Pastor Adeboye @ 80: A birthday like no other

At his age, he should have been resting to celebrate the big day in style – big thanksgiving service, followed by a grand reception, with people pouring in from as far as his popularity has spread around the world – over 195 countries.
Then they would proudly rain encomiums, recounting the many achievements of the celebration.
But in that sense and lifestyle, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, who turns 80 today, is an unusual person.
A grand birthday celebration would perhaps be the most uncomfortable situation for the General Overseer.
For a man who often admits that he is nothing without God, and there was nothing he achieved that God did not make, you are most unlikely ever to see him take or share the glory of God. His body language as people attempt to praise him is visible discomfort.
Close observers say it is something of a reflex action psychologists call classical conditioning from his encounters with God.
One example of such an encounter was when a car door slammed on his fingers.
He said, “some years ago, we were in the United States where we had a very successful programme. God came down mightily. I mean mightily.
“We were all very excited as we drove back to the hotel from the church, chatting heartily in the car about a wonderful night and a wonderful visitation.’

“One of my sons sat in the passenger’s side of the car and I sat behind.

“At the hotel, my son got down, opened his door and rushed to open my door for me. Somehow, I still don’t know how my hand got into the front door. So when he opened the back door and jammed the front door, it caught my fingers.
“For those of you who have had this experience yourselves, you will understand that it is not a joking matter at all.
“I cried out in pain as the others quickly opened the door in panic, saying, ‘What shall we do? Where are we going to get some ice?’
“I said, ‘Let’s get to the hotel, let’s get to the hotel quickly.’ “The pain was horrible. As we went, I asked God, “Daddy, why?” “And He said to me, ‘I visited you and you didn’t say thank you. Everybody was commending the event and you didn’t say thank you to me.’
“Then I said, ‘Daddy, how could I be so stupid? I’m very sorry and I really, really, mean it. How could I be so stupid? I’m very sorry.’

“Before we got upstairs to my room, the pain had disappeared completely. There was no need for iced water, ice block or any other remedy.”
Rather than rest, it was more work for the tireless General Overseer, as he hit the road to harvest souls for God.

For many days, the revered cleric was in the air and on the road, harvesting souls for Christ from around the country in a programme tagged “Reach4Christ,” designed to win 8 million souls in 80 days.
“Soul-winning is his first love, which he practices at every opportunity” said a source.
“He will do it even at a wedding reception, and if you don’t like it don’t give him the microphone for his remarks at a public function.”
Pastor Adeboye explains, “From the very first Monday after I gave my life to Jesus and up until now, those of you who know me may know that nothing gives me more joy than to see those who are going to hell come in to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ. Nobody taught me to do that; as soon as I gave my life to Jesus
Christ, I wanted to do something for God.”
He gave an example: “Some years ago, I received an honorary doctorate from the University of Ibadan. It was a large gathering with eminent personalities like the political elite, traditional title holders and academicians gracefully adorned in their beautiful gowns.
“At some point, they gave me the microphone and told me I had just five minutes to say something. I thanked them for honouring me and quickly added that but for Jesus, I would not have received that honour.Advertisements
“I went on to say that there is an honour waiting for some people in Heaven and that if they do not give their lives to Jesus, although they can be honoured here on earth, they would lose the honour of Heaven.
“I then gave an altar call. Beloved, witnessing for Jesus is our assignment wherever we go. Talk about Jesus everywhere you go and He will repay you with signs and wonders.”
Several activities have been performed to celebrate the 80th birthday of Pastor Adeboye, 40 of his years in the position of General Overseer, during which the church grew from about 40 parishes to thousands of parishes in over 195 countries. The church is also the fastest growing Pentecostal church in the United Kingdom.
Activities for the 8-million soul-winning challenge included crusades in some major towns and cities by members of the church with his active participation in some of them.
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