APOSTLE JOHNSON SULEMAN’S UNSPOKEN POWER BASE -by Folorunsho Hamsat

The fact that the General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman, is considered one of the most influential pastors of the past 20 years has its root in his affinity with the elders in the vineyard who are special God’s servants. This was his starting point driven by fundamental principles and beliefs that support his mission, faith and life.

Apostle Suleman, research has shown, cultivated a relationship with great men of God from the inception, a decision that helped him to understand these respected and influential preachers of faith and solidified his beliefs. Three of these elderly, great men stand out. Pastor Enoch Adeboye, The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church Of God; Pastor Ayodele Joseph Oritsejafor, the founding and senior Pastor of the Word of Life Bible Church; and the famed late Archbishop Benson Andrew Idahosa, the founder of the Church of God Mission International.

Because Apostle Suleman sought God’s glory through fostering a relationship with these God’s servants, he is blessed with the combined qualities of a complete man of God. Suleman is a preacher, evangelist, missionary and charity ambassador. Despite his Muslim background, he became famous for his passion for the Gospel. In his 20 years in the Lord’s ministry, he has influenced Christian revival in many countries across the world and has continued to make waves in the 21st century with his commitment to a proper understanding of the Bible, a Christian education, and standing strong in the faith.

Even tough the acclaimed father of pentecostalim in Nigeria, Archbishop Idahosa passed on six years before Apostle Suleman’s  emergence on the pastoral limelight, the OFM leader declares that he saw his first father figure in Idahosa, for his revolutionary quality of growing pentecostalism in Africa, his advocacy for social justice, fight against poverty and oppression, and his legacy that was not just limited to his ministry and education but also extended to humanitarian works.

Aside from the fact that Pastor Oritsejafor was a dependable disciple of Archbishop Idahosa, Apostle Suleman subjects himself to his leadership. It is for Oritsejafor’s commitment and dedication for the things of Christ. And because he speaks truth to power regardless of the outcome. Also, Suleman is proud of Oritsejafor and celebrates him for solely lifting the profile of the Christian Association of Nigeria, for which he was the first president as a Pentecostal pastor. While he held CAN leadership, Pastor Oritsejafor provided visionary leadership that shaped lives and promoted national development, and he never shied to stand in the gap for the masses on policies that do not promote the common good.

Apostle Suleman’s relationship with Pastor Adeboye is more pronounced, and special. At each opportunity, Suleman has announced Adeboye as his ‘spiritual father’. Since their relationship became a public knowledge, both father and son have exchanged visits to their respective ministries. At this year’s Redeemed Christian Church of God’s ‘Holy Ghost Congress’, Apostle Suleman was one of the ministers on the pulpit. He was also blessed for more anointing, power and wisdom by the RCCG leader. Times have been challenging, no doubt, yet Pastor Adeboye has remained resolute with his love for his spiritual son, Suleman. To Apostle Suleman, Pastor Adeboye personifies everything that makes a great man of God. He says is motivated by Adeboye’s Christ-like life, his humility, courage, and leadership.

Although, no man is perfect, Suleman affirms owing all his life’s accomplishments to God, and his success in God’s ministry is attributed to the influence of these great teachers of men.