Lessons from the Revival Prayers of Our Forebears: A Solemn Reflection on the Future of Christ Apostolic Church Nigeria and Overseas

Published By Jerry Adesewo On Jun 27, 2026

Lessons from the Revival Prayers of Our Forebears: A Solemn Reflection on the Future of Christ Apostolic Church Nigeria and Overseas

By Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola

One of the most remarkable lessons in the history of the Christ Apostolic Church is the account of our forebears who laboured in prayer for revival for an entire decade. Between 1918 and 1928, devoted believers sought the face of God with extraordinary perseverance. They prayed through seasons of uncertainty, hoping for a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Their concern was not personal recognition but kingdom advancement.

When heaven eventually answered, God chose Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, a man who was not part of the original praying circle. This development remains a profound lesson in divine sovereignty. God reserves the right to use whomever He chooses. First Corinthians 1:27 reminds us that God often chooses unlikely instruments to accomplish extraordinary purposes.

The fathers who prayed for revival did not resist God’s choice. They celebrated it. Their focus was the success of God’s agenda rather than personal prominence. Their humility became one of the defining characteristics of the revival movement.

This historical reality raises a solemn question for our generation. Are we preserving the spiritual values of our fathers or gradually departing from them? Across generations, every revival movement faces the danger of drifting from its founding principles. The greatest threat is rarely external persecution; often it is internal decay.

Where prayer diminishes, pride increases. Where humility weakens, division grows. Where truth is neglected, deception flourishes. Where love disappears, hatred takes root. These realities are not merely organizational challenges; they are spiritual concerns with serious consequences.

The Bible repeatedly warns against rebellion and discord among God’s people. Proverbs 6:16-19 identifies a lying tongue and the sowing of discord among brethren as things the Lord hates. Such warnings should provoke deep reflection among all believers.

The concern today is not simply about differences of opinion. Every institution experiences disagreements. The deeper issue is whether those differences are handled in a manner consistent with Christian character and biblical standards. Whenever lies replace truth, hatred replaces love, and deception replaces integrity, the spiritual health of any church is endangered.

The history of Israel provides an important lesson. Despite witnessing God’s mighty acts, there were seasons when rebellion led to decline. Judges 2:10 records that a generation arose that did not know the Lord nor remember His mighty works. Spiritual forgetfulness produced spiritual deterioration.

The same danger confronts any movement that ignores its spiritual heritage. Christ Apostolic Church was born through prayer, holiness, sacrifice, evangelism, and dependence upon the Holy Spirit. Those values were more important than personalities, positions, or power. They created the atmosphere in which God moved mightily.

If rebellion continues to replace submission, what becomes of a revival movement? If falsehood replaces truth, what becomes of a church founded upon God’s Word? If hatred replaces brotherly affection, what becomes of a fellowship established through shared sacrifice and faith? If deception becomes acceptable, what becomes of Christian witness before the world?

The answer should concern every sincere believer. Spiritual authority diminishes when obedience is neglected. Credibility suffers when truth is compromised. Unity weakens when love is abandoned. Revival declines when repentance disappears.

However, this reflection is not intended as a message of despair. Rather, it is a call to repentance, restoration, and renewal. The God who answered the prayers of our forebears remains faithful today. Hebrews 13:8 declares that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Second Chronicles 7:14 presents the divine pathway to restoration: humility, prayer, seeking God’s face, and turning from wicked ways. Genuine revival does not originate from human schemes. It emerges when God’s people sincerely return to Him.

Our generation must recover the disciplines that distinguished the fathers of the faith. We need renewed commitment to prayer, holiness, integrity, evangelism, and sacrificial service. We need leaders and members who place the kingdom of God above personal ambition. We need the courage to embrace truth even when it confronts our assumptions.

The story of Apostle Babalola also teaches another important lesson. God may answer prayers through people we did not expect. Revival is God’s work, not man’s achievement. Whenever God raises a vessel, our responsibility is discernment, humility, and cooperation with His purpose.

The future of CAC Nigeria and Overseas will not be determined merely by structures, constitutions, policies, or personalities. It will largely be determined by spiritual character. A church that preserves truth, prayer, holiness, and love remains positioned for divine visitation. A church that tolerates rebellion, lies, hatred, and deception risks spiritual decline.

As we remember the ten years of prayers that preceded the great revival associated with Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, we must ask difficult questions of ourselves. Are we building upon the foundations laid by our fathers? Are we protecting the legacy entrusted to us? Are we creating conditions for future generations to encounter God?

The choice before us is clear. We can continue patterns that weaken spiritual vitality, or we can return to the pathways that produced revival. The lessons of history remain relevant. God still honours humility. God still answers prayer. God still raises vessels. God still revives His people.

May the Christ Apostolic Church Nigeria and Overseas embrace the spirit of its praying fathers. May truth prevail over falsehood, love triumph over hatred, and humility conquer pride. May another generation arise that seeks God wholeheartedly. And may the church continue to stand as a beacon of revival, righteousness, and kingdom impact for generations yet unborn.