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By Adebowale Johnson
Last Sunday was a moment of deep joy, gratitude and reflection at the Voice of Freedom Bible Church as its founder, Apostle Mark Excel, alongside his wife, Pastor Ann Excel, led members in celebrating God’s enduring faithfulness over 36 years of ministry.
The special programme, themed “Celebrating God’s Faithfulness,” was dedicated to honouring long-standing members who worshipped in the church for many years and stood firmly with the ministry during its formative and often challenging early days.
The celebration took place at the church’s auditorium at Olodi, Apapa, Lagos. From the moment the programme began, the atmosphere was filled with praise and thanksgiving. A vibrant session of songs, praise, and worship set the tone for the day, as members lifted their voices in gratitude to God for preservation, growth, and unwavering grace through the decades.
A major highlight of the event was the appreciation of pioneer and long-serving members whose loyalty and sacrifices helped sustain the church in its early years.
Those honoured by Apostle Excel included Elder Jimmy Akpan, Deaconess Alice Akpan, Deacon Moses Iloh, Brother Edem Okon, Sister Ekatte Okon, Brother and Sister Nkoyo Edet, Brother Emmanuel Edet, Moses Festus Ekot, Sister Patricia Enobong, Brother Michael Effiong, Sister Patricia, and others. Each of the honourees received appreciation gifts, including undisclosed cheques, as a token of gratitude for their faithfulness, commitment, and steadfast support over the years.
The sermon at the programme was delivered by a guest minister, Pastor Patrick Oshodi, who preached on the theme “Celebrating God’s Faithfulness.” In his message, he emphasized that “it is God’s faithfulness that keeps His people whole, preserved, and standing when many others have fallen by the wayside.” He noted that “God was faithful even before people were born and remains faithful throughout their lives.”
Citing scriptures from 1 Corinthians 10:13 and Hosea 4:6, Pastor Oshodi reminded the congregation that gratitude is owed to God for sound minds, good health, and divine sustenance.
According to him, “celebration is a reflection of value, and the church had gathered to celebrate a God whose character is unfailing and whose word is always true.”
One of the honoured members, Deaconess Alice Akpan, shared an emotional testimony of gratitude and perseverance. She thanked God for sustaining the church and its members through prayers and divine mercy, noting that God had positively transformed their stories over time. She encouraged other members to remain patient with God, stressing that although prolonged challenges can cause weariness, all things remain possible with God. Recounting her long journey in the church, she narrated how personal pain and loss once led her away from fellowship briefly, until a divine encounter led her back to church. Since then, she said, God had shown her mercy and faithfulness, and despite others leaving the church due to various circumstances, she remained steadfast.
Elder Jimmy Akpan also reflected on his long-standing commitment, explaining that he joined the church in 1994 and remained consistent even during seasons when membership dwindled drastically. He recalled contributing financially to the church building project and standing by the pastor when only about ten members remained. Despite challenges such as burglary incidents at the church premises during construction, his faith was not shaken. He described Apostle Mark Excel as a man of principle and expressed gratitude for the leadership and care shown to old members over the years. He prayed for greater growth and a brighter future for the church, declaring that no power would bring it down.
Speaking at the event, Pastor Udoka Matthew, the National Overseer of Voice of Freedom Church Nigeria, described the day as one of the happiest moments of his life. He encouraged youths and members to remain patient, faithful, and committed to God’s work, assuring them that their labour would not be in vain. According to him, the celebration marked not just the church’s 36 years of existence but also a testimony of God’s covenant, faithfulness, and blessings—particularly in the area of good health among members.
Apostle Mark Excel, who addressed the congregation via the internet, offered a heartfelt reflection on the journey of the ministry. He recounted how in July 1986, God clearly instructed him to start the ministry, assuring him of divine support. He expressed gratitude to his wife for standing by the vision without objection and emphasized the importance of a dedicated life rooted in fellowship with God rather than flamboyance.
Thanking God for daily provision over the years, he also specially appreciated the members who stood by him through thick and thin. He prayed that they would never lack support in their own times of need, just as they had supported the ministry faithfully.
The celebration concluded with thanksgiving, prayers, and renewed commitment, as members rejoiced in God’s faithfulness and looked forward with hope to a future filled with greater testimonies for Voice of Freedom Bible Church.
