Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has commended the founder of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) and president of Christ Compassion to the Rural World (CCRW), Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo for bringing Christ Compassion crusade to the ancient City of Ibadan.

Makinde spoke at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, when he graced the event on the night of Thursday.

He disclosed that he abandoned every other thing he was doing to be at the crusade to tap his own blessing.

He expressed joy that the crusade had been progressing since Monday, adding that the wise counsel from fathers of faith in his domain also encouraged him to attend to receive his own anointing.

“The crusade has been on since Monday and when I spoke to the fathers of faith in Oyo State, they instructed that I should come and tap my own anointing and so, I was at the opening conference of the Nigerian Institute of Architects today and I saw people trooping in and out of this place, so I knew that the anointing must be flowing,” he said.

Makinde noted that he was impressed with the people’s energy and excitement at the crusade ground.

He said: “I can see the energy and feeling and also I will sit here and listen to the message so that I will also take something home. I am here to thank our father in the Lord for bringing this crusade to Ibadan.”

Lamenting the situation Nigerians are going through, Makinde reassured them that tomorrow will be better.

“I remember in 2017, right in this arena, the CCI gave me an award and asked me to make a speech. The only thing I said to them that time was just like what the Psalmist said that whatever we are going through right now, weeping may endure for the night but in the morning joy cometh. So, don’t be afraid and don’t be dismayed,” he added.

In his sermon, Pastor Ashimolowo urged his audience to respond to the call of Jesus, take his yoke, lean on him and rest in the Lord. He said that Jesus’ call is for those who are burdened.

Quoting Matthew 11: 28-30, Ashimolowo assured the people that their burden would be removed the moment they accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

He warned that shouting alleluia in the church does not make one a child of God, but repenting and turning away from sin.

The cleric, who noted that Nigeria has become a dichotomy between the poor and the rich, said even though there is a problem in the land, Jesus is the solution to everyone’s need.

“Many of you have learnt religion but have not learnt Christ. Christianity is not a religion but a kingdom and a way with its principles that must be obeyed. Christ will give you rest and joy will be your portion because your turnaround begins today,” Ashimolowo said.

He urged church leaders to direct their followers to Jesus instead of asking them to come to mountain this or that.

He also stressed the need for church leaders to go beyond prayers and touch people’s lives.

Ashimolowo said: “Let me use this opportunity to encourage and ask pastors to move beyond prayers in their ministries. It is time to show practical Christianity, show practical love through touching of lives, and addressing physical needs.”

He recalled that he experienced poverty to the extent that he drank raw garri, adding that Christ who makes a difference will make a difference in their lives as well, if they believe.

He appreciated the governor, Pastor Steven Mensah and his twin brother from Ghana; Pastor Femi Emmanuel; Anglican Bishops; PFN chairman Oyo State, Apostle Samson Ajetombi, among others who were present at the crusade.

The crusade witnessed about 230 surgeries on Wednesday, 144 minor surgeries; distribution of food items such as garri, rice, beans, noodles, sugar, oil, clothing materials, among others.