The tripod stand which is the basis of learning in NBTS is her core values. These core values are vibrant spirituality, sound academics and ministerial competence. As part of achieving all three and especially vibrant spirituality and ministerial competence, the semester begins with a spiritual retreat and the students are required to go to worship in churches in town on Sunday. This new academic session, as new students went to town to worship in churches of their choice as led by the Holy Spirit, two came back ‘wowed’ and they decided to share their story. Thus, we bring you two testimonies of ‘first worship experience’ in Ogbomoso by two of our new MDiv students. We look forward to having you also as God calls you!

JAW-DROPPING MOMENT IN GOD’S PRESENCE

My worship experience in Bowen University Teaching Hospital Chapel (AKA Kings Court Fellowship), on August 17th2025, was a jaw-dropping moment in God’s presence. During the Bible teaching time, I sat under the teaching of a young, beautiful lady who handled the Sunday School class which I happened to be seated in as a first-time visiting seminary student. Her name is Miss Shipprah Okorafor, and the maturity she exuded while handling the class was exemplary. The general question-and-answer session which followed addressed all issues raised, using the Scripture as guide.

I found the ambience of the environment cosy and the lighting system was bright like the presence that conveys the appearance of an angel. The array of chairs was breath-taking. The worship songs were inviting, elating, and the piano responded effortlessly to the delicate fingers of Deborah Ajetumobi. Her co-keyboardist, other instrumentalists and vocalists were also great. The sound output from the choral group filtered into the being of worshippers. Every voice that hit the microphone could bear witness. Each song rendered could sell widely on Spotify and other music distribution platforms; and the media unit was very relevant.

God’s presence was tangible, and the essence of His grace and loving kindness radiated in the church building. The orderliness speaks volumes, and the young ladies were modestly dressed, while the young men exuded glamour in their outfits. Generally, the fashion styles told much of the homes they came from cum the effort of their pastors.

The preacher, Rev. Prof. Olusola Ayo Obiremi, anchored her text in Galatians 5:1 with emphasis on Luke 13:10-16 and John 8:31-39. On the podium, her smile was homely, welcoming, motherly, assuring, contagious and protective. In her sermon, titled “Who Needs Freedom?” she focused on the characters in Luke 13:10 – 16 and considered their various points of view. She portrayed freedom as not being limited to liberation from slavery and restraints. She pointed out that those who need freedom include people forced to bow to trouble, excuse-givers, individuals living in the shadow of their parents, the narrow-minded, the ridiculed, the oppressed, and those deprived of the good things of life.

She went on to state that an individual needs freedom when they are living in fear. Other groups she mentioned are those who are troubled, those living in immorality, fault-finders, the jealous, excuse-givers, the ‘incurably legalistic’ (living by law), fruitless individuals, the physically ill and narrow-minded people. Quoting some writers like William Barclay, she went on to emphasise that “A Christian’s freedom is not being free to do as they like but to do as they ought; it is freedom from sin and not freedom to sin.” Christian freedom should be enjoyed in a way that portrays and ministers Christ to unbelievers, she pointed out. She explained further that the freedom Christ brought through His miraculous deeds and the outcome of His sacrificial death on the cross prepares people to overcome challenging circumstances.

Meanwhile, she did not fail to charge worshippers to be intentional about living in freedom. Furthermore, she opined that for us to be free, we must have intimate fellowship with God, rely on His Word, and not the polluted counsel propagated on social media. Additionally, she encouraged worshippers to be expectant of God’s blessings because the wheel of expectation is the foundation for miracles. In all that we shall achieve, we must express the gained freedom through praise and God’s love, she preached. She concluded the sermon by extending an invitation for salvation and urging those who sought freedom to pray to God, who grants true freedom through Christ. Thereafter, the Chaplain, Rev. Akinwale Akinsola prayed for those who made decisions.

I am glad I was there, and I hope you join the Bowen University Teaching Hospital Chapel next Sunday at 8am for Bible Study and 9am for worship or during the week for Bible Study at 5pm on Wednesday to have this joyful and wonderful experience. The Bowen University Teaching Hospital Chapel is located on the Bowen University Teaching Hospital (BUTH) premises. This piece was written with an open heart because there is no pillow as soft as a clear conscience. Lest I forget, Rev. Akinwale Akinsola, (the lead Chaplain)’s concern for us was fatherly, and I look forward to being refreshed again next Sunday.

Shalom!

Ojakovo Samuel

MDiv 1, NBTS