Christian Faith Mission: ‘Siege Is Over, You Are More Than Conquerors’ — Otaru

By Lekan Lisoye 

The former Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Ogun State chapter, Apostle Dr David Otaru, has declared that the “siege is over” for Christian Faith Mission, urging its leaders and members to embrace a new season of victory and renewed strength.

Otaru, who was the guest minister at the 2026 El-Bethel programme of the church, said the ministry’s survival and growth for about four decades, despite internal and external challenges, was a testimony to the faithfulness of God.

He made the declaration while congratulating the leadership of the church, headed by its General Overseer, Rev. Peter Abiodun Kajewole, for sustaining the vision of its founder, the late Rev. (Dr.) Christopher Taiwo Tibonyin.

“The siege is over. You are more than conquerors,” Otaru declared, drawing inspiration from Romans 8:37 and the biblical account of David’s victory over Goliath.

Christian Faith Mission was established with a mandate to preach the undiluted Word of God, with particular emphasis on holiness as a spiritual requirement for heaven and a foundation for experiencing signs and wonders.

Following the death of its founder in 1986, the ministry continued under the leadership of Kajewole, who has steered its affairs through several challenging seasons.

The church, according to its leaders, has endured attacks, rebellion, hardship and other pressures from within and outside the ministry. Yet, it has continued to grow, drawing strength from its enduring declaration: “The Church is Marching On; the Gate of Hell Shall Not Prevail.”

That declaration resonated throughout the El-Bethel 2026 celebration, where worshippers gathered to celebrate God's faithfulness and reflect on the ministry’s journey over the years.

Otaru said the longevity of the ministry was itself a reason for celebration, stressing that surviving four decades in the face of adversity demonstrated the resilience of the church and the sustaining power of God.

He challenged the church to see its past struggles not as defeats but as seasons through which God had prepared it for greater exploits.

The cleric placed particular emphasis on the biblical significance of the number 40, describing it as a period frequently associated with testing, preparation, transformation and transition.

He cited the 40 days of rain during the flood in the days of Noah, as recorded in Genesis 7:17; the 40 days Moses spent on Mount Sinai before receiving the commandments in Exodus 19; and the 40 days during which Goliath challenged the Israelites in 1 Samuel 17.

He also recalled the Israelites’ 40-year journey through the wilderness, saying the biblical accounts demonstrated that difficult seasons could ultimately lead to divine fulfilment.

Otaru commended the church’s leadership for preserving the vision entrusted to Tibonyin, describing the effort as courageous and worthy of recognition.

He urged the trustees, pastoral council and members to remain committed to the founding vision, saying the challenges of the past should strengthen rather than weaken their resolve.

Using the confrontation between David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:45–47 as a reference point, Otaru prayed for divine intervention and victory for the church, its leadership and members.

He urged the congregation to remain steadfast in faith, declaring that no opposition could ultimately prevail against a people determined to remain committed to God's purpose.

In his response, Kajewole expressed appreciation to the church trustees, pastoral council and members for their sacrifices and commitment to the ministry’s vision.

He acknowledged the contributions of those who had continued to believe in and promote the vision through the various stages of the church’s development.

The General Overseer urged members not to abandon the vision, stressing that faithfulness to God's purpose would provide renewed strength to overcome the storms and challenges of life.

The El-Bethel 2026 programme, themed “More Than Conquerors,” was anchored on Romans 8:37: “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”

The theme, according to the church, was chosen as a declaration of faith and assurance that believers can overcome the challenges of life through Christ.

For the ministry, the celebration was more than an annual programme. It was an opportunity to look back on decades of trials, acknowledge God's faithfulness and reaffirm its commitment to the vision upon which the church was founded.

Kajewole concluded with a charge to the congregation: “We shall live only to conquer, never to be conquered or destroyed, whether in life or in the faith.”

With that declaration, the church brought the 2026 El-Bethel celebration to a close, looking ahead with renewed confidence that, despite the battles of yesterday, its journey remains one of victory.