Moment with Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo
Renowned for his unwavering commitment to the gospel and compassionate outreach, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo stands as a shining example of hope and transformation in a world often burdened by challenges. Whether through large-scale outreach efforts or delivering impactful sermons, Pastor Ashimolowo’s work reflects Christ’s love in action.
During a recent conversation with Faith Heroes Africa, Pastor Ashimolowo shared invaluable insights into his ministry journey, reflecting on past successes, current initiatives, and future ambitions.
We are excited to hear about the upcoming Crusade in Ibadan and the incredible work you’ve been doing through your ministry. Can you start by telling us about the origins of your mission and how you started reaching out to communities in need?
Thank you for having me. The journey began with the heart of God for the needy. Over the years, we have organized several outreaches aimed at meeting both the spiritual and physical needs of people. In 2020, during the 13th edition of our outreach, we had 23,000 widows in attendance. It was overwhelming, and we distributed clothes and other essentials. However, I felt God was leading me to transition from this initiative to something new.
One day, while praying in my home in Lekki, overlooking the lagoon, the Lord directed me to look to my right. That’s when I realized that the place I had been praying for was Udu. Interestingly, Udu is where I did my seminary training, but I hadn’t visited much in over 50 years.
At Udu, we witnessed God’s mighty hand. We ministered to the people spiritually through the gospel and physically through relief distribution. It was a beautiful demonstration of Christ’s love in action.
Pastor, the scale of the outreach at Udu was truly remarkable. Could you share some of the key achievements from the event?
Absolutely. By God’s grace, the Udu outreach was impactful on multiple levels. We distributed:
– 50,000 packs each of rice, beans, and garri.
– 100,000 packs of noodles.
– 10,000 bottles of oil, sugar, salt, and soap.
– 75,000 clothing items and 24,000 exercise books for children.
On the medical side, we provided:
– 10,000 glasses and medicines worth over ₦200 million.
– 310 light surgeries and 711 major surgeries, including maxillofacial operations, fibroid removals, cataract surgeries, and more.
– Over 100 doctors, pharmacists, and nurses joined us in these efforts.
The medical day started at 8:00 a.m. and stretched until 7:00 p.m., yet we could only attend to a fraction of the crowd.
What are the plans for the upcoming Crusade in Ibadan?
After much prayer, God directed us to Ibadan for the next outreach. The upcoming Crusade will maintain the same five-fold approach we’ve adopted:
- Medical Outreach:
– We’re planning to conduct numerous surgeries, including detailed operations such as maxillofacial reconstructions, fibroid removals, and glaucoma treatments.
– To manage the scale, surgeries will begin a week before the Crusade.
- Night Crusades:
– These sessions will take place nightly from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Liberty Stadium.
– We believe in miracles, healings, and deliverances, and every attendee will receive a coupon for the relief distribution the next morning.
- Relief Distribution:
– We are preparing to distribute:
– 150,000 packs each of rice, beans, and garri.
– 100,000 packs of noodles.
– 130,000 clothing items.
– Additional relief includes 10,000 bottles of oil, sugar, and salt.
- Minister’s Conference:
– We will bring together 5,000–10,000 pastors and leaders for a time of teaching and sharpening.
– Speakers from around the world, including New York and other places, will mentor the attendees.
– At the end of the conference, each pastor will receive 10,000 books to support their ministry.
- Gospel Proclamation:
– The message will emphasize that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. This is particularly important in countering syncretism, which has become a challenge in the church today.
What impact do you hope to achieve through this initiative?
Our hope is to demonstrate the love of Christ both spiritually and physically. While we believe in the power of miracles and healings, we also recognize the need to meet people where they are by addressing their practical needs. For those without enough faith for supernatural healing, surgeries and medical care are ways to show God’s love in action.
Could you elaborate on the specific resources and initiatives planned for Ibadan?
Certainly! At the Crusade, we will be giving free books to attendees, accompanied by certificates of attendance. We will also distribute 2,500 Bibles—these are my “Power of Prayer” Bibles, produced in collaboration with Cambridge University Press.
Additionally, we plan to equip 190 village evangelists with public address systems. These systems include integrated speakers and microphones, empowering them to spread the gospel in remote villages effectively. This ties into our larger goal of amplifying outreach efforts across the region.
You mentioned learning from the Kuru medical outreach. Could you share how those lessons have shaped your plans for Ibadan?
In Kuru, the medical outreach was held for just one day, and we were overwhelmed when 50,000 adults showed up. It was a humbling experience but also a learning opportunity. For Ibadan, we are extending the medical outreach to two days: Friday and Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day.
We are bringing in 200 medical doctors, 200 pharmacists, and 100 nurses. Medicines worth ₦300–500 million will be made available. Liberty Stadium will be transformed into a full-scale hospital. Attendees will go through various stages: from vitals checks to pharmacist consultations and then receiving their prescribed medicines. For those requiring urgent care, referrals to hospitals will be arranged.
How does the church plan to address critical health emergencies?
We’re prioritizing swift interventions. For example, during the Kuru outreach, we identified over 40 individuals with severe hypertension who needed immediate hospital care. Such measures saved lives, and we aim to replicate this responsiveness in Ibadan. This outreach is about showing Christ’s compassion in action.
Beyond the outreach, you’re a leading voice for the gospel in this generation. What counsel do you have for African church leaders navigating these challenging times?
My counsel is threefold:
- Stay True to the Gospel:
– The word gospel means “good news” or God’s spell. We need to cast God’s spell of love and hope on our nations, countering the witchcraft of negativity often spread through social media.
- Honor the Word and God’s Leaders:
– Believers must learn to honor the Word of God and the leaders He has placed over them. Respecting spiritual authority strengthens the body of Christ.
- Be Sensitive to the Times:
– Church leaders must discern the seasons and act accordingly. Like the Macedonian Church that supported others during a famine, we must find ways to serve our communities in practical ways. This is why initiatives like our Christmas hampers in London—where we provide food for over 400 families monthly—are essential. Poverty is not limited to Africa; we must extend help wherever needed.
Those are powerful points. How do you respond to criticism directed at the church, especially on social media?
Criticism often comes from those who misunderstand or deliberately misrepresent the gospel. Many critics neither honor God’s Word nor contribute positively to society. My advice is simple: focus on Christ and the mission He has called us to. Avoid distractions and continue to impact your community with the gospel and acts of love.
As we wrap up, could you give one final invitation to the people of Ibadan, sharing important details about the program and what they can expect?
Absolutely! This program is not just about to start—it has already started! Right now, 711 surgeries are ongoing in four hospitals across Ibadan, including the University College Hospital and others. These surgeries are part of our efforts to show the practical love of Christ.
The main event kicks off on Monday, 25th November, at 5:00 p.m., at Liberty Stadium. We are expecting thousands of people. The Word of God will be preached, healing will flow, miracles will happen, and testimonies will abound.
It is important for everyone to attend the night meetings. These sessions are where you will hear the Word of God and grow in grace through Jesus Christ. Additionally, anyone seeking to benefit from the relief distribution must collect their coupon during these night meetings. Without it, even gaining access to the gates might be difficult due to the organized security measures.
We have made extensive preparations to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety. There will be 250 police officers, 50 soldiers, and 10 trained dogs on-site to maintain order. This is an expression of love, but as they say, sometimes love must be tough. We want every attendee to feel comfortable, safe, and blessed.
This is a season of difficulty in Nigeria, but God is presenting an opportunity for hope and transformation right at your doorstep. We encourage everyone in Ibadan to seize this moment and experience what God has in store for them.
All in all…
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo provided a detailed account of transformative outreaches, such as the recent Udu outreach and the highly anticipated Ibadan Crusade. These events represent more than just spiritual gatherings—they are powerful interventions that meet both physical and spiritual needs on a grand scale.
Key highlights include:
– Over 75,000 clothing items distributed and medical surgeries performed for thousands in Udu.
– Plans for the Ibadan Crusade, which include the distribution of 150,000 relief packs, two days of medical outreach, and a ministerial conference expecting up to 10,000 pastors.
– Pastor Ashimolowo’s reflections on addressing health emergencies, staying true to God’s Word, and remaining resilient despite criticism.
The interview with Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo revealed the essence of ministry—it is more than preaching—it is about meeting people’s needs in a tangible and transformative way. From the impactful outreaches in Udu to the ambitious plans for Ibadan, his work underscores the importance of addressing both spiritual and practical challenges.
If you are inspired by Pastor Ashimolowo’s words and want to experience the complete session, watch the full interview on Faith Heroes Africa or on YouTube here.
As the year draws to a close, let this be a time for reflection and action. No matter your capacity, you can make an impact. Together, we can be the hands and feet of Christ, transforming lives and communities.
Stay connected for updates on the Ibadan Crusade and more inspiring stories. God bless you!
