Bishop David Oyedepo has recalled how his passion for God and souls led him to plant a church in a village at the age of 19, despite not being baptised in the Holy Ghost at the time.
Oyedepo shared the testimony while speaking about the importance of passion among new converts and believers, stressing that genuine commitment to God does not necessarily begin with years of experience.
Recounting his experience, the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide said he was troubled by the thought of spending 72 days in the village without establishing a church.
He said, “I wasn’t baptised in the Holy Ghost then, we haven’t even been taught that the Holy Ghost is relevant but passion! How can I be in this village for seventy two days without a Church! No!”
Oyedepo recalls 40 day church project
According to Oyedepo, the church was built with palm fronds and other available materials after land was secured from the village head. He said the building was completed within 40 days, with villagers later presenting him with a lantern during his send-off.
The cleric recalled that the villagers told him, “The Light that you brought to our village, let it shine round the world!”
Oyedepo also said he could not remember exactly what he preached during his time there, but believed God honoured his passion and drew people to the church.
Call for passion among new converts
He urged believers to develop passion for God, souls and fellowship, describing fellowship as a place where Christians receive renewed strength.
Oyedepo further encouraged new converts to see themselves as members of God’s household and actively participate in fellowship, rather than relying on technology or other distractions.
His recollection has drawn attention to the role of passion, commitment and genuine faith in Christian service, particularly among new converts.