Press Service International's Mark Tronson sourced this interview with Tokky Ademoyero, and this is his story.
Some insight into my participation and what I have observed God has already done?
I came to know of LWFCI and Dr & Mrs Mings through Eddy Mapakou, a humble and wonderful friend and brother in Christ. I observed that this vision has existed for at least three decades and has since been communicated and implemented at every sporting event. The proof is evident. On Eddy's invitation, I attended a meeting of LWFCI UK where I met some like minded vessels that God has already been using in His Kingdom. This spurred me to participate in the work.
What led me to join LWFCI and Dr Sam Mings?
I was impressed with the vision and the track record of LWFCI. After spending some time in prayer, I decided to join in this good work. It takes a great amount of commitment to God and His Kingdom to sustain this vision. This, as well as my passion to share the joy of my salvation humbly and wisely, everywhere, and every time, are the catalysts of my decision to join LWFCI and Dr Mings.
I earnestly believe that this great work cannot be done except the Holy Spirit empowers one. Therefore, my prayer is that the power to be a witness will come upon me so I can be an effective member of LWFCI and for London 2012 – winning souls for Christ, captivating hearts and renewing minds, not just for the event, but for eternity.
My background
I was born on the 31st day of July, 1962 in London, England to Nigerian parents (that means I am a Nigerian with UK citizenship). My father, now in his 90s, was a graduate of the Royal Veterinary College and now a retired Veterinary Doctor while my late mother was a busy housewife and shop-owner. I am smack in the middle position of nine children – three were born in Nigeria, the next five (of which I am second) were born in London while the last was born on the family's return to Nigeria in 1967. My early years were humble, tough and yet memorable.
In a family of nine children with a Civil Servant bread-winner, there surely were no 'extras' so we had to make do with what we have and be thankful. I would describe my upbringing as quite disciplined with almost-zero tolerance but this has stood me in good stead for the vicissitudes of life that I had to face as I was growing up and prepared me, surely, for my new life in Christ.
Between 1980 and 1990, I worked as a Statistician in the Ondo State of Nigeria Civil Service having also, during that period of government-sponsored training, attended a School of Statistics and the University of Ibadan, both in Nigeria. In late 1990, I came over to the UK, studied some more and obtained a BSc in Applied Statistics from the University of Greenwich, London in 1993 and an MSc in Medical Informatics from the City University, London in 1995.
I worked for the next three years as a Statistician in the Civil Service. In 2002, I became a self-employed IT Training Consultant after an 18-month stint with an IT Training Company in Poole, Dorset - I have been doing that ever since. Much later, I introduced Christian Coaching into what I do and have been working to ensure this is established to bring divine impact, direction and clarity into the lives of God's people especially regarding the purpose and will of God for their lives or businesses.
My conversion and Christian development
On 22 January, 1995, I gave my life to Christ in KICC (Kingsway International Christian Centre). My life has not been the same again. From attending nightclubs dancing and flirting all around London (not drinking or smoking), I now know that God preserved my life until two friends became my vessels of salvation and, through their perseverance, I am now proud to say I am born again! I owe everything to God and give Him praise for placing me under the divine and solid spiritual leadership of Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo.
I have been active since 1995 in this wonderful house that God has placed me in and I believe that has helped me to grow steadily and solidly because of His Word that is being preached in the House. By God's grace, I was ordained a Minister in December 2010. I have been privileged to lead one of KICC's departments since 2005; lead one of its Caring Heart Fellowship Centres since 1997; teach one of the Bible Classes since around 2004, among other divine opportunities. I continue to praise God for His guidance, mercies and His calling on my life.
My strategic thinking on evangelism
My strategic thinking on evangelism is encapsulated in John 15:16 where Jesus said:
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
It is obvious that Christians need to ensure that evangelical programmes are not conducted with a 'tick box' mentality but a wholesome and complete one. This means it is a two-fold strategy in which we do not just win souls to Christ but ensure that they are grounded in the Kingdom of God through Christ, for eternity.
Therefore, my thinking is that LWFCI is a conduit for salvation of souls while the partner churches and organisations will ensure the souls remain in Christ. The work is not complete at the moment of salvation but continues forever – ensuring that the won souls are growing in Christ and are empowered sufficiently to preach the gospel to others also, forever. I believe that this strategic thinking on evangelism will ensure that all hands are on deck and that we are not relenting in our joint efforts to promote the Kingdom of God in London 2012 and beyond! Let us continue to press toward the mark for the price of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus!
For more information visit www.lwfci.com