The Peculiar Gospel Outreach Ministry has marked its 10th anniversary, with its General Overseer, Pastor Joseph O. Babatunde, declaring that the church has defied early prophecies predicting its collapse within the first year.
Babatunde made the remarks during the anniversary celebration held at the National Headquarters of the Church in Imode, Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Saturday. The two-day event, themed “Ebenezer – Thus far, the Lord has helped us,” was based on 1 Samuel 7:12.
A Testimony of Divine Faithfulness
Describing the anniversary as a testament to God’s faithfulness, Babatunde noted that the ministry’s journey over the past decade had been shaped by divine intervention. “It became expedient for us to come together to specially thank God for how far He has sustained us despite the negative prophecies and wishes of the enemies that the ministry will not survive for one year,” he said.
Explaining the theme, he said “Ebenezer,” meaning “stone of help,” symbolizes God’s assistance in times of difficulty and serves as a reminder of His faithfulness. Quoting 1 Samuel 7:12, he added, “Then Samuel took a stone and set it up… saying, Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
The Vision and Calling
Babatunde recalled that the vision for the ministry dates back to 1989 in old Imode town, when he had a divine encounter that marked the beginning of his calling. He described a dream in which a voice told him, “Why did you associate with that masquerade, don’t you know I have separated you for my glory and you will preach my Word?” Although he initially ignored the message, subsequent dreams and confirmations, including one from his wife, reinforced the call.
A turning point came in 2008 while he served as Regional Manager of the Bank of Industry in Akure, where he saw a handwritten message on a wall saying, “Don’t you know I have called you and you will preach my word?” This led to consultations with church leaders and the first crusade in Iloffa in December 2008.
Growth and Expansion
The ministry was formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in 2013 and has since grown into a network of churches and outreach centres. According to Babatunde, the ministry now has 15 branches across Nigeria and Togo, with evangelistic activities in communities including Ilorin, Ibadan, Ila-orangun, Ora-Igbomina, Omuaran, and Erinmope. He also highlighted the establishment of Peculiar Camp in New Imode Town as a major milestone.
“Today, on account of this modest ministry located in this New Imode community, Imode is now on the Nigeria and world radar,” he said.
Church Planting and Bible Institute
Church planting commenced in 2016 following divine instruction to ensure converts remained in the faith. Quoting John 15:16, Babatunde said, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you… that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.” The Peculiar Bible Institute, established in 2018, has graduated six sets of students and remains open to both members and non-members seeking deeper Bible knowledge.
The cleric expressed gratitude to traditional rulers, ministers, partners, and members for their support. “We thank God for the covenant of protection upon the ministry and our members,” he said. Babatunde reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to evangelism, discipleship, and church planting, expressing optimism about greater expansion in the years ahead. The event concluded on Sunday with a thanksgiving service.
