Category: Revival Epistles

  • “Operation Revive & Restore”: The Blueprint for a New You

    “Operation Revive & Restore”: The Blueprint for a New You

    Sis. Nonye Obiora | President, Boston South Chapter

    African Christian Fellowship, USA

    To the saints, the seekers, and the builders of the Kingdom,

    African Christian Fellowship East Region (ACFER)  stands at the threshold of a divine shift. As we prepare for Operation: Revive & Restore, we recognize that God is not doing just one thing—He is working in every area of our lives to bring us back to wholeness. There comes a season in the life of every believer—and every ministry—when old structures can no longer contain the new wine God desires to pour out. In such seasons, the walls may feel breached, and the spirit weary from the journey.

    If we as ACFER families have felt torn or stricken by the trials of recent years, know this: we have not been forgotten. We are simply in the midst of a Divine Renovation.

    The Prophetic Architecture

    As we prepare for the upcoming conference, we anchor our hearts in the promise of Hosea 6:1–2:

    “Come, let us return to the Lord. For He has torn us, but He will heal us; He has stricken us, but He will bind us up. After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His sight.”

    This is the Blueprint for a New You. Whether you feel torn, wounded, or simply weary, the promise of the “third day” still stands. We are gathering with expectation—to be healed, restored, and raised up to live fully in His presence. This is a journey of returning, reviving, and rising.

    God is not merely “patching up” our old lives; He is carrying out a master plan—one that will make it clear to the world that this transformation is by His hand alone. 

    Where the Vision Meets the Vessel

    This conference represents the intersection of God’s design (The Vision) and our lives (The Vessel). To see this blueprint come to life, we are focusing on four pillars of restoration:

    1. The Valley of Vision

    “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” (Ezekiel 37:9, NIV)

    In this vision, God shows Ezekiel that He can restore Israel, a nation that felt “dead” and without hope during its exile in Babylon. The imagery reveals God’s power to transform a desperate situation into a “very great army” of living people.

    This passage emphasizes God’s ability to create life where none exists. It is a message of restoration—promising not only renewed life, but also a return to the land and purpose He has given His people.

    Ezekiel 37 offers a vivid picture of spiritual awakening. God revives what appears lifeless and beyond hope. Just as He breathed life into dry bones, He calls His people to renewal through His Word and Spirit. Revival begins when we recognize our need for Him, turn back in repentance, and seek His presence. The vision points to God’s power to revive, restore, and bring renewal—spiritually, physically, and even nationally—to His people, transforming hopelessness into strength and purpose.

    Like Ezekiel standing in the valley, ACF families are being called to invite the breath of God into our own dry places in this season of revival. He alone can transform us from lifeless bones into a living, unified body. We must refuse to remain in the dust when God is calling us to rise in His power. As we call on His Spirit to move through every dry area of our lives, our hope is renewed, and we rise—together—into a strong and living force—overcoming every barrier that once held us back.

    1. The Nehemiah Strategy

    “Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon.” (Nehemiah 4:17, NKJV)

    This verse captures a powerful image: laborers rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls while remaining ready to defend themselves. It reflects a vital principle—God’s work requires both faithful effort and constant vigilance. The people were committed to rebuilding, yet they faced ongoing threats from adversaries like Sanballat and Tobiah, who sought to disrupt and destroy their progress. In response, Nehemiah organized the workers so that each person was equipped to build and to defend at the same time.

    The message is clear: when pursuing God’s purpose, ACF families must be diligent in our work while staying spiritually alert. We are called to trust God, pray continually, and take responsibility for both building and protecting what He has entrusted to us.

    So the question becomes: who or what are the “Sanballats and Tobiahs” in our lives—those forces that seek to weaken our devotion, distract us from our calling, or hinder the vision God has given us as a christian community?

    Like the people in Nehemiah’s day, we are not merely dreaming—we are building. In this season of revival, we are identifying the breaches in our walls—the broken places in our lives, families, and ministries—and committing to rebuild with purpose. With a tool in one hand and readiness in the other, we labor with vision and restore with vigilance.

    This revival is a call to action for every member of the ACFER family: youths, young adults, and elders alike. It is time to move beyond mourning what was lost and begin laying the foundation for what God is restoring. There is urgency in this moment. We must remain diligent in our assignment while staying alert to the spiritual battles that seek to destabilize us.

    As Scripture reminds us in 1 Peter 5:8–9, that we are to be sober and vigilant, standing firm in faith against the enemy’s schemes. As we advance God’s purpose—building what He has called us to build—we must also remain prepared for spiritual warfare, holding fast to the truth of His Word. Progress will invite opposition. That is why we need both “a mind to work” and “a mind to watch”.

    This is a collective call to action. To move forward as an organization, we must be united—just as the builders were—focused on both constructing and guarding, ensuring that the work continues despite every challenge.

    1. The Master Potter’s Touch

    “But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as it seemed best to him.” (Jeremiah 18:4, NIV)

    This verse reveals God’s sovereignty through the image of a potter and clay. When the vessel became marred—symbolizing human imperfection—the potter did not discard it. Instead, he patiently reshaped it into a new vessel according to his design. This picture highlights God’s grace and persistence: He transforms brokenness into something purposeful and new. It is a message of both correction and hope, reminding us that God is still at work, continually offering renewal to those who feel flawed or unfinished.

    It is an invitation to surrender our broken pieces to the One at the wheel. No matter how marred the vessel may be, if we repent and return to our loving Father, the Potter, He will reshape us into something honorable, whole, and new. Our failures do not disqualify us from God’s purpose; they become the very clay He uses to shape vessels of glory.

    Let us place every part of our lives into the Master’s hands—including our prodigal children. No matter how many times the clay has been reshaped, or how far our children may have strayed, He remains faithful—continually forming us into vessels of honor, fit for His purpose.

    1. Springs in the Desert

    “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19, NIV)

    This verse reveals a God who is active and purposeful—always creating, transforming, and bringing life. His work often begins quietly, beneath the surface, requiring faith and spiritual awareness to recognize it. He makes a way where none seems possible and provides abundance in places marked by scarcity.

    God is calling ACFER to release the past—whether burdens, regrets, or even former successes—that may keep us from stepping into what God is doing now. The focus shifts from what was to what is emerging, often in ways we do not immediately see.

    This promise speaks directly to the dry and difficult areas of life—relationships, careers, and spiritual journeys—assuring us that renewal is not only possible, but already in motion. God is doing a new thing, even in the wilderness.

    We declare that the season of drought is over. Be of good cheer, God is carving out pathways through our wilderness and bringing refreshing streams into our wastelands. What was once dry will overflow with life. Even in our most barren seasons, He is at work—creating rivers to refresh our spirits and sustain the future He is unfolding before us.

    A Call to the Third Day

    Revival does not begin with an event—it begins with a return. To return means acknowledging that, at times, we have drifted. Distractions, burdens, and the weariness of the journey can quietly pull us away from where we once stood.

    Certainly, our wilderness season—marked by dryness, weariness, and brokenness—has been a time of testing, but it is not our destination. Operation: Revive & Restore is our collective invitation to pause, turn back to the Father, and say, “Lord, we are here.” This is our “Third Day”—the moment when healing gives way to renewal, and renewal gives way to resurrection life. Let us come with hearts full of expectation. Come ready to build, to be filled, and to be made new.

    The beauty of Hosea’s prophecy is the certainty of the timing: though there is a season of being stricken, it is followed by a set time of being raised up. We believe this gathering marks that turning point—our Third Day:

    • Day 1: Acknowledging the dry places and the wounds
    • Day 2: Embracing the process of healing and restoration
    • Day 3: Stepping into renewed hope, vision, and strength

    How to Prepare Your Heart

    As we approach this time together, we are invited into intentional preparation:

    • Seek the quiet: Set aside a few minutes each day to sit in stillness, allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal what needs healing.

    • Identify the ruins: Consider what has been lost or weakened—whether in your family, health, or ministry—and bring those areas before the Lord.

    • Anticipate the rain: Expectation creates space for transformation. Come ready not just to attend, but to encounter.

    A New Season of Life

    I pray that this revival is not a fleeting emotional moment, but a lasting transformation—so that ACFER, as a community of believers, we may truly “live in His presence.” We are being restored to walk in strength, serve with joy, and reflect His glory to a world in need of hope.

    Come, let us return to the Lord.

    Through our conference theme, the doors are open.

    At the conference itself, the Spirit will be moving.

    As we continue to register and prepare, the Father is patiently waiting.

    The wilderness is indeed behind us and restoration has begun. Hallelujah!

    May the One who began a good work in us bring it to completion. May He breathe life into every weary place, restore the joy of our salvation, and lead us into a new season—fully equipped to fulfill His purpose.

    REGISTER FOR OPERATION: REVIVE & RESTORE 2026

    Promotional graphic for ACF East Region 2026 conference ‘Operation Revive & Restore’ based on Hosea 6:2, featuring ‘July 2-5 Marlborough MA Royal Plaza Trade Center & Hotel Boston Greater’, registration link acfeastregion.org, and hashtag #ACFReviveRestore

    About Sis. Nonye Obiora

    Sis. Nonye Obiora is the President of ACF Boston South Chapter, with over 25 years of faithful service in the fellowship, including prior roles as Secretary and Financial Secretary. Her passion for the Lord and commitment to His work were further deepened through the 2019 ACF mission to the Republic of Benin, where God renewed vision for her chapter—eventually leading to the successful commissioning of the piggery farm project in 2024. A mathematics educator in Boston, she is actively involved in advancing excellence in teaching through High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) and contributes to state and regional conferences. She lives in Boston with her husband, Onyemaechi, and their four children.

  • End Time Revival: A Call to Personal and Communal Renewal

    End Time Revival: A Call to Personal and Communal Renewal

    Bro. Stephen Ike | President, Bronx Chapter

    African Christian Fellowship, USA

    To the saints and my faithful brothers and sisters,

    Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

    I write to you, beloved, with a heart stirred by the Spirit regarding the season ahead of us. We often pray for “revival”—longing for a move of God that sweeps through our churches and our cities. Yet Scripture reminds us that the fire of God rarely falls on empty ground; it falls upon an altar that has been prepared.

    Revival is not merely an external event or a moment of emotional intensity. It is, first and foremost, a return to our first love. It begins when we stop seeking the hand of God for what He can give us and begin seeking the face of God for who He is.

    As it is written, “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” (Psalm 85:6). True revival is the resurrection of what has grown cold within us.

    Revival is not a lightning bolt from the sky; it is the awakening of dead places within us. It begins with the honest prayer of the Psalmist: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts” (Psalm 139:23).

    The Nature of End Time Revival

    The concept of an end-time revival, often referred to as the “latter rain,” is widely held within Pentecostal and Charismatic circles. It suggests that just before the second coming of Christ, there will be a global spiritual awakening characterized by a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

    This expectation is rooted in Joel 2:28–32 and Acts 2:17, and is often described by the following characteristics:

    • Outpouring of the Holy Spirit: Dreams, visions, prophecy, and spiritual gifts among believers
    • Restoration of the five-fold ministry: Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers equipping the Church (Ephesians 4:11)
    • Global harvest of souls: The Gospel preached to all nations with power
    • Miracles and healing: Signs and wonders accompanying the preaching of the Word, as in the book of Acts

    At the same time, Scripture presents a sober tension between revival and falling away (2 Thessalonians 2:3; Matthew 24:10–12). Some understand both realities as occurring simultaneously—a great harvest alongside increasing deception (Matthew 13:24–30).

    Regardless of interpretation, one truth remains: God is calling His people to readiness.

    The Individual Altar: Where Revival Begins

    Before fire fell on Mount Carmel, Elijah repaired the broken altar (1 Kings 18:30). In the same way, revival begins with the restoration of the personal altar.

    We must ask ourselves:

    • Are we cultivating private devotion, or merely maintaining public appearance?
    • Are we truly seeking God, or only His blessings?

    David’s prayer remains our model:
    “Search me, O God, and know my heart…” (Psalm 139:23).

    Revival begins in the hidden place—the place of prayer, repentance, and surrender. It begins when we return to the simplicity of loving God above all else.

    The Communal Overflow

    When individual hearts are set ablaze, the community cannot remain unchanged. A revived believer produces a revived fellowship.

    The early church “devoted themselves” to prayer, teaching, fellowship, and breaking of bread (Acts 2:42). The result was not only spiritual vitality but visible transformation and daily growth in the Church.

    A revived community is marked by:

    • Unity and transparency
    • Repentance and healing (James 5:16)
    • Compassion for the broken and the poor (Amos 5:24)
    • A living testimony of Christ’s presence

    True revival always produces love in action.

    A Practical Spiritual Response

    In light of this, I urge you to:

    1. Search and surrender: Invite the Holy Spirit to examine your heart. Lay aside every weight and sin that hinders spiritual fire (Hebrews 12:1).
    2. Return to deep repentance: Revival and pride cannot coexist. Let confession and humility become a daily posture.
    3. Pray for one another: Revival is corporate. We are strengthened and healed together through prayer (James 5:16).
    4. Expect the move of God: God is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Let faith rise again.
    5. Walk in love without agenda: Let renewed fire be expressed through humility, kindness, and service to the weary and marginalized.

    A Call to Renewal

    Brethren, let the fire be rekindled now. Let revival begin within us so it may flow through us.

    As part of this season of expectation, I encourage every saint to prepare for and attend the upcoming East Region Conference, 2nd – 5th July 2026. Registration is ongoing. Do not miss this season of visitation.

    Closing Prayer

    Dear Father,
    You have delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the marvelous light of Your dear Son, Jesus Christ. All glory belongs to Your name.

    In this end time, let the fire of the Holy Spirit burn within us continually until You return. Strengthen our faith, deepen our love for You and for one another, and make us steadfast and watchful.

    May we be a people prepared for Your coming, shining as light in a dark world.

    In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    REGISTER FOR OPERATION: REVIVE & RESTORE 2026

    Promotional graphic for ACF East Region 2026 conference ‘Operation Revive & Restore’ based on Hosea 6:2, featuring ‘July 2-5 Marlborough MA Royal Plaza Trade Center & Hotel Boston Greater’, registration link acfeastregion.org, and hashtag #ACFReviveRestore

    About Brother Stephen Ike

    Bro. Stephen Ike is the President of the African Christian Fellowship, Bronx, New York Chapter. He is a born-again Christian who has been serving the Lord since his teenage years. He expresses his love for the Lord through active involvement with other believers in mission fields, church activities, and Christian organizations.

    He originally migrated from the eastern part of Nigeria to the United States of America several years ago with his family. He is a businessman, a transporter, and also works in the healthcare field.

    By the grace of God, his involvement with ACF through Dr. Samuel Mbazor has been a blessing to his family and the ACF community. He is married to Sister Comfort Ike, and they are blessed with five children.

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  • Revival Begins with Us: Renewing ACF in Prayer and Devotion

    Revival Begins with Us: Renewing ACF in Prayer and Devotion

    Sis. Ritah Emenari | Member, Northern New Jersey Chapter 

    African Christian Fellowship, USA

    *Endorsed by Sis Apolonia Anike | President, Northern New Jersey Chapter 

    Introduction: Revival Begins with God

    Just as there is physical revival, there is also spiritual revival. In my work as a nurse, physical revival means responding to a person in crisis and using the necessary interventions, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, to restore life. Physical revival is considered successful when the patient regains a pulse and begins breathing again. In the same way, spiritual revival is needed when we are spiritually dead or no longer walking with the Lord as we should.

    God’s Pattern for Restoration

    A clear example of God’s way of reviving His people is found in Ezekiel 36:25–27. In this passage, God promises to cleanse His people, give them a new heart, place a new spirit within them, and cause them to walk in His ways. This reminds us that revival is not something we can manufacture on our own. It is God Himself, by the power of the Holy Spirit, who restores spiritual life.

    If we try to create revival in our own strength, we will fail. God is calling us back to Himself, both physically and spiritually. He is calling back those who once belonged to ACF and stepped away. He is calling back those who are still around but have become inactive or spiritually weary. He is calling us away from the things that have replaced Him and from the distractions that keep us from spending time in His presence.

    Repentance and Renewed Devotion

    The story of Nineveh (Jonah 3 & 4) is another powerful example of God reviving His people. When Jonah preached God’s message, the people believed, fasted, and repented from the greatest to the least. Their response shows us that revival begins with humility, repentance, and a willingness to turn back to God.

    1 John 1:9 also assures us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. No matter how far we have fallen, God is gracious enough to receive us back. His mercy is greater than our failure, and His invitation to return is still open.

    Prayer as the Path to Healing

    2 Chronicles 7:14 gives us a timeless pattern for spiritual restoration: If God’s people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways, He will hear, forgive, and heal their land. This is why prayer is such an essential part of revival. Things do not change by accident. Revival is awakened when God’s people rise up and seek Him intentionally.

    I believe ACF is a people called by God’s name. If we humble ourselves and return to the place of prayer, we will see transformation in our fellowship and in our hearts. Revival must begin individually before it can overflow into the larger body.

    Remembering Our Roots

    I am blessed to have been born and raised in Uganda, a nation with a powerful history of Christian revival. I grew up hearing stories of how born-again believers and Pentecostals stood firm through persecution, even when public worship was restricted and many were threatened for praying openly. Yet the church did not disappear. It went underground, meeting in homes and hidden places, and continued to pray.

    Those were difficult years, marked by suffering and fear. But even in those days, believers held on to God. After the fall of Idi Amin in 1979, a great revival followed. Churches began to spring up everywhere, and the move of God was unmistakable. Lives were changed, miracles took place, and many came to Christ. I am grateful to come from a church heritage shaped by this kind of faith and perseverance.

    The Legacy of African Christian Fellowship

    I was deeply encouraged to learn that ACF also began in 1977, just before a time of spiritual awakening in Uganda. It is beautiful to think that ACF was birthed by people who were revived, passionate, and on fire for Christ. These were believers who may not have had much materially, yet they had deep personal and corporate encounters with God that sustained them for decades.

    Their love for God and for one another built a strong foundation. I once heard a story of how, in the early days of the Washington DC chapter, only one person had a car and used it to help transport brethren whenever needed. That kind of sacrificial love is part of the heritage we must not forget.

    Passing the Story On

    To our beloved aunties and uncles who have been in ACF for many years, have you told the younger generation what God has done through this fellowship? Have you shared the stories, testimonies, and sacrifices that have kept this ministry alive? The younger generation needs more than participation; they need understanding. They need to know why ACF matters and why it is worth continuing.

    A people without history is like a tree without roots. If the younger generation is to carry this ministry forward, they must know where it came from, what God has done, and what legacy they are being asked to preserve. The same applies to spiritual inheritance in every generation.

    The Role of Every Generation

    Both the older and younger generations have a responsibility in the revival of ACF. In the early years, ACF functioned with a close blend of fellowship, discipleship, and community care. Today, many members already belong to local churches in addition to ACF, so it is important to clearly understand the unique purpose of the fellowship.

    ACF must remain relevant by being distinct, purposeful, and spiritually alive. If what ACF offers can be found fully elsewhere, members will struggle to see its value. But when the fellowship reflects the beauty of Christ-centered community, prayer, and spiritual renewal, it becomes a vital part of the body of Christ.

    The older generation has laid the foundation. Now it is the turn of the younger generation to seek God for fresh direction on how to continue the work in a fast-paced and highly competitive world.

    A Call to Personal Revival

    We must renew our devotion to God and to His work in ACF. This is a choice we make with the help of the Holy Spirit. There are so many distractions, comforts, and responsibilities in this country that it becomes easy to lose spiritual focus. We must intentionally turn away from the idols that compete for our attention and prioritize time with God and His Word.

    Revival will not begin in a fellowship until it begins in the heart of each believer. We must cut off the things that cause spiritual dryness and decline. God is calling us back to Himself, and His invitation is both urgent and full of grace. Our response must be simple and sincere: “Yes, Lord.”

    > REGISTER FOR OPERATION: REVIVE & RESTORE 2026 <

    Promotional graphic for ACF East Region 2026 conference ‘Operation Revive & Restore’ based on Hosea 6:2, featuring ‘July 2-5 Marlborough MA Royal Plaza Trade Center & Hotel Boston Greater’, registration link acfeastregion.org, and hashtag #ACFReviveRestore

     

    About Sis. Ritah Emenari

    Ritah Emenari is a member of the African Christian Fellowship whose journey with the organization began in her birthplace, Uganda. Called to serve the Lord through mission, Ritah’s healthcare background and love for God connected her to ACF Uganda. While serving faithfully in ACF missions, she met her husband, Dr. Chibuzo Emenari, whose healthcare background and missionary calling also brought him to the field. Ritah now lives in the United States, where she works as a registered nurse and serves as a vessel of honor in African Christian Fellowship’s Northern New Jersey Chapter alongside her husband and three children.

  • GOD’S RESTORATION THROUGH HIS SECRETS

    GOD’S RESTORATION THROUGH HIS SECRETS

    Bro. Henry Umeana | President, Hartford, Connecticut Chapter

    African Christian Fellowship, USA

    Beloved in Christ,

    Grace and peace be multiplied unto you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. As we continue to press in toward “Operation: Revive & Restore”, the Holy Spirit draws my attention to a profound realization: God’s restoration flows through the unveiling of His divine secrets. What has been hidden in darkness shall be brought into His marvelous light, igniting revival in our hearts, families, and local chapter fellowships.

    Scriptural Foundation

    “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” ~ Deuteronomy 29:29 (ESV)

    “He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.” ~ Daniel 2:22 (KJV)

    These verses guide us into the third month of this revival season, reminding us that God’s revelations are not mere insights but keys to obedience, restoration, and generational legacy. 

    For the African Christian Fellowship to walk in the vision God gave us in 1977—now in 2026 and beyond—we must reposition ourselves to receive His divine blueprint for ACF in this time. With that blueprint come instructions to obey, renewed mindsets that restore, and strategies that ensure a seamless handover to the next generation.

    God’s Handover from Moses to Joshua

    It was in Moses’ intimate fellowship with the Lord that God revealed to him that Joshua would succeed him in leading Israel and gave him specific instruction on how to commission him:

    Numbers 27:18–20 

    18 So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit of leadership, and lay your hand on him.

    19 Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him in their presence.

    20 Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him.

    God, who knew the destiny of Israel, revealed to His servant Moses what to do as the nation entered a season of transition. Brethren, the same God who knows the destiny of ACF also desires to reveal to us what to do as we transition into His restoration for us. His future plans will remain concealed until we posture ourselves to search His Word by the Spirit.

    “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.” 

    (Proverbs 25:2)

    “and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.”

    (Revelation 1:5–6)

    When we take the time to search the Word until we are filled with revelation, God likens us to kings. It is only kings who have the authority to rule over the earth, nations, and organizations. In Daniel’s day, God disclosed the king’s dream—foretelling kingdoms and Christ’s eternal reign—proving that He alone holds the mysteries of time and eternity. In this same vein, God desires to disclose great mysteries of the future to us today.

    Key Aspects of Daniel 2:22

    • Revealer of Secrets: God unveils knowledge beyond human wisdom, like the dream’s prophecy of future empires, empowering us to navigate today’s spiritual battles with divine foresight.
    • Omniscience: Nothing escapes His sight; He knows the hidden darkness of our struggles, sin, and fears, and He offers complete restoration where human efforts fail.
    • Divine Light: Light dwells with Him as the eternal source of truth, illuminating paths for revival and drawing us into His transformative presence.

    Conclusion

    My hope, as we draw closer to “Operation: Revive & Restore”, is that the grace to search the Scriptures and hear the voice of God concerning the future of ACF will be multiplied in every individual, family, and chapter. 

    We must increase our time in the Word. The longer we dwell, the more secrets we will hear.

    We must tarry in intercession longer than in seasons past. Remember Acts 13:2.

    We must embrace our identity as priests who minister unto the Lord day and night. 

    When we do these things, the secrets of God become easier to discern, interpret, and implement.

    Brother Shola’s revival epistle admonished us to walk in forgiveness.

    Sister Eliada revealed that, in order to sustain a revival, love must be the sustaining force.

    Brother Festus made clear that the purpose of revival is alignment with God’s purpose of restoring the world back to Himself.

    As I pen these words, I remind ACF East Region of our identity as believers. Once we see ourselves as those whom God has chosen to reveal His secrets to, the keys to restoration and to the next generations of ACF will be released to us.

    Call to Action

    Let us seek God’s revelations in prayer, fasting, and fellowship. Let us be willing to break standard protocols at this critical time. As the Spirit is poured out upon us afresh, believe that our youth will see visions and dreams concerning our future. Like Moses, our leaders will receive from the Lord clear succession plans. And in unity, we will move forward to experience revival and restoration for power and dominion!

    > REGISTER FOR OPERATION: REVIVE & RESTORE 2026 <

    Promotional graphic for ACF East Region 2026 conference ‘Operation Revive & Restore’ based on Hosea 6:2, featuring ‘July 2-5 Marlborough MA Royal Plaza Trade Center & Hotel Boston Greater’, registration link acfeastregion.org, and hashtag #ACFReviveRestore

    About Bro. Henry Umeana

    Henry Umeana is an experienced Oracle and SQL Server Database Administrator (DBA) based in West Hartford, Connecticut. He brings over a decade of IT expertise to his role at Tata Consultancy Services, specializing in database management, data modeling, and requirements analysis.

    As President of ACF Hartford, Connecticut (African Christian Fellowship), his deep passion for the Lord shines through local and international missions support, hosting prayer vigils, and sharing his testimony of God’s providence guiding his life.

  • Revival and Restoration in Alignment with God’s Purpose

    Revival and Restoration in Alignment with God’s Purpose

    Bro. Festus Ukwuani | President, Washington D.C Chapter

    African Christian Fellowship, USA

    As we prepare for our conference, two of our chapter leaders have written reflections on love and forgiveness—truths that form the foundation of every move of God. Yet love and forgiveness do not stand alone; they lead us somewhere. They draw us back into alignment with God’s divine purpose. Revival is incomplete until it brings us into active participation in what God is doing on the earth. This prompts us to ask: “Revive what? Restore to what?”

    True revival cannot be measured merely by attendance or emotional moments within conference walls. Its success is revealed in how fully it aligns us with God’s ultimate purpose—to reconcile men and women to Himself and to restore His glory on the earth.

     God’s Project of Restoration

    From the beginning, God has desired to restore humanity to Himself. After the fall, He initiated a redemptive plan that unfolded through generations—from Noah to Abraham to Israel—and was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, our reconciliation with God was secured. Jesus then entrusted this mission to ordinary men empowered by the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit came, timid disciples became bold witnesses. The Church was born, and the gospel advanced in power.

    Today, that same mandate rests upon us. Scripture reminds us that all creation eagerly waits for the manifestation of the sons of God (Romans 8:19–23). Revival, therefore, is not merely a moment of spiritual refreshment; it is a divine realignment. It calls us to repentance where we have drifted and restores us to active participation in God’s mission. Any revival that does not draw us back to God’s purpose has missed the mark.

     ACF’s Role in This Season

    The African Christian Fellowship (ACF), USA, is not an accident of history—it is part of God’s unfolding redemptive plan. Scripture reminds us that in every generation, God leaves Himself a witness (Acts 14:16–17), and ACF stands as one of those witnesses. Many of the early members came to the United States for education, unaware that God was positioning them for kingdom impact. The vision and core mandates of ACF reflect divine inspiration, and the love and unity that marked its early years enabled the fellowship to thrive.

    Yet over time, vision can fade if each generation does not continually embrace it. Some may have lost sight of it; others may not fully understand it. This season of revival is God’s gracious invitation to rediscover and realign ourselves with His purpose for ACF.

    Let us therefore ask ourselves:

    • Am I aligning my gifts with that mandate?
    • Why did God bring me to ACF?
    • Do I understand the mandate entrusted to this fellowship?

    When vision is clearly understood and embraced, organizations not only survive—they flourish. Just as Moses reminded a new generation of Israel of God’s commands before entering the Promised Land, so must we revisit and reaffirm our vision in this critical season. We represent multiple generations, experiences, and gifts. Some founding members have gone home to glory; others are aging. The generation called to take up leadership must now arise. This revival season that precedes our conference is evidence that God is not finished with ACF. It is time to arise and shine.

    A Personal Testimony of Alignment

    None of us are here by accident. God orders our steps long before we recognize His design.

    Like many others, I came to the United States in pursuit of academic goals. Through doctoral and postdoctoral training, and later through professional assignments in public health and international development, God exposed me to the realities of life across African nations. Only later did I realize how those experiences had prepared me to serve in the ACF Missions Ministry. In those moments, I could echo the words of Abraham’s servant: “As I was on my way, the Lord led me…” God had been aligning my life’s journey with His purpose all along.

    Brethren, many of us carry experiences, expertise, and exposure that are not merely professional achievements but divine preparations. The question is whether we recognize them—and willingly surrender them for God’s use within ACF. We cannot allow the vision to fade. There are still territories to reach, lives to transform, and communities to impact.

    Revival in a City in Pain

    Our Washington, DC Chapter sits in the heart of a city weighed down by both visible and invisible pain. Each week, we encounter individuals wrestling with addiction, despair, and spiritual emptiness. God has placed this burden upon our hearts. Over the past three years, we have sought to build a healthy fellowship and strengthen our community outreach. Through prayer, retreats, and multi-generational collaboration, God has shown us what unity can accomplish. When we align in purpose, the Church becomes relevant, compassionate, and transformative. Revival is not an abstract idea; it is God healing His Church so that the Church can help heal the community.

    Conclusion: A Call to Unified Alignment

    As we journey toward our regional conference in July, may this season of revival deepen our love, strengthen our forgiveness, and restore us to alignment with God’s purpose. Let us present ourselves as “living stones,” being built into a spiritual house for His glory (1 Peter 2:5). Let us rediscover the vision, embrace unity across generations, and commit our gifts to God’s mission. When love binds us together and forgiveness restores our relationships, alignment with God’s purpose will propel us forward in power.

    May the Lord revive us—not only for inspiration, but for transformation.

    May He restore us—not merely for comfort, but for commission.

    And may this season of revival prepare every chapter of ACF to rise together in unity and fulfill His global mandate.

    > REGISTER FOR OPERATION: REVIVE & RESTORE 2026 <

    Promotional graphic for ACF East Region 2026 conference ‘Operation Revive & Restore’ based on Hosea 6:2, featuring ‘July 2-5 Marlborough MA Royal Plaza Trade Center & Hotel Boston Greater’, registration link acfeastregion.org, and hashtag #ACFReviveRestore

    About Dr. Festus Ahamefuna Ukwuani

    Dr. Festus Ukwuani, president of ACF Washington D.C. chapter and author of “Revival and Restoration in Alignment with God’s Purpose,” stands with his wife, four children, two daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren dressed in vibrant Nigerian attire at a family gathering.

    Dr. Festus Ahamefuna Ukwuani serves as President of the African Christian Fellowship (ACF), Washington, DC Chapter, and previously as Director of Missions for the ACF East Region. Actively engaged in mission work across Africa since 2007, he brings both spiritual passion and professional expertise to ministry.

    A Statistician-Demographer with the U.S. Census Bureau, Dr. Ukwuani has also served with USAID and the U.S. Department of State under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). He earned his Ph.D. in Demography from The Pennsylvania State University and completed postdoctoral studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

    Dr. Ukwuani is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Abigail Umehaa Ukwuani. They are blessed with four children and three grandchildren.

  • Prayer for a Love-Filled Revival

    Prayer for a Love-Filled Revival

    Dr. Eliada Griffin-EL | President, ACF Pittsburgh Chapter

    African Christian Fellowship, USA

    Can the body of Christ experience a “loveless revival”? Can we go through the acts and aesthetics of encountering the Spirit of God, and yet leave with our hearts unchanged, untouched, and untransformed?

    Revival Without Love

    This question was the looming revelation of our Pittsburgh chapter’s bi-weekly fellowship on February 14, 2026. As we wished each other a loving Valentine’s Day and acknowledged this celebration that the world has heralded as a pinnacle of intimate expression, Professor Wosu led us to the well known Scriptures of 1 Corinthians 13. We reviewed the readily cited declarations of what love is and what love is not. We appreciated the scriptural checklist Paul provided by which to discern whether one embodies this crucial outpouring of the Spirit of God.

    But the opening verses of chapter 13 captured me most. They remind us that one can have “the tongues of men and angels” (v.1), meaning speaking with divine and moving fluency, and yet not have love. One can have “the gift of prophecy” (v.2), meaning speaking with the knowledge of God and imparting it to His people, and yet not have love. One can “understand all mysteries and all knowledge” (v.2), unveiling grand revelations that only divinity can reveal, and yet not have love.

    During revival we press into the Lord to unlock the powers of the prophetic word, the unraveling of His mysteries, and holy words of exhortation. We declare mountain-moving faith (v.2). And yet, amidst such revival-stirring happenings, could love still be missing among the people of God? Can we declare revival and still fall into the very accessible traps of being “puffed up” (v.4), of “parading ourselves” (v.4), of rudeness (v.5), of selfishness (v.5), and everything that love is not?

    My heart was wrenched with this question, and it moved our fellowship to deeply pray for a love-filled revival.

    The Warning From Nehemiah

    The Book of Nehemiah reminds us that we can fall short of His revival by missing the transformative impact of His love. This transformation shapes not only how we worship our God directly, but also how we regard each other as an act of worship unto Him.

    Consider God’s people in Nehemiah chapters 4 and 5. In chapter 4, the children of God were in the midst of experiencing the Lord’s miraculous restoration of Judah and Jerusalem. From the beginning of the book of Nehemiah, we read how the Lord convened His people to walk with ignited faith and authority to reclaim their city from which they had been exiled. He equipped them with divine will, revelation, and strength to restore the wall that would secure their holy city.

    In chapter 4, Nehemiah’s prophetic leadership boldly proclaimed God’s hand of building and protection, as he led with discernment and wisdom against the enemy’s threats. By chapter 6 we read how God’s people completed the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall in remarkable time. God’s restoration was clearly at work.

    Surely, the Scriptures would reveal that the children of God would flourish in their spirit of love and might, having seen the Lord Almighty empower them to do the impossible.

    Yet Nehemiah chapter 5 reminds us of a sobering reality. The same people whose faith was revived with unfettered hope and revelation were at the same time reprimanded for exploiting their own brothers and sisters. Nehemiah rebuked the wealthy class for “exacting usury from his brother” (v.7), charging excessive interest on loans to the point that fellow Israelites were made slaves to repay debt, taking advantage of those experiencing financial hardship during a famine.

    As God’s act of restoring the wall was happening, many lost sight of His eternal call to love and instead prioritized personal gain. They exploited their own brethren to secure their self-enrichment and elevation while the Lord was fighting their enemies.

    We ask ourselves, what happened? How could they formerly walk with such obedience and then quickly turn to such lovelessness? How, Father, do we ensure that we do not miss Your providential transformation, not only of our minds and works, but even more so of our hearts?

    An ACF Cry For Love

    Towards this end, we sought and poured forth a heartfelt prayer for the love-filled revival.

    • We prayed that when God does such a reconstructive work in us, we would see it in each other’s gestures, hear it in each other’s utterances, and feel it in every exchange.
    • We prayed that the acts of revival would not only include the grand and miraculous, but would also occur in the quiet, personal moments where there is no public stage – choosing forgiveness over offense, speaking with gentleness even when frustrated, observing the meek even when your title is grand, leading with authority but also leading with compassion.
    • We prayed that as He realigns our love to Him, He would also do so toward one another – person by person, relationship by relationship – so that once “two or three are gathered” (Matthew 18:20), the evidence of His spiritual work is shared and strengthened across the body of Christ.

    Practical Expressions of a Love-Filled Revival

    Does this mean I show you grace when the conference program is running late? It does.

    Does it mean I speak to you in kindness, even when frustrated? It does.

    Does this mean I acknowledge the strength of your idea before I dismiss you for your youth? It does.

    Does this mean I acknowledge my own weakness before pointing fingers at yours? It does.

    Does this mean I stop to tell you thank you, because I see you and all that you do? It does.

    Love abounds among us, brethren. And may His love consume this season of revival and restoration.

    We Do Not Arrive At Revival

    In conclusion, beloved brethren, we do not arrive at revival when we show up on July 2 to jubilate in the home of our Massachusetts brethren. We pray that by then the revival will have long started in each of us, breaking chains, dragging mistruths, healing wounds, and erasing doubts by the time we convene.

    Hence, as we pray away the haunting reality of the Loveless Church (Revelations 2:1 to 7), let us also pray for the Lord’s shielding from the Loveless Revival. As the scriptures in Revelations remind us, we declare that our beloved Savior will commend us for faithful laboring, for our discerning spirit and pursuit of God’s truth, and for our intolerance of all evil. But may our Savior also peer into the heart of ACF East Region and, with His holy smile of approval, tell us “well done” because we never, ever left our first love.

    A Prayer for a Love-filled Revival

    Father, we thank You for stirring revival among us. Guard our hearts from pride, selfish ambition, and loveless service. Teach us to love one another in word and in deed. Let our revival be marked not only by power, but by patience, humility, and grace. Transform our hearts so that our love for You overflows into love for one another. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    > REGISTER FOR OPERATION: REVIVE & RESTORE 2026 <

    Promotional graphic for ACF East Region 2026 conference ‘Operation Revive & Restore’ based on Hosea 6:2, featuring ‘July 2-5 Marlborough MA Royal Plaza Trade Center & Hotel Boston Greater’, registration link acfeastregion.org, and hashtag #ACFReviveRestore

     

     

     

    About Dr. Eliada Wosu Griffin-EL 

    ACF Pittsburgh Chapter President, Dr. Eliada Wosu Griffin-EL smiling with her husband and two sons at a formal gala, all dressed in coordinated red and navy attire, standing together in a warmly lit banquet hall.

    Dr. Eliada Wosu Griffin-EL is a proud daughter of ACF, born and raised in the Norman, OK and New Orleans, LA chapters. She is currently a member of the Pittsburgh Chapter, where she has faithfully served as President for the past six years. She is married to Dr. Nosakhere Griffin-EL, and together they are the grateful parents of Nosakhere Jr. (12) and Onyemachi (11).

    With over 15 years as a career academic, Dr. Eliada currently serves as the S. Kent Rockwell Endowed Professor of Entrepreneurship and Director of the Massey Center for Entrepreneurship at Robert Morris University. She and her husband are also co-founders of the award-winning Young Dreamers’ Bookstore, a fully mobile and online children’s bookstore devoted to meeting children at their dreams and reading needs.

  • Forgiveness: A Prerequisite for Revival

    Forgiveness: A Prerequisite for Revival

    Bro. Shola Alabi | President, ACF Baltimore Chapter

    African Christian Fellowship, USA

    Forgiveness is the prerequisite for revival—without it, God’s healing and restoration cannot flow.

    “Long ago God spoke through the prophets, but now he speaks to us through his Son (Hebrews 1:1–2). Today, He is speaking to ACF East Region, calling us to repentance, revival, and restoration so His will is done in us and through us.”

    Once a vibrant fellowship of men, women, youth, and families from diverse nations, ACF East Region has regressed. Thriving chapters have dwindled to handfuls; some no longer meet. Like Israel, we have drifted from a passionate pursuit of God.

    Yet as Israel fell, they repented and cried out. Ezra modeled this: fasting, confessing national sins, and leading a collective return (Ezra 8:21–36; 9:1–15; 10:1–5). God heard, restored them, and shielded them from scorn—His hand upon them for good.

    Jesus ties forgiveness directly to revival: “If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14). Unforgiveness hardens our hearts, clogs the flow of grace, and blocks the Spirit’s fresh outpouring. God is patiently waiting for ACF individuals to repent, release offenses, and seek Him for revival.

    God has granted us an invitation to experience His outpouring at the 2026 ACF East Region Conference in Marlborough, MA. 

    > REGISTER FOR OPERATION: REVIVE & RESTORE 2026 <

    Practical Steps for Biblical Forgiveness and Reconciliation

    “Name, Release, and Repeat” (Daily Practice)

     Forgiveness is rarely a one-time feeling; it is a repeated act of obedience. 

    Throughout your journey to our 2026 conference, come before God and honestly name the person and the specific offense: “Lord, I forgive [name] for [offense], just as You have forgiven me.” 

    When painful memories resurface, choose again to release them to God rather than rehearse the hurt. Over time, this daily “naming and releasing” trains your heart away from bitterness and into mercy. You can strengthen this practice by journaling what you forgave each day and noting how your emotions and reactions begin to shift. This does not deny the pain—it places the pain into God’s hands so He can heal it.

    Bless and Move Toward Peace (Relational Practice)

     Forgiveness is inward; reconciliation, when possible and safe, is outward. 

    Begin by praying intentional blessings over the person: “Lord, bless [name] with Your peace, Your presence, and Your purposes.” 

    This softens your heart and aligns you with God’s love for them. Then, as the Holy Spirit leads and where it is wise, take a small step toward peace—send a kind message, apologize where you have wronged them, or open a gentle conversation. Reconciliation does not always mean restoring the relationship to what it once was, nor does it ignore boundaries. It means you posture yourself to obey God by seeking peace, refusing revenge, and allowing Him to write the next chapter.

     

    About Shola Alabi and the ACF East Region

    Shola Alabi, husband of Funlayo Alabi and father of two sons, Olufemi and Toluwa, has been an active ACF Baltimore member for over 30 years—where he met and married his wife. Together, they co-founded Shea Radiance, a natural beauty brand crafting high-quality face, body, and hair care products. Shola has served ACF in many capacities over the years and is honored to currently lead as the President ACF Baltimore Chapter.

    The African Christian Fellowship USA, East Region is a community of believers who mobilize through gatherings, grow through discipleship, and impact the USA/Africa through missions.