Olaniyi Olanrewaju

While on campus, we were taught that if we have God, we have all things. It looked very vague to me as I couldn't see how having one thing could be equal to having all things. However, before I graduated, I became foolish enough to believe that if I have God, I have all things. Have you ever been at a point where you want to get something that you need and you are certain of getting it, but God says you should not get it yet? Well, at first it could be easy but as the pressure builds, you begin to wonder why God has asked you to wait. David had a similar experience when he had the opportunity to kill Saul and end his miserable life. He was living in the bush without money, food and shelter. Saul has turned his life into the worst anyone could think of. Now, here is an opportunity to take what rightfully belongs to him, after all Prophet Samuel had anointed him. What else? David had a prophecy from God. What more could he need? Yet he waited. Severally, we wonder why God ...

I hear melodies It's not nostalgia, But a living gallery Of Love The chords from a harp From the wilderness Beside grazing sheep And a quiet heart A silent dove in distant land Poured on a river of sacrifice Without hesitation In Love Flying seem like the only choice But strength waned And swimming became an option The only option Once upon a time, It flapped it wings And flew High into the skies But time and chance betrayed Stole the vigour and zeal Back into the river the story continues... Oh dear! On a river Swimming? Foolishness! You can fly, You have wings Just try it, They said Again, It stretched its wings But instead of wings, It saw paddles Sighing, It rowed along with the tide: Beautifully Then joyfully. This is the right place At this time For a reason Known to faith It will fly At the right time In the right place For the right reason *Photo Credit: www.magictutu.typepad.com

I was relaxing on my bed after a long football match when I heard a knock on my door. I felt very reluctant to stand up and open the door. It was really fun to play the round leather game, but my thighs were crying for help because I had not done such a stressful exercise for a very long time. When the person knocking my door wouldn’t give up, I dragged my body out of bed and opened to see the person who has decided not to allow me to rest. It was one of my friends that we just finished playing football together. The information he gave me somehow gave some strength to my body because I followed him immediately to confirm what he told me. When we got out, I saw a large crowd in front of a house and everybody stretching their necks to see what was happening. My curiosity was too heavy for me to stand at the back of the crowd. I pushed my way to the very front of the crowd and I saw a group of pastors standing close by and the prophet. We have heard the news of a prophet who heale...

A noise erupted at the tail end of our camp. I felt it must be some people who are still overjoyed at our freedom, so I didn’t bother standing up from my tent. Moreover, I was tired and needed rest. The noise continued and became louder. It seemed like the noise was travelling down the camp. ’It is indeed a thing of joy’, I thought. When the noise reached my tent, I turned a deaf ear to it. I was deliberate at sleeping, at least for some time. Suddenly, my brother bagged into my tent and shouted ‘get up, they are coming’. Fatigue ran out of my body as I stood up to confirm what he said. As fast as I could, I ran to the see for myself. Just as it is written in the bible, lo and behold, I saw chariots racing towards us. I wondered what could be the reason for this chase, but whatever their reason is, we certainly would not wait for them to meet us here. Still thinking, my eardrum picked the vibration that sounded like my name. I turned around to see who was calling me. It was the el...

It seemed like I just started sleeping when I began to hear Camels bleating and sounds of arrangement. I struggled with the thought of getting up as I wondered what the day was going to look like. The previous day was a hectic one. We packed all our belongings for a mysterious journey. After a while I stood up to peep through the window to see if the other servants had packed everything remaining so that I would just join in when we are about to leave. The ray of light that entered my room was really scotching and I knew that whoever was “upstairs” really hated my master. Back to my bed, I began to wonder the kind of god my master had just found that commanded him to leave his father’s land and all the wonderful things he had around and go to a place that is not mentioned. ‘Which direction are we going to head to?’ ‘What kind of a god gives this kind of command?’ ‘I hope master has not gone mad?’ ‘Maybe his barrenness is beginning to touch something in his brain.’ I thought of my n...

I may not be able to write a diary of a Plateau corper, (Lanre I know can write it) but I can share some of the memories I had while in Plateau….. On  getting to Akwanga  there was something strange and different about the environment. I felt it physically and psychologically that I was out of my comfort zone and region. It was almost as if I was out of Nigeria. I know that sounds funny but it is true. We got to the place popularly called Forest, it was the entrance into Plateau state and I immediately knew without doubt how the place had really earned its name. The trees were so tall and much and the whole place as beautiful as it was, was scary. Journeying through the roadblocks and barricades got me thinking, Nigeria has still not gotten over war threats and situations, why else would every checkpoint in the north resemble an hideout, soldier’s camp or roadblock. We got to Marraba Jama at around quarter to 12 midnight and our driver stopped the bus, saying he couldn’t...

Sometimes ago, I attended a meeting where I met a white man. He is the type of man that ladies would describe as tall, dark and handsome. From my judgment, he would either be a military officer or someone who is very concerned about his body shape. He is quite tall and his wide chest was almost making me to despise the little beginnings above my tommy. I was already sitting before he came in and as soon as the ushers spotted him, they led him to the front seat. Before long, he was called to the podium to speak and he said he will tell us “a great lesson his boss taught him”. “The story of my life changed when I met a man. At that time, he was a fugitive, wanted by every law enforcement agency. He was charged with felony and instead of turning himself in, he took to the mountains. I was discontented with my life at that time and I got to know that people in my state were going to join this rebel in the mountains. My boss was a national hero before he was charged with felony”. “O...

After the announcement in church today, our pastor announced "we are dedicating a baby today". The church went wild with joy. Everyone was happy as we also dedicated a baby some weeks back. It was really a thing of joy for the church as children are considered a big blessing in a congregation that has several women looking unto God for the fruit of the womb after several years of marriage. I was on the drums when our pastor's wife suddenly screamed a song ahead of the choir. Yea, I was on the drums and it's not the kind of drums you know; let us leave that side. The whole church was already dancing to the song as the women engaged in several soap operas. Some began a competition of who can bend down the most, some were clapping with all their energy while others were busy giving different styles of body shaking techniques you will find in churches like mine. The men were not left out as they shook their bodies to the rhythm of the song. Everywhere was agog; the...

After my last story about David, the official bastard. I got a call from someone, a lady and she said "Olanrewaju, can you please share my story on your blog? It would encourage your readers". After considering it, I decided to hear it first, but after I heard her story, I knew it would be perfect for you! I interviewed her and this is what I got: Olanrewaju: Can you please share your story with me? My New Friend: I will tell you about my life before I got married. I was a very modest lady who attracted praises from her parents, respect from the church members, admiration from the young men and of course, envy from some sisters. However, I remained humble, purposeful and pure. Even the pastor used me as an example as he was preaching one of his long sermons. Olanrewaju (thinking): That's a wonderful résumé! My New Friend: I got engaged to a young man in our church. He was God-fearing and he loved me with the whole of his heart. We had our introduction in a mod...

You must have heard of the word -bastard before, but most likely you have not been called by the name except if you grew up from my area where the name is used for stubborn boys. Dictionary defines it as someone who is born out of wedlock or someone considered as an illegitimate descendant and that is the exact description for this friend of mine. I met him some years ago while I was trying to figure out somethings in my hostel in 300L. His story touched me deeply as I saw how God could be so interested in some of the people we consider terrible in our society. His dad was a wealthy and influential man. You can also consider him to be famous during his time. Married with seven sons and hundreds of sheep which was the lucrative business in his area. Everyone considered him a fulfilled man which made them respect him. One day, he embarked on a journey to see his friend who lived in a nearby town. In the cool of the day, he sat outside the house with his friend and they were talkin...

At every point in time, God always have a will which necessitates something that supposed to be done. We heard of the children of Issachar who understood the times and knew what Israel light to do. The bible says we know in part and we prophesy in part- 1Cor 13:9. This is not a complete picture of the times, but a part of what the time says and what light to be done. It's no longer a breaking news that what the Lord is doing at this time is not going to be dome by some men who will turn to "superstars" in the church like we have today, but it will be achieved by a generation or a company of people who have set their face amd given themselves wholly unto the Lord for a fulfillment of His eternal counsel. This company was typified in the scriptures in several types and shadows showing the different assignment and roles that they will play. One way that the Lord described these set of people in the scriptures is seen in Gideon's army, Ezekiel's army and Joel...

Still celebrating my 25th birthday, I will recommend 25 books that I have read and have made tremendous impact on my life. These books are gold mines that will definitely make you spiritually rich. These are the books in no particular order: 1-HOW YOU CAN BE LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD by Kenneth E. Hagin: I bought this book in 100L to quench my thirst about hearing God which was a mystery to me. The book taught me what it means to hear God and how to hear God. 2-ZOE-THE GOD KIND OF LIFE by Kenneth E. Hagin: This book opened up what Christianity truly means and what my quest as a Christian should be. My hunger was stirred up as a result of what I learnt from the book. 3-GOOD MORNING HOLY SPIRIT by Benny Hinn: I got to know about the Holy Spirit from this book. The author has a real experience with the Holy Spirit and he communicates the knowledge of Him in a very simple way. 4-THERE WERE TWO TREES IN A GARDEN by Rick Joyner: This book is quite small, but mighty. It exposed the ...

When I read the comments of people concerning my life, I sat back to introspect and see if I really measure up to the level that people have placed me. It's my 25th birthday and I have been privileged to serve in offices that command honour and respect. While in college, my classmates that call me by my name without putting the title- Pastor are very few. Right from 100L till 400L, I held 7 offices which were all "eye-catchy". My concern is this- am I being celebrated because I have held this offices or I am being celebrated because I really affected lives. Many of the posts were tainted with the fact that I am very quiet, but yet they saw qualities to glean from my life. As an office holder, I had to reach out to people which was the last thing I can do within my ability. Everyone I have ever been a blessing to have been by Grace! It is so real to me. If God gives you an assignment, depend on Grace. A pastor said: "If you can calculate it, it's not Grace...

Many have asked this question out of sincerity and confusion while others simply talk out of contempt. I consider it a very valid question to ask in this time that the world is experiencing a downturn in her economy. Our churches are filled with poverty stricken people and yet, our pastors go around in expensive cars and they are getting more. A very controversial one is the use of private jets by ministers of the gospel. These have compelled some people to see the church as a business with the sole aim of making money. I always discourage taking sides when scriptural matters are being discussed because both ends of the rope tend to be over-stretched and the end product is always error. I am not after establishing a doctrine, but as the scripture said in Pro 4:7 “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” I want to shed a light unto an understanding. While in year 3 in College, we held a bible study in my fellowship and the ...

As a freshman in College, I saw two categories of Christians on Campus. One group was a people I could describe as the “Grace Junkies” while the other category were people who were consecrated in their outward appearance. In my mind, I felt the seemingly consecrated group has the true Christians as I thought that the two groups cannot be right. It has to be either of them. The groups disagreed on several doctrinal matters especially on how the outward appearance of a Christian should look like. Well, it’s not just my campus that has this setting; it has actually developed into a tool dividing the body of Christ. Through my journey on the campus, I found myself jumping from one end of the rope to the other end until I found a very instructive post on Facebook by Rick Joyner where He said that the heresies in the church are as a result of a lack of the knowledge of the counterbalancing truths of some truths. Involving God while proposing seems like a wrong thing to do by many becau...

I once got into a discussion with a stranger that came to preach in my dorm while in College. I was on my bed studying the scriptures, but to encourage my brethren that were bold enough to preach the gospel; I decided to give them audience. Our discussions struck a gold mine within me when he mentioned something that the Holy Ghost has been pointing my attention at for the past week. The Stranger asked me if I am a Pharisee which I denied being, but he told me a story that showed me that I was actually carrying the mindset of a Pharisee. He asked: “if you see a 100 naira note on the floor while going for a lecture, will you pick it?” My ready answer was no. Then, he narrated his experience. I was going for a lecture one day when I saw a 500 naira note in a rowdy walk way. I passed by it, but the Holy Spirit called my attention to the money and He asked me to pick it. It sounded very odd because I felt that would be stealing, however I stopped and picked the money because I was ce...

The North is not a place your parents will smile about when it appears on your call-up letter. My Dad is not unfamiliar with Northern Nigeria so it wasn’t a hard decision to make. Although, I served on the Plateau State, the social media, especially Facebook claimed I travelled all over the nation as I was tagged in several posts across the country. However, I only visited seven states majorly in the North-East and North-Central part. Back in the West, we thought everyone living in the North belongs to the Hausa tribe, but getting there, I discovered that most people in the North are not of the Hausa tribe, though they all speak the Hausa language. The tribes in the North as much more than the tribes of the West, but I never knew because they all look like our ‘Western Aboki’. People from states like Gombe, Kebbi, Taraba, Kaduna and Plateau belong to tribes that I never heard about and they are angry because the minor Hausa tribe has dominated them politically. Apart from ...

If I had known that the favour of the Lord comes to a man that is in the posture of rest, I wouldn’t have allowed myself to be pierced with so much sorrows from her. We met on the registration queue on campus and like they do say, it was love at first sight. Although, I had given my life to Jesus, I didn’t allow Him to be the Lord of that part of my life. Charity was a girl you can call the woman of my dreams. She wore a quiet and cool face on the rough queue that had lasted for hours. That attracted me to her and I started a chat with her which led me to a place where I had to run to a counselor who told me things I wished someone had explained to me before I met Charity. The counselor explained that the concept of marriage is a picture of Jesus and the Church. Jesus found His purpose and pursued it with all His heart and while He was engrossed with this purpose, God brought out His bride from His side. Jesus never set on a journey to locate His bride, He focused on the agenda of ...

I left the department immediately I saw 34F. I was destabilized and shocked. Visibly shaking, I did not know when tears started streaming out of my eyes. Different thoughts started crossing my mind. This course I failed is a pre-requisite to lots of courses in part 2 and once anyone fails this course, it could lead to an extra year. All these made me more grieved and tears were now flowing freely from my face. How do I cope with this? A lot of people will be disappointed- my father, my colleagues considering the fact that I am the class pastor. As I was crying, my close friends suddenly appeared. I told them what happened and they were shocked as these were the same set of people that we study together. They could not bear seeing me crying and they pleaded with me that I should stop crying then I asked a question- “people give testimonies that when they started serving God, their academics got better, then why is my own case different?” My friends reminded me that the faithfulness of...

Seeing God’s hand in my service year made things easy for me to accept. God showed me that He is the One orchestrating what I initially saw as a scattered set of maze. NCCF became a field for me to nurture my graphics skills and also make lasting impacts in the soul of men around me. In a short while, I became very popular in the house as I served as a form of liaison officer for everyone in the house, but the officer is called landlord. The responsibilities were much; serving people from 05:30 till you lock your door around 22:00. Been the landlord was fun as I had people around me almost always which made all forms of requests come my way except marriage proposal though. My ‘frogy’ voice was always heard in the morning leading the family song. I really didn’t like the idea of leading the song every morning, but I had to. Many laughed at my voice, but I was not moved as I know I am not graced to be good singer. Some house members had several views of my personality and hearing som...

Every member of the house cooked once in a week. My first duty was on Saturday night and the meal use to be Jollof Spag and Boiled Egg. House members didn’t like the meal, so we must make the meal very attractive to them. Week after week, the ladies would order me around to cut this, carry that and all other works that doesn’t deal with touching the food itself. They couldn’t allow the destiny of a night’s food to lie in the hands of an amateur. But one Saturday, something happened. Every member on duty that fateful day was not around except the Amateur Olanrewaju. I was alone in the kitchen thinking about where to start from. Then, one of the ladies came around. But as I was rejoicing that I won’t have to spoil the house meal for the night, she told me that she won’t do anything but supervise me. It was a scary thing to do. She sat down near the pot and gave me orders about what to add, when to add it and the quantity to add. While stirring the food, some people passed by and saw ...