By Anthony Iwuoma
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The Crossover Night Service of Acts of Restoration and Compassion, ARC, church was a powerful and uplifting gathering marked by heartfelt worship, earnest prayers, and deep reflection. As the year drew to a close, the congregation united in thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness and guidance, acknowledging past victories and lessons learned. The atmosphere was charged with expectation as prayers and declarations were made for the new year, committing plans, families, and futures into God’s hands.
Themed From Altar to Army, the congregants came in their hundreds to be commissioned into the army of the Lord for the New Year.
The service began with an
Opening prayer led by Evangelist Chioma Success. Recounting the goodness of God, the handmaid of the Lord urged the worshippers to commit the service to Him. Thereafter, Prince Osuya, a gospel minister, led an inspiring praise and worship session. He described God as “the only beauty in my ugly situation” and equally counted the mercies of God before Mommy Favour Chikwem took the congregation in some powerful prayer points. She also reminded the congregation of the Lord’s faithfulness. She drew inspiration from Romans 12:1 and emphasised that consecration is the major tool believers need to go through 2026.
Thereafter, the choir ministered, before the Lead Pastor, Rev. Paul Chikwem, mounted the pulpit fully kitted for battle, depicting the theme of programme.
After his traditional worship fest, he returned all glory to God. He thanked Him for all He has done and asked for restoration and transformation of the brethren.
Chikwem decreed the night to be for the commissioning of warriors in God’s Army, saying they would cross over to the New Year borne on the wings of grace. He urged them to be intentional, and let the word sink in well. He reminded them that something was about to die and another to be born, adding that he was happy that 2025 was dying, not the worshippers.
Chikwem told them to refuse to be distracted so that they would leave as transformed persons at the end of the service.
The man of God said the Crossover Night was meant to prepare soldiers for what is ahead. “God is interested in raising an army for the church; pray be one of them. It is a night to take over cities and dominions, take over the gates of the enemies. It is a night God will raise spiritual warriors, pray intentionally and allow the Holy Spirit to flow through you.”
Reading from Mark 14:32-41, he explained that from altar to army, means “from being on my knees to the battlefield”.
“There are people that are meant to bear burdens with you, come closer to share some things but as you enter 2026, get to know who to address publicly and those to confide in. When men take you close, may you not disappoint them. It is hurtful when people disappoint you after trusting them.
“Out of many, Jesus picked three persons. They were favoured and graced. May you never be a thorn in the flesh or an arrow to the heart of those that trust you. Jesus taught them to pray but they disappointed him when he needed them.”
Chikwem exhorted: “In 2026 discover yourself first. Joseph first had a dream before interpreting other people’s own. If his brothers had had their own dreams, they wouldn’t have been jealous of him. Stars don’t fight stars. If you shine your shine and I shine my shine the sky will be brighter.”
The charismatic preacher also referred to where Jesus found where it was written of him and urged the people to discover theirs.
“Jesus was focused on his assignment. He did not come to condemn the world but that through Him the world might be saved. He lived his calling. Live it or leave it. It is either you are a Christian or you leave it. I am here to tell this generation that there is only one and true God. Jesus is the truth, the way, and the life; no one comes to God but through him.” He deplored ungodly activities of some while yet in the church.
Emphasising the importance of prayer, Chikwem said: “Jesus needed to win on his knees. He first sweated blood before he shed blood. You cannot win in the physical a battle you have not won in the spirit. Win privately and you can also win publicly.”
He pointed out how David took recourse to the place of prayer and sought the face of God after suffering losses in 1Samuel 20.
“Go to the place of prayer,” he said. “However, prayer does not replace action. It releases direction for action. People are replacing action with prayer. If you lock up your shop and stay in your house and pray, no Holy Ghost will open that shop. Open your shop; the prayer you pray in your house will activate sales. Prayers on your knees release angelic assistance.
“Daniel made a discovery in the book and went to pray. Daniel kept praying until a breakthrough came. It was not immediate but today people want it ‘sharp sharp’ (ozugbo ozugbo).”
He added that prayer can only be neglected when you have options but “when you have no option but God, prayer prepares you. Daniel kept praying until God sent Angel Gabriel to his rescue.”
The man of God urged the worshippers not to neglect prayers in 2026, insisting that there are no alternatives.
Joined by Yolanda David (Aunt Landa) the duo made powerful declarations on the exploits and conquests all through the New Year.
Subsequently, Chikwem blew the horn twelve times, signifying the months of the year and committed everything about 2026 and the lives of the worshippers to God.
Crossing into the New Year together in worship symbolised a renewed commitment to faith, purpose, and obedience. The service concluded with a strong sense of hope, spiritual renewal, and confidence that God’s presence and promises would lead the church into the year ahead. It was impactful and will surely resonate throughout the New Year.
