79TH ANNIVERSARY ADDRESS TO THE CELESTIAL CHURCH OF CHRIST By the Pastor and Spiritual Head of the Celestial Church of Christ, Reverend Emmanuel Mobiyina Oshoffa

Beloved brethren in Christ, distinguished leaders, Shepherds, Evangelists, Elders, Ministers, brothers and sisters of the Celestial Church of Christ worldwide,

Today, with profound gratitude to Almighty God, we commemorate the 79th anniversary of the Celestial Church of Christ, founded on 29th September 1947 through the instrumentality of our revered founder, the late Reverend Pastor Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa, in Porto-Novo, Republic of Benin.

For seventy-nine years, the hand of God has sustained this Church. From its humble beginnings, the Celestial Church of Christ has, by the grace of God, crossed geographical, cultural and national boundaries and established its presence in many parts of the world.

This anniversary is, therefore, not merely a celebration of the passage of time. It is a solemn occasion to remember where God has brought us from, to appreciate His faithfulness, and to consider with humility the responsibility entrusted to us for the future.

The Psalmist declares:

“If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say; If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us.”
— Psalm 124:1–2

As we look back over these seventy-nine years, these words speak powerfully to us. Whatever challenges the Church has encountered, whatever storms have arisen, and whatever difficulties we may have faced, the Lord has remained our refuge and our strength.

We give all glory to God.

A LEGACY OF FAITH

The story of the Celestial Church of Christ is a story of faith, sacrifice, prayer and divine providence. We remember with gratitude the pioneering generations who laboured, often under difficult circumstances, to establish and advance the work of God.

We honour the memory of our founder, the late Reverend Pastor Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa, whose obedience to the divine call laid the foundation upon which generations have continued to build.

Yet, we must always remember that the Church belongs to Christ.

As Scripture reminds us:

“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it.”
— Psalm 127:1

The growth of the Celestial Church of Christ from one locality to a worldwide spiritual family is therefore a testimony to the enduring faithfulness of God.

A CHURCH WITHOUT BORDERS

Today, the Celestial Church of Christ is represented across continents and among peoples of different languages, cultures and backgrounds. This worldwide expansion carries with it both a privilege and a sacred responsibility.

We must ensure that wherever the Celestial Church of Christ is found, the light of Christ shines through our conduct, our worship, our love for one another and our commitment to the Gospel.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said:

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”
— Matthew 5:14

We must therefore remain conscious that the world is watching the Church—not merely to hear what we preach, but to see how we live.

Our conduct must reflect our faith. Our relationships must demonstrate Christian love. Our parishes must remain centres of prayer, holiness, compassion and service to humanity.

A CALL TO UNITY

As we celebrate this anniversary, I wish particularly to appeal to all members of the Celestial Church of Christ throughout the world to preserve the unity, peace and spiritual identity of the Church.

Our strength does not lie merely in our numbers or the geographical spread of our parishes. Our greatest strength lies in our relationship with God and in our willingness to walk together in love and obedience.

The Apostle Paul admonishes us:

“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
— Ephesians 4:3

We must therefore resist anything that seeks to divide us. Personal differences, misunderstandings and disagreements must never become greater than our common identity as children of God and members of one spiritual family.

Where there is disagreement, let there be dialogue. Where there is hurt, let there be forgiveness. Where there is misunderstanding, let there be patience. And where there is weakness, let there be prayer.

Above all, let Christ remain at the centre of our lives and of His Church.

THE ROAD AHEAD

As we enter the eightieth year of the Church’s journey, we must look to the future with faith, wisdom and renewed commitment.

The next chapter of our history must be written not only through buildings and institutions, but through transformed lives, stronger families, spiritually vibrant parishes, responsible leadership and a younger generation that understands and cherishes the heritage entrusted to it.

The younger members of our Church must be encouraged, guided and given opportunities to serve. Our children and youths are not merely the Church of tomorrow; they are an essential part of the Church of today.

The words of the Apostle Paul to Timothy remain relevant:

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
— 1 Timothy 4:12

I therefore call upon our young people throughout the world to remain steadfast in the faith, to uphold Christian values and to offer their gifts and talents to the service of God and humanity.

A FUTURE OF GREATER GLORY

Beloved brethren, the God who brought us this far has not abandoned His Church.

We must not allow the challenges of the present to make us forget the promises of God concerning the future.

The prophet Isaiah declares:

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?”
— Isaiah 43:19

Let this anniversary, therefore, mark a renewed beginning.

Let our prayer be for greater spiritual depth, greater unity, greater holiness, greater love and greater service. Let us seek a Church whose influence is measured not simply by its numbers, but by the lives it transforms and the good it contributes to society.

As we move towards the eightieth anniversary and beyond, may every member understand that each of us has a role to play in preserving and advancing this heritage.

A WORD OF GRATITUDE

On this historic occasion, I extend my heartfelt greetings and appreciation to all members of the Celestial Church of Christ worldwide.

I salute our elders, leaders, Shepherds, Evangelists, Ministers, women, men, youths and children for their sacrifices, prayers and commitment to the work of God.

I also remember with gratitude those who laid down their lives in the service of the Church and have gone before us. Their labour shall not be forgotten.

The Scripture assures us:

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:58

May the Almighty God reward the labour of every faithful servant.

ANNIVERSARY PRAYER AND BLESSING

As we mark this 79th anniversary, I pray that Almighty God will continue to guide His Church, preserve its spiritual heritage and strengthen its leadership.

May He grant peace to every parish and every family.

May He strengthen the weak, comfort the grieving, heal the broken-hearted and provide for those in need.

May He give wisdom to our leaders and grace to every member to remain faithful to the calling of Christ.

May the Celestial Church of Christ continue to grow in grace, truth, holiness and love.

And may the words of the Psalmist become our collective testimony:

“The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.”
— Psalm 126:3

Beloved brethren, as we celebrate today, let us give all glory to God for His faithfulness over seventy-nine years.

Let us honour our heritage.

Let us preserve our unity.

Let us deepen our faith.

Let us serve humanity.

And let us confidently entrust the future of the Church into the hands of Almighty God.

Happy 79th Anniversary to the Celestial Church of Christ worldwide.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit remain with us all, now and forevermore.

Amen.

Reverend Emmanuel Mobiyina Oshoffa
Pastor and Spiritual Head
Celestial Church of Christ
29th September 2026.

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