President of Christ Compassion to the Rural World (CCRW), Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, has reiterated his commitment to further extend the message of Christ and healing across Africa and beyond. He disclosed this as he announced that the next Rural World Mega Crusade 2025 will kick off from November 24 to 29, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Speaking on the vision of CCRW, Ashimolowo, who is also the Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), in a video released on Tuesday, September 16, noted that CCRW’s vision aims to touch lives across Africa with the love of Christ in a practical.
According to him, CCRW has been described as a game-changer in the way crusades and outreaches are done, adding that Africa is a land of immense wealth, yet home to millions living in poverty.
“That’s why we don’t just preach the gospel; we demonstrate it. CCRW operates through five unique arms — what I call our five fingers of compassion: Free Surgeries – Transformational operations for those who can’t afford them; Nightly Crusades – Spirit-filled gatherings where thousands meet Christ; Relief Distribution – Food, clothing, and essentials for struggling families; Pastors’ Empowerment – Training and resources for local leaders, ensuring lasting impact; Medical Services – Free healthcare, medicines, and education for tens of thousands. Through each of these, we show compassion while pointing people back to Christ,” he said.
Recounting on the first crusade held in Ikorodu, Lagos, Ashimolowo revealed that the initial plan was to screen 300 people for surgery, but more than 7,000 showed up in two days. By the weekend, 340 surgeries had been completed.
“In Ibadan, the demand was even greater. Across four hospitals, 500–600 complex surgeries were performed. Some lasted 10 to 13 hours. We saw fibroids as large as full-term pregnancies removed, deformities corrected, and lives completely transformed.
“One man had his face rebuilt in a 13-hour surgery using muscle and flesh from his thigh. Another miracle came through a visiting doctor from Mali, who performed 134 cataract surgeries in just one week, restoring sight to people who thought all hope was gone.
“If each patient had paid for these procedures, it would have cost millions. Yet every surgery was fully sponsored by CCRW,” he added.
The televangelist noted that in Ikorodu, more than 40,000 people filled the stadium for free healthcare. With over 70 doctors, pharmacists, and nurses on the ground, medicines worth ₦300 million were distributed.
On the second crusade held in Ibadan, Ashimolowo stated that the numbers grew even larger: 60,000 people over two days. Thousands received free eyeglasses, 500 dental cases were treated, and countless people discovered life-threatening conditions they never knew they had — from HIV to high blood pressure. For many, it was their first-ever visit to a doctor.
Children weren’t left out. 25,000 kids received free exercise books, pencils, erasers, and health checks, filling hearts with joy and hope.
“Beyond healthcare, CCRW is committed to meeting basic needs. In Ibadan, we improved the system with coupons, ensuring orderly distribution. Thousands of families left with food supplies that brought real relief.
“At the heart of CCRW are our night crusades — evenings alive with worship, deliverance, and the preaching of the Word. Gospel artists lead thousands in powerful praise before the Word is preached and lives are surrendered to Christ,” he enthused.
Speaking further, the clergyman cum renowned author added that pastors were not left behind as CCRW invested in local pastors in both venues. “We believe revival must outlive the crusade. That’s why we hold ministerial conferences to strengthen local pastors. In Ibadan, leaders came from Nigeria, Ghana, and even New York to pour into thousands of ministers.
By the end of the Ministers Conference, 2,000 Bibles produced by Pastor Ashimolowo in conjunction with Cambridge University Press were distributed.”
