St Andrew's Anglican Church, Zaria

25/05/2026

Pentecost Day Service Calls Believers to Patience, Faith and Fruitful Christian Living

Rev. Canon Afolabi Charges Christians to Wait on God and Avoid “Empty-Handed” Service

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S.I.R. Okoduwa, PhD | Media Communicator

The atmosphere of worship and spiritual reflection was profound on Sunday, May 24, 2026, as members and families gathered at St. Andrew's Anglican Church, GRA, Zaria for the Family Service held in commemoration of Pentecost Day.

The service was conducted by Mrs. J. Okoduwa, while the sermon was delivered by Rev. Can. F. O. Afolabi, who ministered on the theme, “The Role of Patience in the Work of Faith,” drawing his texts from James 1:4 and Romans 5:3–4.

Opening the message with prayers for divine understanding and spiritual transformation, the preacher welcomed the congregation in the name of Jesus Christ and prayed that the blessings of the Lord would rest upon every worshipper present.

Patience Sustains Faith During Trials

In his exposition, Rev. Canon Afolabi explained that patience remains a vital ingredient in the Christian faith and is necessary for believers who desire to walk successfully with God. According to him, faith and patience work hand in hand, especially during seasons of trials and waiting.

Referencing James 1:3–4, he noted that the testing of faith produces perseverance and spiritual maturity.

> “Patience is not easy, and waiting is not easy, but the grace to wait upon the Lord is essential for every believer,” he emphasized.

The preacher reminded the congregation of the story of Job, who despite losing everything, remained steadfast in faith until God restored him fully. He warned Christians against moving from one prayer house to another in desperation for instant miracles, stressing the importance of discernment and steadfast trust in God.

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The Holy Spirit Reveals Divine Mysteries

Being Pentecost Sunday, the sermon also focused significantly on the ministry and power of the Holy Spirit. Rev. Canon Afolabi explained that while the Holy Spirit was active in the Old Testament, the outpouring experienced in the New Testament became available to all believers.

Quoting Psalm 51:11–12, he highlighted David’s heartfelt cry for God not to take His Holy Spirit away from him. He further recalled the biblical account of the Holy Spirit descending like tongues of fire upon the disciples, empowering them with spiritual gifts and divine understanding.

According to him, every born-again Christian is expected to possess faith and develop spiritual sensitivity through the Holy Spirit.

> “To know the heart of men, it has to be revealed by the Holy Spirit,” he stated.

He encouraged families and believers to cultivate patience while seeking God’s direction, adding that many people unknowingly deny themselves blessings through disobedience and lack of spiritual confidence.

“As believers, we should hear God for ourselves,” he admonished, praying that no Christian would miss God’s direction while waiting upon Him.

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Lessons from Abraham and Joseph

Drawing practical lessons from Scripture, the preacher referenced the lives of Abraham and Joseph as examples of endurance and patient faith.

He explained that although God promised Abraham a son, the patriarch waited many years before the promise materialized. Under pressure and frustration, Abraham eventually yielded to Sarah’s suggestion to have a child through Hagar, resulting in the birth of Ishmael — a development the preacher described as the beginning of lingering generational conflict.

Similarly, he cited Joseph as a man who received divine promises but endured betrayal, suffering, and imprisonment before the fulfillment of God’s purpose in his life.

Rev. Canon Afolabi encouraged worshippers not to lose hope during difficult seasons, assuring them that God rewards those who patiently trust Him.

Quoting Isaiah 40:31, he declared that those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength and rise above challenges.

He also referenced the life of David as another example of a man who patiently waited for God’s timing despite opposition and persecution.

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Christians Warned Against Living “Empty-Handed”

In a deeply reflective segment of the sermon, the preacher spoke passionately on “The Purpose of Our Existence,” drawing inspiration from Church Hymnal Number 820, “Must I Go and Empty Handed?”

Leading the congregation through portions of the hymn, he challenged believers to examine the impact of their lives and service to God.

According to him, the ultimate purpose of Christian living is not merely personal survival or worldly achievement, but meaningful service and soul-winning for the Kingdom of God.

> “May we not live wasted lives by failing to bring even one soul to the Lord,” he prayed.

Rev. Canon Afolabi lamented that some individuals spend decades in positions of influence without positively impacting others or helping anyone succeed in life. He described such existence as wasted years and urged Christians to maximize every opportunity God gives them while strength and time remain.

“It is a privilege to be alive and to serve in one capacity or another,” he noted, urging believers to use their positions, gifts, and resources for the glory of God.

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Call to Readiness for Eternity

The service concluded with the rendition of the popular hymn, “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder,” as worshippers reflected on eternity and the importance of faithful Christian service.

The Pentecost Day Family Service ended on a spiritually uplifting note, with prayers for grace, patience, steadfast faith, and fruitful Christian living among believers and families.

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Caption 1:

Rev. Can. F. O. Afolabi ministering during the Pentecost Day Family Service at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, GRA, Zaria, on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

Caption 2:

Members of the congregation during the Pentecost Day Family Service marked by prayers, worship, and teachings on patience, faith, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

©2026 SAAC Media Team • All Rights Reserved

24/05/2026

Family service|| Pentecost Day || May 24th 2026

24/05/2026

17/05/2026

🌟 “On this Sunday after Ascension, our congregation gathered in joy and reverence, lifting our hearts to the risen and ascended Lord. 🙌✨ United in worship, we continue to walk in faith, awaiting the promised Spirit and celebrating the hope we share in Christ.” 🌟

17/05/2026

Sunday Service (Sunday After Ascension) || Ascension || 17th May, 2026 ||

10/05/2026

✨ “A joyful Sunday with our vibrant youth leading us in worship on this special Rogation Sunday! 🌱

10/05/2026

ROGATION SUNDAY AT ST. ANDREW’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, GRA ZARIA

Worshippers Charged to Align Their Faith with God’s Divine Timing

By S.I.R. Okoduwa, PhD | Media Communicator

The atmosphere of worship, thanksgiving, and deep spiritual reflection filled the sanctuary of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, GRA Zaria, on Sunday, 10th May 2026, during the church’s Rogation Sunday Service, as members of the congregation were reminded of the importance of trusting in God’s timing through faith and patience.

The service featured a powerful sermon delivered by Rev’d Solomon Moses on the topic: “Faith that Aligns with God’s Timing,” drawing scriptural insights from Ecclesiastes 3:1, Isaiah 40:31, Psalm 90:4, 2 Peter 3:8, Hebrews 6:12, and Habakkuk 2:3.

An Atmosphere of Deep Worship and Thanksgiving

The preacher commenced the ministration with soul-lifting worship songs that stirred the congregation into heartfelt adoration before God. Hymns such as “How Great Thou Art” and “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” echoed throughout the church auditorium as worshippers lifted their hands in reverence and thanksgiving.

The congregation sang passionately:

> “Then sings my soul,
My Savior God, to Thee;
How great Thou art,
How great Thou art!”

As the worship session progressed, Rev’d Solomon Moses encouraged members to worship God wholeheartedly and appreciate Him for His unfailing mercies and faithfulness.

Another session of worship followed with the chorus:

> “You have done me well, Jesus!”

The atmosphere became charged with gratitude as worshippers prayed fervently, thanking God for His goodness and asking Him to meet them at the points of their needs.

Sermon Focus: Understanding God’s Timing

Preaching on the theme “Faith that Aligns with God’s Timing,” Rev’d Solomon Moses emphasized that God operates according to divine timing, which often differs from human expectations.

Quoting Ecclesiastes 3:1, he reminded the congregation that:

> “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

He noted that many believers experience seasons of unanswered prayers and delays, which sometimes weaken their faith. However, he stressed that delays do not necessarily indicate denial, but may instead reflect God’s appointed timing for fulfillment.

Using Psalm 90:4 and 2 Peter 3:8, the preacher explained that God’s understanding of time differs greatly from that of mankind.

According to him:

> “A thousand years in God’s sight are like a day. God can never be late. Everything happening under heaven has an appointed season and divine purpose.”

Biblical Examples of Waiting on God

Rev’d Solomon Moses cited several biblical figures whose destinies unfolded only after seasons of waiting, endurance, and preparation.

Abraham and Sarah

He recalled how God’s promise of a child to Abraham took about 25 years before manifestation. He warned believers against attempting to “help God,” noting that impatience led to the birth of Ishmael.

According to him, impatience can interfere with divine arrangements and create avoidable complications.

Joseph’s Process of Preparation

The preacher also highlighted the life of Joseph, whose dreams of greatness were followed by betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment before eventual elevation.

Reading from Psalm 105:18–21, he explained that Joseph’s waiting period was a process of divine preparation for leadership and responsibility.

He added that:

> “If the appointed time had not come, Joseph would still have remained in prison.”

Moses in the Wilderness

Rev’d Solomon further referenced Moses, who spent 40 years in the wilderness after fleeing Egypt. He noted that the wilderness season equipped Moses spiritually and emotionally for the assignment of leading the Israelites.

Lazarus and Divine Timing

Drawing from the account of Lazarus, he explained that Jesus intentionally delayed responding to the news of Lazarus’ sickness so that the glory and power of God could be fully manifested through resurrection.

He observed that had Lazarus not died and been buried, the miracle would not have carried the same significance.

“Though It Tarry, Wait for It”

A major emphasis of the sermon was drawn from Habakkuk 2:3:

> “For the vision is yet for an appointed time… though it tarry, wait for it.”

The preacher urged believers not to compare their lives with others, reminding them that everyone’s journey unfolds according to God’s unique timing.

He encouraged members who may be waiting for marriage, childbirth, employment, promotion, business breakthroughs, or other expectations not to lose hope.

According to him:

Some may marry earlier, yet bear children later.

Some may secure jobs sooner, but others may eventually surpass them.

Some businesses may flourish earlier, while others bloom later.

He stressed that believers must avoid envy and continue trusting God faithfully.

Delays, Self-Reflection, and Spiritual Alignment

Rev’d Solomon Moses also cautioned that while some delays are divinely orchestrated for preparation, others may result from sin, disobedience, spiritual battles, or negative influences.

He referenced the Israelites’ journey from Egypt, which should have lasted only a short time but extended to forty years because of disobedience.

The congregation was encouraged to engage in sincere self-examination and maintain right standing with God.

He declared:

> “There is nothing perpetrated by the devil that God cannot overturn by His power.”

The preacher concluded by encouraging members to remain steadfast in faith and never abandon God’s promises despite difficult circumstances.

Congregation Responds in Intercessory Prayer

Following the sermon, the congregation entered into a powerful session of intercessory prayers, thanking God for His Word and asking for grace to wait patiently for divine fulfillment.

Prayers centered on:

Grace to wait upon the Lord faithfully.

Spiritual preparation for divine opportunities.

Alignment with God’s purpose and timing.

Preservation from missing divine visitation.

Strength to endure seasons of waiting without discouragement.

Worshippers also prayed earnestly that their waiting seasons would not be in vain and that God would prepare them adequately for the fulfillment of His promises.

The service ended on a deeply reflective and hopeful note as members departed encouraged to trust God’s timing, remain patient in faith, and continue waiting expectantly for divine manifestation.

Selected Quotable Quotes from the Sermon

> “God cannot be late, and He can never be too early.”
> “There is always a waiting season before manifestation.”
> “Impatience can destroy divine authority.”
> “Though it tarries, wait for it.”
> “Let our faith align with God’s timing.”

Photo Captions

Caption 1: Worshippers at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, GRA Zaria, during the Rotation Sunday service held on 10th May 2026.

Caption 2: Rev’d Solomon Moses delivering the sermon titled “Faith that Aligns with God’s Timing” during the Rotation Sunday service.

Caption 3: Members of the congregation engaged in intense worship and intercessory prayers during the service.

©2026 SAAC Media 📺 | All Rights Reserved

10/05/2026

✨ “A joyful Sunday with our vibrant youth leading us in worship on this special Rogation Sunday! 🌱🙏 Together we lifted our voices in praise, prayed for God’s blessings on our community, and celebrated the energy and faith of the next generation. Truly, the Spirit is alive among us!” ✨

10/05/2026

04/05/2026

📢 VACANCY FOR TEACHERS
St. Andrew’s Anglican Schools, GRA, Zaria

The Management of St. Andrew’s Anglican Schools, GRA, Zaria, invites applications from suitably qualified and committed Christians with a passion for teaching and nurturing young minds in a godly environment.

📌 Available Positions:
• Mathematics Teachers
• English Language Teachers
• Biology Teachers
• Physics Teachers

✅ Requirements:
• Minimum of a First Degree in a relevant field
• Strong subject mastery and effective teaching skills
• Good communication and interpersonal abilities
• A strong sense of discipline, responsibility, and moral integrity

⚖️ Equal Opportunity:
The school is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment is strictly based on merit, with no gender bias or age restriction.

📩 Application Process:
Interested applicants should submit their Application Letter and Curriculum Vitae (CV) via:
📧 [email protected]
Or directly to the Principal’s Office.

📞 For Enquiries: 0806-929-8980

⏳ Application Deadline: Saturday, 30th May, 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

🙏 Join us in raising godly children, promoting academic excellence, and shaping future leaders.


Zaria Anglican Diocese Zaria Christian Youth Summit Diocese of Wusasa Anglican Communion