Prayer not enough to transform, Osho counsels

Transformation of lives goes beyond just saying prayers, it also involves obedience and taking practical steps to see the manifestation of God’s blessing and protection.
Abiodun Osho, general overseer of Dominion Harvest International Church, made the clarification at the inauguration of the church in Lagos, stressing that prayer coupled with skill empowerment translates into the transformation of lives.
The occasion also witnessed his ordination as a pastor by Olumide Emmanuel, general overseer of Calvary Bible Church, Lagos; and graduation of participants at the skill acquisition workshop organised by Dominion Harvest.
Osho, who studied microbiology at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), said he was born into an Anglican family and had established many churches before he finally received a divine mandate for a harvest barn two years ago.
“I’ve been going to church right from my childhood. But I gave my life to Christ in 1989,” he recounted.
“The call for this Dominion Harvest International Ministry came in March 2014 in Jos where I was attending an African mission conference.
“One thing I have been doing since I got the call of God upon my life is soul winning.
“By the grace of God I have a ministry called Kingdom Outreach International Ministry that goes to villages; winning souls, planting churches, but we never pastored any of these churches.
“When we started a church we handed it over. I have planted several churches. I started planting churches right from my school days at the University of Lagos.
“This is the first time I’m pastoring a church. And what God told me is about creating a harvest barn. When I go out there to harvest souls, we need to bring them to a place where they will be nurtured.
“So, the vision is to win souls, disciple them, and release them to take the harvest of the world. It’s a global vision; to take the Gospel to all parts of the world.”
Osho explained that the skill empowerment initiative was prompted by God’s message for him to impact lives, in line with the big harvest. Soft loans will be provided for the graduands to practise what they learnt.
“God spoke to me about empowering the people and it’s all connected to the big harvest. I know that God does not give money, but He gives power to make wealth. I am a businessman. I am into software design.
“At the same time God told me to impact the lives of people. If you are generous towards people, they would be generous towards God.
“In today’s world, it’s not enough to pray for people, you need to give them skills. When you give them skill combined with prayer, there would be transformation.
“So we have been able to organise a skill acquisition programme which has benefited 500 people who are graduating today. As we were planning for the inauguration of this ministry, we started the free skill acquisition workshop.
“We are starting an entrepreneurial school to teach people how to start and run a business.
“For those who can’t afford startup capital, we intend to give them interest-free loans. It’s not just about having the skill, the essential part is for them to practise and turn it into wealth.
“But to get the loan, they have to go through our school. The school will teach entrepreneurial and leadership skills. And it is also free.”
Sections at the workshop included ankara tie and dye, book publishing, photography, makeup, catering, and hall decoration.
Maomi Osuji, a 200 level mass communication student at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, said the workshop enabled her to nurture her passion for photography.
“Photography has always been something I want to go into. When I saw the flier, I quickly picked interest in it. I didn’t know much about photography, but I have been able to learn a lot during the two weeks.
“I learnt about the principles of photography; aperture speed, and some techniques. I’m now practising them. I want to become a photo journalist,” Osuji disclosed. The graduands received their certificates after the service.