As it celebrated its Platinum Jubilee with a Thanksgiving service last Sunday, the congregation of Good News Baptist Church, Surulere, Lagos, was exhorted to press forward and not relent in the pursuit of God’s purpose. The guest preacher, Rev. Sunday Oke, who is the President of Charis Equip Foundations, emphasised that, while the church’s history is rich with testimonies, it should serve as a springboard for greater endeavours in advancing God’s kingdom
The momentous occasion also saw the renaming of the multipurpose hall of the newly constructed educational and administration building in honour of late Nigerian technocrat and administrator, Dr. Gamaliel Onosode.
Dr. Oke said: “Forty years is a sacred number and should not be taken for granted. It is a number of exodus, new beginnings, deliverance and transition unto newness. All of these should revitalise the church on all sides. The church should be regenerated and continually stand in God’s presence”, adding that, as a Christian soldier, “you should be ready to be summoned to worship, instruct and advance towards the Promised Land”.
During the service, Dr. Christopher Onosode read the testimony of the late Deacon Gamaliel, which recounted the humble origins of the church’s inception when the first act of corporate worship was held on Wednesday, 1st February 1984, with only three residents of the Onosode household gathered for a prayer meeting. The church began as Adelabu Street Baptist Church under the leadership of Deacon Onosode and later Pastor (now Rev. Dr.) Kayode Ilupeju, and has led the church to grow exponentially.
In his own testimony. Deacon O.K. Belo said that the 40 years he has spent in the church so far represents the longest period with any organisation except his genetic family. Belo, who was also the first Church Secretary and the first and only Chairman of the Building Committee of the church, noted the evolution of various arms of the church, including Sunday School, Discipleship Programmes, Home Fellowship Ministry, Couples Fellowship, and Single Parents Fellowship.
He said: “It is fit and proper to celebrate the vision that God gave to Deacon Gamaliel and Mrs. Susan Onosode 40 years ago today that has continued to grow and develop in the hands and lives of a new generation”.
Good News Baptist Church has been deeply committed to missions since 1995, both locally and internationally, and remains dedicated to fostering spiritual growth, community, and purpose among its members.
The Platinum Jubilee celebration also featured various events, including an anniversary prayer meeting; donation and opening of community projects; and a variety evening to commemorate the church’s rich legacy and vision for the future.
