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.
Hebrews 1:1–2 declares, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” In the same way, He now speaks to ACF East Region, calling us to repentance, revival, and restoration so His will is done through us individually and as a body.
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 of revival at the 2026 ACF East Region Conference in Marlborough, MA.
>>> REGISTER FOR OPERATION: REVIVE & RESTORE<<<
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 our 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.