Teenage preacher, Ireyimika Oladele-Ojo, has urged children to praise and pray to God daily, describing praise as a pathway to new seasons and the blessings, miracles and opportunities that come with them.

Ireyimika gave the charge at the maiden Canadian edition of the Children Praise and Pray (CPP) event, held on August 8 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with the theme, ‘A New Season’, drawn from Isaiah 43:19.

The CPP is an annual international event organised by the Outpour of Fragrances Initiative (OFI), now in its 10th edition in Nigeria and third edition in the United Kingdom.

Speaking to the children, Ireyimika described a new season as a new chapter, beginning, opportunity, role or pathway that brings people closer to God and His grace and blessings.

She said entering a new season often requires letting go of the past, including pains, regrets and disappointments, and embracing the new things ahead.

According to her, three signs that a person is entering a new season are remaining strong in the face of disappointments and trials, maintaining hope for new beginnings and opportunities, and demonstrating faith in God.

“New seasons come with new instructions from God. Even though we are smart and hardworking, we need to rely on God, obey Him, and praise Him always,” she said.

Ireyimika further encouraged the children to forget the past, forgive others and trust in God’s ways, love and grace.

The Founder and President of OFI, Dr Lola Odeyale Ayo-Fashida, said the organisation had, since the launch of the CPP in 2017, used the programme to minister to and empower children spiritually and educationally.

Ayo-Fashida appreciated the resource persons, volunteers, anchors, parents and others who contributed to the success of the Canadian edition.

“Each time we gather to pray and praise God, He shows up,” she said.

She added that God loves children and is present whenever they gather in His name to fellowship and seek Him.

Ayo-Fashida also introduced the children to her new book, Bisola and the Paper Clock, which teaches lessons on time management and the importance of writing down goals and ideas.

She said journaling and documentation could help children remember important things and remain focused on their aspirations.

“Writing things down helps you to think clearly and stay focused, and also helps you to organise your thoughts,” she said.

She advised the children to write down what they wanted to become or achieve in the future and work consistently towards their goals.

The event also featured prayers for families, schools, the country and the church, as well as quiz competitions, games and other presentations.