Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) is the largest church in Western Europe and is growing. Pastor Matthew's on-air ministry is viewed by a potential audience of several hundred million people in Europe, Africa, Asia, the USA and the Caribbean.
An inspiring visionary, Pastor Matthew recently launched the UK's first church-owned television channel KICC TV. His influence on church growth and evangelism has been noted by local and international news media.
Pastor, teacher, evangelist and businessman, he has inspired countless souls with his passionate preaching of the living Word. An award-winning author, Pastor Matthew has published over 70 books, including "The Power of Positive Prayer Bible".
Personal Message
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo affirmed: "We believe that our participation in the LWFCI programme has been God ordained. Proof of this is by the way in which Dr. Sam Mings first connected with KICC. When he came to KICC to ask for our support, his primary reason (apart from wanting the endorsement and support), was Kingdom focused. Our KICC church building is in close proximity to the Olympic venue.
"Dr Mings' passion for souls shone through his request and we felt God wanted us to support this initiative. In addition prior to coming to the ministry he met Eddie Mapakau who he appointed the national director for LWCFI. At the time of meeting Eddie he was not aware the man he had connected with and wanted to give the leadership to was a member of KICC.
"It was later on that this was made known. As a consequence this meant from the beginning of our working together that there would be a flow of understanding, common purpose and unity of spirit. Good team work and structured plans have emerged which has resulted in a great programme being developed."
Partners with LWFCI and Dr. Sam Mings
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo explained that many people have approached KICC to partner with them in one capacity or another to do different things for the Olympics. But we were touched by the sincere heart and mission of Dr. Sam Mings. His passion for soul winning and desire to see the Souls established in the Kingdom was what won us over. His enthusiasm and commitment is infectious.
Making a difference during the Olympic Outreach?
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo noted that KICC is in the centre of the Olympic zone. This obviously has led to us seeing ourselves as playing a central role in the spiritual influence of what happens in the zone. We see ourselves as been a haven of spiritual rest for new souls, weary athletes and visitors. Simply put we want to be a welcoming home for those seeking and desiring to be in God's presence.
This connection will also enhance our own ministry's evangelistic thrust with our vans, our people and our flyers being available and visible to all who enter the Olympic zone. We are confident that we will be making a great impact locally and globally to help people who want to connect to a ministry or simply want to know about Christ.
Growing up years and conversion
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo explained: "I was born in Kaduna which is the Northern part of Nigeria on the 17th of March 1952; and born to Muslim parents. I am the 4th in a family of 5 children. As the son of a military officer, whose father was constantly transferred on official duties, which meant my family was always on the move. My Muslim name was Ahmed which I later changed to Matthew. At the age of 22, I got saved in a drunken state. It was not long after my conversion that I went to Bible school in Lagos.
How I started my ministry
In January 1974 I started Bible School and I graduated in 1976. On completion I became the assistant Pastor at the Foursquare Gospel Church, Shomolu, Lagos, Nigeria. Within four years, I became the Resident Pastor of that local Church. During those early years of my ministry I also was requested to speak for different Universities and Colleges. As I did this ministry work more and more request came for me to speak kept coming in. That was how the Ministry began and the Lord began to bless my work.
My preparation on UK "Bridging the Gap 2012 Outreach" ministry
Our preparation as a ministry will be to host the LWFCI Team by providing for them a Regional command centre which will be at Darnley Road, in Hackney, London. KICC will also provide an Athlete Hospitality Centre which will be at Hoe Street in Walthamstow, London.
The church's contribution in running the Regional Command Centre for the LWFCI will be to provide 6 computers, 2 Computers for streaming and 4 Computers for Administration. The church will also provide refreshments for the team. We will also help the media requests for the Olympics. We pray the Lord bless our effort in order that we can make a lasting impact.
The Athletes Hospitality Centre will be where all the actual events will hold. Some of the streaming will also take place at the Athletes Hospitality Centre. As part of our preparation we also take care of the transportation needs of the LWFCI team during the Olympics. We are really looking forward to the Olympics as it promises to be an exciting one and not just because it is in London!
Strategic thinking on Evangelism
I believe Evangelism is the heart beat of God. It is the work of Holy Spirit. In our preparation and in our prayer, we must depend on the Holy Spirit. It is He the Holy Spirit who has to equip us to do the work of Evangelism. The Holy Spirit knows the Hearts of men so we need to depend on Him while we go about reaching the lost souls for the Lord. We are bound to have a great success as we definitely depend on the Holy Spirit.
Olympic Platform is God Given
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo says he concurs with Dr Sam Mings that the Olympic Platform is God Given. I pray that this Olympics will be the best so far and will make the world to realise the power of God's love and His desire for His creation to be united with His purpose. It is likely we'll draw congregations of up to 25,000 over the 5-6 Olympic services being held.
I also pray that future Olympics particularly the next one in Brazil will be fruitful and productive as we celebrate the physical abilities given to us by God to glorify His name.
