Ministers of God have again been charged to embrace the culture of writing inspiration books to re-awake the consciousness of the people to their responsibilities in true faith and dedication to the service of God and humanity.
The Former Secretary, Kwara State Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, Reverend Reuben Idowu Ibitoye gave the charge in his message delivered at the dedication of a titled “Arise, the mighty warrior”, written by the Executive Secretary, ECWA Fate/Tanke DCC, Ilorin, Reverend Dr. Joseph Olabamji Agboluaje.
Reverend Ibitoye who preached on the topic “writing to bless others”, taken from the book of 2 Timothy 3:16-17 said writing is an opportunity and inspiration given by God to bless others to enlighten and progress the word of God.
The Cleric who is the Minister in charge of Unity Baptist Church, Ilorin, explained that writing is a way to keep records alive to meeting the contemporary challenges.
He noted that the book portray the situations in the Country, as it is both trans-Culture and trans-Continental and could be in lands and languages that the writer may never step into.
Reverend Ibitoye also added that writing to bless others is an inspiration from God to build up the build of Christ, describing the book arise the mighty warrior as timely to awake the people to their responsibilities and mighty than guns and the kidnappers.
The Cleric stressed that book shows the way to solve people’s problems, other issues affecting the Nation noting that all of us are warrior, and should be ready to fight the battle to take back our Land and our Youth.
Reviewing the book, a Retired Permanent Secretary, Elder Chief David Adeshina mni maintained that only God identifies and names the Mighty Warrior and it has nothing to do with the physical appearance or personal attributes of such a person.
He stated that the call of the Mighty Warrior is not to deny reality, `but to see beyond it, knowing fully well that when God is involved, the equation naturally changes.
“To draw this point home, he cited the example of the bold step taken by Sir Chief Bisi Fakayode, the National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, to douse tension and resist fear in the midst of visible trouble in the zone.
The Author, he added, explained that God identified and called Gideon a Mighty man of valour at a time he was hiding in fear. It is evident in the operations of God that He does not choose the most qualified but He qualifies the one He decides to choose.
He challenged readers to surrender themselves for God’s use and in total obedience to His cause to change the narration in our society for the better.
Elder Adeshina said the illustrations are relevant, lessons are practical, emphasis on faith, courage, prayer and obedience that makes the book spiritually enriching.
He explained that the book is a product of sound intellectual efforts, well researched, quite loaded and very explicit. His reliance on both the primary and secondary sources of information created a veritable space for the book among the very relevant and high flying ones in the polity. The endorsements by the Chief Judge of Kwara State, the Royal Fathers, the immediate past Chairman, Fate-Tanke District Church Council (F-TDCC) and the foreword contributed by the National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina added value to the book.
The Reviewer said the Author expressed the view that the words “Fear Not” did not actually appear in 365 places in the Bible.Instead, it is when considered with other expressions like “Do Not Be Afraid”, “Be Not Afraid” that convey the message that we should detest fear, that this sums up to 365 times. One is now curious to know how many times “Fear Not” actually appeared in the Bible. The Author may want to beam his search light on this in the next edition.
He added that Arise, the Mighty Warrior is a short but powerful book, it is a message of hope for communities facing fear, displacement and uncertainty. It challenges believers to jettison fear and embrace God’s purpose. Like Gideon, every Christian is reminded that God’s strength is made perfect in human weakness.
In his goodwill message, the Elerin of Adanla, Oba Dr David Oladele Oyerinola, said it is not easy to write books, emphasizing the need to keep records for all generations.
He charged the people not to fear and be ready to fight for their lives.
Also, the Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice Abiodun Adebara appreciated the Writer for the inspiration and accomplishments.
The Author of the book, Reverend Dr Joseph Olabamji Agboluaje in his remarks, appreciated the people for their support and encouragement noting that Arise, Mighty Warrior was born out of a burden—a burden for our people, our communities, and especially those who have been displaced, discouraged, wounded, or overwhelmed by the challenges around them.
He dedicated the book to all displaced communities in Kwara South in particular and Kwara State in general.
“It is especially close to my heart because the situation is not merely something I have read about or heard from a distance. My beloved community—the place of my birth and the town that hosted me for the first 18 years of my life—has been deserted for over a year. That reality breaks the heart. When the land is under siege, what should a warrior do? Should we fold our arms, complain, surrender, or run away? No! There comes a time when we must arise” .
Reverend Agboluaje said the message of the book is simple: YOU CAN RISE AGAIN!I as the book was written to awaken courage, faith, responsibility, and hope in the hearts of people who may have lost hope because of the situations around them.
He encouraged the people to pray for our communities, pray for our displaced brothers and sisters, pray for our traditional rulers and community leaders, pray for our security agencies, pray for restoration.
Reverend Agboluaje charged the people to trust God that our deserted communities will not remain deserted forever.
