Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, has praised Pastor William Kumuyi for the global impact of his ministry, describing him as a sage whose work has touched countless lives.
The Punch reported that Oyedepo made the remarks on Saturday while speaking at the August edition of the Global Crusade with Kumuyi in Ota, Ogun State. The programme is themed, “Total Transformation Through Christ.”
The cleric said he had closely followed Kumuyi’s ministry since its early years and remained impressed by its enduring strength, spiritual influence and impact.
“This man is a sage. Today, I am amazed at the strength, the unction and the impact of this ministry all through these years,” he said.
Explaining his presence at the crusade, Oyedepo said he came because “honour must be given to whom honour is due”, adding that Kumuyi had become a significant voice whose ministry had influenced people across the world.
“May this grace continue to multiply, in the name of Jesus,” he prayed.
Oyedepo also expressed optimism that the participants would encounter God’s grace during the programme and witness remarkable experiences.
Speaking on the topic, “How Shall We Escape, If We Neglect So Great a Salvation?”, he emphasised the need for genuine salvation, citing Hebrews 2:3 and 2 Corinthians 13:5.
According to him, salvation should not be regarded merely as an ideology or belief but as a personal and tangible experience.
“Salvation is not an ideology; it is an experience. May everyone gathered here tonight be set to experience the salvation of Christ,” he said.
Oyedepo recalled his own conversion, saying he gave his life to Christ on February 19, 1969, when he was 15 years old.
“There was no guesswork. I knew what took place in my life when I did,” he said.
He identified love, joy and peace as characteristics expected in the life of a genuinely regenerated Christian, urging believers to regularly examine their relationship with God.
The bishop further encouraged Christians to take spiritual responsibility by obeying God’s Word and remaining steadfast in their faith despite challenges and temptations.
He stressed that attaining heaven required commitment and discipline, noting that things of great value usually came at a cost.
“Everything of value carries a cost. Heaven is the most valuable destination. Therefore, there are definite costs,” he said.
In his sermon, Kumuyi, who founded the Deeper Life Bible Church, spoke on “The Great Transplanting of Blessings into Your Life” and also acknowledged Oyedepo’s steadfastness in the Christian faith.
Kumuyi disclosed that his relationship with Oyedepo dates back to the 1970s, saying their renewed fellowship could lead to greater things.
“We enjoy one another fellowship as he and I are going younger at heart, we are re-establishing that fellowship, greater things are yet to come,” Kumuyi said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that one of the notable testimonies at the crusade came from Florence Okafor, whose husband, Sunday, reportedly battled mental illness for 17 years.
The testimony was among several accounts presented during the programme, which entered its fourth day in Ota on Saturday.
The Global Crusade with Kumuyi is scheduled to conclude on Sunday.
