I Have Always Be A Financier Of The Gospel Says Rev. Ogbeta

By Godday Odidi

Rev. Monday Ogbeta is the General Overseer of Praise Evangelical Ministry (PEM), one of the fast-growing Pentecostal churches making ministerial waves in Ajegunle City over the years. Rev.Ogbeta is not a push-over clergy but a minister of God that knows the onion of the Gospel of Christ.

Having been in the ministry using his money to finance the Gospel of Christ, he has able to create a niche for himself. In this interview with Mindset Media Limited, the Edo State-born trained Banking and Finance clergy explained how he started his life and ministry and other sundry issues affecting Pentecostal ministries in Nigeria.

Excerpts:
Let’s meet you sir?
I am Rev.Monday Ogbeta, the General Overseer of Praise Evangelical Ministry International and Proprietor of PEM Nursery and Primary School. I was born on the 9th of August in 1965 into the humble family of Elder Salami (late) and Mrs. Christiana Isinsin Ogbeta.I attended Ivi-ele Primary School in 1974 where I obtained my First Leaving School Certificate in 1979 and Okpilla Comprehensive High School in 1979 to 1983 where I was the Domes try Prefect and later completed my Secondary School Education in Ihievbe Grammar School in 1984 after the sudden demise of my father. I later proceeded to Delta State University to study B.SC in Banking and Finance and graduated with a 2nd Class Upper Division and also had ICAN/AAT certificate too.

How were you called into the ministry?
I love working and serving God as a pastor until God called me to surrender all my businesses to Him and to concentrate in His vineyard. I was born into the Christ Apostolic Church and later joined Church of God Mission International, Oworoshoki branch and I became an Evangelism leader as a vibrant, committed and dedicated to God’s service as a youth then and Later joined Chapel of Praise Church in 1991, where my zeal for the lord in the Choir and Evangelism Department motivated and convinced my then General Overseer to ordain me as a pastor in 1996.In 2004,I had a clearer vision from God almighty to start Praise Evangelical Ministry(a.k.a Dominion Church which commenced fully in 2005.It was born to the glory of God, with a mandate to inspire the people through Christ Spirit, so that those who have been inspired through Christ Spirit may live a worthy life. God has been faithful to me since I left importation and haulage business to face God’s work. I did not just jump into the ministry but I have been ardent worshipper and financier of the gospel over the years till date. I was part of those that worked assiduously to build Church of God Mission Ajeromi-Ifelodun provincial headquarters and had several theological trainings both Nigeria and abroad.

Are you still interested in business as a pastor?
Every pastor is a businessman, so I cannot say I am no longer interested in business but every opportunity that comes my way I would not take it for granted. I am still furthering my education to PhD level and no opportunity is wasted.

What is your major challenge in ministry?
Well, the challenge in ministry is enormous but He that called us would provide a desirable place for us to dwell on. There is a place called ‘there’, so to get to that place, you need God’s protection and determination. ‘If we don’t stop trusting God, God will never stop blessing us’. The absolute trust in Him that would bring the scripture to fulfilment in our lives. To every challenge, there is a way. To raise fund in this present economic situation in the church, you need God to put you through. Man can fail you but God cannot fail.

Who is your mentor?
I have many mentors but specifically, Bishop David Oyedepo, Bishop Ayo Adewunmi and late Archbishop Benson Idahosa. These mentors have impacted positively in my life as a pastor.

Can you say you are a fulfilled man of God in Nigeria?

All glory goes to God. My book ‘Hope Came Along: The Power of Determination is a book that has given hope in God’s kingdom. I am yet to be there but God has done wonderful things in my life and family. I went through many trials even to the extent I drove Danfo bus to make ends meet in life. God called everybody but gives responsibility to each individual.Ajegunle city is not different from Ajah or Ikeja but what makes the difference is inferiority complex. The God that called me to Ajegunle also made provision for me. I pay my tithe and go outside ministration too.

What is your advice for young pastors in Nigeria?
They should have absolute trust in God and the sky is just the beginning for them to excel in ministry.