Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

President's address

Sister Peculiar fondly called "Pepsy" by KINGDOM HIGHWAY"(Matt 7:14). The her friends was a "care-free"kind oflady book of Revelation 3:20tells us that He (of a frivolous nature) who loved what the (Jesus) stands at the door and is knocking world throws at her and gladly received as that anyone who hears Him may open the such. Pepsy had a roommate, Precious door that He may enter. Again, where is who had been talking to her about Jesus Jesus' place in your life; is Christ still Christ and making every possible efforts standing outside the door or is He inside? towards changing her lifestyle. Can you hear Him knock? Matthew 7:14 already explains that narrow is the way One fateful Friday, there was a party at a through which we are to gain access to club located on the Island. Pepsy and Jesus. Therefore, the excessive and bulks three of her friends had called a cab that (worldly pleasures) that we carry along on will take them to the venue. As Pepsy and this path must be shed off. co were about leaving for the party, Precious ran out and spoke to her again On the highway a lot of cars pass by with about Jesus trying to dissuade her on her great variations in shapes, sizes and pending outing but to no avail. Precious colours, they appear to all be heading in then said a word of prayer like this:"I pray the same direct but their destinations are that Jesus goes with you on this journey. different. Other important questions "But Peculiar replied mockingly saying:"If about this highway on which your life your Jesus cares, He can stay in the booth threads include:"Who is driving you?"and with the crates of eggs.”Then, with her "Where is your destination?” cohorts, she left for the party. First of all, you must find this way if you The party ended by 3amthe following haven't. You'll find this way when you morning, and Pepsy and her friends were totally surrender yourself to Jesus. The heading back home in the same cab they very moment you do this, you become a boarded the night before when the cab friend of Jesus. If you've found the way was involved in a fatal accident that and you are already working therein, claimed the lives of everyone in the cab remember to study the Study the Word safe the driver who was seriously injured. (for He Himself is the way). This requires One shocking discovery by the medic your conscious efforts for therein lies team was how none of the eggs in the your growth. As you grow, you'll realise a booth broke, not even a crack despite the development of your giftings and talents. sorry state of the cab (Perculiar's prayer modified by Pepsy was answered, just as Forget not to engage in prayers and specified).The story would have been fasting as the Bible encourages us Matt different, if only Pepsy had been careful 7:14, Mark 9:29.In all of these, make the with her words. Unfortunately, she wasn't, Holy Spirit your toll guard. Gal 5:18. By she relegated the master of her destiny to walking in Him and with Him, you are sure the booth of the cab and alas, the eggs to remind in the way. were kept safe! In deed, the only partner you need on the As simple as it may appear, if Jesus could highway is the Holy Spirit. He would help save those eggs, how much more the lives you through the hustles and bustles along of those girls that perished, they could that highway. But foremost, you need to have been saved. The question now find that highway that leadeth to Eternal is:"Where is Jesus' place in your life?” life. Find Jesus today and walk in Him!

On this note, I welcome you all to another I wish you an enjoyable reading Daniel Ayeni beautiful edition of the Divine Avalanche; experience, as you go through this a publication of MFMCF MEDILAG (Citadel magazine. Stay Blessed! President, MFMCF MEDILAG of Praise, Power and Glory) themed: "THE

1 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway EditorsNote

We're so grateful to God for the successful publication of the sixth edition of The Divine Avanlache '17, themed: THE KINGDOM HIGHWAY. We really want to appreciate everyone whose efforts have gone into this publication: our fantastic members of the Editorial Team (the ready pen-writers), the Pastorate of this great house, The Executives of the house of MFMCF MEDILAG [The Generals] and the entire family of MFMCF MEDILAG. We would falter in our sincere appreciation if we fail to show our immense gratitude to wonderful dignitaries, Regional Headquarters, Consultants, Doctors, Parents and Colleagues that gave their amiable support to the success of this life-changing publication. Our gratitude also goes to our Photographer, Our designer and the Mother Publishing Arm of the church: The Tracts and Publications Unit. And also, we thank you, for reading this copy of the publication, God bless you all real good.

The theme of this edition of The Divine Avalanche, The Kingdom Highway”, reminds us of the fact that we are foreigners and sojourners on this path called 'life'. It reveals to us; who the travelers are, their lifestyles and those who are fit to walk on this sacred highway. "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it (Matt 7:14). The world is becoming fiercer with each day that passes by, and many Christians are forced to compromise their stands at one point or the other, being persecuted to the very limit and tested sore. But the good news is that this way leads somewhere. Far beyond our imaginations and comprehensions, a place where there will be no sorrow, tears nor pain. It's a surety that this will serve as a comforting pill to make us steadfast on 'The Kingdom Highway'. The Divine Avalanche '17 is surely sauced with other interesting articles that would keep you glued to your seat till the very end. Why not take a seat, stay cool and be refreshed?

This is not just a magazine but an experience! Enjoy!

Koleowo Oluwagbemiga S. [Best] Onyejegbu Chinelo Mercy Editors-in-chief

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GENTLEMAN ON THE HIGH WAY

It's surely not a primrose path neither is it a thoroughfare of deadly shadows. It's a haven as safe as Goshen, assuring safety ultimately, with its means muttering exactly opposite. However paradoxical its description may look, there is an ingredient that can help a user of this highway travel safely and successfully to his/her destination.

“Be sober, be vigilant for your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour”-1 Peter 5:8. There is a beast on this highway. A devourer, an adversary, looking out with a great deal of alacrity for a careless sojourner he would have for dinner and satisfy his penchant for preys. Here is the gentleman on the highway: the devil.

An inevitably present malady afflicting the lanes of the highway, increasing eternal mortality rate by staggering figures and rendering a wicked slash on the quality of life thereon. The atmosphere notwithstanding, we are not despondent for we have a prescription. Simple as it may appear, small as the dose may be, we cannot over-emphasize its potency. It's “WATCH AND PRAY!”. An honest subscription to this prescription holds for you a smooth 'sail' on this highway, against all deterring and impeding billows.

3 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway Lies we tell - "I'm ne"

I think everybody is guilty of this The psalmist tells us in the book of and it got me thinking; why do we Psalm 63:11 that; "the mouth of liars tell this lie? Is it because we doubt shall be stopped". In concord, Psalm that the other person really cares? 101:7- states clearly that: "anyone Or we think they can't fix whatever it who tells lies shall not tarry in the is that is bothering us or we don't presence of the Father". Please, even bother? Could it be because don't get me wrong, I'm not it's easier to say? Or perhaps, it has condemning 'us', rather I want us to turned into some kind of cliché. see the truth in God's word. I'm sure Could it be that we are trying to many would want to defend protect people dear to us from our themselves, saying; "I really don't hurts? Could we be protecting want to bore others or people with ourselves from people because we my problems" or "I just feel what is don't trust them enough? personal is personal." Some others would become sudden Einsteins Whichever way, every person I know with quotes like; "to keep the busy- tells this lie. More often than not, we bodies away, we just need to fake are hardly fine, at least most of us fine". Yes! Your reasons may be are not always fine, but we find it genuine but not acceptable to God. easier to say "I'm fine" than to say Whichever way we want to dice it, a "I'm broke", " I failed", "I feel alone", lie is a lie whether you term it 'small' " I'm depressed", "I went to bed or 'big'. hungry last night", " my home is not settle", "I cried last night", "I feel Truth be told, a lot of us lock up lost", "I was violated", "I was guilt, pains, anguish, worries, anger, molested", "I'm in an abusive in our hearts and if they are not let relationship", "I did something out, it could lead to depression, pain, terrible last night" and all. bitterness, heartaches, inability to forgive oneself and worse cases Saying "I'm fine" when you're not is could graduate into brain damage, as good as bearing false witness, hallucinations and even death. It can which is all but a lie. Yes, sometimes dawn on you, health-wise, especially we are driven to fear as to what the frowning faces and excessive would be the response of the other brooding that exercise your muscles person, thereby, choking ourselves in the most non-beneficial fashion. with the pressure of our problems. A Socially, it can affect your saying goes thus: "a problem shared relationship with others because is a problem half solved." In as much most times you are always downcast as we are in this world, we surely and complaining, pushing away even wouldn't get answers to all life's the ones that really care, and no one questions all by ourselves and that's wants to be around a negative vibe. why we need to associate with So, what's your choice today? Do people, have a close clique or you want to come out from this lie Truth be told a lot of trusted friends with whom we could or you just wanna keep justifying share our feelings and hurts; pains your reasons and actions. Either us lock up guilt, pain, and gains. ways, I implore you to choose the anguish, worries, way out. Wherever you go, you would see anger in our heart & people carrying up this facade faces, Truth is that you cannot navigate pretending that all is well but if you through this all alone, call on the if they are not let out, take a careful look, you would help from above and engage the it could lead to observe that it's all but a lie. This best friend you ever got- "the Holy disease or what should it be called Spirit". So, next time someone asks depression, chest is one that cuts across all walks of you, how you are, think twice before pain, heartaches, life: school, fellowship, work and you give that response because, the what have you. Even our parents, lie that people tell: "I'm fine" should brain damage, everyone seems to have this 'I'm be one red light! fine syndrome'. hallucinations & even death

4 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway Her Denition

"For the woman which hath a husband Christ, there is no condition where you is bound by the law to her husband, so are allowed to leave him; not for long as he liveth; but if the husband be anything! Because Jesus is alive forever. dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if while her husband Considering this fact, if you dare to liveth, she be married to another man, leave him, you are defined an adulterer she shall be called an adulteress; but if and death is imminent. Wait a minute! her husband be dead, she is free from Do you know that it is not until you it is completely the law that she be no adulteress, begin to serve the devil, practice though she may be married to another idolatry, occultism or ritual killing before acceptable for a man." Romans 7:2-3. you get in a courtship with the devil? It can begin with seemingly harmless bride who was A critical look at this leads us unto to steps like constant and habitual the truth that this applies not only to lateness; inconsistence in fellowship initially married couples, but also to every believer who meetings, manifesting the works of the knows that Jesus is the groom of the flesh like telling lies, pride or malicious to the wrong church Ephesians 6:23-32. According to attitudes until such a one gradually man (the devil) that scriptures, we as brides are bound backslides. by the law to our husband Jesus. to leave him and Anyone who forsakes Christ and cleaves The Law of Moses gave capital to another man (the devil) is culpable of punishment to anyone involved in such, cleave to Jesus the sin of adultery and Romans 6:23 but Christ brought grace and truth says "the wages of sin is death..." (John1:17) for salvation and eternal life. our groom.

It is imperative to state at this juncture Beloved have you sincerely defined who that it is completely acceptable for a you are in Christ? Do you realize your bride who was initially married to the position in him? Are you still jumping wrong man (the devil) to leave him and from one husband to another? Are you cleave to Jesus our groom. The person in the category described as adulterers? won't be condemned but accepted as Are you yet married to satan? Now is the the prodigal son who has retraced his zero hour. Planning to do this at a steps back home. postponed time might just turn out to be medicine after death. The only condition where the bride is allowed to marry another man is when Change now! Cleave from that her real husband is dead; that therefore 'concubine'; cleave to and make Jesus means that when you are married to your ultimate.

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YOLO - You Only Live Once

Have you ever met someone who tries so But it appears as though the meaning of hard to justify why he/she is not a Christian? YOLO (You Only Live Once) rather than I am not referring to an atheist in this case, as helping us set our priorities right has been a that would be a discussion for another day. weapon craftily used by the devil to distract I'm talking about the non-atheist, brought up us from our purpose. they believe in in a Christian home, has a Christian name - in quote, attends church services to fulfill all True! We only live once. But that applies on Jesus, at least righteousness, attends when there is a this earth only. There's an afterlife, and there they claim to. contract that has to be sealed. we would get to live for eternity. Well, not literally everyone. But those who have been But committal They sometimes grace church when their crucified with Christ, and who believe and is not in their tailors have done an almost perfect job with have accepted the redemption He provided. their outfits, what better opportunity to take Heb9:27-28 dictionary, they pictures of them slaying; the church of are not saved, course becomes a good platform. This group of people would live forever and rule with Christ in eternity. they are not Now you are probably beginning to ready to live as understand the kind of people I'm talking But the afterlife has another segment, about, they believe in Jesus, at least they where those who have not known the Lord believers. claim to. But committal is not in their will be, there's one shot on earth but dictionary, they are not saved, they are not afterwards, it's either HEAVEN or HELL. ready to live as believers. They would rather This is not being cliché, this is the truth! be on the fence, at least they go to church, Life does not end here on earth. There is and once in a while go through their Bibles more! And heaven is where we ought to be. especially on mornings when they wake from a pretty bad dream. By the way, the gate pass is pretty easy... Matt11:28-30 Yes! You probably have someone like that in your head, the 'let me live my life in my Believe Jesus! Accept Him!! prime, after all YOLO'. Hey, hold on a minute, I'm not judging. How dare I? Eph2:8-9 Live for Him!!!

6 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

Better safe than sorry

Taking a few steps down the memory lane, mine; so I enjoyed fringe benefits of being when I found myself in 'Joseph's' very big her friend. I didn't know why she liked me, shoes. It swallowed my legs and almost did but we grew fond of each other as days the entire me. I knelt down gratefully by my went by. bed, sweating profusely and panting heavily from the unknown-distance sprint I “Femi, fe mi (marry me)now”! and I'll had just won, with no opponent. I felt like respond “Dami, mi o fe e” (I'll not marry an Olympic gold medallist who had just you). “You are not serious” she'll add and had his debut appearance. Ordinarily, I we'll laugh over it. This was typical of our wouldn't have done that, but for the conversations during playful moments in adrenaline running in my blood vessels. I Choir rehearsals or after the Worship was thrown into a stream of ecstatic Service on Sunday. thoughts until I met an abrupt drop into my reality. Then I burst into praises, watching Remember, our friendship was an innocent concomitantly and vividly what had put me and platonic one and for that reason, our to flight: My encounter with Damilola. eyes were blinded to the danger associated with our intimacy. Really dangerous We started out as innocent friends during intimacy! Usually, our meeting spot was the our teenage-choir days. We were both church but I took a step closer and went passionate about singing for the Lord. visiting on this eventful day. She was home Although, I couldn't boast of a concrete alone. Her parents had gone for a wedding spiritual bearing and can't say if she could ceremony and her two year old sibling was either, but I supposed she did, because her sleeping in her parents' room. I entered father was our 'Area Pastor'. Our like minds their living room anticipating another nice in passion endeared us to each other; she time with my dear friend, Dami. I sat on the called me Femi and I, her, Dami. She was sofa directly opposite the dining table and smart, intelligent and very amiable. She was playing with my phone when she could share anything she had with me. Her appeared from the kitchen with a glass of parents were also very rich; richer than cold drink. She sat beside me and we began to gist. We talked about so many things,

7 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

covering quite a number of topics. I had a At this juncture, I want to conjecture that nice time with her, or so I thought, and so, I as social beings, it is both a physiological told her I was leaving. She put a look on and a psychological need that we relate immediately, one of self-pity and with people around us, but we need to loneliness. I felt sorry for her but I had to watch our degree of closeness because leave, so I shut my mind to the feelings, some levels of intimacy are dangerous. bade her farewell and approached the door. She didn't say anything, she just In our Christian community, how we relate followed me to the door and held my two with the opposite sex is a critical matter hands looking straight into my eyes. She which needs a great deal of discipline and called my name softly, like never before: solid precepts. Some practical ones are “Femi,…please don't go now”. She shifted drawn from my experience and enunciated the focus of her gaze from my eyes and below: took a cursory glance from my head to my toes and made some suggestive gestures ü Define a purpose for your as she romanced my hands. relationship; ensure that it is not a parasitic one. Set boundaries according to the “Oh my God!” I muttered under my breath. definition of the purpose of your Dami was madly in lust and I had lost my relationship. Avoid too much intimacy that balance; I could feel my erect friend may trigger cortical arousal. Avoid using pushing against the anterior wall of my words that tend to turn the other party on trousers. I quickly pulled my hands from such as “my darling”, “my sweetheart”… her grip and faced the wall. My Using these words is not tantamount to sin, sympathetic nervous system was turned but the power inherent in them to cause on by the flood of thoughts that saturated havoc makes them unsafe for use. Hence, my mind. “If anything happens here, what my candid advice to avoid them. would I say?” “What if her parents bumped into us?” We have been warned severally ü Avoid gestures, postures, moves by our parents and even our teachers in and touches that can turn you on or church about the dangers associated with activate lustful desires. If you shake hands this. “Hun…I sighed, Oh Lord, help me!” with the opposite sex and it does turn you Beads of sweat ran down my cheek as I on, avoid such handshakes or if you are shook in fear of this bizarre experience. I turned on when you hug, for your safety, stole a glance at her to see her reactions avoid it. Watch the topic of your discussion too but fortunately for me, she was no carefully. The moment it's becoming longer standing there, she was back on the sensitive, end it! sofa. I quickly bolted out of their house ü Finally, don't visit the opposite and sped home. sex alone. I don't need to emphasize this, In retrospect, my saving grace was the learn from my experience. modicum of luck I had. These may look mean or 'spiri-koko' in Wait a minute! Do you think I shouldn't nature, but they are simple safety have been with my friend, Damilola in the precautions that would save you from first place? Wouldn't I be putting myself at being the hero in another 'sorry' story; for a risk for a repeat episode if I become it is better to be safe than sorry. friend with another lady, even if Christian? Shalom! This is a dilemma.

8 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

Our Standard

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82 In our sojourn; a seemingly endless this forecast without regrets? I doubt it. marathon race, there is a very high Only 'The Reliable' is reliable. 2 propensity for us to tailor our lives according to those who have gone “Be ye followers of me as I am a follower 9 ahead or even our contemporaries we of Christ”. A critical look at this presents see as supermen and models. We could the Apostle unassuming but beyond being unassuming, he was pointing out 10 vouch with anything and so much confidence for them. They are spiritual, something very cogent and profound. amiable, anointed, influential and He was well read, an apostle with 11 relatively “perfect people”. Without evidence, spiritual, deep, experienced, probing its genuineness and alignment powerful, manifested signs and wonders 12 with the scriptures, we can do whatever and in fact Jesus' promise that we would we see them do or hear them say. do as much and even more than he had done in His earthly ministry was fulfilled 13 As an ardent apostle and scholar of the in the life of men like him. With all these epistles of Paul, I put it to you: it's a qualifications, he could have easily 14 tremendous step into the abyss. stolen the place of the reference. But he Investing a level of trust in people is referred us to JESUS who is our 15 very fine, but blind trust is dangerous. absolutely perfect example. No one is “There is a way that seemeth right unto good enough to take the place of Jesus a man but the end thereof is on the Kingdom Highway. destruction”. Everything done or said by men is subject to the judgment of our An end that guarantees safety is in Him. 'dusty' nature. Even when death lurks, There is no iota of impurity in Him. The our judgment is safety. What illusion! only 'RELIABLE' that is reliable. He is our Can we make an eternal investment on standard. Make JESUS your standard!

9 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

God said you are my wife

My brother was in the room watching the I am not ready for any relationship television I am not interested But I was not paying much attention Do I look cheap? On the bed, I saw clearly a vision She said, as she left disappointed It was in the period of examination Everything about her seemed to have changed I saw the picture of a sister That was the very last time But as a very young seer That we ever talked at that close range I thought I was to pray for her The last, till I graduated Her next paper was not soon when I called her 5 years later, we saw each other As I wondered and pondered We became friends I meditated and was bothered The Lord said she was still my life partner But I'd met the kind of lady I'd wanted I told her I 'd love to spend the rest of my life with She is God-loving, prayerful and Spirit-filled her

I thought I had seen whom I wanted I told her to go and pray about it But the Lord said she wasn't what I needed She was happy, she smiled, and she looked sweet As I sought for the Lord's anointed, After two weeks; she prayed He said, the one from the vision is what I needed Yes, she said. She would love to be my help meet

Wow! I was stupefied This was the person who was disappointed some She is the direct opposite years ago But she is also a disciple of Christ Not only guys, but even ladies have ego But this would be a tough ride If God says “you'll own that house” Before building, you first purchase the land Nevertheless, after a while Our paths crossed, about a mile Even when God has said it, there is a place of This is going to be the race of my life finding She was happy to see me, her face carried a smile And here in this cool springtime morning I have to stop my writing cos... I told her what I intended to say Wow! Time's gone I 'm late for the church "God said, you are my wife" wedding. There was a pause to her smile -Godspeed! Her facial expression changed

10 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

Extravagant Worship

God never takes junks?'

Oyinkansola stared at me in awe at my revelation. She whom there's no searching of His understanding; coupled couldn't comprehend the mystery of my acquiescence with with extravagant love, a superfluous kind of love that the previous night's event and she couldn't recover from requires an excessive recklessness in our dishing it out. the words that I'd splashed on her like a bombshell. And, ultimately garnished with a drastic and extreme show Retaining her shocked expression, she moved uneasily from of submission?! her comfort and leaned forward like a helpless figure awaiting the final verdict from a stern-looking judge. Her Let's set a basis on 2 Chronicles 5:11-14; '[11] The priests panic was made evident as she was visibly fidgeting in her then withdrew from the Holy Place. All the priests who were chair. Tears trickled down her chubby but pale cheeks as there had consecrated themselves, regardless of their she managed to ask the question I had long awaited her to division. [12]All the Levites who were musicians - Asaph, spill out. As an after-effect of the shock she had gotten Heman, Jeduthun and their sons and relatives-stood on the from my startling affirmation; 'God never takes junks?', she east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing asked. Are you asking the same as well?! cymbals, harps and lyres. They were accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. [13]The trumpeters and One and a thousand more persons would scream 'Sister musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the Oyin' if you asked for the definition of an explicit worshiper Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other although, our congregation's attendance is just a little shy instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the of a hundred christians. That is her wonderful testimony. Lord and sang: 'He is good; his love endures forever.' Then Most probably you'd have joined the toll if you knew the the temple of the Lord was filled with cloud, [14]and the 'wonder-sister Oyin'. Little wonder they are so swept off priests could not perform their service because of the their feet because this is a sister who gives it all out cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the temple of God praising her glorious King, taking it out expressly in songs, [NIV].' What a great worship experience! What a great hymns and in rounds of heavenly languages even much wonder! Just a session of sincere worship brought down more than our pastor speaks. You'd probably be jealous of God's manifestation even in the physical, but don't be God if you've heard her rendering eulogy to the Supreme carried away, it never came all on a platter of gold. Verse 11 Being. Some may even conclude that Lucifer's gifts had gives the integral and intrinsic resource to the been bequeathed her after his great fall. But here she is manifestation: 'CONSECRATION!' before her pastor sobbing out her heart after an overnight experience with the same God who she so praises like it's As much as can be inputted into worship, only one thing her last breath and to whom she's a faithful ambassador determines its quality - the state of our spirit at the given who had said and I quote: 'Why do you bring to me a pile of time. No one in the right state of mind would want to eat junks that I wouldn't accept, when you can afford just a the best delicacy from a utensil littered with faeces. In the whole meal that is my favourite?' Leaving her in a state of same vein, our God requires not a golden vessel but an bewilderment, a juncture of discombobulation. All she absolutely dirt - free vessel to dish out to Him what He so could help mutter was, "Lord I'll change, I'm ready to give loves to savour. Even the master laid emphasis on the you what you require of me." concept of 'worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).' I needn't emphasise the potency of Spirit filled worship; the There's truism in the saying (as I re-phrase) that only a penultimate scripture says it all. grateful heart can see it as needful and would as well give quality appreciation to the one who has made a provision More committed and thoroughly drilled by the Holy Spirit is for life's goodies. But I'll emphatically stress on this that the Sister Oyin that I now see, she had been a work in though worship entails appreciation and gratitude; worship progress ever since that one encounter. Though, she had is never limited to this duo. Do I worship Him only because not been very involved in her choral ministry as before of what He's done? Or Because He's so much greater than I having explained to me that she was under the Master's can apprehend? Yeah, but it never stops there. What then is personal drill, I had great faith in her choral career. worship? I smiled when she descended from the podium running Worship first of all brings in a concept of a Sovereign Being towards me as she emptied herself into a warm embrace so revered for its magnanimity, a Majestic Being in that. that my big arms provided. This was the same Oyinkansola Worship, in simple English implies to honour with that the Father rejected her dish of worship precisely three extravagant love and extreme submission to that Supreme years ago. But here she is, she has just thrown everyone One. The Almighty God as is implied here. What a definition into an ocean of extreme worship and mystical that has lost its divinity! How then do we show that we manifestations of the spirit. I heard the master in a clear really honour 'One' whose ways are not our ways, One, of and audible accent "my dear Oyin, in whom I delight."

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Enabled Far Beyond Disability

I recollect the story of Mephibosheth. The heir of Jonathan and a man with royal blood flowing in his veins. He became lame, no thanks to an accident which occurred in his early years. What became of him later: how King David took him in as his own son, thanks to his crushing disability this time. His situation was such that he couldn't fend for himself though, he was royalty. How pathetic! A throwback on the story of Jacob, the very story that changed his name to Israel [after "It wrestling with an angel] throws a different beam of light at seemed how limitations or better say disability could be perceived. intended by the What could be fairly termed a disability here [Genesis 32:24- blessed 25: when the bone of his thigh was touched by the angel] providence of was utilized so well as to becoming a blessing [verses 26-29], God that I should a generational blessing though he had to walk with a stick for be blind all my life, and I thank Him for the dispensation. the rest of his life. How inspiring! Safe to say that, If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not "Embedded in "D-I-S-A-B-I-L-I-T-Y" lies untold ability." Come accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if with me on a journey through the story of the great hymn I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things writer, Fanny J. Crosby, you perhaps haven't heard. about me." [At age 8]

Frances Jane Van Alstyne (née Crosby) more commonly "When I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden known as Fanny J. Crosby, was an American mission worker, my sight will be that of my Savior." poet, lyricist, and composer. She was one of the most prolific You'll bear witness to her famous works in hymn writing by hymnists in history, writing more than 8,000 hymns and remembering you of hymns like: "We are never never weary gospel songs with more than 100 million copies printed, of the grand old song", "Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour", despite becoming shortly after birth. In fact, some publishers "Blessed Assurance", "Jesus Is Tenderly Calling You Home", were hesitant to have so many hymns by one person in their "Praise Him, Praise Him", "Rescue the Perishing", and "To God hymnals, and so, she was compelled to the use of Be the Glory" to mention just a few of thousands others, pseudonyms; using nearly 200 different pseudonyms during don't you agree? her career. She is also known for her teaching and her rescue mission works. By the end of the 19th century, she had With the possible exception of Isaac Watts and Charles become a household name. It is interesting, however, Wesley, Crosby has generally been represented by the largest saddening to inform you that Fanny was never born blind. number of hymns of any writer of the twentieth century in She became blind at just six weeks old due to quackery on non liturgical hymnals. Fanny died a woman old in her days the part of a physician who was treating her of an ailment on February 12, 1915 (aged 94 years). 60 years after her that befell her at that time of her life. Disabled so early in life, demise, Crosby was posthumously inducted into the Gospel yet, Fanny went on to acquire a good education at the New Music Hall of Fame in 1975 Known as the "Queen of Gospel York Institute for the Blind, US. Later in life, Fanny came out Song Writers" and here today, we read of an inspiring lady of to be a success to fancy. Having learnt for 12 years and great faith and undeniable excellence. taught for another 11, she learned to play the piano, organ, harp, and guitar, and became a good soprano singer in According to biographer Annie Willis, "had it not been for her between those fruitful years. Fanny got wedded to Alexander affliction, she might not have so good an education or have van Alstyne and gave birth to a daughter (who died in her so great an influence, and certainly not so fine a memory" sleep soon after birth). Despite her limiting disability, Fanny and I wouldn't agree any less. Quote me; "Far beyond met with great men of note: Ex-President James K. Polk, John crushing disability, we've been enabled to choose to write Quincy Adams, Jefferson Davis (the president of the our fantastic autobiographies" -#BestzQuotes. Confederate States of America) to say but a few. To add to an Your supposed limitation(s) are as perceived by you. Nothing intriguing story of this wonderful lady, by age 15, she had can limit you if you have not chosen to limit yourself, memorized the four gospels, the Pentateuch, the Book of invariably, the only thing that can stop you is you. If you will Proverbs, the Song of Solomon, and many of the Psalms. look deep into your disabilities//limitations and see the Fanny's faith and love for Christ was so much pronounced in abilities in there, then, you can be better than Fanny J. her service and commitment in various Christian Ministries Crosby. and Denominations as well as in her numerous quotes, I'll Reference: wikipedia cite only two of them:

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The Slothful in Business

Laziness is a disease that only a great deal of than enough for herself and her family. In a its direct opposite can cure provided the few months, she got a perfect suitor who was consequences has not caused an irreversible worth the long wait and they tied the knot. harm and deleterious effect. Many started with God when they surrendered their lives Barely six months after all the breakthroughs, to Christ, they go to church regularly, pray the Vicar of the cathedral observed that she always, read the bible daily, and participate wasn't coming anymore for the weekly bible in church services and the likes. They were study neither was she attending her unit's ever ready to go any length for Christ no meeting except Sunday services which she matter how hard and inconvenient it is. It was graced, arriving very late in luxury array. As initially God first in all that they did but, due soon as she started the job, she wakes up for to one excuse or the other, this zeal faded 5:30am to prepare for work so no more away. quality time with her maker. When questioned by the pastor why she developed A lazy man is slothful and ignorant of how the sudden busyness, she could only reply grave the consequences of his actions are "Pastor, I'm sorry, it is because of the nature and without courage and mental power to of my job". Really?! Well, maybe the pastor make proper decisions about work and should pray for her that whatsoever is execution of plans. There are a lot of lazy hindering her zeal for God should be taken Christians today and all they give are flimsy away. It's all an expression of laziness. excuses for their inefficiency for God. This is someone that used to put God first in A sister graduated from the University but all she does but gradually stopped as result had no job to sustain her and her family, she of her work. Laziness is a great vice. The great was 27 and counting. She was yet without a virtue is efficiency and hard work. God seeks husband. She found her way to a Christian hard workers in His kingdom. Apostle Paul gathering one fateful day and for the first said; "Therefore my beloved, be steadfast, time in her life, she accepted the message of immovable always abounding in the work of love and invited the Lord to her life, she got the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in her salvation instantly. She was so fervent, vain.” That is, do lot and lot of works for the though, she was still without a paying job. Lord. Engage yourself in God's vineyard, be She joined the workforce in her Cathedral, committed and passionately work for Christ dedicated her time and life to aiding the with a calm assurance of a beautiful reward. master's business. Soon' she got a job offer with its benefit so exorbitant, such as is more 13 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

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14 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

Exclusive interview withDR. MAKINDE

Dr Olalekan Makinde is a renowned consultant in Family Medicine, precisely, he is a public health and Family Medicine physician. He is a Fellow of Royal Society of Public Health, FRSPH and also a Fellow of Member of Community Public Health, FMCPH. He is happily married to his beautiful wife with kids. He studied for his first degree at the prestigious College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi - Araba. He is one of the pioneers of medical fellowship, MSSF (Medical Science Student Fellowship) in Akoka. As we meet a wonderful Christian doctor sharing his experiences with us, stay glued.

Stay glued as we meet this wonderful christian doctor sharing his experience with us.

Can we meet you sir? anyone who would have spoken about it would My name is Olalekan Makinde, a consultant in have done so prophetically. Today, I’m so happy. Public Health and Family Medicine. Can you tell us how medical school was in your Why medicine? time and the Challenges? Initially I never wanted to study medicine. My Medical school! Reading medicine is great. coming to medical school was divine. Initially in Although, no matter what people say, medicine my secondary school days, I wanted to opt for opens you to a lot of things: opportunities, the the commercial department but I observed that ability to reason logically, living by set priorities almost all of my colleagues were going for etc. For instance, in Part 1, you do three major commercial, I wanted to be different, and so, I courses while some people spend four years turned to the science department. That was how studying just one of those. Logically, the I chose medicine and the community health challenges are the same, you would need to physician was something God orchestrated and read and study and no matter how intelligent

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How were you able to balance your academics and MSSF works? God gave “us” the vision and grace for MSSF. I don’t want to go through the story, and I never wanted to be a part from the beginning, but the reason God brought me to this school was for a purpose and that was MSSF (MEDICAL SCIENCE STUDENT FELLOWSHIP). In 1999, I came in to school but then, I hadn’t finalized my admission and I was just coming to school. So, I met a lady called Peju Esan (who has now gone to be with the Lord) who had a feeling that we should have a medical fellowship which we named MSSF at the end of the first semester. I didn’t gain admission into UNILAG that year and I had to wait at home till the next year. Before I came back in the year 2000, they had a vision which led them to saying the fellowship would no longer be called MSSF but YOSO (YEAR ONE STUDENT OUTREACH). But I knew that MSSF was what God wanted it to be. So, when I gained admission and returned to school in 2000, the name was changed to MSSF which stands till date. It was in 2000 that we (MSSF) kicked off officially with a lot of people in attendance as a result of a lot of people that I knew from taking tutorials. We had no one from Idi - Araba, we ran it by the Holy Ghost and when we left Akoka, God asked us to continue but not to take it to Idi – Araba rather it is a fellowship mainly for the year one medical students. I think we are now in the 17th year.

Was there any trying time in your academics in medical school? you are, at some point, you’ll know you need God. Little wonder, Of course there was, everyone is going to be tried. Let me during those times you would see those who weren’t tell you something funny about myself. In medical school, I going to church from time praying earnestly; during in-course once had a re-sit exam and many didn’t know. When I was assessments and exams. So, it makes you want to know God, in Part 1, my roommate had a re-sit and he shunned me help you to learn how to do a lot. Then I multitask; fellowship and said “I didn’t know what it means to have a carryover.” work, business and so on through God’s grace. Strangely, because of what he said I began to desire a re- sit and wanted to have it. Again, in 200 level a friend of mine attempted suicide because of a re-sit though she was There is a school of thought that to be successful in medical revived and now she is a medical doctor. People approach School, you have to read at least four hours daily, what is your life in very funny ways that is why you need to know God. view of This? There is nothing like it; when you know God, some of these There’s no definite formula for medical school. I have left school things are not issues. Life is in phases, there are some and with experience I can tell you that there are people who people that need the experience, some will need to repeat, read four hours daily and passed, some would read less and do some will leave medical school, and some people’s better, some might read more and perform better or even far destinies are not aligned with medical school. That is why worse. Even during my time, we had this very popular young you need to know God for yourself. I know many medical man that used to read a lot. He goes to class with a big “Ghana students who have left medical school and have made it in must go bag”. But after his exams in part 1, he had three re-sits, other professions both here and abroad. So life is not an seven in part 2, but he would always pass the re-sits. The truth allocation or event, but it is continual and everyone has a is you need to know your strength. For example, I don’t read in part. If you have any carry over or re-sit, wake up! Nobody the night. I was never found in class reading at night, it’s not my will remember that tomorrow. Those who have distinctions thing but I can read in the morning by 4am or in cases where now, it’s just a phase. In my time I never had a distinction the books seem interesting, I could start from 2am, 3am and so and it is about phases. God deals with us individually; re- on. Most of the time, I come to class very early before my sit doesn’t mean you are dying. It means you are not doing colleagues at about 6am and would read before the classes of what you should do. If you are a real Christian, when you’re the day started, I would go to the library sometimes. During the playing with your academic, the Holy Spirit will tell you. day, I didn’t even have time and I did well. To make it tedious, Even when you are supposed to read your books and you when I was in medical school I was taking tutorials for 7 years, are reading your Bible, He will tell you to drop it and read FSC101, ZLY101, and BTN101. 7 sets went through that. At Idi - your books. Most Christians are not sincere and real. If you Araba, I also taught Physiology, Biochemistry and some walk with God, He will direct your steps and that is what a pharmacy students. All that was just giving back, I didn’t collect lot of people fail to recognise. The sky is your starting anything. Though there was no fee, but in God’s things, He will point if you are walking faithfully with God and not a reward you. limiting point.

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What can you say about the health sector in serious with health provision. The provision of Nigeria and what are the structures that can be equipment, do we have the facilities? I placed on ground to improve the system? remember when I was a student; we lost a The health system in Nigeria is funny, I have patient because of a piece of equipment that being on TV, in the news, on shows etc. and when cost only #500. Till now, I still feel that incident. they ask some questions sometimes, they sound A friend of mine travelled to Australia and surprising. I have been privileged to attend some opened a sterile pack and just took the scissors programs in some nations, being a medical and when he wanted to return the remaining assistant in some other nations, in Europe and items, he was told to throw the pack away. He the USA. Sometimes it seems we are not serious was told that even if nothing was used, once with what we are doing. We take care of elites opened, he had to dispose the pack. He thought and we are not interested in the primary health to himself, back at home, the story is different. I at the grassroots which form the bedrock of the remember as a student back then, we conducted health sector. The health system in Nigeria needs a surgery with torches with our consultant. While to get it right from the basics. The system has doing the surgery, the intestine was already out eight to nine components. First is the healthcare and suddenly, the light went out. What are we to financing, we need to get our insurance right do? We just had to finish the operation, so, we because I don’t know what we are doing at the resorted to using our torches. I had a meeting moment. Secondly, the work force, we have what with the VOI acting executive chairman. He said it takes but the system seems discouraging. Many people say there is no job in Nigeria, but it is not times I have been tempted to travel abroad even true because we are channelling our resources to till now, I’m still tempted. Nigeria has people who the wrong place. For instance, the National have the stuff in every field but they are under- Assembly allocation is enough to pay the salaries utilised and when you go to other places, you of Nigerians. I think it’s time we wake up. see they need you. I know two young graduates with distinctions who travelled abroad and Family, career and Christian life, how do you people over there saw they had stuffs and kept handle it? them. I’m sure they are not coming back at least It’s beautiful when you surrender to God; I am for now. So, right now, we have a lot of brain enjoying my life as a Christian and asking for drain. Information dissemination is another major grace. It’s easier when you know the God you are component as well as governance. We need to serving. Seek God’s face. When you marry the reorganise our health system in such a way that right spouse it’s a world on its own. My Christian it is functional. The government has to get

17 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

walk is beautiful, my career and my wife are eyes, let God order your steps. Back in wonderful and beautiful. Sometimes I travel school, I used to wash rugs for my colleagues but I am conscious I have a HOME. If you are in the hostel. I bought the machine for sincere you will get it. washing the rugs for #10,000. I didn’t pay for water and I washed the rugs and made a lot of money. When some people saw I was What advice would you give to those making progress in business, they stole the studying medicine or interested in studying machine and it was already too late for them medicine? because I had already made my money and Medicine! It gives fulfilment, opportunities didn’t bother. There are lots of lucrative that others don’t have because there are businesses ranging from farming, real estate places you would have opportunities to go. etc. that go a waste because many youths fail Doctors are very important in any nation to see them. Even on the internet, you can once they do their work well. Medicine is one find various business opportunities seeking of its kinds. You should note that doctors are youths. One which I saw recently was a not appreciated well in Nigeria as it should company abroad looking for someone who be. I know there is a future and we are not could export chilli pepper to them because just local but International people. they were in dare need of it and they offered to pay a lot. And, you see in Nigeria we have If it wasn't medicine what else could it be? lots of pepper; with just packaging people Definitely, if not medicine it would have been could be entrepreneurs. But instead, we see business. That was why I wanted to be a youths who are over dependent on parents commercial student in secondary school. not using their brains or developing ideas. If we can ask God for ideas, He will surely give because he that asketh shall receive. God will You had interest in business, despite your not push ideas that will change our lives or practice in medicine, do you still practice make us productive on us because we need business? to ask. God won’t compel us or force His will, When I was in school, I did business that purpose and ideas on us. According to your helped me through school. I didn’t need to abilities is what God gives to you! Use that depend on anyone for financial help because advantage as a child of God to do things. I was making it with the little business I was involved in. You are in school what are you Thank you sir!!! doing with your brain? Think, pray, open your

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The Kingdom Highway

19

19 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

Leading to every city is/are roads of various grades. There is however a city which has only a road leading to it. This city by description is the most beautiful city that ever existed and that will ever exist. The construction of its wall is said to be of Jasper and the city of pure gold. This city is said to have twelve foundations each with a different precious stone. The first through to the twelfth foundation are said to be made of: Jasper, Sapphire, Chalcedony, Emerald, Sardonyx, Sardius, Chrysolite, Beryl, Topaz, Chrysoprase, Jacinth and Amethyst [Revelations 21:18-21]. The kind of this kingdom marvels us and is indescribable with words that literature could employ. Who will not anticipate living in such a city?

"Where is the road leading to this city?", You asked. The answer isn't far fetched. The good news is that you don't pay a toll before you can ply that road and it is forever open; anytime, any day and to everyone. The road itself is beautiful and wonderful but, just like any other road, one must keep one's focus lest one derails. The road is Jesus! Jesus stated unequivocally in John 14:6; "I am the way, the truth and the life:…..." Interestingly, He continued saying: "No one cometh unto the Father, but by me." That is express and exclusive!

There is only a way to God, the king of the beautiful kingdom and the only way is Jesus Christ. While walking, running on this road, all attention must be on Him who is the road, "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith"-Hebrews 12:2; like on any highway! There are a lot of things on the way; others, by the way. Some for strengthening and encouragement, others for distractions.

It is quite important to point out that Jesus Himself did not promise a hitch free ride, what He has promised is that with Him, victory is certain. "These things I have spoken to you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer I have overcome the world."-John

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16:33. The first part of the verse makes it clear that an understanding of its second part is integral to having peace. This is because you will not need to panic when faced with and by tribulations. All you'll need to do is focus on the road (JESUS) and keep moving.

Apostle Paul sounded to us all a note of warning. He said: "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." This implies that it is dangerous to be carefree on this road, it is one that requires extra carefulness and regular assessment. Once you are on the road, you must keep moving, keep progressing, until the day you enter the kingdom and appear before 'the King'. By the wayside are many things which can lead one off the track but, just like on any road, it's a virtue expected of any driver to stay focused.

Jesus is the road and the Holy Spirit is the map (guide), we (the travellers) are the drivers that ply this road. We don't pay to get on this road, we only need our faith. However, we must be conscious of being on this road and remain there. On this road, there are moments when every driver needs to refresh. Your only permitted meals are the word of God and Prayers. Just like a driver can have passengers in his car, you are free to bring others to whom you have preached Christ and Him crucified along but do not journey with baggage of sins, this can cause a 'ship wreck'.

The Kingdom Highway is such a narrow road that wouldn't allow burdens of sins and worldly pleasures to travel with you, so, be careful!

The kingdom is beyond words in description and everyone will and must desire to be there but, let's hold fast to the faith that has been handed down to us and be diligent in our walk in Him who is the road. May His grace be sufficient for us all. Amen!

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Higher heights through Worship

Yes I was once there, I panted after liberation like a deer I could see the light so faint but not a picture of it can I paint The fragrance I could scent, the charming aura a hundred percent Only a story it is now, I was deceived and here I'm back down My heart ached when I realized, that down here it's all faked Restless and stricken daily I cry, deep down in this valley so dry An ambience of death lurks, yet an escape won't come at least by luck I can't continue any longer, it's an overwhelming darkness in which my soul founders Held bound by shackles and colts, I thirst for something I yet cannot grasp My life is full of this vacuum that encapsulates the whole of my being My soul is torn apart and shattered, yet I do not seem to comprehend Why I'm locked up within, but there's this yearning to spread abroad My eyes sought for a mountain top experience, not one I can see nearby I have searched and searched all these years, still my heart pants for "IT"

I feel so null and void; I am so empty and soiled I feel like I'm at the valley, running rallies with parties Down in life's dirt so lowly, who would save me?! I know there's more to life than these, I feel like I have a disease Hopeless and lifeless like a deceased My cup is full of worries, it every craves for an increase I'm not satisfied, I need to rise Deep down in my heart, I am so weary Treading on a ground so slippery

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Caught and trapped in this clay so miry Worship is not bait with which you trap God to do that My soul is so overwhelmed really which you long await... My soul awaits earnestly my departure Worship is a sweet smelling savour, worthy of bringing to What can grant me pleasure, is only a rapture you HIS glorious ardour I long to attain that altitude Worship is a mystery, not something made for a Ministry Where I'll be ever free from this solitude (The Choir) Will I ever get to that expected height? Worship brings you to see, Christ in His beauty: glamorous Where the glow of the sun is so bright? as the ocean and the sea Sadly, it's like a dream in the night Worship brings to you a refill, magnanimous His glory to Not one with a hope of the daylight reveal Worship is not a subject of discretion, "I think He is" But then I stumbled upon this verse, its expression to me so Worship is a function of perception, "I see He is" vast Worship asks: “how great?” It seeks: “who is?” "From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee Worship sings meaning to lyrics When my heart is overwhelmed To God who isn't moved by the cost of fabrics Lead me to the rock that is higher than I" Worship causes our holy hands to lift A rock higher than I? I do not seem to understand Not acting drama to a song in script I soon remembered His words in the scriptures... And how awesome is the mystery of the "higher heights"? "But the hour cometh, and now is It's a lovely sight so bright, up there in the higher heights When the true worshippers His compassion I see so tender, how great He is? I wonder Shall worship the Father “The higher you go, the cooler it becomes”, they say In spirit and in truth The Higher I went, the warmer his love all the way For the father seeketh such to worship him" For His grace I'm completely mystified So my heart let out a loud scream: And His mercy? That left me stupefied! “Higher Heights Through Worship!” Wouldn't you want a taste of this? Of harmony, charity and bliss To the rock higher than I, who shall lead me? Highest height I once thought it was Confused, my soul asked in anguish: But there was never any such thing as that “Is worship all about songs? He took me yonder to another height higher Or, about keeping precepts; never to get 'em wrong? And now I've come to know Is worship the sophistication of instrumentals? Here my surprise I've come to show Or, seeing our lives as ones on rentals? That beyond the higher height, there exist a greater height Is worship a form of music played so slowly? Higher than before, one of which I must confess O! I long for answers I don't know! Is only a bit of numerous more heights, higher than it Is worship serving God wholeheartedly? Or, paying tithes and offerings? We get crazier than David today Maybe I should conclude my long story just to trim We are louder than Bartimeus tonight Worship is all about singing Hymns! We leap and jump, we bow and adore As we lift Him to higher heights where His throne abides Worship is not just about singing hymns; worship is all We will no longer be left in the ditch and abandoned about seeing HIM! We will rise together with HIM with our shouts Worship in its essence is simply who you are in His Voices, echoes and shouts let us render presence To higher heights we go yonder!

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Embraced by his arms

You were saved to save others, by expressing the abundance of God's love in your heart to your fellow men. This does not mean you should live in sin, what concord has Christ with Belial?

Ever wondered why the cross has two arms? It's a simple analogy, one that would make you realize that life is totally about relationships by the time you come to its understanding. God respects relationships and has demonstrated this in so many ways.

Let's focus on one of these many ways - the cross. The vertical arm of the cross stands straight and represents an interaction, a relationship between the earth and heaven. Picture the vertical arm as a connector between you on earth and your heavenly Father. God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit desire a bond with you; and Jesus demonstrated this by dying on the cross. His head on the topmost edge of the vertical arm of the cross, your head bowed at the lower edge of the vertical arm. A relationship that leads to utmost surrender and acknowledgment of His place in your life.

Well, it does not end there! The horizontal arm helps us realize the importance of relating with men around us; your parents, siblings, neighbours, spouse, colleagues, friends and family. Jesus emphasized this when He said to love our neighbours as ourselves. Never get into the error of thinking you were saved to love God only. Nah! You were saved to save others, by expressing the abundance of God's love in your heart to your fellow men. This does not mean you should live in sin, what concord has Christ with Belial? But do not become an island, Christ related with sinners while on earth for the purpose of bringing them to Himself. He hates sin but loved the sinners and died to save them.

Speaking on romance, who said you cannot be romantic to your spouse? The Holy Spirit teaches all things, and God values relationships. So the next time the devil tries to deceive you on your relationship with God and your fellow men, remember the analogy of the cross.

Christ did it! He embraced you with His arms while dying on the cross!! Ensure you live like it!!!

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Fibre Aktive

“Eat more fibres”, you've probably heard that before. But, do you know why fibres are so good for your health? Dietary fibres, found mainly in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes — are probably best known for their ability to prevent or relieve constipation. But foods containing fibres can provide other health benefits as well, such as helping to maintain a healthy weight and lowering your risk of diabetes and heart diseases. Selecting tasty foods that provide fibre isn't difficult. Find out how much dietary fibre you need, the foods that contain it, and how to add them to meals and snacks.

What is dietary fiber? Benefits of a high-fiber diet Dietary fibres, also known as roughages or bulks, include the parts of plant foods your body can't A fibre-rich diet has many benefits including the fact digest or absorb. Unlike other food components that it: normalises bowel movements and helps such as fats, proteins and carbohydrates which your maintain bowel health, lowers cholesterol levels, body breaks down and absorb, fibres aren't digested helps control blood sugar levels (especially for type by your body. Instead, it passes relatively intact 2 diabetes patient). It also aids in achieving healthy through your stomach, small intestine and colon and weight and helps in maintaining a healthy gut flora. out of your body. Another benefit attributed to dietary fibre is Fibres are commonly classified as soluble, which prevention of colorectal cancer. However, the dissolves in water, or insoluble, which doesn't evidence that fibre reduces colorectal cancer is dissolve. mixed. If you aren't getting enough fibre each day, you may Soluble fiber need to boost your intake. Good choices include: This type of fibre dissolves in water to form a gel- Whole-grain products, fruits, vegetables, beans, peas like material. It can help lower blood cholesterol and and other legumes, nuts and seeds. glucose levels. Soluble fibre can be found in oats, Refined or processed foods such as canned fruits peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots, barley and and vegetables, pulp-free juices, white breads and psyllium. pastas, and non-whole-grain cereals are lower in Insoluble fiber fibre. The grain-refining process removes the outer coat (bran) from the grain, which lowers its fibre This type of fibre promotes the movement of content. Enriched foods have some of the B vitamins material through your digestive system and and iron back after processing, but not the fibre. increases stool bulk, so it can be of benefit to those who struggle with constipation or irregular stools. Fibre-rich foods are good for your health. But adding Whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, beans and too much fibre too quickly can promote intestinal vegetables, such as cauliflower, green beans and gas, abdominal bloating and cramping. Increase fibre potatoes, are good sources of insoluble fibres. in your diet gradually over a period of a few weeks. Most plant-based foods, such as oatmeal and beans This allows the natural bacteria in your digestive contain both soluble and insoluble fibres. However, system to adjust to the changes. the amount of each type varies in different plant Also, drink plenty of water. Fibre works best when it foods. To receive the greatest health benefits, eat a absorbs water, making your stool soft and bulky. wide variety of foods that are rich in fibres. Keep Aktive, Eat More Fibre! Reference: mayoclinic.org

25 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway Methuselah'

Exactly how old is 'old'? Sprouted before the invention of Egyptian hieroglyphs and long before the teachings of our Lord, Jesus Christ and the evolution of civilization; “Methuselah” (named appropriately after the longest- lived biblical figure) is the oldest Bristlecone pine alive at roughly five millennia (celebrating its 5066th year in 2016). Great Basin Bristlecone pines (Pinus longaeva) in the White Mountains of California are remarkable for their great age and their ability to survive adverse growing conditions. In fact, it seems one secret to their longevity is the harsh environment in which most Bristlecone pines grow. It is so old that it was only a seedling when the Egyptian pyramids were being constructed. Since it first broke ground, the pine tree has survived wars, cultural upheavals, extreme cold temperatures, a short growing White Mountains sits. These weather conditions, and whatever season, and high winds, what a wonderful plants have as few as 42 else this world threw at it. Now, after combination of factors?! But, that’s days to produce the growth and about 50 centuries of life and how they grow. Bristlecone pines in reserves needed for severely cold history, this tree still stands rooted in these high altitudes grow very winter months. Trust me, only a few the harshest of climates and edaphic slowly, and in some years don't even competitive species can survive in conditions. Yet, it blossoms day after add a ring of growth. This slow this type of soil. By means of day. growth makes their wood very dense adaptation, the Bristlecone’s root and resistant to insects, fungi, rot, system can effectively capture much Bristlecone pines are fairly common and erosion. Vegetation is very of the meager 12 inches of moisture in the regions where they grow. Only sparse (they grow with a lot of space available in a typical year, among the a few Bristlecones in isolated, harsh between each tree), limiting the lowest recorded on earth, according environments have been able to threat of fire caused by lightning to PBS. Since these trees tend to grow to incredibly old ages. In their strikes and lack of vegetal cover grow at elevations between 5,000 natural mountainous desert habitat, around them halts the spread of and 10,000 feet (1,500 and 3,000m Bristlecone pines, against all odds flames. They survive on the dolomite respectively) above sea level, the blossom in the exact opposite of (a form of limestone that contains wind blows almost constantly, drying what we usually consider optimal few nutrients) and alkaline strata on out what little moisture that falls growing conditions: harsh conditions, which their habitat in California's upon the soil.

26 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

Adapting to thrive

All these factors lead to a very slow They are truly one of nature's most growth pattern. Every hundred years or amazing organisms with whom we so, Bristlecones add another inch to share the Earth. Bristlecone pines their circumference. survive for thousands of years in an environment with little rainfall, few Bristlecone needles are viable on the nutrients, cold temperatures and at tree for up to 40 years, unlike many high altitudes. To survive on this other pines which replenish their ascetic diet, Pinus longaeva invests needles in a two or five-year cycle. This very little energy in the apparently allows the tree to conserve energy by unnecessary growth, shutting down all not having to reproduce new needles non-essential processes and focusing "ENERGY-SAVING NEEDLES" frequently. energy on long-term survival rather During dry periods, the tree goes than an increase in size. They look half dormant until conditions turn more dead most of the time, perhaps with favourable. Bristlecone pines can lose just one branch that appears to be up to 90 percent of their bark and alive. Nevertheless, Bristlecone pines survive as long as a strip of bark have claimed these barren slopes as continues to connect their living their permanent home. branches with their underground roots. Their wood is extremely dense and full Evolving here in this harsh of resin, which helps fight off diseases environment, super-adapted and and harmful insects. Bristlecone pine without much competition, trees are often multi-trunked and Bristlecones have earned their seat on become twisted and gnarled in the longevity throne by becoming the appearance as a result of the extreme oldest living trees on the planet. wind and elements in which they grow. Results of extensive studies on Bristlecone pine stands have shown Come to think about the mouth gaping that in fact, such environmental conditions (the thick and thins) this limitations are positively associated poor legendary organism has survived with the attainment of great age. Isn't over the centuries. While all we did as this intriguing?! Bristlecone pines humans was to complain about all the surely deserve our respects for not negative circumstances that surround only surviving harsh conditions, but us, Methuselah was adopting survival thriving in them. Our Methuselah here mechanisms and kept growing; in contrast to the bible's is nothing stronger and stronger. Can you just be short of an inspiration. wise as Methuselah!

27 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

UP CLOSE MOMENT withPASTOR SOLA ADESOLA

Let's start with prayer. that have a passion like us that is, has feelings like [Prayers] us. So, we should be able to do what he did and even greater. In the New Testament, I would say the APOSTLES together because of the apostolic works Can we meet you, Sir? they did that fascinate me. I am Adeshola Abiodun. I'm a pastor at MFM Can we know more about you, Sir? International Youth Church, and a financial analyst. Well! I will start with what drive my passion. What drives it is clearly PURPOSE. What are your hobbies? The first thing is knowing what we should be doing; Well, to be honest with you , what I love doing is whether in church or at the office. What the Lord will spending time with my family. I have a young family have me do have not started, I'm still at the and truth is I hardly have a spare time but the little peripheral phase now. I came from an Islamic time I have, I spend with my family. However, when I background but then, I started going to church one was younger, I loved playing tennis but grown now way or the other. Along the line, I gave my life Christ. and occupied with a lot of things Born in Abeokuta, spent the first 17 or 18 years of my life there before coming to Lagos for my Who is your favorite Bible character? university education. From the time I met Christ, it was clear that God’s hand was heavy on my life and I We'll take both the old and new testaments. In the could not run away from it. So interesting that when old testament, ELIJAH. The Bible says he is a man

28 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

I was to serve at Taraba State, my father tried to big problem. Knowing a subject is different from alter it but his efforts were all to no avail. On knowing how to impart. Being an ex-player does getting to Taraba State, I was made coordinator not make you a good coach, neither does having in the house (NYSC). I thought that would exempt the best grades make you a lecturer. There are me from being posted into the villages but it those who do not know how to impart happened that a certain a mission outfit then knowledge and when they can’t do that, they needed a corps member and I was transferred conceal their inadequacies with bragging. The there. The whole thing was a surprise, how the change needed depends on the school zonal coordinator picked me among over a authorities and government. I can only sot here thousand corps members. Considering that I and talk what may be done to remedy the bore a Muslim name, you'll wonder why he chose situation but in Nigeria that doesn't count. me to serve in Christian mission outfit. On getting to the mission house in a village far from You are a very busy man you said, you have less the State's capital, Jalingo, I was appointed the time for leisure. How do you find yourself financial secretary of the mission and they left getting out of challenges in helping people? the work all in my care while they were away. Before then, however, the patron and I had tried Not easy, but the first thing is being organized. I to defer my posting back to the state capital but try to organize my time because the work I do is it didn’t work. The mission center has since then time consuming. Before I got married my house not gotten any other youth corps member is an home for all, students stay in my house. On because before my arrival they had issue with Sundays, the earliest I leave church is 5 P.M. after corps members and they asked for just one that counseling. I'll return home to meet other time and that was me. Right now, they are like students and start another counseling session till my second family and parents. Also, I graduated night before I go back to bed to sleep for 3 to 4 with a first class degree in accounting and my set hours. I'll wake up, do my devotion and back to had the largest number of first class in the the office. Most times, I sleep in the office. Now history of UNILAG (50students). Studied that I’m married though, I try to organize things afterwards at the Manchester Business School, the more. In church, apart from being a Manchester. I'm a Chartered Accountant and a counselor, I'm the coordinator of medical team, pastor. Though, I don’t feel comfortable with and I am also the alumni coordinator of the beans called a pastor, because it’s more like a MFMCF UNILAG and so on. The work we do shepherd and I’m called more into discipleship. outside the pulpit as pastors is a full time work You’ve studied abroad and here, what are the and I’m not a full time pastor. What I can say is differences between the educational systems? "the grace of GOD." How it comes I don’t know, but it’s just there. Pastor Tunde would always say The major difference will start with the faculty the more you give yourself to God’s work, the (lecturers). Over there, the lecturers are more like more He releases His grace. consultants in their fields unlike here, where some people go into lecturing because they couldn’t get a job. Also, the exposure, good You deal with a lot of people, human beings can network of friends, the method of teaching and be impossible so, how do you deal with large the approach to group works, assignments and number of people? so on are worlds apart. Everything goes into That is part of the fruit of the spirit, PATIENCE. Of delivery at the end; we could conduct seminars course, I tell my students that I kiss and I bite. (concrete ones), expose students to the fields The psalmist said your rod and your staff, they and form good networks just like they are doing comfort me… I can be the most loving person but over there. Many of the lecturers here have gone I bite also. Then, I used to use USB Cords to flog there and have come back to the country but I or chastise my students when they are wrong but wonder why they can’t apply what they have not anymore, now I use my head. DR OLUKOYA experienced over there. always say "their head is not correct!" So, I call it a form of baptism since mine is correct and Some lecturers brag of how much they have theirs isn’t. So, you need patience (a virtue) and a achieved, intimidating their students, what can big heart. I’m also training them and making you say? them realise where they are going. You need patience!! To start with, we have to go back to the basics. Does this person have the passion for teaching? According to economics, human beings are Because if you do, you would try your best to complex and they change, even in relationship. I ensure your students understand you. Also, do try to understand people so that I won’t have a these lecturers go for training? Because, that's a cross with them. The least person you expect can

29 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

even disappoint you. So, understanding the lose your salvation because of busyness or complexity of humans and that those human career. It’s practical, ensure you have messages beings are going through PROCESSES has helped on your laptops, phones, and your car, do prayer a lot. That is why there is a church, you don’t just walks, tongue walk and evening prayer. Secondly, give your life to Jesus and automatically go to when you enter a place, tell them what you stand heaven immediately, you need to undergo some for. Because in my office I never told them I was a processes. pastor but they knew what Shola stands for. Even when there are issues they call Shola to pray. So, don’t compromise what you stand for. It prevents Knowing you as a career man, a lot of youths you from being involved in a lot of dirty things are of the view that you need to be high on because there is no clean place to work even the something before you can speak on a stage? ones owned by Christians. Also, you don’t just That is an erroneous idea, one can pray for work anywhere because some places are caldron courage and boldness. Also, if you are loaded, and that person automatically loses his salvation. you will not be afraid to speak. If one wants to be high, then be high with the Holy Ghost. What is your view on relationship? What steps could be taken to overcome that ideology? It’s a very serious one, that’s what happy home relationship is about (previously called pink and The way to start is not to start to address a large blue program) a lot of youths ask questions and crowd but a small one. Also, ask for concrete want to know. The major thing to know is that it’s feedback from people in order to correct your natural that at some stages as a teenager, you next performance. have sexual urges but that doesn’t mean that you are not born again but how you manage this Where do the youths draw the line between urges so that it will not lead to sin is what being ambitious and their spirituality? matters. One major question as a youth that you Nothing is wrong with being ambitious; the ask is “MATURITY” can you handle it problem is what is driving the ambition. What’s emotionally? I’m I mature spiritually, mentally, the motive, is it to oppress, to ride others, to financially and so on? If you are mature at the impress or to show off? age of 18 or 25 so be it. But if you are not, then, Unfortunately, a lot of wrong beliefs, concepts, you are not! It not just when you enter the and notions than the good ones are out there Jerusalem that you’ve sinned, even in your mind you sin too. Define your relationships and and the youths today get influenced by these immediately you see that you are getting closer wrong teachings. So, there is nothing bad in then you need to, check it. This is because being a millionaire in your twenties but the question is what will you do with the money a lot of people roll from friendship into (your passion)? relationship and then to marriage, I’m not saying you can’t marry your friend but it shouldn’t go in Is it to channel your wealth to use for God or is it that pattern, and failing to ask God or knowing to oppress? Is it to carry ladies, buy the latest cars, like the rich man in the bible? Even our about His say on the issue shouldn’t be. A lot of sincere prayer according to Psalm 90:12 says, things are involved in a relationship and you "satisfy us early...." I anchor the career program need maturity to handle them. I’m not talking for the final year brethren on “balancing career about age. Can you be committed? Do you have life and spiritual life”. One of the things that the time? For me, during my time I was so busy saddens me is that many that serve GOD on in the service of God and had zeroed my mind on campus, immediately they graduate it seems the it completely even when ladies were giving me coat of spirituality was left in school. Many turn advances, I ran away. While I was alone in my to something else and it's happening almost house, I never allowed sisters to visit me, rather everywhere. So I ask myself, "what seems to be see at the street and you rarely see me at home. the problem?" It’s not about speaking or tearing NEVER GIVE THE DEVIL A PLACE should be your in tongues. word guard. If we all can use this scripture, it [Laughs] will help us because if you give the devil an inch, No! It's not funny, it’s very saddening. Way back he takes a mile. Never give a place to the devil, in school I was not an executive but my when you are chatting and you are already president used to be on fire for God but when I having an erection, flee! Never give a place to saw him the other time, he now drinks. Very devil, when the proposed time for the dinner painful because the kingdom of God must not party have been shifted from 7pm to 11pm, suffer loss of any of you! That should be your don’t go or when a guy is asking you to follow passion or drive. You must determine first, not to him, run!

30 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

youths but thank God no matter what, God What is the difference between activities will preserve His own but what about the rest. and service? A lot of youths need to find God, to encounter the true Go. They need to meet HIM; not I call it acceptable service; it’s doing what God forming it but having an encounter with Him. has asked you to do or called you to do. While Not about all those fake speaking in tongues activities is functioning in an office though that have given rise to a lot of them missing it. not called into it but you are functioning for I pray the prophecy written in Acts 2:17 can the progress of the gospel e.g. the head is the come to pass. Psalm 42:1 says ”.....I want to prophet, the hand is the evangelist and brain, drink God.” (The Message Bible) Can you drink the pastor. Each having their function and are God and be sleeping around? Because inside in one body propagating a single purpose but of you God is living and you can’t carry HIM when the hand refuses to function as the and what to do evil, it’s not possible. I have an hand but chooses to function as the head and hash tag called: "#In Search Of God". I want viceversa then, there is misplacement of young people to follow it. I want them to be purpose and function, and it’s a problem. Your like the psalmist who said “I want to drink place of calling is where you are needed, God", I want them to find God because the where you should be found and not missing. devil is on a serious crusade harvesting souls. So, how can we stop it? By finding the true Having given so much advice to the youth, God, not the wrong thing being taught out what is your singular prayer for them? there. My sincere prayer is what the Bible says, because there are a lot of wastage of Thank you very much sir! potentials and virtues going on among people Thank you for having me. and you wonder is there a future for the

31 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway Medilag Speaks

Someone that is held dearly in our heart, very invaluable, of high esteem, he/she means the world to us. We see such a person and with the most immediate effect, we feel at ease and we tend to smile. It seems like the most potent magic! This singular person can be our best friend, fiancé, parent etc. Losing a loved one can be very pathetic and disastrous; cases are there where one, too broken by their demise could follow through the icy hands of death may be because of the shock, perhaps the bond and a times as a result of suicidal ideations . Here, on this page are a few experiences of people who lost their loved ones and the chemistries after the inevitable, as we know true experience is where we can get the better knowledge. Here we go!

Have you ever lost a loved one? How did you feel? And how did you pull through it?

Yes! I have. A cousin. He died in the house When I was little, I had a close cousin who while I was sleeping, it was devastating. was married and we would visit her place at Everyone wept sore. He died of asthma attack. weekends. She was more like a mum. On one We tried to resuscitate him but he was in pain of our visits, she was heavily pregnant then, and nothing worked. He was a humble soul, she had prepared assorted dish and then very nice and everyone loves him. We were pointed to one of her hens and told me it's got very close. an egg inside and that next time I visited, she Anonymous [300 level, Nursing] would prepare it for me. But before the next visit could come, I heard was she died during I had lost a cousin before, a physiotherapist. labor. Very painful and shocking. He was so close, more than a sibling, and Anonymous [300 level, BDS] we've been together for a while. The whole episode of his illness started when I was in I had indeed lost a loved one while I was much Akoka. He managed the sickness for a while younger. My father! I was not around when and at a point he was flown to India. He came the incident happened but got a call breaking back quite relieved. Then sometimes in the news back then in my secondary school. It January last year, the sickness relapsed and was devastating, an unexpected occurrence. I grew worse and whenever we talked on was told he had a headache and slumped and phone, he would say “hope you are praying a few hours after getting to the hospital, he for me”. He finally died on February 9 last was confirmed dead. Unexpected, again I say. year, a Tuesday morning to be precise. Anonymous [200 level, PHARMACY] Anonymous [300 level, MBBS]

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Losing a grandma last year was so sad for me because it's been three years since I last visited her. Each time she called, I would postpone my visit. She suffered from liver problem. November 19 I got the sad news, it was shocking. I couldn't sleep, it was so painful. What pained me the most was that I didn't get the opportunity to see her before her demise, this made me feel guilty. Anonymous [300 level, NURSING]

I had lost my Dad, a friend and a cousin. The most painful was that of my cousin. He was walking along the road when he fell down hitting his head on the ground. He was in coma. I really prayed, I thought my prayers were not working. After ceaseless prayers, I got the news in school, believe me, I lost concentration in school. I lost my faith in God. It took my counselors, teachers and advice from friends to regain my faith in God. Anonymous [300 level, NURSING]

Yes I have, I lost my maternal aunt, my maternal grand pa, also my cousin. The most painful was my aunt because I knew her very well. She was my confidant, one I talked to when I had issues. She died during childbirth. I know I lost her but, I also know for a fact that I was going to see her again in a better place. Initially, I was sad and disoriented but now, I've come to a place of peace and I let go of my sadness. Instead, I focus on my ability and her children so that they wouldn't feel the loss of their mother. Anonymous [300 level, PHARMACOLOGY]

I have lost a childhood friend 'EMMANUEL' in 2016. I saw it on Facebook and had to ask a colleague of mine if it was really true as I couldn't believe it. I couldn't eat, cried all day because we grew up together and we used to chat though, at some points, he stopped replying my chat. I thought he lost his phone not knowing that he was ill. He was referred to so many hospitals; I don't know what it was that he was diagnosed of. It took me a lot of pain to delete his contact from my Facebook page. Anonymous [300 level, NURSING]

These experiences must hurt, right? Yeah I know. paramedic personnel is hung in sacrificing our all: Losing a loved one is not only painful but also time, money, concern, listening ears, prayers and so disheartening. As humans that we are too, we sure on to ensure that our patients get the best care do feel bad when something bad happens to a loved possible and that they leave for their homes with a one. But same applies to the patients we owe our happy face or die graceful after you have given your attention daily because, not only are they our all. We should keep off from every lackadaisical patients, but dearly loved ones of some other attitude towards our patients and get committed to people. Therefore, utmost care and sincere concern their welfare and care, we should be more of must be shown to them to ensure their well-being. problem solvers not problem avoiders. Most of these The essence of this piece or poll is to bring us to the patients are found in pitiful states and instead of consciousness of treating our clients as more than ignoring them; it will be great if we could speak just patients who lie sick on a bed waiting for our hope and life to them in our words and actions medical expertise. Rather, they should be likewise. As faithful stewards, GOD expects us to approached holistically and just as you would wish function efficiently in our service and not to neglect or give your best to ensure that your loved ones do the very core and essence that surrounds our being not die the same should be meet to them. According in this prestigious MEDILAG and THE MEDICAL FIELD to the scripture, those things which you would allow at large. or permit to be done to your loved ones should be In conclusion, treat everyone with profound love done likewise to this patients. We've been called because even Christ didn't die for some selected into a humanitarian service and a lot is required of people but all. us because the life of a medical practioner or a

33 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway e t g er r icV y/M c e harmar P S

34 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway Mar!Leh!!reAh!!!

I want you to know that it is one of the deadly diseases in the world today. It is the most murderous disease in Nigeria, and has been in that position for at least five years.

One of the most dangerous things in the world is avoid bites by it because there is no vaccine for this what we sometimes play with very carelessly. The disease yet. Some of the most effective ways to amusing part of it is that we even get to pass over it control this insect is by using powerful insect as if it was something as safe as hitting a balloon repellents (you can get one in a pharmacy), and with all the strength we have. The news of the most making use of Insecticide-treated mosquito nets. prevalent cause of death in Nigeria has never been The net usage offers greater than 70% protection over or under emphasized. Yet, to most people, it compared with no net. There are also a good doesn't seem like it is that important. Moreover, I number of drugs that can help prevent the disease. haven't been infected with the disease for about You can also get the most effective ones in a two years now and still counting, despite that I pharmacy close to you. haven't been on any preventive measures towards it. I hope you will listen to my voice in this article The disease name is Mar!Leh!!reAh!!! Sorry, I meant and follow me through on some basic analytics on MALARIA. Moreover, it is with a saddened heart I am how this deadly disease deals with people it has telling you that the World Health Organization ever had its way with and also how some had won (WHO) estimated, in 2015, that there were 214 over it instead. million new cases of malaria which resulted in 438,000 deaths. The majority of the cases (65%) First, I want you to know that it is one of the most occurred in children under 15 years of age. In Sub- deadly diseases in the world today. It is the most Saharan Africa, about 125 million pregnant women murderous disease in Nigeria, and has been in that are at risk of infection each year. However, a position for at least five years. It is an insect-borne qualified health professional can only confirm the infectious disease (transmitted by an insect) caused infection. So, before taking any decision, consult by a group of tiny microorganisms referred to as the any authentic medical centre around you first. And Plasmodium spp. The insect responsible for don't forget the saying, “Prevention is better than transmitting this disease is our favourite mosquito cure.” (the female Anopheles mosquito to be precised). The mosquito sends the parasites from its saliva Take the information about malaria very serious and into a person's blood, where it is transported to the do not stop telling people about it. It is only when liver for maturation (maturity) and reproduction, so we fight together that we can win together. Building as to run back into the bloodstream in order to a malaria-free Nigeria begins with you. Let's work destroy the red blood cells. towards the goal. Thanks for reading.

The manifestation of signs and symptoms of this disease begin about 8 to 25 days after infection. These may include one or more of headache, fever, shivering, fatigue, muscle pain, dry cough, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, hemolytic anemia (a loss of blood cause by the destruction of red blood cells in the body), jaundice, blood in urine, and convulsions. This disease in pregnant women is an important cause of stillbirths (death of baby in the womb at about one month of pregnancy), infant mortality (death of a newborn baby), abortion (termination of pregnancy) and low birth weight (underweight of a newborn baby).

In order to protect ourselves from being infected, we can use medications, eliminate mosquitoes, and

35 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

NEW KID IN THE BLOCK TRAVIS MONTORIUS GREENE

Travis Greene, 33, the Gospel artiste from Delware, Germany, who grew up in Georgia, USA has blazed up the globe with his unique worship style and his award winning songs and album. But, just how much do you know about this fast-rising musician? You may be surprised to discover more than you could ever have imagined; beyond the very popular, the significant events that transpired in his early years in Delware Germany. Very popular trivia like: 'How he was almost lost to the icy hands of death at birth because he was indeed still birthed, 'how he cheated death the second time at the age of 4 after a four-storied building fall while he was in Germany but was resuscitated [His not-so-unpopular story of meeting with the Lord when this event happened]', 'his father's death when he was just a kid at the age of 5 [And just may be you never knew, that his father died of aneurysm]', 'his invitation to perform at President Donald Trump's Inaugural Ball [his decision to perform at this event which received a lot of criticism thereafter]', 'his matrimonial union with an African, precisely a Ghanaian woman, Jacqueline Gyamfi Greene and blessed with two sons'.

That's a lot you know but here are many more mind blowing facts you may never have known about Greene:

 Greene was raised in a military family.

 His career started in 2007 with the release of 'The More'.

 His first album, 'Stretching Out', released in 2010, was Greene's introduction to the Billboard Magazine Top Gospel Albums Chart; where it placed at #27

 Songs: 'Still Here' and 'Prove My Love' both charted the Billboard Magazine Top Gospel Songs chart at peaks of #19 and #27 respectively.

 His second album, 'The Hill' which was released late in 2015 [30th October] found its way, straight up to #1 on the Billboard Magazine Top Gospel Album Charts.

 Greene released an extended play, 'Intentional' on August 21, 2015, with RCA Inspiration, which was placed at #3 on the Billboard magazine Top Gospel Albums chart. [Its song, 'Intentional', peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard magazine Top Gospel Songs chart].

36 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

 He's been named the 'Future of Gospel' by the elite 'JET Magazin'.

 Greene is not just a gospel artiste but a Pastor. He and his wife 'Jackie' co-pastor Forward City Church, South Carolina.

 Greene has been nominated for 2 Grammy Awards [in the Best Gospel Performance/Song category], 13 Stellar Awards [in total], 3 Dove Awards and the #1 'Gospel Airplay Artist of The Year' on Billboard.

 His song- 'Made A Way' was #1 on Gospel Radio.

 Greene almost lost a son when his wife's water broke halfway through pregnancy. She was in bed for another two months before she gave birth successfully two months earlier than the expected date of delivery. This is the inspiration to his song, 'Made A Way'.

 Nominated for 9 Stellar Awards, Greene bagged 7 of the prestigious awards in the following categories:

 Song of the year; MADE A WAY.

 Male vocalist of the year; THE HILL, TRAVIS GREENE, Sighs! So much for a fulfilled minister. Travis Greene is RCA INSPIRATION. really big time success in the Music industry. Watch out for that New Kid in the Block; He released his third album  CD of the year; THE HILL, TRAVIS GREENE, RCA 'Crossover' on February 2, 2017. And I must confess that INSPIRATION. 2017 is gonna be a blast for Greene and His numerous  Contemporary male vocalist of the year; THE HILL, fans all over the world. TRAVIS GREENE, RCA INSPIRATION.

 Contemporary CD of the year; THE HILL, TRAVIS GREENE, RCA INSPIRATION.

 Praise and worship CD of the year; THE HILL, TRAVIS GREENE, RCA INSPIRATION.

 Recorded Music packaging of the year; ANNIE STOLL, THE HILL (TRAVIS GREENE), RCA INSPIRATION.

37 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

Halitosis

How does it feel when you've got mind blowing cavities and even nasal congestion. Although the ideas cooking up within you but you cannot just specific reason is unclear, the very back of the voice them out? Or when you've got to stand tongue is an important source of bad breath. afar, even at arm's length before you can Possibly as a result of post-nasal drip, this can converse fairly freely with peeps and pals? Yeah get stuck on the tongue and is then broken down you're sophisticated in appearance and by bacteria on the tongue surface. In most cases appealing in personality but there's just this (about 85-95%), the odour comes from the stigma that has renamed you to Mr/Mrs 'Ali' mouth rather than the nose. This is an indication (though not after the legendary boxer, G.O.A.T, that bacterial activities somewhere in the mouth Mohammed Ali). This is a piece to educate you is responsible but if the odour comes mostly about the very bad omen termed 'Halitosis'. from the nose, then the nasal passages may be involved. Most cases of bad breath appear to be Halitosis, also known as 'fetor oris' simply means due to the breakdown of proteins by a variety of bad breath. It is an oral condition that entails micro-organisms. Several of the breakdown cases of mouth odour; to which bad breath is products are foul smelling gases. In people with closely related. Bad breath (halitosis) is a healthy teeth and gums, the odour usually common problem which often comes from the comes from the back region of the tongue, and activity of bacteria in the mouth. The specific grows stronger when the patient starts talking. If odour of breath can vary depending on the the back of the tongue is the problem, then the cause of the problem. The main problem is dentist can recommend a method of cleaning the knowing whether we have it or not, because we area, either with a toothbrush, or a specially are poor judges of our own breath odour. Some designed tongue scraper. people suffer from bad breath without knowing it. Some others build up exaggerated fears about Gum diseases are also major contributors to foul breath odour even though they do not have it; oral odours and bad breath. Your dentist can this condition is called 'halitophobia' and can help prevent and treat gum diseases in various lead to obsessive mouth-cleansing behaviour. ways, depending on the type and extent of the problem, but your own daily home care makes all Halitosis affects an estimated 25% of people the difference in the world in maintaining gum globally (1 in every 4 people). There are a health between appointments. Cleaning of the number of potential causes of halitosis but the spaces between the teeth is of great importance. vast majority come down to oral hygiene. One home tip to healthy gums (and less bad Common potential causes of bad breath include: breath) is to smell the odour coming from the dry mouth (as seen in xerostomia), food, tobacco, dental floss, and to work to clean those areas dental hygiene, crash diets, drugs, mouth, nose more carefully. and throat conditions, foreign bodies in nasal

38 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

As mentioned earlier, the most common reason it yourself. If no one is on hand, one way of for bad breath is oral hygiene, but other checking the odour is to lick your wrist, leave it situations can also be to blame. Rarer causes of to dry and then smell it. If it smells bad, there is a bad breath (halitosis) include: strong chance your breath also smells bad. You should also avoid using perfumed cosmetic Ketoacidosis: when the insulin level of a person products, such as body spray, aftershave and with diabetes is very low, their bodies can no scented lipstick prior to the assessment, since it longer use sugar and begin to use fat stores can interfere with the odour assessment. If you instead. When fat is broken down, ketones are suspect that a specific area in your mouth is the produced and built up. Ketones can be cause of your foul breath, you can sample this poisonous when found in large numbers and area using a plastic spoon. The odour coming produce a distinctive and unpleasant breath from the obtained sample may then be odour. Ketoacidosis is a serious and potentially compared to the overall odour. life-threatening condition. Bad breath does not only affect the sufferer, but Bowel obstruction: breath can smell like faeces also those around them. Some go through their if there has been a prolonged period of vomiting, daily life completely unaware of this problem, especially if a bowel obstruction is present. unless they are told directly by people in their social circles. This is a source of discomfort and Chronic Kidney Disease: an odour similar to can be very embarrassing. Halitosis can cause ammonia or urine has been noted in patients significant worries, embarrassment and anxiety with Chronic Kidney Disease when waste but, generally, it is relatively easy to remedy. If products normally removed by the kidneys are you or someone you love has chronic bad breath, left to build up in the bloodstream. don't worry treating bad breath starts with Bronchiectasis: a long-term condition where recognising the fact that conventional bad airways are wider than normal, allowing for a breath remedies like mouthwash can only do so build-up of mucus that leads to bad breath. much and that you must turn to your food and lifestyle to completely address this condition. Aspiration pneumonia: a swelling or infection in the lungs or airways due to inhalation of vomit, In summary, the best remedy for bad breath is saliva, food or liquids. regular brushing, flossing and hydration. Remember that aside your nice dresses, fresh scenting perfumes, and every other 'homeworks' Assessing your breath odour to look good (don't chase away your friends with the “hali-something”); maintain a good oral It is best to ask a close friend or relative to gauge hygiene. your mouth odour as it is very difficult to assess

39 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

Victory In A Bitter Capsule: Samuel Okwaraji

Heads of football enthusiasts and fans but lost that of the hand. We were would have hung in despair from the overpowered. Its fist knocked a man of us heart render caused them by the tragic down and its cold grip took him forever. transaction that took place in the World Into the oblivion, encapsulating our Cup qualification match between Nigeria Victory with grief. Juxtaposing jubilance and Angola as they thronged out of the and tragedy in just one day. What a bitter- National Stadium in Surulere on that sweet day! fateful 12th day of August, 1989. It was a sunny Saturday that held for Nigerians an The day our enigmatic, energetic and well ominous bank of grief which was read whiz kid Samuel Okwaraji left us for unforeseen. The "decider" between The the world beyond. He went reluctantly Palancas Negras of Angola and The Green behind, the cold grips of death pulling a Eagles of Nigeria (as they were then cord on his heart. The referee had just called) had the attention of so many flashed the Red card to his hard marker Nigerians and Africans at large drawn to who was still arguing with him when it. Football enthusiasts went out in their suddenly he slumped and before the very numbers, filled the available spaces in the eyes of every spectator in the 77th stadium and anticipated victory however minute of the game, life was milked out of it came. The ones who couldn't find their him. ways into the venue in Surulre, Lagos My retrospective perspective of the were glued to their TV sets by the same incidence of his demise was the popular magnitude of force that had driven others myth of the Nigeria versus India match to the stadium. where the Nigerians won the match Nigerians won the victory, the earnestly against India by 1 goal (Nigeria) to 99 anticipated victory. Yet, we lost! We got goals(India). This was possible because the ticket to Italy, yet, we lost! the Indians boasted that the Nigerian team wouldn't score even a goal and that We won the battle of the foot on the ball if they did, they had won the game.

40 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

I'm very sure if not all, a lot of us would have at one Samuel Sochuckwuma Okwaraji was born on 19th time or the other believed this story and just a few of us would have known that which is true. May,1964 in Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria. He was a classic midfielder who had carved himself a niche According to the myth, the Green Eagles' efforts to score against their opponent were all to no avail. in the Nigerian national team. He also held a master's degree in international law from the Some said the Indian team were about 22 players, where 11 were visible and present on the pitch and University of Rome. the remaining 11 supposedly were up in the air (invisible). Funny, isn't it? But this will crack your ribs He played for various clubs on the international the more. It was said that the ball used during this scene including: game would change to all sorts of things like lion, *****palm tree bunch or other scary objects, which made the goal keeper run out of the goal post after 1984-1985----AS Roma seeing the ball in different forms allowing the Indian 1985-1986----Dinamo Zagreb team score lot of goals. Others said they used BLACK MAGIC. Okwaraji through the leading of an angel was 1986-1987----Austra Klagenfurt said to have been instructed to play the ball at a 1987-1989----V F B Stuttgart particular position after an offence was committed by an Indian player. The Nigerian side was then awarded 1987-1988----SSV Ulm(loan) a penalty kick. So in that vein, Okwaraji kicked the 1988-1989----Nigeria(National team). ball so hard that it landed at the back of the net giving Nigeria a goal. Owing to the fact that the ball was a big stone in disguise, it caused the death of He was only 25 years of age when this awful and Sam Okwaraji after that hard kick on the big stone painful loss of a legend was experienced by our (ball). What an incredible story! But it never did country and his family. He would have completed his happen, there was never a match between Nigeria PhD thesis in a matter of weeks from that fateful and indian. Saturday, had the incident not occurred. He had also just signed a football contract worth over $50,000. A Also, the Indians were never banned but they chose loss indeed! Of a patriot and first Nigerian football not to participate in football from time. Where this matyr whose name would forever be etched in the myth came from, no one knows. But in all, the one sand of memory. fact that stands out was that we lost a player, a brother, our very own on the field of play, Samuel Adieu Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji! Okwaraji.

The Orlu born international midfielder in his prime died of congestive cardiac failure which is a condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the need of the body. This was discovered after a postmortem investigation was done to discover what was responsible for his sudden death.

41 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway BeIn tgheinning

In the beginning God did some things He made Heaven He made Earth And He made Light

In that same beginning The earth made was without form An empty waste And darkness was upon the face of the very great deep

Even in that beginning The Spirit of God was present Hovering over the waters Yet, with the absence of the light

And God said Let there be Light And there was Light And the Light was Good

That light which was God's Light Became mankind's Life The life with Light That even darkness is still trying to understand For millions of years

Howbeit, I wonder How that this Light was the word of God Which was God Himself Present with Him right in the beginning

How come this same Light Initiated the potentiality of all things All things made Approximately with the contiguity of the Father's presence

Still, in the beginning The shining of the light is not just to light up the earth But to shine in our hearts So as to illuminate The knowledge of the Majesty And the glory of God In the face of Jesus Christ

Let there be Light in your Life The Light from the beginning

42 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

Hepatitis

I am very certain that it will not be a piece of news to tell you that the liver is the one of the most important organs in the body. It is the largest internal organ in any human being. It has a very wide variety of functions carried out by the cells of the liver known as hepatocytes. Its most essential functions include: helping the body to digest fats, synthesis (production) of different types of proteins, detoxification (filter) of poisons and elimination of wastes from the blood, and storage of nutrients. The liver can lose up to 75 percent of its tissues to disease or surgery without ceasing to function.

What then is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is literally the inflammation of the liver. It affects the liver's ability to perform the life-preserving functions listed above. The most common cause is viruses. Other causes include heavy alcohol consumption, certain medications, toxins, autoimmune diseases etc.

There are five main types of viruses that are intercourse with an infected person, or via capable of causing hepatitis viz: hepatitis sharing sharp instruments that break the types A, B, C, D, and E viruses. skin. Babies born to an infected mother have 90 to 95 percent chance of contracting HBV Hepatitis A virus (HAV) lives in feaces that is during childbirth. Though, an infected baby still in the body before excretion. It is spread may show few or no signs of infection, the when infected individuals do not wash their infant continues to be infectious and can hands after using the toilet and then handle pass the virus on to others. food, or when a person changes an infected person's diapers and then handles food Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a slowly before washing the hands. People who eat progressing infection that is primarily spread this contaminated food have a high risk of by intravenous drug users. Anyone receiving becoming infected. The virus also spreads an improperly screened blood from an when drinking water is polluted with raw infected person may be infected with the sewage. When people drink contaminated virus. HCV can also be spread through the water, or use it as ice or to wash fruits or sharing of toothbrushes, razors and infected vegetables, they also have the risk of needles with an infected person. It can also contracting HAV. Eating raw or partially be contracted by having unprotected sex cooked shellfish harvested from water with an infected person, and can be contaminated with raw sewage can also lead transmitted from mother to child during to HAV infection. childbirth.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) lives in the blood and Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is found in the blood other bodily fluids. HBV is transmitted from and transmitted through the sharing of person to person via unprotected sexual infected needles or through sexual contact

43 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

with an infected person. HDV is a parasite medical reason for liver transplantation of HBV, that is, it uses the B virus to due to its severe complications. In the reproduce itself and survive in the body. developing regions of Africa, Asia and Therefore, only those infected with HBV South America, prevalence can be as high are open to HDV infection. as 10% of the population. Similar to hepatitis A, hepatitis E manifests as large Hepatitis E virus (HEV) lives in feces and outbreaks and epidemics associated with is transmitted through contaminated food fecal contamination of water sources. or water. It is basically found in countries Infection rates are high in the developing with poor sanitation. world.

Hepatitis A, B, and D are preventable with Specific populations at greatest risks of immunization. There are currently no infection include: travelers to endemic vaccines for HCV and HEV, and so it is regions, men who have sex with men, advisable to live a very hygienic life by those with occupational exposure to non- taking personal and environmental human primates, individuals with a hygiene very serious. However, history of chronic liver disease, and medications can be used to treat chronic intravenous drug users. cases of viral hepatitis.

Diagnosis Diagnosis of hepatitis is made on the Management and Care basis of some or all of the following: a patient's signs and symptoms, medical Bed rest, abstaining from alcohol, and history including sexual and substance taking medication to help relieve use histories, blood tests, imaging and symptoms would be sufficient for those liver biopsy. In general, for viral hepatitis with hepatitis A and E as most sufferers and other acute causes of hepatitis, the get well on their own after a few weeks. patient's blood tests and clinical picture Chronic hepatitis B and C infections are sufficient for diagnosis. (which do not get better on their own Hepatitis A infection rates are highest in after a few months) may be treated with low resource countries with inadequate drugs, such as lamivudine and adefovir public sanitation and large, concentrated dipivoxil or with a combination of populations. Hepatitis B is the most peginterferon and ribovarin. common cause of viral hepatitis in the Worse case scenarios are liver transplants world with the most endemic regions for patients of Hepatitis B, C or D patients being Sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia or even death if not promptly detected where as much as 10% of adults are and given necessary attention in time. chronic carriers. Hepatitis C is a common

44 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway History of MFMCF MEDILAG

It all started in 1996, when an announcement As time went by, towards the end of the year, a was brought at MFM International Headquarters brother from UNILAG (Bro Akin) suggested that to the notice of all medical students present in a structures, such as nomination of executives service, concerning the establishment of a should be put in place. Following this suggestion, Students' fellowship at Medilag. Those present in Bro Ope Obilade was appointed as the church that day included Sis Lara, Bro Sola, Bro Coordinator, Bro Uche, as the Deputy Ope Obilade and some other medical students at Coordinator, Bro Sola, as the Prayer coordinator that time. The first official fellowship meeting and Sis Lara as the Sisters' leader. It was at this took place on the 21st of April, 1996 at time that new members from the School of COMPSSA BUILDING, CMUL, where the brethren Nursing, LUTH, the likes of Sis Bukky Akinseye, gathered in fellowship. It was more like a prayer Sis Laide and so on, joined the fellowship. meeting, as there were neither musical instruments nor chairs but this served as no Every Thursday of the week was for prayer hindrance as they praised God with their voices, meeting, and Fridays, evangelism, where they hands and dance. The service was done in moved from block to block of the hostels. Sisters unison and singleness of heart, though, they would go to the male hostels (accompanied by were all still freshers in MEDILAG and didn't have brothers) to evangelise and vice-versa, not much experience on how to run a fellowship. leaving anyone out. Holding of special activities With the help and grace of God, they were able then was difficult without instrument, so, to run fellowship services without the speakers and other equipment were borrowed supervision of any senior student. After a short from the sister fellowship in UNILAG, Akoka. while, Bro Uche (a 400L student then) joined the Soon, the G.O. (Dr D. K. Olukoya) provided some fellowship. He gave a lot of advice on how the speakers and microphones. He also had some fellowship could be run. There were no people come over to the fellowship to lead EXECUTIVES then, as none of them was moved praises. There were strict rules on dressing and by posts or nominations, rather, the fellowship conduct, which of course, to some students was run by joint involvement of every member. seemed old fashioned. However, other students They all delighted in coming together to whose concerns were more on God rather than fellowship and pray. doctrine kept up attending and as expected, each time, they left transformed and touched. A

45 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

little while later, the fellowship venue was shifted to result of an inferno that burnt down Didas Hall. That a field side and then, the Lord used someone to was how we started all over again at Destiny hall provide a keyboard for the fellowship. The services and as always, God was merciful and gracious to us. were wonderful as it was spirit filled and the power That very night of the incident, Bro Ope (the pioneer of God moved in their midst. Around that time, Bro coordinator and president) gave #100,000 to Demola Adewoyin and other students from alleviate the loss incurred as a result of the fire. The Radiography, Physiotherapy, Medical Laboratory General Overseer, Dr D. K. Olukoya and some Science department joined the fellowship. members from the headquarters also gave finacial assistance. Once again, the venue was changed to the shopping complex. It was a student area, so they stayed at a It is worthy to note that during Bro Debo Adewale's corner at the back of the plaza to hold services. This tenure, the vision of Nazarite was birthed by the was a challenging period for the executives then, then Music Director, Bro Seye Oluwaleti but it was because they would need to clear, organize and held in low key because of the limited structures prepare the area for their service and it was time available then, they were referred to as MFMCF consuming. The wonderful thing was that amidst MEDILAG DRAMA GROUP. Bro Demilade became the those challenges, souls were saved and lives next president and had Bro Femi Osunlusi and Bro touched. God moved mightily that it became Seye Oluwaleti as his vice. His tenure was the evident in their midst. God's word and reaching out beginning of a great expansion, a massive year of for the lost was their focus. increase and for the first time, Drama Night and Sacrifice of Praise (a worship concert) were held. The When Bro Segun Obatutu joined, the fellowship leaders of the Nararzites and the levites then were structure was improved. Retreats were done on Bro Wale and Bro Jide Adara respectively. The fields, and contributions were made by members to mantle was handed over to Bro Tobi Orekoya, and purchase chairs, fans etc. After every service, his V. P was Bro Chukwudi Okwelogu and then over students would wait behind to carry materials used to Bro Seye Oluwaleti who served as President for (chairs etc) back to the stores; it was more like giving two consecutive tenures. In his first tenure, his V.Ps your own piece to God. MFMCF MEDILAG was the were Bro Jide Adara and Bro Chukwudi while in his first fellowship to have a store at Medilag Hostel but second, he had Bro Jide and Bro Yemi Adeniji to it was taken over by the administrators at that time. assist him. His tenures were ones that had lots of When Bro Uche graduated, Bro Shola was appointed beautiful stories and testimonies, a lot of successful the new deputy coordinator. concerts and Drama Nights among other things. In the following tenures, Presidency was handed Weekly services were fresh encounters, and various over from Pst Ope (after graduation) to Sis Bukky departments did exploits. Finally, the mantle rested Akinsheye and then to Bro Demola Adewoyin who on Bro Daniel Ayeni, a physiotherapist in the making handed over to Bro Benson. At this point in the whose tenure has being a wonderful and a success fellowship history, Pastor Segun Obatusi, the first story, having Sis Itunu Awofuwa and Bro Emmanuel national coordinator for the Campus ministry Adeshina as his V.Ps with other (27) executives improved on the fellowship structure. He regularly holding different strategic positions. The venue was visited the fellowship for support and exhortations, moved to a newly renovated DESTINY HALL. as well as organized weekend retreats for workers. This particular tenure was privileged to host the Again, the venue was changed to Didas Hall beside General Overseer of MFM in a program themed "The Penguin Hall. General prayers were held at a field Seeking Generations". It was a great revival indeed, arena in LUTH (but people were later stopped from one that MEDILAG still feels the impact, as many using that arena by the then administrators).The were healed, lives were touched, and lost souls fellowship, with tremendous supports from found their way back to their maker. The Nazarites members who had graduated, started seeking funds and Levites Programs were awesome and graceful. for a bus from different sources including our God indeed has been faithful for the journey so far. International Headquarters, Banks etc. Gathering for prayers every morning was a delight for fellowship members during the 70 days prayer and fasting I do hope that most of your questions, concerning programme. God was indeed our strength as the the history of MFMCF MEDILAG have been fellowship was finally blessed with a bus in the answered. Thank you for reading through. tenure of Brother Edwin. Bro Benson handed over to Bro Edwin Bello who handed over to Bro John We are the Lord's own family!!!!! Aderoju, now a pharmacist. Bro Debo was his vice president. Bro Debo Adewale was appointed president in the next tenure, and his V.Ps were Bro LOOKING FORWARD TO KNOWING WHO THE NEXT Demilade Oyewole, and Bro Femi Osunlusi. This PRESIDENT WOULD BE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! tenure began the Workers and Executives Retreat. Still in that tenure, the venue was moved to Destiny Hall just beside Foodee. This movement was as a

46 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

Leaders Todaofy

Life has taught many a hard lesson that, 'for any There can be no future without the present. The given day, there's always a pending tomorrow' or present will determine how the future will look, and better to say' tomorrow becomes today, today once the present is managed well, the future will be becomes tomorrow' and the cycle keeps trending. guaranteed. So the future begins now. Failure to do The implication of this is that when we reach the this now will have a grave consequence on us. There long expected tomorrow, it's a day more, away from is a great need for reorientation on leadership our dreams 'just another tomorrow'. At last we find across the nation, and most especially for the youth. out that there was never really' a tomorrow'; just a today that whenever utilized to our very bests. Sad Leadership is a function of responsibility and not a enough, many only get to discover this truth when function of age. it's just so late. As a young boy, Joseph had a dream of becoming a Question is what do we make of today?! Each gift of great leader. Though his brothers hated him for this, four and twenty hours packaged in that gem called he nurtured the dream, not allowing the pit, slavery, 'TODAY' is what answers the 'who' question about free and illicit sex or the dungeon to deter him. As a us. Get your mind working on this: once that gem result of his discipline and determination by age 30 called today passes by, it's gone forever but you he became the prime minister of Egypt. have tomorrow in your purse so long till it becomes David, a mere shepherd boy became a national today. So why lose what precious valuable that you leader when he took upon himself the responsibility have while trying to grasp another far beyond your of fighting the Goliath of Gath, the over 11 foot reach? And it's even harder to bear, when you get to giant. Though David knew he could have been killed, realise that you lose tomorrow only because you he cared none the less for his own life. This is the didn't invest enough or at all in today. A recall to the kind of leaders needed in this generation. Will you wise proverb: a bird in hand is better than many in be that youth leader who will volunteer to fight the the bush, how thoughtful and brilliantly stated. 'Goliath' of corruption, bad governance, insecurity, For any group of people to work together for a unemployment and poverty? common goal, there is need for a leader. So In essence, what do I to help me out? Simple, leadership arises because someone has to be become a man of now, a leader of today. Waiting for responsible for defining or championing a common tomorrow only invites the dreadful duo: course. 'Procrastination and Wastefulness'. You wanna be a Often, it's been said that' the youth are the leaders politician, start the 'becoming' today. You aim to be of tomorrow. 'Those who say this are simply actively involved in business, start setting up your implying that the youths are useless for leadership aura today. Tomorrow doesn't just dawn on us all of today. This is no wonder our nation is so backward. a sudden, we've been quite busy setting the bricks one on another as each today transits into a 'He said," I'd sooner send you off with God's yesterday. blessings than let you go with your children. Look, you're up to no good—it's written all over your 'Made' never exists without the 'making'. Making faces.'–Exodus 10:10 (The Message) Pharaoh knew is a today's job that guarantees tomorrow's pension: that the Israelites would not flee from the land of 'made'- BestQuotez captivity without their children because, before long the older generation will die off leaving no one to take over the reins of leadership.

47 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway FASH IONI STA “Who exactly is a fashionista?” you may like to ask. But, if I'd questioned first what would your reply be? Maybe you'll tag it as someone that has got the 'fashion sense' a phrase so popularly used or you'd say someone that can combine clothes be it colour, length, patterns even against weight and height. Perfectly making sense ain't it?

I'd say fashion is essentially about who does it (fashionista); as can be observed in their variation of taste and kind. So, to me; 'F-A-S-H-I-O-N' so spelt expresses:

F FEELS COMFORTABLE A ACCUSTOMED TO GODLINESS S SELECT YOU WEARS H HAVOC-FREE I INVITES GODLY MEN/WOMEN O ORGANIZED DRESSING N NO LUST ATTACHED

48 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

FEELS COMFORTABLE

You would hear some ladies say, "Please, I am comfortable F with what I wear. Yes, I know my cloth is skimpy but I'm the one wearing it and it's my lap that is exposed, not anybody's." Cool! If you happened to have rashes or big scars on that same lap, I wonder how much of it you'd want to expose. And how much of discomfort are you causing to innocent minds out there with your skimpy dresses?

ACCUSTOMED TO GODLINESS

The way you are dressed is the way you will be addressed, a so true. I may imply that your dress would portray what content is in you, Christ maybe. Personally, I always anticipate the publication of 'the Christian Mirror' because of my love for those model pictures of Christian Women in decent dresses. Dress with a sense of dignity. I tell you, a brother would respect you more for dignity than expensive fashion.

SELECT YOUR WEARS

Different clothes for different occasions, really, it baffles S me. Christian brothers and sisters, what's happening? People in the world are supposed to learn from us and not the other way round. You don't just throw anything on your 'body, what are you throwing? Is it a dirt or is your body a waste bin? "Abeg" be classy "jawe", wear nice and beautiful things. When you go and buy your clothing, please select good wares. Preferably, don't go with just your legs and eyes, keep the company of the Spirit.

HAVOC-FREE HA lot of us may point accusing fingers at Potiphar's wife for such abuses as she did to Joseph. Fellow sisters, aren't you just the same if not even worse? You do not have to remove the robe of Joseph before you abuse him sexually. You play around exposing what should be confined, He's not a robot! Not everyone is a Joseph o!

INVITES GODLY MEN/WOMEN

Does your fashion only invite thugs or guys by the road I side whistling out to a daughter of Zion like a dog? I'd say that's who you told them you are. You don't want to be like that sister that was raped by a mad man after strong arousal by her 'fashion-something', you know right? It's a reality not a fiction.

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ORGANISED DRESSING OWear clothes that fit you well. Not in the name of Christianity should you look like a clown in dressing. Why should you wear a cloth that would accommodate four others of your size? Moderation is a key factor in dressing. Fashion on the extreme ends is just as good as worse. Last time I checked, fashion isn't about spending so much on wears.

NO LUST ATTACHED

Four lettered and mono-syllabic; 'LUST' is one thing that nshould be avoided in our fashion. It's so amazing how lust has been fine tuned in this age. I couldn't help but wonder, and was thrown in deep awe the first time I heard the word 'SLAY-MAMA'. “Wawuu!” It's enough, what the world presents to our brothers already; Christian sisters shouldn't join in this slaying charade.

I had the opportunity of being under a teaching of the great teacher, Gbile Akanni in which he shared the story of a girl. The story goes thus: when he

50 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway Song & Artiste Review

When peace like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain: It is well, (it is well), With my soul, (with my soul) It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul. It Is Well My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! My sin, not in part but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live: If Jordan above me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life, Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait, The sky, not the grave, is our goal; Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord! Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.

51 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

INSPIRATION BEHIND THE SONG

'It Is Well' is a hymn penned by the hymnist was picked by a sailor and his team. She was Horatio G. Spafford and composed by Philip Bliss revived and taken back by a ship en-route .The story behind this soul-lifting hymn is one Europe. Mrs Spafford sent a telegram to her that would cause us to reflect on and understand husband, which read thus: "Saved alone, what what our Christian journey entails. Horatio G. shall i do?!" On receiving the telegram, Mr Spafford was a lawyer and business man who Spafford took the next ship to Europe to meet his invested in estates enterprise in Chicago. Mr bereaved wife, as he sailed through the stubborn Horatio was married to Mrs Anna Spafford and storms, on getting to the Atlantic Ocean at the they had five children, a son and four daughters. very spot were his daughters had drown (as told Their son died at the age of 2 from pneumonia in him by the sailor), Mr Spafford was in untold pain 1871, leaving behind four daughters. Mr and Mrs and bitterness. That very moment it was, when Spafford were committed members of the the lines and lyrics of the above hymn, his mouth Presbyterian church. Mr Horatio encountered a employed. Mr Spafford chose those very words major setback when his business and estate at the point of deepest grief and sadness, these enterprise were destroyed by the great fire that same words of hope and courage made the affected Chicago in the year 1871; the economy famous hymn: 'It is well'. Instead of weeping, of Chicago was not left out in this tragic getting so angry at God or asking Him "Why?", Mr occurence and Mr Horatio was faced with lots of Spafford chose those graceful words: an irony challenges far more than bearable. This affected that stupefies. Yes! He had every justification to him so much that soon, he had serious financial question the Creator or file a law suit if possible, issues. In the bid to help improve his wife's but he did something heroic as well as ironic. health in the light of all the mess they had gone through, he planned that he and his family Mr Spafford and his wife had 3 children years should go on a vacation to Europe with friends later: a boy and two girls and as if it wasn't for some extended time. enough, February 11, 1880 his son died of scarlet fever adding to his archive of miseries. All On the very day for the journey Mr Horatio had in a single lifetime. After His son's death, his business issues to attend to, so he sent his wife family relocated to Jerusalem because of the ill- and four kids ahead of him. They boarded the S.S spoken words and undeserved blames that Ville du Havre ship that contained over 303 people served the couples. Four days shy of his passengers on board. 60th birthday, Spafford died on October 16, 1888 of malaria, and was buried in Mount Zion On November 21, 1873; as the ship was heading Cemetery , Jerusalem. towards the Atlantic ocean it collided with a British sea vessel, 'Loch Earn'. Right there and What cogent lesson(s) have you learnt? then, it sank in the middle of the Atlantic ocean within minutes. Mrs Anna gathered her children As Christians, it is sure bound that a lot of ugly and prayed that God would save them all, things would come our way testing our personal concluding that his will be done. That was before conviction and faith in God. Instead of the ship sank into the deep sea. The ship-wreck succumbing to these most unwanted dilemmas, claimed the lives of over 223 passengers on shouldn't we put on the garment of hope and board, the four daughters of the Spafford thanksgiving, same way that the amiable Mr couples inclusive, but Mrs Anna was found on Spafford has led, without losing our firm stance the sea, unconscious, floating on a sparring and irrespective of what people say?

52 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway Movie Review

Courageous

At some point in our lives, we are faced with road into the bush, leaving both men trying to responsibilities and challenges in diverse ways. catch their breath. The thug managed to escape God expects His children to take the bull by the leaving Nathan hyes at the mercy of eye horn & overcome these obstacles with Him by witnesses. Despite his physical state he used his our side. last breath and effort to open the back seat of his car. This movie reveals a young man who stopped by the gas station to get some gas. While at it, he Lo and behold, there was baby Nathan Hyes in discovered the screen of his SUV jeep was tears with fright written all over his face. actually strained and then opted to get a screen wiper. At the same instance, a thug named T.J This movie shows us how much God can go the entered the vehicle. One would think the mister extra mile to ensure that we are safe, though to would have just accepted his lot but no! us it may seem like He has forgotten us. But every now and then, he sacrifices a lot to ensure He takes up the challenge while chasing after our comfort and safety. It also emphasises the the vehicle which was in motion. While outside role of fatherhood, it's responsibilities, the car, he struggled with the thug who steered challenges, trials and so on. the car roughly. Eye witnesses wondered why this man would not just let it go. The thug It would not be a bad idea for you to see this however proved to be heartless as he was movie especially the male folks. As for the determined to harm the mister so as to claim ladies, we are certain you could also learn one or possession of the car. two things from this wonderful movie.

Mercy finally smiled on Mr Nathan Hyes as he was eventually able to swerve the car off the

53 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway Movie Review II

I'm Not Ashamed

We all at some points in our lives are faced with the puzzle of understanding who we are, what we stand for and what our purpose is. Life poses us with questions like: “Who am I?”, “What is my purpose?”, “Why was I created?” “To whom am I sent?” And we search within ourselves, confused, perplexed and overwhelmed with the heating troubles of life and pose with insatiable list of needs. Though, the answers lie before our very eyes but we can't just accept the fact that the answers are not so farfetched.

This movie tells us the story of a girl in her teens, struggling with finding answers to her true essence in life as she worried and began to search for her stand in this compromising world where most Christians are missing the ancient land mark. It goes further to show us how she was faced with a lot of factors pulling her off the track to heaven as she tries to make judicious efforts of living the life of a Christian. Showing the daily challenges and battles Christians fight in a practical manner that can easily be related with. Will she be able to overcome or would she fall flat for the trap set before her? Was she able to discover her purpose and find answers to her questions?

Why not make out time to watch this true life movie that will inspire your next step. I think anyone who truly seeks answers to such questions should watch this movie.

54 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway Meet The Executives

Ayeni Daniel Awofuwa Itunu PRESIDENT V.P, PRAYER CORD.

Adesina .O. Emmanuel Arinze Chinazor Olayemi Jesutomilola Agunroyi Mary V.P & S.O.N G.S V.P & S.O.N FINANCIAL SEC.

Amodeni Oluyinka Kehinde Oyewunmi Yinka Eneje Echezonachi John Eberechi Ruth BROTHER'S CORD. SISTER'S CORD. BIBLE STUDIES CORD. MUSIC DIRECTOR

55 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway

Adebiyi Farouk Aladelokun Elizabeth Ganiyu Titilayo Ifeanyichukwu Esther ASST. MUSIC DIRECTOR P.R.O & VISITATION SEC. EVANGELISM SEC. S.O.N CORD.

Oluwagbade Oluwamayowa Kaife Anthony Adeniji Oludotun Diamond-peter Oyenma LOGISTICS CORD. ASST. LOGISTICS ASST. MUSIC DIRECTOR TRANSPORT CORD.

Olaibi Oladunni Olajide Precious Tai-ojuolape Elizabeth Obadara Victoria USHERING & LIBRARY SEC. WALFARE CORD. DECORATION SEC. ACADEMIC SEC.

Koleowo Oluwagbemiga Onyejegbu Chinelo Mercy Akinfemiwa Dolapo Adelayi Esther EDITORIAL SEC.1 EDITORIAL SEC.2 I.T SEC . & ASST. ACADEMIC CORD. SHIM COORDINATOR

Omike Victoria Chibuike Babalola Micheal Olajugba Seun Ogunyemi Oluwatoyosi Racheal ASST. SISTER'S CORD. ASST. PRAYER CORD. DRAMA CORD. SON SISTER'S CORD.

56 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway Departmental Photoshoot

Pastorate

Evangelism deptartment

Secretariat

Prayer deptartment

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Academic deptartment

Sisters deptartment

Brothers deptartment

I.T deptartment

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Welfare

Nazarite

Ushering

Transport & Logistics

Levite deptartment 59 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway Fellowship Photo spree

60 Divine Avalanche’17 The Kingdom Highway Comic: Carry Your Cross

Whatever your cross, whatever your pain, there will always be sunshine, after the rain .... Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall, But God's always ready, to answer your call ... He knows every heartache, sees every tear, A word from His lips, can calm every fear ... Your sorrows may linger, throughout the night, But suddenly vanish, dawn's early light ... The Savior is waiting, somewhere above, To give you His grace, and send you His love .. Whatever your cross, whatever your pain, "God always sends rainbows .... after the rain ... "

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