- Details Of The Classy Event @ DECROSS Church
The Holy Spirit came down at Decross Gospel Mission, an arm of Ebenezer Obey Evangelistic Ministries, on Sunday 29th April 2018, when popular man of God, and celebrated music icon, Evangelist (Prof) Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi (MFR) hosted a 2-in-1 event in his church, located along Oyewole Road, Mulero Bus Stop, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos. It was a Special 76th birthday Thanksgiving Service and the official presentation of his son, Rev. Folarin as his successor.
Papa Obey is the General Overseer at Decross Gospel Mission, while his son Rev. Folarin Obey-Fabiyi is the Deputy G.O. Early April, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey had sent out a 2 page letter dated April 5, 2018 inviting a lot of religious leaders.
“Dearly Beloved,
The Psalmist says “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known your faithfulness to all generations” (Psalm 89:1). I am by this letter inviting you to a special 76th Birthday Thanksgiving Service holding on Sunday, April 29, 2018. Looking back at what the Lord had done for me in the last 76 years, I have every reason to continually appreciate. His goodness and faithfulness upon my life. No doubt, the hand of the Lord had been upon me right from my mother’s womb, to the time of my birth on April 3, 1942 and till date.
My mother was an incredible lover of God and she started taking me to church as a baby. That’s how I grew up in the church and was influenced into music as a choir member, school’s band member and later the school band Leader, all of which lead to the formation of my first band, the Royal Mambo Orchestra at Idogo in 1957. Since then the hand of God continued to be upon me and by the grace of God I am now 61 years old in music as a professional.
After a successful musical career that spanned over several decades, the Lord again brought me into the ministry and I give thanks to God for making it possible for me to accept the call of God.
In the last 26 years, several thousands of souls have been won into the kingdom of God through crusade and revivals over the years.
It’s therefore my joy to inform you that in preparation to my retirement, my son, Reverend Folarin Obey-Fabiyi will be officially presented at my 76th Special Birthday Thanksgiving Service as the Deputy General Overseer of the ministry with other ministries as scheduled below:
Venue: Decross Gospel Mission, 13/15, Oyewole Road, Agege, Lagos. Time: 10:00am prompt Date: Sunday, April 29, 2018.
The concluding part of the installation of the Deputy General Overseer will be held during our annual convention in the first week of December at which several fathers and leaders in the body of Christ will be on ground to bless the new Deputy General Overseer and others. As I look forward to having you in our midst for the 76th Special Birthday Thanksgiving service, I pray that God will continue to honour and support you in all endeavours in Jesus Name.
And many men of God truly honoured Baba. The 4,000 seater, fully air conditioned church was jam packed. Extra 2,000 seats were provided to accommodate the overflow. Baba Obeys welcome speech was very deep. He delivered a soul searcing speech, welcome you all to this special 76th Birthday Thanksgiving Service in the name of God Almighty, the creator of the Heaven and Earth for making it possible to gather together this morning in His presence.
“The Psalmist says “I will sing of the mervices of the LORD for ever; with my mouth will I make known your faithfulness to all generations” (Psalm 89:1). It is with this scripture I appreciate the presence of you all.
Starting from the great men and women of God, Arch. Bishops, Bishops and all the children of God here present today. My special appreciation goes to Bishop David Oyedepo, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, Arch. Bishop Osa-Oni, Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi all the way from London, Rev. Isaac Omolehin, Rev. J.B. Odofin, Pastor Gabriel Amedu, Pastor J.A Adelakun, Pastor A.T William and all of you too numerous to mention.
It has been my usual practise over the years to celebrate my birthday on a low keyed basis with thanksgiving service in the church or crusade venues. The 3 major landmark birthdays that I celebrated in a big way was my 50th, 70th and 75th birthday respectively. I am standing here this morning to thank people all over the world who celebrated my 75th birthday with me last year, I say a big thank you to all of you.
This 76th birthday is a special low key thanksgiving service and the invitation is extended to few great men and women of God and members of Decross Gospel Mission to celebrate this 2-in-1 landmark events of the goodness and faithfulness of God upon my life.
(1) The hand of the Lord had been upon me right from my mother’s womb, to the time of my birth on 3rd April, 1942 and till date! My mother was an incredible lover of God and she started talking me to church as a baby. that’s how I grew up in the church and was influenced into music as a choir member, school’s band member and later the school band leader, all of which lead to the formation of my first band, the Royal Mambo Ochestra at Idogo in 1957. Since then the hand of God continued to be upon me and by the grace of God I am now 61 years old in music as a professional. I like to state here that musically I have no more rivers to cross other than to impact lives through youth empowerment.
To achieve this I have established Ebenezer Obey Music Foundation and some of the areas of specialisation of the foundation includes Ebenezer Obey Music Scholarship Scheme, Ebenezer Obey Music Institute & Life Skills Acquisition, Incorporating Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Computer Based Test (CBT) Skills and other entrepreneurial vocations will be starting from the end of May/June 2018 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
(2) After a successful musical career that spanned over several decades, the Lord again brought me into the ministry and I give thanks to God for making it possible for me to accept the call of God 26 years ago. The second purpose of gathering together today is to witness the first part of the installation of my son Rev. Folarin Obey-Fabiyi as the Deputy General Overseer with few other ministers to be installed today.
I want to state here that the position of the General Overseer in Decross Gospel Mission is that a Bishop to overseer the ministry. That is why we have the great men of God, the Arch. Bishop, Bishops, Rev. Mother and the men of God to do this first part this morning. The second part will be coming-up during our convention in November/December when we shall ordain others who have fulfilled the procedure of ordination in DGM.
I am doing this in preparation of my retirement, even though we cannot retire from the work of God, but we can sit back and see the work going on to the glory of God. This is what we are witnessing today.”
FOLARIN OBEY’S SPEECH
For many people who were still wondering the stuff Rev. Folarin Obey-Fabiyi is made off, he dazzled them. “I welcome all our fathers in the faith, Generals in the ministry, all our friends and every member of Decross family to another special day in the history of Decross Gospel Mission. Today is unique because it is the 76th special birthday thanksgiving day of our Papa, Evang. (Prof) Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi (MFR). He is our patriarch. What a great joy and honour to serve under his leadership. Daddy, you have grown to become a password to corridors of power nationally and a global brand. You will never be stale. God will keep you GREEN in Jesus name”.
“I give God praise for the grace that counted me worthy to be elevated to the office of the Deputy General Overseer of this great ministry. This is no doubt a call for greater responsibilities and I know the God of my father will see me through. I rejoice with other ministers that have also been promoted. I believe God will use this elevation to open a new chapter for Decross Gospel Mission in Jesus name.
I appreciate all the servants of the most high God, father and mother figures and everyone that the Lord has used for me and with me through this journey. May the Lord reward your efforts with outstanding success. The Pastors, Elders, Deaconnate, leaders, work force and the entire Decross family, my siblings, my wife, and children, thank you very much indeed. And very specially my angel of help, Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi. Thank you very much indeed, Ma.
May the blessings of Heaven fill your life in abundance as you celebrate with us today in Jesus name.
You are welcome!
A GALAXY OF
MEN OF GOD
The church was filled to the brim by Pastors from all over the world. Rev. (Mrs.) Esther Ajayi, the Love of Christ Generation Church (C&S) General Overseer, flew in from London. She is close to both Evangelist Obey and his son, Folarin, who calls him my Spiritual Mother. Bishop Wale Oke sent a powerful delegation. Rev. Isaac Omoleyin, an old time associate of Baba Obey was there. CLAM Snr Pastor, Apostle Wole Oladiyun was very visible there, so also Rev. Adelakun Ayewa, and Rev. J.B. Odofin, Bishop Abraham Olaleye came. So also Rev. Gabriel Amedu, Rev. Ebenezer Ajitena and Rev. A.T. Williams.
DECROSS ORDAINS
3 OTHERS
It isn’t only Rev. Folarin Obey Fabiyi that will be ordained, there are 3 others, namely Rev. Robert Adeagbo, Rev. Bosede Ogundimu and Pastor Bukky Folarin Obey Fabiyi.
Rev. Robert Adeagbo is a Pastor, Teacher, Bible Scholar and Leader. He is one of the mouth piece of Yahweh called to minister the total gospel to the total man. He is married to Olasumbo Adeagbo and blessed with illustrious children.
Rev. Bosede Ogundimu is a Minister of the Gospel, a Charismatic Leader, a Lover of God, and a dedicated Soldier of Christ. She is married to a top government functionary, a mother and a professional banker. She is also a music minister and an enthusiast of church growth and development.
Pastor Bukky Folarin Obey-Fabiyi is a Minister, Worship Leader, Counsellor and Business Tycoon. She is one of the pioneering members of the prestigious Decross family and strongly committed to the music Ministry. She is married to the Senior Pastor, Rev. Folarin Obey Fabiyi and blessed with great children.
MEET THE BIG NAMES RUNNING THE CHURCH
If you think Evangelist Ebenezer Obey is the only one running the church with Rev. Folarin, no, you will be in far a surprise. The church has a National Church Council. On the board is Hon. Elder Dr. S.B Adejare ( a Lagos Commissioner), Elder Taofeek Abiodun Adaranjo (House of Reps Member), Elder Oluyinka Ogundimu (member Lagos House of Assembly), Elder Jimoh Gbadebo, Elder Kolade Bushura, Arch Elder Obioma Opoko, Deaconess Rotimi Alonge and Elder Olufemi Bello.
MORE PASTORS HONOUR BABA OBEY
The list of Pastors and men of God who came in long and endless. They are as follows: Arch Bishop John Osa-Oni, Rev. Issac Omolehin, Rev. Dr. Muyiwa Ajayi, Rev. and Mrs. J.B Odofin, Rev. Gabriel Amedu, Pastor Arc Adegbite (Mistikay), Pastor and Mrs. Tunde Kajogbola, Rev. Adebisi (from 4square church), Pastor Nat Abimbola, Pastor A.T Williams, Rev. Idowu Animashaun came. Bishop Osa Oni, the man of God who ordained Folarin, From Abeokuta came Baba Oludimu from Abeokuta and Rev. Prof. Adeyemo, Rev. Mrs. Margaret Soremekun from Lagos.
CELEBRITIES ALSO CAME
OVATION Publisher, Bashorun Dele Momodu who came with Iya Adura, Sir Shina Peters, Kenny St. Brown, Chief Afolabi Shodunke from Abeokuta. He is a great fan of Obey. He is popularly called Afo Guarantor, Mrs. Paseda was there from London. Chief David Adegbite, a businessman from Igbagbo came.
ABOUT BABA OBEYS CLOSENESS TO BABA ISAAC OMOLEYIN
One of the men of God who stormed the service that Sunday was Rev. Issac Omoleyin. Baba Obey and Baba Omoleyin have known each other for decades. They both respect each other. Baba Obey talks highly of Baba Omoleyin. Its the same thing with Omoleyin who came all the way from Ilorin.
And believe it or not by the next day, Monday, Baba Omoleyin was back at his base in Ilorin for his annual special church programme. Guess what Baba Obey at 76 took off with a powerful delegation to Ilorin to celebrate with him. Baba Omoleyin has a Ministry that is popular, that does SHILOH For 120 Days. For over 20 years Baba Obey has been attending the event annually. Its a vigil that is very awesome with testimonies. Baba Obey so much respects him taht he made him Trustee member of Decross. Baba Omoleyin is one man of God who played tremendous role in Rev. Folarin’s live.
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