In this interview with Christian Benefits Magazine, Evang. Babasola David, the second-in-command leader of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Itura, Abaranje, Lagos, reflects on the life, ministry and enduring legacy of the church’s late founder, Prophetess Deborah Bakare, as well as the church’s growth and challenges following her passing.
How would you like us to introduce you to our readers?
My name is Evang. Babasola David. I am a minister of God.
Briefly tell us about yourself, including your family and business background.
I was a businessman before God called me into the ministry.
How long have you been a member of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC Oke Itura), and what led you to join the church?
I have been a member of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) since 1999. I first attended the church during its anniversary celebration. At the time, I was an apprentice. There was an incident involving a customer who bought some goods but whose outstanding balance I inadvertently failed to record on the receipt. When the customer was asked to pay the balance, he denied owing anything and told my boss that he had already paid me. However, my boss told me that he believed me and that the customer was lying. I then made a promise to God that if He could expose the man and vindicate me, I would become a member of CAC Oke Itura. To the glory of God, He answered my prayer. The man eventually sent for my boss and me, pleaded with me, confessed that he had not paid the balance and settled the outstanding amount. From that day, I began worshipping at CAC Oke Itura, and I have remained there ever since.
How would you describe the impact of CAC Oke Itura on your life since you became a member?
The impact has been tremendous, both spiritually and in other areas of my life. I was born and brought up in the Baptist Church. When I came to Lagos, I started attending Winners Chapel. However, since I joined CAC Oke Itura, my spiritual life has improved tremendously. I have also experienced growth physically, financially, emotionally and spiritually.
It is about eight years since the founder of the church, Prophetess Deborah Bakare, passed on to glory. As one of her closest members, can you recall the circumstances and events leading to her passing?
Mama knew that she was going to die, and she said so on several occasions. She would often pray that God should take her home before the coming of Christ. She would say that even if she had just one minute left before missing heaven, God should please take her home. The revelation of her eventual transition was also given to some members of the church. When she eventually passed on, it was very painful for us. We gathered together and prayed, but God assured us that He was the One who had taken her home for a reason.
How would you describe Mummy Bakare in her different capacities as a wife, mother and pastor?
She was a dutiful and diligent wife and a good mother to all of us, not just her biological children. As a pastor, she would go the extra mile to ensure that everyone was doing well. She helped many people without allowing others to know about it. This was one of the reasons the church has continued to stand even after her departure. She was a woman who genuinely cared about people’s welfare and spiritual well-being.
How did the church members react to and cope with her passing?
It was a terrible day. There was hardly anybody who did not cry. People wept bitterly. Some people even said that if Mama were to come back and instruct them to sit in a particular place, they would obey her, no matter how long she wanted them to remain there. It was after her death that many of us fully realised her value. We were all deeply affected by her passing. However, we came together, prayed and resolved to continue the work she had committed into our hands.
How was her successor chosen to lead the church following her passing?
Mama had prepared some of us long before her death. Every Sunday evening, she would gather some of us together and teach us what we needed to know about the church, the Word of God and various issues relating to ministry. Therefore, choosing her successors was not particularly difficult because she had already taught and prepared us for the responsibility. She pointed us to Jesus, not to herself. Her focus was always on Jesus. Even in her tribute, the expression, “Alas, Dr Jesu e mo,” was written. We have an elderly member, Evangelist Odundana Gabriel, who attended a theological seminary. Evangelist Odundana Gabriel became the head of the church leadership, while I became the second-in-command. That was how the church chose us to succeed Mama in leading the congregation.
What were some of the major challenges the church faced following Mummy Bakare’s passing, and how did the church overcome them?
We faced some challenges, particularly in certain areas of church administration and financial responsibilities. Mama had been carrying many responsibilities, but we did not fully realise the extent of her personal sacrifices until after her death. For instance, she contributed towards almost every financial obligation at the CAC Headquarters. After her passing, we discovered that she had been paying those dues and levies with her personal money. We therefore had to come together and begin paying these obligations from our individual resources. This was one of the things that affected us financially, and we had to make necessary adjustments. There were also some issues arising from the transition. Mama had taught us about the responsibilities of leadership and how things were handled at the top. Although we encountered some difficulties, we were able to take the necessary steps and move forward.
What would you identify as some of Mummy Bakare’s enduring legacies, and how has the church continued to preserve and sustain them?
One of Mama’s enduring legacies was her commitment to giving and helping the needy. God made a covenant with her concerning the church from the beginning, particularly regarding giving alms to people. Another important legacy is her commitment to giving God His full portion. Mama always gave the complete amount without deducting anything. We have continued to follow her example, particularly in the payment of our tithes. We once encouraged her to retain something for herself, but she refused, insisting that it was not proper. During our first-year remembrance of her passing, a woman made a remarkable statement. She said that the reason the church was still standing was that Mama had used Jesus as its foundation. We have also maintained the principles and teachings she left behind. For instance, whenever we invite a minister who makes demands that are contrary to what we have been taught, we do not comply with such demands. We remain committed to the foundation Mama laid, and the work continues to progress.
What are some of the church’s programmes and activities through which God continues to touch lives and impart blessings, even years after the passing of Mummy Bakare?
All our programmes are still taking place, and we have continued to sustain the activities Mama established.Our weekly and Sunday programmes continue to bring blessings to people’s lives in diverse ways. They include:
- Monday: Bible Study.
- Thursday: A programme described as “Pregnant” in the interview notes, involving workers and traders.
- Every three months: 12 Hours with God.
- Sunday: Sunday School, worship service, vigil and other church activities.
We also hold a special programme every July. God has continued to demonstrate His faithfulness through these programmes. One of the covenants God had with Mama was that there would be no barren woman in her church, and God has remained faithful to that covenant even after her departure. For instance, a woman who had waited on the Lord for 12 years attended one of our programmes, and God answered her prayers. She eventually became a member of the church. We have numerous testimonies. More than 20 members of the church are now graduates. We have also witnessed business breakthroughs, house dedications, promotions, marriages and other testimonies of God’s goodness. Some of our members have travelled abroad to different parts of the world, including one of Mama’s children. God has also helped us to improve the church building and expand the facilities beyond what we had during Mama’s lifetime. Our church has continued to distinguish itself during CAC anniversary celebrations. For the past five years, our branch has consistently come first. It is also our youths who are regularly given the opportunity to minister at Baba Alakoso’s church. All these are testimonies of God’s help and mercy. We do not take the glory for ourselves. It is God who has been helping us.
Finally, apart from yourself, who are the other key leaders of the church, and what are their respective roles and responsibilities in the administration and leadership of CAC Oke Itura since Mummy Bakare’s passing?
There are two of us who are principally anchoring the leadership and activities of the church, although other members also make their contributions. The first person, who is an elderly member of the church and attended a theological seminary, Evangelist Odundana Gabriel, is the head of the church leadership, while I am the second-in-command. I must also say that I did not respond to God’s call into ministry as early as I should have. It was when God was about to deal with me that I quickly responded to His call. We have continued to work together to sustain the church and ensure that the vision and legacy Mama left behind are preserved.
Thank you very much, sir, for granting us this interview and sharing these valuable insights with us.
You are welcome ma!
