Encomium
Gospel music is a very potent tool in creating the desired change the society as it preaches Christ.
One sure platform to drive this life changing message into the heart of many is concert such as Youth for Christ.
ENCOMIUM Weekly had a brief chat with the founder of the gospel music concert, Niyi Aledare and he spoke on the idea behind it.
Tell us more about the Youth For Christ concert.
Youth For Christ is a vision that God Himself inspired in my heart seven years ago, 2008 precisely. It’s essentially youth-based and it is interdenominational.
What’s the idea behind it?
Yes, simply put, the idea is bringing youths together in a concerted and vibrant worship from different denominations, relating and functioning as one voice and one body in Christ without discrimination
or segregation. The sole objective is using quality music to attract such a large chunk of youths to God’s presence and then have the Word of God shared with them. In effect, it’s evangelism.
To me, I see this as a divine strategy through which God intends to preserve the future of His church. Youth For Christ Mega Concert is more than just music, it’s God’s own agenda for this generation. So far, we’ve had two editions. This year’s edition will be the third.
Who are the artistes that will be ministering this year?
For this year’s edition, we have Pastor Sam Oluwatoye – Senior Pastor, The Lord’s Crew, we have the renowned Psalmist, Kenny Kore, Gbenga Oluata, RCCG Solid Rock (Ojodu), Royal Youth Ministry – RCCG Jesus House, Port Harcourt and of cause The Youths For Christ Mass Choir.
Would there be any other minister apart from musicians?
Yes. Pastor Sam Oluwatoye will be ministering the Word by the grace of God.
What was the last edition like?
Phenomenal success! We had a choir numbering over 100 with close to 70 people yielding themselves to Christ before the altar during the concert. I bless God for that harvest of souls. And we are believing God for more than double that number in this year’s edition. This year’s edition comes up on Saturday, August 1, 2015, at the church auditorium, RCCG, Gateway Cathedral, Runsewe Estate, Lagos-Abeokuta Express Way, Ahmadiyah Bus/Stop at exactly 2pm.
How about support from ministers and churches?
They have been so supportive.
How much impact do you foresee a concert like this having on the society?
Like I said, this is all about change-evangelism. Whatever impact in the heart of people automatically makes an impressive impact as well.
What’s your ultimate goal as a gospel minister?
Oh, that God will say to me at the end of it all, ‘well done!’ That’s my ultimate goal.
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Oluwagbeminiyi Aledare. I’m from Kogi state and a graduate of Mass Communication from Kogi State University. I’m from an Anglican home of eight, my father was an Anglican priest before he passed on.
– MICHAEL NWOKIKE
