The sixth day of the Redeemed Christian Church of God’s 2024 Holy Ghost Congress, themed “Onward Christian Soldiers,” resonated with a powerful message of faith and perseverance as Pastor Enoch Adeboye shared the compelling story of the Redemption Camp’s transformation. His narrative, delivered on December 14th, captivated the congregation, recounting the journey from a desolate, two-hectare plot infested with highway robbers to the sprawling spiritual haven it is today. This transformation, initiated when Adeboye was just over 40 years old, stands as a testament to the power of divine providence and unwavering belief in the face of daunting challenges. The story served as a potent reminder of how God can use seemingly insignificant beginnings and transform them into extraordinary expressions of His glory.
The initial stages of the camp’s development were fraught with difficulties, mirroring the biblical account of the Israelites’ encounter with the Promised Land. Just as ten spies brought back a discouraging report, the fledgling Redemption Camp presented numerous obstacles. Adeboye revealed the chilling discovery of areas where robbers discarded the belongings of their victims – suitcases, shoes, and clothing, grim reminders of the land’s previous notoriety. This discovery, coupled with the inherent dangers posed by the environment itself, painted a bleak picture. The land was teeming with snakes, particularly pythons, with regular occurrences of these massive reptiles being killed on the campgrounds. One particularly disturbing incident involved the discovery of a snake under the bedsheet of one of Adeboye’s own children, highlighting the pervasive sense of danger that permeated the early days of the camp.
Adding to the challenges, the local community held superstitious beliefs about a particular tree on the land, fearing that anyone who cut it down would die. Despite these fears, the tree was felled, and Adeboye’s recounting of this incident – years later, with no ill effects befalling those involved – served as a powerful illustration of the triumph of faith over fear and superstition. He emphasized how the perceived obstacles, meant to intimidate and deter, ultimately proved powerless against the divine purpose for the land. This narrative thread underscored the importance of courage and conviction in pursuing God’s vision, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds.
Despite the adversity, the Redemption Camp flourished, thanks in large part to the unwavering dedication of the church elders. Adeboye paid tribute to these individuals, acknowledging their tireless efforts during the camp’s formative years. They labored alongside him, performing menial tasks like gathering firewood, digging for water, and contributing their time and energy to the nascent project. He emphasized the invaluable contribution of these elders, urging the younger generation to respect and honor their wisdom and experience, qualities gained through years of dedicated service and not readily acquired through formal education. This intergenerational connection, bridging the wisdom of the elders with the energy of the youth, became a crucial element in the camp’s development.
Adeboye further inspired the congregation by highlighting the remarkable achievements of the church, expressing immense pride in its growth and influence. He drew particular attention to the church’s choir, using it as a metaphor for the collective strength and talent within the congregation. By acknowledging the present accomplishments, he spurred the audience towards even greater heights. He proclaimed his confidence in their potential, assuring them that they were destined for even greater accomplishments than he had achieved. This declaration, met with resounding applause, ignited a sense of purpose and ambition within the audience, encouraging them to embrace their roles in the ongoing narrative of the church’s growth.
In his concluding remarks, Adeboye issued a powerful call to action, urging the congregation, particularly the younger generation, to seize the opportunities before them with unwavering faith. He encouraged them to emulate the unwavering spirit that had transformed the Redemption Camp, drawing parallels between his own journey and the potential within each individual. He emphasized the principle of generational continuity, assuring them that if the enemy couldn’t hinder his progress, it certainly couldn’t stop them. His words, “If God is on your side, nothing can stop you,” resonated deeply, encapsulating the core message of the event and inspiring the congregation to embrace their roles as “Onward Christian Soldiers,” ready to conquer any challenge with God’s strength. The Holy Ghost Congress culminated on December 15th with a grand thanksgiving service, leaving attendees invigorated by the remarkable testimony of the Redemption Camp’s transformation and the unwavering power of faith. The event served as a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith, perseverance, and unity in achieving seemingly impossible goals.
