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Chronicles of Greatness (9) David Oyedepo
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David Olaniyi Oyedepo (1954 &ndash
“There is no mountain anywhere; every man’s ignorance is his mountain”.”
Bishop David O. Oyedepo is popularly known as called Papa. He was born September 27, 1954 in Oshogbo. Bishop Oyedepo hails from Omu Aran in Kwara State.
His Father, Ibrahim was formerly a Muslim healer while his Mother, Dorcas was a member of the Eternal order of Cherubim and Seraphim of the Aladura Movement in Nigeria.
He was brought up by his grand mother in Oshogbo who taught him the virtues of Christian life through the early morning prayers she attended with him. She also taught him the importance of tithing.
In 1969, he became born again through the influence of one of his teachers – Miss Betty Lasher who took special interest in him in school. Bishop Oyedepo studied architecture at Kwara State Polytechnic and worked for some time with the Federal Ministry of Housing in Ilorin before he resigned to do the missionary work.
Bishop obtained his Ph.D in Human Development from Honolulu University, Hawaii, United States of America.
In 1981, in an 18 hour vision, he received a mandate from God to liberate the world from all oppression of the devil through the teaching of the word of faith. This vision led to the founding of Living Faith Church World Wide formerly called Liberation Faith Hour Ministries in 1981.
In 1982, Bishop married his wife Pastor Faith Abiola Oyedepo (Formerly Florence Abiola Akano) after sharing his assignment from God with her and asking her if she would marry him despite the assignment and she agreed.
In May 1983, Bishop had another vision where the Holy Ghost to told him “I will through this ministry raise the foundation of other ministries.” This encounter birthed the Bible training centre – Word of Faith Bible Ministry. It also forms the vision of the institute.
In September 17, 1983, Bishop David Oyedepo and his wife were ordained Pastors by Pastor E.A Adeboye over the newly started Living Faith Church. In 1983, David Oyedepo was ordained a Bishop.
In 1989, Living Faith Church started in Kaduna but moved to Lagos (Former capital of Nigeria) after he was instructed by God to reach out to the people of Lagos – Raji Oba. The Church grew to become the International headquarters with constantly increasing members overflowing the premises.
In December 5, 1992, Dominion Publishing House was established and since then till dat it has published over 60 Christian, inspirational and motivational books, mini books, magazines and other resources.
In September 18, 1999, the 50,000 Seater debt free built Faith Tabernacle was dedicated in Ota, Ogun State. This edifice was built within 12months and it's also called Canaanland.
This 5,000 acre (20km2) estate and campus in Canaanland houses the 50,000 seater church building, the church secretariat, youth chapel, primary school – Kingdom Heritage Model School, Faith Academy- full boarding mission secondary school with over 1,500 students and its University facilities of over 7,000 students fully resident in ultra – modern hostel facilities, faculty building and staff accommodation.
Canaanland has a few establishments such as bakery, bottled water processing plant, a petrol station, restaurants, shopping stores and so on operated by the church. There are also residential houses provided for over 2,000 church employees, guest houses, four banks, three of which are branches of external commercial banks and one which is a community and micro finance bank operated by the church. As at 2012, Canaanland City had increased to 17,000 acres from 15,000 acres.
In February 12, 2002, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, the first University of the ministry was approved to commence operation. Covenant University, popularly called CU has produced over 5 sets of graduands who are making impact both locally and internationally all over the world.
In 2011, Landmark University, a second University of the ministry was established in Omu Aran, Kwara State. A third university – Crown University has been said to be under construction in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
In September 27 2012 (Which was also Bishop's birthday), an initiative was set up by Covenant University Alumni Association - David Oyedepo Day of Service- (DODOS) to promote the contribution and value adding lifestyle of Bishop Oyedepo.
Oyedepo is said to be the wealthiest preacher in Nigeria with a net worth of over USD $150 million. The church owns four private jets and several buildings around the world, including London and the United States.
Bishop is the president of David Oyedepo Ministries International (DOMI) which covers Living Faith World Wide, World Mission Agency (WMA), Dominion Publishing House, Covenant University, LandMark University and Social Development Mission Projects made up of hospitals, maternity homes, schools etc.
Bishop David Oyedepo has four Children – David Jnr, Isaac, Love and Joys. Three of them are married, David and Isaac were ordained Pastors in 2007 by Kenneth Copeland during the 25th year anniversary. Pastor David Oyedepo pastors the Living Faith Church in United Kingdom while Pastor Isaac Oyedepo pastors the Living Faith Church in South Africa.
Messages: The Holy Spirit, The Unchanging God, Remember me Oh Lord etc
Mentors: Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, E.W Kenyon, T.L Osborn, Smith Wigglesworth, E.A Adeboye and the late Benson Idahosa.
Books: Walking in Wisdom, Walking in Dominion, Satan Get lost, Pillars of Destiny etc.
Outstanding Attributes: A life completely sold out to God, Unwavering commitment to excellence, dogged dedication to impart and impact the world for God.
Supporting Attributes: Determination to succeed, consistency, diligence, discipline etc.
Compiled from David Oyedepo: David Oyedepo Biography (2014). http://nigerianeducation.com.ng/bishop-david-oyedepo-biography-and-shocking-life-history/ style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">.
Copyright © 2015 [Adebola A. Ayoade]. All Rights Reserved.
This post was edited by Pastor Dunamis Okunowo at April 2, 2015 3:32 PM CEST