Faculty members, Staff and Students of the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary Ogbomoso gathered for the 2023 edition of the annual revival service, marking the last lap of the first semester. As a three-day revival programme, the sessions ran from Tuesday, 7th November to Thursday, 9th November; having the theme “Let there be light”. On the first day of the programme, Reverend Professor Stephen Oladele Ayankeye, the President of the Seminary presided. “Be open to receive of God throughout the period of this programme, for God is set to do great and mighty things in you”, he said.

The guest minister, Reverend Dr Deji Adisa, the Senior Pastor of Fountain of Praise and Power Baptist Church, Ogbomoso charged the congregation from John 1:5. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”. He emphasized that “wherever there is darkness, the Spirit of God cannot operate as seen in Genesis 1:2. Darkness symbolizes all that is evil, negative, harmful and the reign of wickedness. For darkness to stop prevailing, Christians must shine light as in the Sunbeam hymn and our heart cry must be LET THERE BE LIGHT!!” He led participants to pray after which we sang the hymn of faith and trust “When We Walk with the Lord” from Baptist Hymnal number 260, 1956 edition.

On Wednesday, 8th November, the Deputy President Academics, Reverend Professor Simon Ishola presided over the meeting. Reverend Dr Deji Adisa charged congregants from Matthew 5:14-16, emphasizing that light is contagious. “As believers we are called light not as a nickname, but as our original name”, he said. Darkness has never stopped trying to dominate the human race. However, darkness cannot overcome true light; rather, light must be contagious. As revealed in Isaiah 9:2 “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned”. Rev. Adisa shared his life experiences of how God called and brought him out of darkness to light, God’s marvelous light. We re-committed ourselves to God with the hymn “Have Thine Own Way”- Baptist Hymnal number 355, 1956 edition.

On Thursday, 9^th November, which was the third and final day of the revival for the season; the atmosphere was charged with heartfelt worship led by Pastor Esther Oba and the music team. The Deputy President Administration, Reverend Dr Yeside Odiase presided over the meeting. Reverend Dr Deji Adisa, in his concluding charge, laid emphasis on the need to continue dwelling in the light. He titled the charge “Living in the Light”. “Sin is the greatest enemy that prevents us from experiencing the light. However, the intensity of the light will determine the tenacity of the darkness it can handle,” he said. He also made it clear that, “sin will not prevent a man from being a preacher because they can continue to preach and perish”. Therefore, the scripture should be the only authority that influences ministers. One who will be the light must not be involved in sin or any shady or shameful practices. Only light can correct darkness. He concluded by saying that living in this light of God is non- negotiable. He led congregants to pray and we took the hymn of commitment “I am Thine O Lord” from Baptist Hymnal 349, 1956 edition. Indeed, the emphasis on being light was very clear as God revived His people to be light in the world. The occasion of the Nigerian Baptist Seminary, Ogbomoso annual revival service was a power-packed and refreshing one.

By Ayomide MAYEKOGBON for NBTS Advancement Centre