!  

-Papa met Mama at a motor park by divine arrangement when both of them were embarking on separate journeys and God told him “That is your wife.” 

-Faith Abiola was a university student (OAU) while he was in the polytechnic (Kwara Poly) 

Celebrating Papa @ 60! (4): 60 powerful Quotes From D.O. Oyedepo

Today, the 27th Day of September, 2014, Papa, as every member of the Living Faith Church affectionately calls the founder and president, clocks 60! As our own way of celebrating this icon of many parts, the members of the Press and Publicity Unit at Faith Tabernacle, headquarters of the LFC World wide, serves you 60 punchy and powerful quotes from the mouth of this great prophet of our time. HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPA!

1.    “God only confirms the words we receive and believe – not just what we write down.” 

2.    “Until a man is born-again, his praise is mere noise or religious entertainment. Only the living can praise the Lord.” 

Celebrating Papa @ 60 (3)

SOME IMPORTANT DATES IN THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF BISHOP OYEDEPO (1)

If you call Bishop David Oyedepo a man of accurate records, you won’t be far from the truth. He has an uncanny way of remembering exactly important days and dates in his life and ministry. With what could be referred to as “spiritual precision”, he is capable of reeling out dates and even the exact time of certain occurrences in his life. For instance, in what is now known as The Mandate, he could tell everyone that the open vision (his call into ministry) lasted for 18 hours. 

Hear him: “I was on a trip to Ilesha, now in Osun State of Nigeria on May 1^st 1981, on the look-out for the welfare of a Christian friend I had not heard from, for some time…

Celebrating Papa @ 60! (2)

The best place to begin is from the beginning! 

Brother David Olaniyi Oyedepo

Let's take you through Papa's upbringing, as culled from Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo's autobiography, "ON EAGLE'S WINGS: My First 30-Year Adventure In Ministry."

Hear him: 

"I was born in the church on September 27, 1954, at Osogbo, Osun State. In my very early days, the only outing I knew outside my home was going to church. My mother made me attend early morning prayers at 5a.m. everyday, dragging me along, half asleep and half awake."

Late Elder (Mrs) Dorcas Morenike Oyedepo (Papa's Mother)

Some great stuff he learnt from his grandmother, Late Mrs Rachael Adeyiola Odetundun. His words:

"I grew up addicted both to God and the church. My parents left me behind in the village with my grandmother, who also was a devout Christian in the Anglican church. She would go to church on Sunday mornings for the Holy Communion, and would always take her tithe along with her in a tin container. I remember asking her one day, "What is this money you take to the church every Sunday morning?" She replied, "That is God’s portion that makes the remainder meaningful."
My grandmother was a far-above-average woman in her own right. She was well to do, and took good care of all her children. I grew up in a spiritually healthy environment, with my grandmother as my first God-ordained mentor. She did a good job on me through her philosophical teachings."

Late Mrs Rachael Adeyiola Odetundun (Papa's Grandmother)

That's not all:

 "She taught me the following: The dignity of labour; The futility of depending on one’s father’s inheritance; The burden of indebtedness or borrowing; The danger of keeping wrong company; The principles of commitment; and The dignity of integrity."

He continues: 

"I grew up addicted both to God and the church. My parents left me behind in the village with my grandmother, who also was a devout Christian in the Anglican church. She would go to church on Sunday mornings for the Holy Communion, and would always take her tithe along with her in a tin container. I remember asking her one day, "What is this money you take to the church every Sunday morning?" She replied, "That is God’s portion that makes the remainder meaningful."

Still on his grandmother... 

"I was fed on very deep proverbial saying as a little boy. She did a good job on me. On her death bed, when asked, “Are you owing anybody?” She said, “No!” “Are there people owing you?” she was the asked; and she drew out a long list of names and said, “If they pay back, take it; but if not, I forgive them, as no one rejoices with debt.”

Celebrating Papa @ 60 (1)

The President and founder of the Living Faith Church Word wide (aka Winners' Chapel) was born on September 27, 1954, at Osogbo, Osun State. Come Saturday September 27, 2014, this grandfather Apostle of faith will clock 60 years. As we celebrate this great man of God, the Press and Publicity Unit of the church at Canaanland, headquarters of the Commission, will be serving you gist from the event, 60 powerful quotes from Papa, (as he is fondly called), a brief history of his life and ministry so far, as well as photo stories of the 'Birthday boy'. 

Watch this space!