SURELY, many lovers of drama and movies in Nigeria and The Diaspora know about the giant strides made over the years by Mount Zion’s films ministry. When the talk is about presenting the message of Jesus Christ and teachings of the Christian faith through drama on stage, television and cinema, the biggest name across Nigeria is Mount Zion.

Such is the flair and glare that Mike Bamiloye and his crew have created over the years, such that they remain a reference point in the annals of turning evangelism and teachings of the Gospel into drama sketches. Yes, huge strides Bamiloye et al have etched over the sands o time … but stiff competition has appeared for them!

This was the dazzling reality members of the Christian faith got the pleasure of witnessing on Friday, June 9, as the rapidly growing God’s Gift Drama Ministry unfolded their arsenal and stunned movie lovers at Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Throne of Mercy Parish.

It was evening that was initially publicised as another Friday for night vigil in the sanctuary, but everyone who turned up for the thrills at Throne Of Mercy were left stunned a the glitter and razzmatazz unleashed on them by the crew of God’s Gift Movies, led by their youthful founder/president, Israel Oluwaseun Akinsemotyin.

Perchance, ardent of Christian entertainment and show business might have gained a nifty-bitty inkling of what was bound to roll out on the night, as hints went round few days before the event that there would be a red carpet session before the main event.

Yeah, on the secular scale, a red carpet was bound to elicit images of glamour, excitement and dazzling lights to usher in bolts of delight. Same was the case June 9, as the vastly enlarged RCCG parish at 59, Governor Road, Ikotun, Lagos came alive as early as 8pm and the fun never stopped until 5am on Saturday.

What was initially heralded as a ‘night vigil’ dramatically turned into a spill over of events, activities, fun and fanfare, as Seun Akinsemoyin unfolded a three-in-one dazzling spray of grace and glory. The audience was soon informed that the night/morning was called to mark Seun’s birthday, which came up 24 hours earlier, four years of God’s Gift Film & Music Ministry as well as the launch of their latest movie.

The celebrant exuded glee and zeal, as he beamed with appreciation to all who have given his dream the needed push and support since 2013, when he dared to step into the arena of Christian thespians, the terrain of telling the story of Jesus Christ through the avenue of make-believe .

“I must not fail to give credit to the man who made my dream come alive at Divine Counsel Parish of RCCG,” the native of Ilaje, in Odon State, disclosed during his welcome address.

“Please help me put your hands together to Pastor Lawrence Adegbite. I must also give my words of appreciation to another man of God, who has helped us financially, materially, structurally and morally; even allowing us use his home as our amp and picking the bills for our meals, in the person of Pastor Bobby Enoch.

“It is also said that behind every successful man there is a woman making things happen and lending hands of support. That is why I also crave your indulgence to kindly help me recognise and appreciate the woman I love so much, my ever loyal and willing partner, who has stood by me from the very beginning and is still sticking with me; please put your hands together for my mother, Mrs Taiwo Akinsemoyin.”

That was the highpoint of the roll out of emotions and thoughtful moments that highlighted the threefold delight unfolded by God’s Gift Movies, but the bigger talking point had to be the several number of act5s and artistes on offer, ranging from comedians to soloists, praise groups and donors, who all combined their various resources and talents to make it an outing beyond compare.

Indeed, the birthday celebration required cutting of a cake, and there was a need to formally unfold a premiere of the new film – Intimate Enemy – but it was bolts of music that caught the audience spellbound and got many of them dancing on end, such that the normally climax of RCCG vigils at 3am was forgotten this once, as everyone stayed awake till 5.

Dramatically, even when Pastor Enoch was called upon to give a sermon, which many thought would be a solemn recess from the exciting mixture of choreography, percussion and sonorous voices, the man in charge of Victory Parish in Throne of Mercy Zone of RCCG surprising showed how deft he too is with praise-worship.

Pastor Enoch, though, capped his ‘sermon’ with a deep hearted prayer for Akinsemoyin and his crew, after which he called in Pastor Adegbite to cap the doxologies, which they disclosed were dished on behalf of the provincial pastor, Olubiyi, and zonal pastor, Mrs Monehin.

The prayer points served to remind everyone that they were in the house of God; not to suggest that anyone had gone footloose with gyrations and exertions, as all the songs that came out of the boosted amplifier and loudspeakers were in awe of The Most High.

Popular Gospel songs were unleashed one after the other, with masterpieces from Steve Crown, Sinach, Joe Praize, Ada and Lara George topping the list. Even two groups that appeared to be Yoruba cultural troops wowed the crowd with traditional folk songs tuned out in the Christian manner.

Two talking points that left many mouths agape were worthy of continued mention beyond the festivities, as Tony Muktar tried a long note on the saxophone, reminiscent of Femi Kuti’s record breaking feat few months back, and a kid of about ten was simply superb with percussions in one of the Yoruba groups.

All said, it was simply a night (or morning to remember), with all legs trooping out weary but not bent, all mouths hailing specialities of a talent crowned by God, and many hearts surely happy to be part of history … though Seun Akinsemoyin might haver a pang of regret somewhere that the espied target of pool home N250,000 required to take the project further was not achieved on the night when Governor’s Road Ikotun was dazzled as never before.

– June 10, 2017 @ 4:30 GMT /