Pastor Folorunso Adeniyi Installed As Patron Of Onward Christian Soldiers, C&S Oke Ayo Kajola-ijesa

-Senior Apostle Lucky Eni Urges Church Brigade To Be Spiritual Army, Not Just Parade

The Sacred Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Oke Ayo, Kajola-Ijesa was filled to capacity on Sunday as Pastor Folorunso Adeniyi was formally invested and installed as the Patron of the Onward Christian Soldiers Brigade of the parish.

The investiture ceremony, attended by church leaders, invited guests and brigade bands from across Osun State, was conducted by the National and Training Officer of the Onward Christian Soldiers, Gen. Toluwalase Gabriel Segun alongside Anthony Fatanmi, the Deputy Commandant of the Osun State General Command.

A total of 16 brigade members were decorated during the service. They included MSA Pastor Olusoji Johnney, the Minister-in-Charge of the church, who was decorated as the Spiritual Commander, and Pastor Folorunso Adeniyi as Patron.

“Be Soldiers for Christ, Not Just for Parade” – Apostle Eni

Delivering the sermon, the Most Senior Apostle, Lucky Eni of Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Promise of God Conference, Ondo, Ondo State, highlighted the crucial role of the C&S Church Brigade.

He said the brigade is more than a ceremonial group and should function as a spiritual army committed to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, maintaining orderliness, and upholding righteousness in the church.

Apostle Eni charged the church leadership to prioritize the brigade band and mentor the young members to strengthen their faith and commitment to God’s work.

Preaching on the theme “God of Hosts” with reference to Psalm 24:10, Apostle Eni said the name “God of Hosts” appears more than 200 times in the Bible and remains a mighty name that can conquer all wars and challenges in the life of Christians.

He urged Christians not to use the name in vain, but to hold it in reverence. He noted that the name worked for the Israelites in the wilderness, parted the Red Sea, and conquered death when God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. He quoted Revelation 1:18, which says: “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

“I Joined the Brigade in Primary School” – New Patron

Speaking after his installation, the newly ordained Patron, Pastor Folorunso Adeniyi, said he was honored to serve because he started as a brigade member during his primary school days at Sacred Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Agbala Aseyori, Omi Adio, where he is now the Pastor-in-Charge.

“My father enrolled me at a tender age. The leaders then encouraged us and built confidence in us. That foundation is helping me in my ministry today. That is why I am glad to be their patron,” he said.

Pastor Adeniyi pledged to support the brigade both spiritually and physically to enable them to achieve their goals in life and ministry.

He also identified some of the challenges facing the brigade band, noting that they need a complete band set, trumpets and other musical instruments to enhance their outings.

“By the grace of God, when the band holds its anniversary next year, I believe there will be great improvements,” he added.

Talents Display and Colorful March Past
As part of the event, some brigade members displayed their talents by reciting memory verses from the Books of Psalms and Revelation. Observers described it as evidence of the commitment of leaders and parents to building the spiritual capacity and discipline of young brigades from an early age.

The occasion was further beautified by invited brigade bands from Oke Agbara, Osu Parish, Atakumosa West LGA and Sacred Cherubim and Seraphim Church, St. Michael Model Parish Headquarters, Egbatedo, Osogbo, Osun State, whose colorful display thrilled worshippers.

In his vote of thanks, the Minister-in-Charge, MSA Pastor Olusoji Johnney, appreciated dignitaries, churches, and members who came from various towns and hamlets. He commended them for their love and support toward the growth of the brigade and the church.

He also prayed for the newly ordained Patron and other ranked brigade officers for spiritual empowerment and strength to carry on in the ministry without looking back. He prayed that the Lord of Hosts will guide the brigade band and all church members, and asked for grace to witness more celebrations.

The service concluded with prayers for the new patron, the spiritual commander, and all members of the Onward Christian Soldiers.