Biography of Pastor Enoch Adeboye

Pastor Enoch Adeboye is the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). He also served as the second national president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.

He was born on March 2, 1942, in Osun State, located in southwestern Nigeria, to a poor family. He often shares the story of wearing his first pair of shoes at the age of 18.

Enoch Adeboye began his education at Ilesha Grammar School, Ilesha, Osun State, in 1956. After high school, he enrolled at the University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, but due to the Nigerian-Biafran War, he transferred to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics in 1967.

In 1969, he obtained a Master's degree in Hydrodynamics from the University of Lagos, followed by a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the same university in 1975.

On December 17, 1967, he married Foluke Adeboye, and together they had four children—three sons and a daughter—as well as several grandchildren. Tragically, he lost one of his sons, Dare Adeboye, on May 4, 2021, when he passed away in his sleep at the age of 42.

Journey into Ministry

Enoch Adeboye joined the Redeemed Christian Church of God in 1973 after his daughter fell ill and failed to respond to medical treatment. A cousin invited him and his wife to a parish of the RCCG to seek divine healing for their child.

On July 29, 1973, he made a personal commitment to Christ through the ministry of Reverend Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi, the founder and first General Overseer of the RCCG.

Reverend Akindayomi, though uneducated, was supernaturally gifted with the ability to read the Bible in his native Yoruba language. In 1977, Adeboye was ordained a pastor in the church and soon began conducting Bible study meetings, crusades, revivals, outreaches, and evangelistic programs known as the Congress.

In 1981, following the passing of Reverend Akindayomi, Enoch Adeboye was appointed as the General Overseer of the RCCG. On January 15, 2021, he celebrated 40 years as the church's leader.

The Holy Ghost Service and Expansion of RCCG

In the mid-1980s, Pastor Adeboye launched a special program known as the Holy Ghost Service (HGS), a monthly gathering featuring praise, worship, prayer, soul-winning, deliverance, testimonies, and the preaching of God’s Word. Initially held at the church’s headquarters in Lagos, the event quickly outgrew the venue, leading to the purchase of a large expanse of forest land in Ogun State, now known as Redemption Camp.

The Holy Ghost Service has continued for over two decades, with attendance running into the millions every month.

On December 18, 1998, Pastor Adeboye gained global recognition when he hosted the first-ever Holy Ghost Congress, an open-air revival held in Lekki, Lagos, with over 7 million attendees, as reported by CNN and BBC. This gathering was recorded as the largest single gathering of people in one location at the time.

The following year, the Holy Ghost Congress grew to 12 million worshippers. The program has since evolved into an annual three-day Holy Ghost Congress held every December at Redemption Camp.

Global Influence and Recognition

Pastor Adeboye is widely known across the world, having preached in remote African villages and major cities in the United States and Europe. His counsel is sought by presidents, and his influence spans both religious and secular arenas.

Over the years, he has received numerous honors, including several honorary doctorate degrees from institutions in Nigeria and abroad in recognition of his contributions to humanity.

• In 1999, he was awarded honorary citizenship and the key to the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
• In 2000, he dedicated the first chapel in the Nigerian Presidential Villa, Abuja.
• In 2002, he received the key to the city of Detroit, Michigan, USA.
• In 2005, he was honored with honorary citizenship and the keys to Dallas, Texas, and Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
• In 2008, he was awarded a National Honor (Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria).
• In 2009, he led the pre-summit prayers at the 64th General Assembly of the United Nations in New York.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye's life is a testament to faith, perseverance, and dedication to God's work. From humble beginnings to leading one of the fastest-growing Pentecostal churches in the world, his impact continues to inspire millions globally.

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