Papa’s Move Outreach: Worship as Warfare, Praise as Positioning
The February edition of Papa’s Move Outreach at Acts of Restoration and Compassion (ARC) Church unfolded as a stirring convocation of worship, faith, and spiritual realignment, marked by prophetic declarations, heartfelt worship, and a moment of joyful dedication.
The service commenced with an opening prayer led by Godson, who anchored his charge on a bold promise of “exceeding expectations.” With clarity and conviction, he challenged congregants to engage faith and determination, declaring, “The day you decide, heaven will descend.” His words immediately set the tone for a gathering defined by deliberate faith and expectancy.
The choir ministered powerfully, ushering worshippers into a deep atmosphere of reverence. Minister Miracle followed with an uplifting praise session that ignited vibrant expressions of gratitude across the congregation.
Apostle Alex then led strategic prayers against what he described as the orchestrations of Satan and his cohorts, drawing from Psalm 68:1, “Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered”, and Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” The declarations were bold and faith-charged, reinforcing confidence in divine protection and victory.
In a touching highlight of the service, a baby girl, Chimamanda Sophia Ugonna, was formally dedicated unto the Lord. The moment drew smiles, prayers, and prophetic blessings, as the congregation joined the family in committing the child’s life and destiny into God’s hands. It was a symbolic reminder that worship is not only expressed in song, but also in surrendering the next generation to divine purpose.
The spiritual intensity deepened when the Lead Pastor, Rev. Paul Chikwem, mounted the rostrum in his characteristic worship flow. His message centred on the privilege of entering God’s presence, not merely for what one can receive, but for who God is.
“You don’t just come to God because of what you will collect,” he admonished. “Coming into God’s presence is a privilege. Offering Him worship is a privilege. The Architect of the heavens and the earth, worshipped 24/7 by angels and elders, still desires the praise of men, even in the midst of their challenges.”
He emphasised that praise offered in comfort differs from praise birthed in adversity, referencing Paul and Silas who worshipped in prison. Worship, he stressed, must transcend circumstance.
In a personal reflection, Rev. Chikwem shared how marking his 55th birthday in Northern Nigeria symbolised divine repositioning. Regardless of movement across the East, West, or South, he noted that God told him that He had strategically placed him in the North, on a mountain top, for purpose . “I am not here to celebrate or ask for a car,” he remarked, underscoring that assignment outweighs material pursuit.
“Do not allow challenges make you drop your harp,” he urged. “Take it back and bless His holy name.”
Declaring worship as spiritual warfare, he stated, “You don’t fight a man who worships God. It is like taking from God what He eats; He will not take it lightly.”
The cleric charged believers to move beyond being mere Christians or prayer warriors to becoming true worshippers. “Papa’s Move is not a concert; we praise,” he affirmed.
Drawing from the life of David from 1 Samuel 16:14–23, he illustrated how worship positioned him for destiny, entering Saul’s household as a worshipper and eventually emerging as king. Worship, he warned, must not be in the flesh or for human applause. “Who are you singing for, God or man? Anytime you sing for people to praise you, you have missed it”, noting that worship scares away evil spirits and acts a shield to the worshipper.
With the reminder that earthly pursuits are fleeting, “Even the flesh expires in the grave”, he called congregants to refocus on eternal value.
The February edition of Papa’s Move Outreach, therefore, stood not merely as a service, but as a divine summons: to lift God above challenges, to embrace worship as identity, to dedicate destinies unto Him, and to understand that when sincere praise ascends, heaven responds decisively.
