Archives | Deji Okegbile's Blog

Matriarch Ruth Elton, ‘As Smallish in Stature but Giant in Faith’: Oldest Missionary to Nigeria, Dies At 91.

Posted by Deji Okegbile | Aug 31, 2025 | General and Ecumenism, Missions and Evangelism |

Matriarch Ruth Ometere Elton, born on September 7, 1934, was the only child of Pa Sydney Granville Elton (Pa Elton), a foremost evangelist and Area Superintendent of the Apostolic Church of Nigeria in charge of Ilesa, Ekiti, Akoko, Kabba, now in Kogi State, then, under Prophet Joseph Ayo Babalola. Matriarch Elton was brought to Nigeria in 1937, at age two and a half years. In one of her interviews, Matriarch Elton, founder of Coming Kingdom Outreach, Ilesa, explained that her father came in February 1937, and at that time, we were told that no Oyinbo person was in Nigeria,...

Leaders’ opposition to Jesus: Souls, greater than the Sabbath.

Posted by Deji Okegbile | Aug 27, 2025 | Missions and Evangelism |

The lectionary gospel reading from Luke 13 is a missional account of opposition to Jesus’ healing of a woman with an infirmity for 18 years on the Sabbath (Lk 13:10-17). Bearing in mind the multiple missional layers to the meaning of this story, it resonates with men and women going through the church motions without genuine movement, much like the synagogue leaders. Jesus Christ encountered criticism, grumbling and plotting from different groups because He was seen as a threat to the religious and political hierarchy, and because He exposed sin. A good example is the opposition and accusation of...

25 YEARS AFTER 2000 METHODIST ORIMERUNMU REVIVAL: What next?

Posted by Deji Okegbile | Aug 23, 2025 | Methodism, Missions and Evangelism |

Twenty-five years ago, thousands of Methodist members and their friends from across Nigeria flocked to Orimerunmu village, Ibadan/Lagos Expressway, to be a part of this great move of God and to receive Resurrection impartation. They, like many in the early church in Acts (see Acts 2), sang with fervour, testified of God’s sanctifying power, waited on the Lord under a very challenging environment until they were baptised in the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. Twenty-five years ago, Orimerunmu village was a virgin thick forest with surrounding villages full of idol spots. Rev Dr Kikelomo Adeyemi, the MEM leader,...

Jesus brings Division: Result of Jesus’ Kingdom Proclamation.

Posted by Deji Okegbile | Aug 18, 2025 | Missions and Evangelism |

There are times when loyalty divides, especially in today’s world and in places where becoming a Christian is a capital offence, persecution, ostracism, and suffering. This is hard, in my personal experience and ministry. We may not all love the challenging and ‘unhappy truth’ of the Gospel, but as followers of Jesus Christ, we must acknowledge, obey, and proclaim them. Jesus’ death would force people to choose for or against Him and thus kindle the fire of division between those who follow Him and those who do not. In the Gospel reading from Luke 12, Jesus expressed His concern...

Elder Gbenga Otemuyiwa, Osu Community Health Ambassador: A light has gone out, but its warmth remains.

Posted by Deji Okegbile | Aug 10, 2025 | Events |

Elder Olugbenga Abefe Otemuyiwa, an accomplished mental health nurse and nursing leader who worked on “making the service better,” passed on to glory on Saturday, 24 May 2025, after a brief illness. Elder Otemuyiwa, a dedicated psychiatric nurse, emphasised his unique blend of clinical expertise and compassionate care, recognising his profound impact on the lives of those he served. Elder Otemuyiwa, throughout his 35 years of service, upheld the values of safe, competent, and ethical practice to ensure the protection of the public; Respect for the inherent worth, right of choice, and dignity of persons; Health, mental health, and well-being;...