From Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu
Ottawa, Canada/
For the Christ Apostolic Church Way-to-Life, Ottawa, Canada, 2024 was a much blessed one in which prayers were answered and the glory of God manifested.
Aside from the spiritual responsibilities, the church cast its name in gold, as evidenced in its standard of humanity and benevolence.
The CAC WTL is evidently a stop-point for newcomer-migrants who benefitted much from its goodwill and generosity in 2024 as in other years. Bags of rice, gallons of edible oils, and sundry food items were among the giveaways in 2024.
Senior Pastor Christopher Adebowale Adeoye, who founded the church from his room before God expanded its coast, said God had been faithful. He described giving as one of the teachings of Jesus Christ, and supporting the needy without necessarily knowing or related to them as more rewarding.
Last year, ministers from other CAC churches across the globe visited the Way-to-Life in Ottawa for spiritual and humanitarian programs, which were all successful.
The church also encouraged cultural awareness and kindness among the members.
Pastor Adeoye, earlier in the year, recalled the early days of the church – the sacrifices and the doubts. He, however, added that he never wavered in his vision of a church that embraced all, regardless of background or belief. His message of love, acceptance, and inclusivity remained steadfast.
The church membership base kept growing. The pastor said there was even more room for more people as “We are one in Christ… and there shouldn’t be racial or language discrimination. Everyone is welcomed at the CAC WTL to worship God and love humanity. “
Joining Pastor Debo and Evangelist (Mrs)Omowunmi Adeoye in this task are Pastor and Mrs Fisayo Adefarakan, Pastor and Mrs Matthew Babatunde. The elders and ministers comprise Timothy Ajayi, Sola Babatunde, Eric ogbegie, Debo Odeyemi, Olawale Otun, John Oparaocha, Iriafe Babatunde, Gbenga Adebayo, Akinyele Akindotuni and Babalola Omobamidele
- They all have one role or the other to play as the Church paddled it’s prayer canoe through the last 72 hours of year 2024 with marathon fasting and prayers. This was geared towards ushering in the new year 2025 on a positive note as has been the culture of the church.
In 2024, precisely on Friday, August 16, the CAC Way-to-Life, Ottawa also hosted the CAC North America’s youth program which recorded an impressive turnout of young believers from across North America and the Caribbean as led by Youth Pastor Adekunmi Brown, including participants from Winnipeg, Calgary, Montreal, Brampton, Toronto, New York, Trinidad and Tobago, and Washington, DC.
The youth program was in response to growing global concerns over the behavioral shifts among youths and young adults.
The primary goal of the mission was to guide the youth towards becoming responsible adults through strong spiritual mentorship. The message delivered was clear: reject societal vices such as violence, drug addiction, dishonesty, greed, and pride, and instead, pursue a life aligned with Christ’s teachings.
Also, in the outgoing year, the CAC WTL infused a burst of joy into the community with a vibrant, free-for-all annual picnic at Ruth Wildgen Park, Ottawa
The event, held after a brief Sunday service, promoted healthy living through an array of sports, games, exercises, music, dancing, and a feast of assorted foods.
Considering the world’s need for peaceful co-existence and positive moves towards sustainable development and family-oriented growth and advancement, the CAC women in Canada also recorded a new first in spiritual family orientation.
The women, led by Evangelist Omowunmi Adeoye and Women Leader, Mrs Florence Ajayi, organized a one-week marathon prayer, lectures, health talks and visit cum gifts presentation anniversary program, tagged Canada-for-Christ, with the theme, ‘The Role of Women in Development of the Home, Church and Community’.
The grand finale of the special week was also the Mother’s Day. It was held on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at the CAC Way-to-Life church auditorium in Ottawa.
The day was marked by the women in uniform colors of white and wine. The men in support of the special day took over all the women duties as a mark of respect and honor for their gender on their special day.
Pastor Debo Adeoye urged the women to always be like the biblical Dorcas. He took his sermon on the role of women in the family as peacemakers and protectors expected to avert calamities in their families and society from 2 Timothy 1 verse 5.
He urged women to treat their husbands well and never succumb to class-pressure in which many women maltreated, lied, and pitched their husbands against foreign authorities after being taken abroad by the men, and they feel ‘they have achieved and no longer need the men’.
Ordained on June 11, 1999, Pastor Adeoye also celebrated his 25th Ordination anniversary during the 6th anniversary of the CAC WTL in June 2024.
Elder Eric Ogbegie chaired the church’s 6th Anniversary Planning Committee.
The Youth and Children’s Harvest in August was spirit-filled and heartwarming.
With the theme “The Children and the Church of God,” the young ones dazzled the congregation through a series of captivating activities that left an indelible mark on everyone present.
Earlier, in May 2024, the diverse tribes in the church celebrated the CAC Way-to-Life Cultural Day. The parade of Indigenous African wears, songs, and dances were memorable.
On December 22, the church’s choir, led by Music Director Femi Itasanmi, captivated the congregation, invitees, et all at the 2024 Christmas Carol. There was a prolonged cheer and standing ovation after their performance.
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