LAGOS – The Gospel Church of Christ (GCC) Worldwide, with its national headquarters in Lagos, will hold its annual National Convention in Warri at the Delta State annex headquarters of the church.
The coming convention is historic as it will hold in Warri for the first time since the church was founded in Lagos 54 years ago.
The national convention, with the theme, ‘Open Heavens’ is scheduled for Thursday, August 8, to Sunday, August 11, 2024, and is expected to attract members and other participants from different parts of the world.
The convention will feature the former National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and former National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and Archbishop Solomon Gbakara as guest speakers.
There will also be consecration of some leaders of the church for the office of Bishop, ordination of
pastors, graduation of bible school students, send forth some members that have served the church meritoriously.
The 54-year-old Gospel Church Christ (GCC) Worldwide started as a prayer group in July 1968 in Lagos. As members’ commitment increased, the fellowship grew and metamorphosed into a church in 1970 which was registered as the Gospel Church of Christ.
The church, united by a common goal of impacting the world for Christ and affecting generations, has over 100 branches across the country and some parts of the world with its mission statement, Jesus is our message and evangelism is our ministry.
The convention will bring members of the church from different parts of the country and outside the country together as a family in the unity of the spirit and revival for spiritual growth, soul-lifting, and healing through fellowship, worship, praise, prayer, networking, and human development.
According to the Prelate and Head of Mission of the Church, Archbishop Eric Emiaso, “Members of the church across the globe are looking forward to the convention expected to positively and spiritually transform, reform, and impact lives.
“The church has been glorious, with God’s faithfulness and outstanding testimonies sharpening it as a leading light, impacting lives and affecting society.”
Admonishing Nigerians on the state of the nation, Archbishop Emiaso said the prevailing political, social-economic, inflation, insecurity, banditry, kidnapping, killing, and other social vices that bedeviled the country should not be a reason to live in sadness and sorrow, but to be expectant of open heavens by drawing closer to God and believe that when we seek the Lord and press into the inner court of His presence with persistent prayer, diligent obedience, and sacrificial giving, we will experience open heavens.
“The church’s convention theme, ‘Open Heavens’, is strategic and unique, especially during this economic hardship and living in our country.
“Human efforts and ideologies for stability have failed us. We need God’s strategy to open the heavens for us.”
Emiaso emphasised, “It is going to be a privilege to feast at the Father’s table and learn a better understanding of a new way to live a life of faith under open heavens like the Israelites, ’Yet he gave a command to the skies above and opened the doors of the heavens; He rained down manna for the people to eat, He gave them the grain of heaven.’ (Psalm 78:23-24)
“God opened heaven and provided miraculous provision, supernatural supply, recovery, and a bountiful lifestyle for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. It is time for us, as a nation and children of God, to experience the visitation and demonstration of God in our lives and endeavours.
Assuring of Nigerian greatness, Archbishop Emiaso said, heavens will open. There will be showers of blessing, “Nigerian leaders, legislators, institutions, and other arms of government should join faith with the church to seek God’s open heavens through divine guidance and intervention for stability, peace, and progress of our dear country, Nigeria.”
