It all began as a tiny spark of inspiration in the heart of a young man, Austin Chimdi Ukachi. Early in his tenure as president of the Ibadan Varsity Christian Union (1976-1977), he was fasting and praying when God began to move his heart concerning certain problems threatening the university community and the nation. At that time, socialism and cultism in university campuses was increasing in tem
po and it was also a very critical period at the national level in the country. All these burdened Austen, and as he prayed, God gave him the inspiration to mobilize Christian students all over Nigeria to pray for the nation, and engage in social action to enthrone the will of God in the land and to embark on evangelism especially in the rural areas. He shared this vision with some brethren and executive members of the fellowship after which letters of invitation were sent to leaders of Christian fellowships on campuses across the nation inviting them for a meeting on the 6th and 7th of May, 1977. The turnout was surprising and the response to the vision was unanimously positive. It was during this inaugural meeting that the name Christian Students Social Movement (CSSM) was adopted. The meeting reconvened in ile-ife where Austen Ukachi was elected chairman, Emeka Nwankpa as co-ordinating secretary and Reuben Ezemadu as the General Secretary. The following year, John Okposio was appointed Field Secretary. Elton, a British missionary, was associated with the movement as a father, counsellor and a mentor. The movement set out to hold its first National conference in Jos, Plateau state from December 27, 1977 to January 1, 1978. About 3000 participants attended from all over the country and all walks of life. Pastor William Kumuyi, Rev. Mike Oye, Prof. Akin Isaac- Sodeye, Sam Ogedengbe and Mrs. Mary Lar were among the speakers for that first convention. Many Christians, especially students were stirred towards evangelism and towards discovering their spiritual gifts and operating in it. Just before the tenth anniversary, the movement changed its name from Christian students Social Movement (CSSM) to Christian Evangelical Social Movement (CESM). Since the leaders were no longer students and the ministry had grown beyond the schools. The CESM ministries include:
Children evangelism ministry
The women-also
The watchman ministries
The Christian missionary foundation
The men
Prophecies that came out of the camp meetings were often precise and deeply revealing. Some were directional pointing the way for the church and the nation. In retrospect, we can confirm that many have been fulfilled while others are being fulfilled.
