Adeboye Reflects on Redemption Camp’s Transformation from Robbers’ Den to Spiritual Haven
The sixth day of the 2024 Holy Ghost Congress of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, themed Onward Christian Soldiers, became an inspiring moment as Pastor Enoch Adeboye shared the remarkable journey of Redemption Camp.
During his sermon on December 14, Adeboye recounted how God’s guidance, coupled with the steadfast faith of a few, turned a once desolate and dangerous area into a thriving spiritual hub.
According to Church Times Nigeria, Adeboye described the land as once being just two hectares, a known hideout for highway robbers. He reflected on the early days of their arrival, saying, “I was just a little over 40 years old when we arrived, and the place was far from what it is now.”
The camp’s beginnings were marked by numerous challenges, which Adeboye compared to the Israelites’ journey, especially the negative reports from the ten spies and the courageous faith of Joshua and Caleb.
He shared how, shortly after settling in, they discovered abandoned suitcases, clothes, and shoes—evidence of the robbers’ victims. Adeboye also described the harsh natural environment, mentioning the frequent sightings of dangerous snakes, particularly pythons. He recalled, “Every week, we’d find and kill huge snakes, and once, we even found a snake under one of my children’s bedsheets.”
The pastor also spoke of a peculiar tree on the campgrounds that locals believed would cause death to anyone who dared cut it down. However, he noted that years later, the men who cut the tree remained unharmed.
Despite these daunting obstacles, Adeboye credited the dedication of the church’s elders, who worked tirelessly alongside him during those early years of hardship. “The elders were crucial. They worked with me when we had nothing—fetching firewood, digging wells for water, and doing everything necessary,” he said, urging the younger generation to respect and learn from the wisdom of their elders.
“The knowledge gained by these elders cannot be replicated in any seminary,” Adeboye emphasized, acknowledging their invaluable contributions.
As he reflected on the church’s growth, Adeboye expressed immense pride in its achievements. “Look at the choir we have. There’s no father in the world with such a choir. I’m not even a father in a billion, and yet you, my children, will surpass me,” he declared, evoking a standing ovation from the congregation.
In his concluding remarks, Adeboye encouraged the youth to seize their opportunities with faith, reminding them, “If the enemy couldn’t stop your father, he can’t stop you either. Together, we will take over the world for Christ.”
He reassured the congregation of God’s omnipotence, stating, “If God is on your side, nothing can hinder you. No man prevails by his own strength.”
The 2024 Holy Ghost Congress wrapped up on December 15 with a grand thanksgiving service, leaving participants inspired by the extraordinary transformation of Redemption Camp and the enduring power of faith.
