It was another memorable gathering of worship, prayer and thanksgiving as members and dignitaries of Celestial Church of Christ, United Kingdom Diocese came together to commemorate the 79th Founder’s Day Anniversary of the Church. The special service, held under the leadership of the Head of the United Kingdom Diocese, Assistant Most Superior Evangelist Bola Olaleye brought together shepherds, members and well-wishers to celebrate the history and continued growth of the Church.
During the sermon, the third hierarchy of the Church, Most Superior Evangelist JD Nunayon shared a remarkable historical testimony about his longstanding relationship with CCC Harton Street Parish, London, recounting how the parish played a significant role in his first journey to the United Kingdom many years ago.
Speaking during the service, MSE JD Nunayon expressed his appreciation to the organisers of the Founder’s Day programme, noting the sacrifices and resources committed to making the celebration successful. He stated that his presence at the service was, in many ways, a reflection of God’s grace and the enduring relationship between him and the parish.
According to him, his first planned visit to the United Kingdom was connected to the same parish. He recalled that at the time, the United Kingdom visa application process was handled at the UK Embassy in Ibadan, where his visa application was reportedly refused three times. Despite the setbacks, Baba Alao, who was instrumental in the journey, encouraged him not to lose hope.
MSE JD Nunayon further narrated that they later proceeded to the UK Embassy in Lagos, where they encountered another challenge. He recalled that the official attending to them informed them that his visa had been denied. However, Baba Alao reportedly requested that the passport be stamped, and the official eventually did so. In the course of the journey and the search for something to eat, they missed their scheduled flight, resulting in their ticket being changed from Nigeria Airways to British Caledonia now called British Airways.
He also recounted an interesting experience upon arriving in the United Kingdom. At the point of entry, the immigration officer asked how long he intended to stay, to which he initially responded that he would stay for two months. However, Baba Alao reportedly insisted that he would remain much longer than two months. MSE JD Nunayon also recalled that, at the time, he did not personally know the members of the parish who had come to welcome him at the airport, and one of them provided him with a large suit to help him keep warm.
Reflecting on the journey after many years, MSE JD Nunayon expressed gratitude that he was once again standing before the same parish, this time invited to serve as the preacher at the Founder’s Day commemoration. He described the experience as a testimony of God’s faithfulness and the enduring impact of the people who contributed to the establishment and development of the parish and the United Kingdom Diocese.
In his closing prayer, MSE JD Nunayon prayed for the souls and families of those who pioneered and established CCC Harton Street Parish, London, as well as for the continued progress of the United Kingdom Diocese. He also prayed for the leadership, members and everyone who contributed to the success of the 79th Founder’s Day celebration, asking God to continue to strengthen the Church and preserve its heritage for generations to come.
