By Ebi Uroju
The 6th edition of the Gbaramatu Prayer Day, themed “Wind of Revival,” witnessed an overwhelming turnout as thousands of Christians from various denominations converged at Ebiegberi Christian Centre in Oporoza Town, Headquarters of Gbaramatu kingdom, Delta state, on Sunday, October 13, 2024. A highlight of the gathering was the presence of the Queen of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Her Royal Majesty, Queen Kathy Ogoba, who graced the occasion with her royal presence.
The annual prayer day, organized by the Gbaramatu Interdenominational Christian Fellowship, has grown into a significant event over the years, with the 2024 gathering marking its largest turnout yet. The day was filled with worship, prayers, and inspirational messages, as the christians sought to rekindle their spiritual fire and invite a divine revival into their lives and communities.
The Birth of a Movement
Pastor Samuel Ukuli, Chairman of the Gbaramatu Interdenominational Christian Fellowship, spoke about how the prayer day was conceived. The idea was sparked during a 2017 program in Egbema, where he witnessed an indigenous Christian body leading a powerful intercessory gathering. Inspired and burdened with a similar vision for Gbaramatu, he approached Dr. I. C. Tolar and other like-minded individuals. Together, they launched the first Gbaramatu Prayer Day in 2019, which has since grown into an annual event promoting spiritual growth and unity.
“The burden to bring such a spiritual movement to Gbaramatu came upon me like a fire,” Pastor Ukuli recalled. “I felt it was time for our community to come together in prayer, to seek divine intervention for our land and our people.”
Seeking Revival and Transformation
This year’s theme, “Wind of Revival,” struck a chord with participants who came with high expectations for spiritual renewal. The gathering featured spirited worship sessions, heartfelt prayers, and messages urging Christians to allow the “Wind of Revival” to bring change not only in their personal lives but also across Gbaramatu Kingdom and Nigeria at large.
Bishop Dr. Godwins Soroaye (JP), the event’s guest speaker, emphasized the need for revival in turbulent times. “A wind is a force that moves things,” he said. “We are calling for a wind from heaven that will blow away despair and bring hope, a wind that will move us toward unity, justice, and prosperity. Our prayer is that this revival will not be a momentary experience, but a force that transforms every part of our community.”
Prayers for the kingdom and Beyond
The day’s intercessions extended beyond personal supplications, focusing on broader issues facing the Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State, and Nigeria. Participants prayed for peace, stability, and good governance, lifting up the nation’s leaders, as well as local community heads, families, and individuals enduring various hardships.
Rev. M.J. Azapere, who led one of the prayer sessions, noted the importance of communal intercession in addressing societal challenges. “We cannot underestimate the power of coming together as a kingdom in prayer,” he remarked. “As we lift our voices in one accord, we invite God’s power to move in every situation that concerns us.”
Diverse Voices of Faith
The event saw representation from various clergy and denominations, each contributing to the day’s shared purpose. Among the notable attendees were Apostle Mathias Amaye, Pastor Felix Famutua, Pastor Friday Mala, and Rev. Francis Diawei, alongside others. Their presence underscored the interdenominational spirit of the gathering, reflecting the commitment across the Christian community to seek revival and growth together.
A Royal Visit
Following the prayer day, ministers of God visited the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba, at his palace. The clergy prayed with him, seeking guidance for the kingdom’s development and spiritual growth. This visit reaffirmed the ministers’ commitment to support the Pere in fostering harmony and prosperity within the kingdom.
Hope and Renewal for the Future
As the day drew to a close, Pastor Ukuli delivered a closing charge, encouraging attendees to carry the “Wind of Revival” into all aspects of their lives. “Revival doesn’t end here,” he said. “It continues in our homes, our workplaces, our daily routines. We must live out the prayers we have offered today and allow this wind to sweep through every corner of our kingdom.”
Attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to be agents of change in their communities. Many expressed that the prayer day had stirred something within them, offering not only spiritual upliftment but a tangible reminder of the power of faith and unity.
Strengthening a Tradition
Looking ahead, the Gbaramatu Interdenominational Christian Fellowship plans to continue expanding the reach of Gbaramatu Prayer Day, aiming to touch even more lives in future editions. “This is just the beginning,” said Pastor Ukuli. “The ‘Wind of Revival’ will continue to blow until every soul in Gbaramatu has felt its power and experienced the change it brings.”
Support Quality Journalism in the Niger Delta Region
Join us in our mission to bring development journalism, cultural preservation, and environmental awareness to the forefront. Your contribution makes a difference in the lives of the people of the Niger Delta. Donate today and be a part of the change!
