Welcome Note

Greetings to all Sanitation Volunteers and Ministry Members,

We are excited to share the highlights and significant contributions of our Sanitation Ministry during the June 2024 Holy Ghost Service, held on Friday, June 7, 2024. This event, themed “The Rod of Fire,” was a remarkable occasion that demonstrated our commitment to excellence and service. Below, we detail our participation and the inspiring message delivered by our General Overseer, Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

General Overseer’s Message

June 2024 Holy Ghost Service

Theme: The Rod of Fire
Date: Friday, June 7, 2024
Ministering: Pastor E.A. Adeboye
Key Scripture: Exodus 4:20 – “Moses took the rod of God in his hand…”

SERMON SUMMARY

Introduction to the Rod of Fire

Pastor E.A. Adeboye opened the sermon by defining the “Rod of Fire” as the “Rod of God,” drawing from Exodus 4:20, where Moses held the rod of God. He explained that because God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29), the rod in Moses’ hand symbolized divine power and authority.

Elijah’s Mantle: Another Rod of Fire

Elijah, a prophet known for his fiery encounters with God, possessed another form of the rod of fire. Pastor Adeboye referenced:

1 Kings 18:35-39: Elijah prayed for fire from heaven, and it descended.
2 Kings 1:9-13: Elijah twice called down fire from heaven in a single day.

When Elijah was taken up to heaven, he left his mantle for Elisha, symbolizing the transfer of divine power and authority.

Jesus Christ: The Ultimate Rod of Fire

Pastor Adeboye emphasized that the ultimate rod of fire is Jesus Christ, as prophesied in:

Isaiah 11:1-5: Jesus is the rod out of Jesse.
Matthew 3:11-12: Jesus baptizes with fire.
Acts 1:8: After Jesus’ ascension, He promised the Holy Spirit, a mantle of power for believers.

The rod in Moses’ hand, Elijah’s mantle, and the Holy Spirit given to us by Jesus all symbolize God’s empowering presence and authority.

What Can the Rod of Fire Do?

Swallow the Rods of Enemies:
- Exodus 7:10-12: Moses’ rod, turned into a serpent, swallowed the magicians’ serpents.
- 2 Kings 6:8-23: Elisha, empowered by Elijah’s mantle, captured and controlled a hostile army.
Make a Way Where There is No Way:
- Exodus 14:13-22: Moses parted the Red Sea.
- 2 Kings 2:13-15: Elisha parted the Jordan River.
- John 14:6: Jesus is the Way.
Close the Door Against Pursuers:
- Exodus 14:23-28: The Red Sea closed on the Egyptians.
- 2 Kings 4:1-7: Elisha helped a widow overcome her creditors.
Turn Bitter Experiences into Sweet Ones:
- Exodus 15:26: Bitter water turned sweet.
- 2 Kings 4:8-37: Elisha revived the Shunammite woman’s dead son.
Produce Something Out of Nothing:
- Exodus 17:1-7: Water from a rock.
- 2 Kings 4:42-44: Elisha multiplied food.
Grant Dominion and Authority:
- Psalm 45:6, Psalm 110:1-2, Psalm 23:4-5: The rod is a symbol of kingship and dominion.

How to Receive the Rod of Fire

Pastor Adeboye concluded by emphasizing that to wield the rod of fire, one must have transformed hands, symbolizing a life wholly surrendered to God (Exodus 4:1-8). Holiness and purity are essential, as the fire of God does not mix with sin (Isaiah 52:11).

Pray for Holiness, in order to be able to receive, and bear, the Rod of Fire.

Prayer: “Father, make me holy and pure, fit to bear Your rod of fire.”

Prayers and Declarations

1. Swallow the rods of your enemies:

Prayer: “Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, let every plan against me be consumed by fire tonight.”
Prophesy: “The Lord asks me to tell somebody, your set time of favour has come. Amen.”

2. Make a way where there is no way:

Prayer: “Father in the mighty name of Jesus, every obstruction on my way, clear by fire.”
Prophesy: “The Lord asked me to tell someone, the recurrent crisis in your family is over now. Amen.”

3. Close the door against your pursuers:

Prayer: “In the name that is above every other name, anything causing you embarrassment, the fire of God will shut against it in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Prophesy: “The Lord asked me to tell somebody, your next miracle will be spectacular, it will be a miracle that cannot be hidden. Amen.”

4. Turn bitter experiences into sweet ones:

Prayer: “Father in the mighty name of Jesus, let every source of sorrow in my life be consumed by fire.”
Prophesy: “The Lord said there is someone here, an acquaintance that you have not seen for a long time is going to show up and he is going to turn the tide for you. Amen.”

5. Produce miracles from nothing:

Prayer: “From today onward, not enough is something you will never say again. Amen.”
Decree: “I decree to you today, that kind of Joy that is unspeakable, full of glory, will come your way very soon.”

6. Grant dominion and authority:

Prayer: “Father in the mighty name of Jesus, empower me to rule in the midst of my enemies.”
Decree: “From now on, in the very presence of your enemies, you will enjoy. Amen.”

Sanitation Ministry’s Participation

Our Sanitation Ministry played a critical role in ensuring the smooth running of the June Holy Ghost Service. Here’s how we contributed:

1. Pre-Service Preparations:
  - Comprehensive cleaning and sanitizing of the entire Redemption City.
  - Special attention to high-traffic areas to ensure a clean and welcoming environment.
  - Set up sanitation stations around the venue.
2. During the Service:
  - Ongoing cleaning and waste management to maintain a spotless environment.
  - Rapid response teams to address any immediate sanitation needs.
  - Coordination with other departments to ensure seamless operations.
3. Post-Service Clean-Up:
  - Thorough clean-up of the entire venue.
  - Waste segregation and disposal to maintain ecological standards.
  - Preparation for upcoming services and events.

Special Address by Pastor Akpan

On a bright Saturday morning following the June Holy Ghost Service, Pastor Akpan, Director of the National Sanitation Ministry on Special Duties and Pre/Post Cleaning, delivered an inspiring address to wrap up the June HGS special duties/general sanitation exercise, at the New Arena sanitation base, Toilet 9, in the New Arena/”Shimawa” camp ground.

Pastor Akpan began by expressing heartfelt gratitude to the team, recognizing their unwavering commitment and hard work. He emphasized the importance of their roles in maintaining cleanliness and upholding the sanctity and orderliness of the Holy Ghost Service environment, echoing the sentiments of National H.O.D. Pastor Abdullai on excellence in sanitation.

He underscored the necessity of competency and skill in sanitation tasks, stating that their efforts were crucial for seamless church activities and the overall worship experience. “Sanitation is not merely about cleanliness,” he said, “it is about creating an atmosphere conducive for worship, free from distractions and hazards.”

The June HGS sanitation exercise was significant as it tested newly installed sanitation projects (namely, the new toilet fittings and waste management equipment) in preparation for the National Convention in August, to ensure everything functioned perfectly for the larger influx of attendees.

Pastor Akpan commended the team for their unity and enthusiasm, noting their collective spirit of oneness and excellence. “Your dedication is a testament to your faith and commitment,” he remarked. “You serve with gladness, and it shows in the impeccable state of our facilities.”

He concluded with a goodwill message, encouraging the team to maintain high standards and serve diligently. He reiterated that their behind-the-scenes contributions were vital to the success of RCCG programs. “As we move forward,” he concluded, “let us keep the spirit of excellence alive in everything we do, for the glory of God and the benefit of our brethren.”

The sanitation team left inspired and motivated, ready to tackle upcoming challenges with renewed vigor, reinforced in the importance of their duties and their resolve to perform them with excellence and joy.

Prepared by: Tairu Olaitan Oluwasegun, Sanitation Media Director