How wonderful it is, how pleasant, for God’s people to live together in harmony”. (Ps 133:1)
The journey from Akure to Ede was rough. This could partly be attributed to the bad road, the fumes of the bus that kept stinging my eyes and the fact that the driver kept stopping at every possible place to pick passengers. You could therefore imagine the huge relief I felt upon arriving at Ede. As it was my first visit to the Pastoral Centre, Ede, the venue of the reunion, I soon discovered that the ancient-looking buildings at the entrance only camouflaged the beauty inside. The neatly mowed lawns, the beautiful flowers, the various religious statutes, the parks and most importantly the serenity of the environment made the compound were breathtaking! It was a sight to behold.
I was the first to arrive. After registration at the reception, I was directed to my room. The room was located on the ground floor of a one storey-building named St Mulumba, which was right in front of the chapel (I would later be joined by Br. Martins Olorunlomojo and Br. Akinyemi Eyitayo who proved to be great roommates throughout the reunion). I settled in and it did not take long for others to arrive. Br. Timothy Olatunde, his wife and their handsome baby, Emmanuel were the first to arrive. Then many others came; Br. Charles Alufoge, Sis Doyin Ibitolu, the Oladejis, the Olaniyis, the Ologuns, who also came with their handsome baby, Fredrick, Sis Winifred Ogwu, Br. Ike Damian, Br. Wole Ogunsua, Bro John Awoleye, Br. Peter Babatunde, Sis Toyosi Elusiyan, Sis Helen Egwu, Sis Ibukun Falokun, Sis Victoria Onakpoma, Br. Martins Olorunlomojo, Br. Eyitayo Akinyemi, Sis Loveth Oladele and Br. Dele Ogunsanya. Later that night, Br. Anthony Obi, his wife and their four children joined us, and the alumni President, Bro Bede Akorah came in during dinner. Br. Emmanuel Ojo driving in from Abuja was the last to arrive at 11:30 p.m. As you would expect, the atmosphere was filled with joy as pleasantries, hugs and greetings were exchanged.
Our host and chaplain, Fr Abe was present to welcome us, we were all very happy to see him again. Father looked so fresh and handsome; it was hard to believe he was older than the last time I saw him. He was his usual active self, walking around to ensure everything was in order.
We had a little time to rest after the dinner and to prepare for the vigil mass for the new month of October, which was scheduled to begin at 11:30 p.m. The mass was celebrated by Fr. Abe at the Pastoral Centre Chapel. At the mass, we prayed fervently for our dear country Nigeria and for the success of the reunion. The mass ended some minutes after 12 a.m., on Saturday 1st October 2022.
After the celebration of the Mass, we proceeded to a small hall to have vigil prayers for special intentions. The theme of the vigil was “Power to Prosper” and the exhortation and prayers were led by Bro Stephen Oladeji. It was a powerful prayer session that we didn’t want to end. The vigil, which was broadcast live on the alumni Facebook page was joined by brethren all over the world. During the exhortation, the speaker highlighted three types of prosperity, namely, the Abrahamic model (freely given), the Isaac model (inheritance) and the Jacob model (struggling). The key point that I took from the exhortation was that God has given us the power to prosper and He has backed this up with a covenant. This revelation is amazing as I had never thought of it in that way.
There were few hours to rest after the vigil. On rising, we had breakfast and some time in meditation and adoration. The ministration on “All Round Prosperity”, the theme for the reunion was anchored by Bro Tony Ogbimi. It was a great session with illuminating points on the biblical meaning of the word ‘prosperity’ and its principles. The key point for me was that one needs to keep up his spiritual energy in other to attract free flow of prosperity.
The two major programs we had after the talk on Saturday was the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the dinner. During the AGM, the alumni vice president and the chairman of the organizing committee for the reunion, Bro Charles Alufoge asked me to be the MC for the dinner. I thought to suggest someone else to handle it; Bro Francis Olaniyi and Bro John Awoleye came to mind, but then I thought to myself “if I have been asked to do it that means I can do it.” I accepted even though I was nervous as I didn’t know how to go about it. (I assume I did not do too badly since no one complained about my performance 😊).
The dinner was a very fun and relaxing atmosphere. We were treated to a full course meal. There was more than enough to eat and drink and even to take away (I took cake and small chops back to my room, shh!!). After the dinner and the night prayers, there was still time for us to gist and to throw banters.
The thanksgiving mass on Sunday was the last major program, followed by group pictures, and then it was time to wave goodbye to everyone and to Ede ☹️.
I must commend the organizing committee for a great job! Special thanks to our beloved Fr Ayo Abe and the entire St Kizito Pastoral Centre community for hosting us so well!
Unlike my journey to Ede, my journey back home was very smooth.
The reunion was quite an experience for me. Now I understand better the words of the scriptures that states: “How wonderful it is, how pleasant, for God’s people to live together in harmony”. (Ps 133:1) Amongst many other things, one of the high points for me was seeing people traveling from very far places, even from the north to attend the reunion. I cannot wait for 2023 Reunion!
So long!
By Bro Damilola Akinmuwagun