I
am Pastor David Ibiobamimo, the son of late Rufus Olorunfemi Ibiobamimo. My
father was a member of the Cherubim & Seraphim church. My father was a Senior
Apostle and my mother was a Mother-In-Israel in that same church. But now she
is an elder in the Living Faith Church – Winners’ Chapel. I am married to a
God-sent wife, who is a Deaconess in the Living Faith Church; and we are blessed
with a Godly family.
At
what point was there a turn-around in your life?
I
knew Christ and gave my life to him in 1988. Then, I was still a member of Cherubim
and Seraphim church. We had a youth fellowship in the church through which we
go onto the mountains to pray. The youth fellowship was led by Bishop Bakare
and Prophet Samson Ayorinde. I always went to the mountain with them, for about
3 years, but I was not born again. So, it was not until 31st of
December 1988, when we were on a mountain praying, that a force came over me;
and I started crying. I was unable to control myself. I realized I was living a
life that needed change. Right there, I made a decision to give my life to
Christ and mend my ways. That was how I experienced a turn-around in my life.
It was a 31st December 1988 when I gave my life to Christ. Ever
since, I have not regretted that decision.
How would you access the Christian life
of Badagry people & how they are receiving the Gospel?
It
is surprising that some communities still set aside some special spaces on the
streets and dedicate such to idols and shrines. Going by the status of Badagry,
as the cradle of civilization, and I think Badagry is a civilized place, but
having shrines in open places is uncalled for. That is an indication that some
of the people have not totally embraced Christ.
When
someone refuses to accept Christ totally, it brings limitations to that
person’s experience and destiny.
Although,
Badagry people are well receptive to the Gospel, there are still some people
who uphold idols and the old traditions that bring no good. But I believe spreading
the Gospel can make them repent because idolatry is a practice that brings
limitations and set-back to a community.
You
have been to several countries in the capacity of a Minister. Could you review
your experience in those societies and how they received the Gospel?
Every
country has its own peculiarities. That is their nature and mode of life. I was
privileged to spend some time in Benin Republic and Lusaka in Zambia. I was
also privileged to be in Ethiopia in 2005. I was the National Pastor there and
in Ethiopia, you will find some parents rejecting their children all because
the children gave their lives to Christ.
Therefore,
every country has its own attitude, but the similarity among us all is that
every nation needs Christ. So, when you introduce the Gospel to them with
prayers, signs and wonders, the Bible assures us that they will surely welcome
it, and accept it.
What
is your take on broken homes and failed marriages?
Well,
I personally have no problems with my marriage because I’m married to a Godly wife.
Frankly,
to have a peaceful home and successful marriage, I need to refer you to some of
the principles I have learnt from my father, Bishop David Oyedepo. He has taught
us over the years and my advice to upcoming couples is that marriage is about
decision and understanding the Word of God. It is more about been Godly because
Godliness destroys the love for material things.
What
do you think of Pastors who criticize other churches to their members on the Pulpit?
It
is their level of understanding. The more understanding you have, the better your
character.
In
fact, in the Living faith Church, we were taught, trained and even warned by Bishop
David Oyedepo never to say anything negative about other churches. I think the
reason is that, when you think a church is bad and you criticize it does not make
it a good church. Rather it will only make it worse.
So,
why don’t you face your own work with God? I have also learnt from the Winners family
not to criticize. I believe criticizing churches is a bad act; My advice to those
Pastors who do it is for them to face their church and God because the reward and
result of their work will surely show. When it shows, you will be a living example
and model to others. So, Pastors do not need to criticize other churches.
With
the present state of the world, are you not tempted to say the second coming of
Jesus Christ is approaching?
Yes.
It is clear. All the signs are everywhere. There is no portion of the Bible that
has not been fulfilled already. There are rumors, earthquakes, wars and people
are being killed every day, amongst other evil practices.
I
will only advice everyone that the time is shorter now than ever before. We are
in the later part of the end. Let everyone clean-up, mend their ways and
prepare themselves ready as vessels for the second coming of Master Jesus because
the trumpet could sound any time from now.
How
can you describe your 50 years on earth?
Well,
I give all glory, adoration and gratitude to God Almighty for giving me the
grace and privilege to clock 50 years in the land of the living. Although I’m
not yet at my best but in as much as I’m given the grace to live, the best will
come and I’m also working towards it.
Like
Bishop Benson Idahosa once said, “there is no achievement in life but “receivement”. Even at 50, I do not
consider myself as an Achiever. If you consider what I envisaged when I was
younger to what is obtainable now, I still need
to sit up, work hard, and draw closer to God, which I believe is God’s
ultimate concern for my life. I can reach my life goals just like John in the Bible,
he said he sat back and said, “I have finished my course.” So, I belief with
God on my side and in my continued pursuit of God, I will surely accomplish and
finish my course through God Almighty.
