The Peculiar Gospel Outreach Ministry has celebrated its 10th anniversary of church planting, with its General Overseer, Pastor Joseph O. Babatunde, saying the ministry has defied early prophecies that it would collapse within its first year.

Babatunde spoke during the anniversary programme held at the National Headquarters of the Church in Imode, Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara State on Saturday.

The two-day event was tagged, “Ebenezer – Thus far, the Lord has helped us,” anchored on 1 Samuel 7:12.

He described the anniversary as a testimony of divine faithfulness, noting that the ministry’s journey over the past decade had been shaped by what he called God’s intervention.

“It became expedient for us to come together to specially thank God for how far He has sustained us despite the negative prophecies and wishes of the enemies that the ministry will not survive for one year,” he said.

Explaining the theme, he said “Ebenezer,” meaning “stone of help,” symbolises God’s assistance in times of difficulty and serves as a reminder of His faithfulness.

Quoting the scripture, he said, “Then Samuel took a stone and set it up… saying, Thus far the Lord has helped us,” adding that the verse reflects the ministry’s experience over the years.

Babatunde recalled that the vision for the ministry dates back to 1989 in old Imode town, when he had what he described as a divine encounter that marked the beginning of his calling into ministry.

He said the experience included a dream in which he heard a voice telling him, “Why did you associate with that masquerade, don’t you know I have separated you for my glory and you will preach my Word?”

According to him, although he initially ignored the message, subsequent dreams and confirmations, including one from his wife, reinforced the call.

He added that a turning point came in 2008 while serving as Regional Manager of the Bank of Industry in Akure, when he saw what he described as a handwritten message on a wall saying, “Don’t you know I have called you and you will preach my word?”

Babatunde said the encounter led to consultations with church leaders and the organisation of the first crusade in Iloffa in December 2008.

He noted that the ministry was formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in 2013 and has since grown into a network of churches and outreach centres.

According to him, the ministry now has 15 branches across Nigeria and Togo, with evangelistic activities in several communities including Ilorin, Ibadan, Ila-orangun, Ora-Igbomina, Omuaran and Erinmope.

He also highlighted the establishment of Peculiar Camp in New Imode Town, which he described as a major milestone in the ministry’s expansion.

“Today, on account of this modest ministry located in this New Imode community, Imode is now on the Nigeria and world radar,” he said.

Babatunde said church planting commenced in 2016 following what he described as divine instruction to ensure that converts remained in the faith.

Quoting John 15:16, he said, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you… that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.”

He added that the Peculiar Bible Institute, established in 2018, has graduated six sets of students and remains open to both members and non-members seeking deeper knowledge of the Bible.

The cleric expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, ministers, partners and members of the ministry for their support over the years.

“We thank God for the covenant of protection upon the ministry and our members,” he said.

Babatunde reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to evangelism, discipleship and church planting, expressing optimism about greater expansion in the years ahead.

The event ended on Sunday with a thanksgiving service.