• We’re empowering a generation to reach out to younger generation – Rod Story
By Ebube J. Yeolawa
Team of the Evangelism Explosion For Generation, EE4G from Australia, Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria has been received to a rousing reception in Ika land as they train young evangelists in Nigeria to sustain the legacy of reaching out to younger generation of youths to Christ.
The 4 days’ conference with about 45 selected youths, including young graduates, undergraduates cutting beyond Ika nation, commenced on Monday, September 1, 2025 and expected to come to Climax on Thursday at the Ecclesia Apartment, Owa-Oyibu, Ika North East LGA, Delta State.
The official welcoming reception organized by the Anglican Bishop of Ika Diocese, the Rt. Revd. Godfrey I. Ekpenisi, who noted that it was important for the visitors to have a feel of the Ika culture had in attendance the Clergies in the Diocese, their wives and Diocesan Officials, and spiced with the breaking of kola-nut.
In his opening remarks, Bishop Ekpenisi while commending the EE4G team for the timely visit, noted that the program is designed to raise, equip and empower youths with the truth of the gospel and prepare them for godly mentorship.
The Bishop disclosed the program will avail participants to sit under seasoned teachers, and through the various sessions, learn to understand the gospel more deeply, share their faith with boldness and live as salt and light to a world that is fast drifting away from God, urging all participants to take the program very seriously.
Addressing all present, the International President of EE4G, Revd. Rod Story, thanked the Bishop of Ika Diocese for the “incredible privilege” of a heartwarming welcome within the Anglican Community. “I’m quite overwhelmed as I looked out and saw these group of young men, young women and the Anglican clergy here.”
Recalling his story, Rod said, “I went to the Anglican Church as a rebellious 12-year old. So, 56 years ago, I was sent to church by my Mom who said I was being a very disruptive boy. Now I know you can imagine that, but I was; and indeed, I had a very dysfunctional family. And for some years, and indeed, I was; like what I’ve seen around the world including here, I was typically in the Anglican Church. I got confirmed, I passed the exam in the Anglican Church, went to church every Sunday. I was asked to leave the scripture class on Fridays by the pastor because I was disruptive in his class. But every Sunday I’m into church, the youth Pastor, would ask me to lead the scripture class….”
“Then on one Sunday, he said to me, ‘Rod, why don’t you come today?’ ‘We’re having Chinese food and it will only cost you 26 to come and eat.’ And I said, ‘I am coming.’
“So, I told my Chinese friends, I came to know Jesus because I like Chinese food. But the reality was some time later. I went to Youth Conference and a lovely Anglican pastor preached, shared the gospel during the weekend and that day I realized I was a fake. I have Him in my head but I did not have Him in my heart. I did not have Him in my character, I did not have Him my behavior. But that day, I realized I needed to trust in Jesus Christ and from that moment on, I understand what it was about.”
He expressed joy over the time spend with the “young leaders” in the course of the conference, reiterating that the vision statement of the Church of Nigeria – Anglican Communion which states, “Making the Church of Nigeria the source of Bible-based strategic mission, strategically equipped and mobilized to evangelize” stands out to align with their mission to Nigeria.
Revd. Rod charged the clergy to wake-up to the call of winning the youths who are gradually drifting away back to Christ.
According to him, “If you’re 30, 70% of your population is under 30 while 42% of your population is under 15. The reason God has raised this young leaders – though you may not know it, is because we have developed the tool which is called the EE4G to equip the last generation of evangelist. It could be my last and to some of you, it could be your last; but we want these once to live as if it is their last.
Continuing, he said, “We’ve come in partnership with you and we’re committed to this ongoing partnership with you in the Anglican Church across Nigeria and you guys because we have to train, empower, trust and release their generation to reach the younger generation,” he concluded.
Earlier, the African Vice President, Vincent Wanjala in his acceptance speech, while expressing his gratitude to the the Bishop, clergy and the entire Diocese for the warm reception, said it was a privilege standing before the leaders of the Church of Christ.
Vincent Wanjala noted since joining the team as Vice President in 2016, he has been privileged to train over 10,000 church leaders.
He oppressed optimism that with more presence of the EE4G ministry in Nigeria and Africa, more souls would be won for Christ, saying that around 1,300,000 has been delivered to Christ in countries visited as part of their commitment to the EE4G ministry’s outreach to save souls for Christ.
In their separate remarks, Ven. Justin Chigbo-Olomu and Mr. Charles Osubor appreciated the team for their time and sacrifices in ensuring that souls are restored back to Christ, praying God to grant them journey mercies as return to their various countries.
Members of the EE4G includes; Jess Litchfield, Zach Unwin – Austrialia; Lilian, Uganda; Cynthia Shiundu, Kenya; Chinedu and other members of EE4G Nigerian team.
