September 10,2024/ By Okafor Joseph Afam

Buried somewhere in the voluminous video vault of Africa Independent Television (AIT) in Lagos, Nigeria, is the recording of a rare live interview from the late 1990s with Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi, the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM). Hosted on the popular Kaakaki early dawn programme, Kumuyi was invited to respond to a variety of questions about his ministry, the Deeper Life Bible Church, and broader social issues of the day. His views on the role of Christians in society, particularly the controversy surrounding television viewership by Christians, were among the hot topics covered.

At one point during the session, a caller asked a rather unexpected question: “Sir, I’ve noticed that you haven’t quoted from the Scriptures as you addressed some of the questions, and I can’t see you holding a Bible. Isn’t it strange for a great man of God to address such issues without referencing the Bible?” The question, though paraphrased, sparked a deep reflection on the balance between outward religious expressions and inner transformation.

Kumuyi’s response, though not recalled verbatim, highlighted a crucial point: true faith is not merely about visible displays of religion, such as carrying a Bible, but about embodying the principles of godliness in daily life. A believer’s actions, how they treat others, and their impact on society speak louder than their ability to quote scriptures. For Kumuyi, the essence of Christianity is transformation, and this transformation should be evident in one’s deeds rather than in ceremonial displays of faith. If a believer’s life reflects love, compassion, and selflessness, it will naturally lead to a ripple effect, inspiring others to change and fostering a more harmonious society.

Nearly three decades after that thought-provoking interview, Pastor Kumuyi’s vision for societal transformation has culminated in a groundbreaking initiative: Change Makers International (CMI). This cross-faith project aims to unite people, irrespective of religious affiliations, to effect positive change through love and selflessness. It is a campaign that calls for a change rooted in love for one’s neighbor, rather than mere religious declarations.

The essence of Kumuyi’s CMI is captured in its core message: societal change doesn’t come from rigid religious doctrines, but from following the divine command to love one another as ourselves. This philosophy transcends religion and tribe and is a call to both leaders and the led to foster unity, peace, and development through good neighborliness.

From August 15 to 20, 2024, Kumuyi brought this vision to life at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he hosted the inaugural CMI programme. The event saw the unprecedented gathering of religious leaders from across Nigeria, including Muslim clerics, scholars, and Christian leaders from various denominations. In a powerful display of unity, these leaders took turns to address the audience, all aligning with Kumuyi’s central message: Nigeria needs change, and this change must begin at the grassroots, driven by love and mutual respect.

Kumuyi articulated his philosophy with striking clarity. “As a person, you don’t first want to know about the religion or tribe of your needy neighbor before helping them. They are the creatures of God, who must enjoy your love and compassion.” He warned that failing to act out of prejudice could incur the wrath of God, emphasizing that religious or ethnic considerations should never come before compassion.

During the event, Kumuyi shared a personal story that encapsulated his message. He recalled a young girl who had been abandoned by her father. Without inquiring about her religious background, he took her in, provided for her education, and ensured her well-being until she became a successful adult and happily married. For Kumuyi, acts of love and kindness should not be limited by religious divisions.

In a symbolic gesture during the programme, Kumuyi challenged the Muslim participants to offer him a traditional Muslim cap, which he gladly wore, underscoring the message of unity beyond religious boundaries. The entire event was void of any typical altar call for conversions, further proving that CMI’s agenda is purely altruistic, focusing on societal reform rather than sectarianism.

Special sessions were held for both men and women during the six-day event, addressing critical societal issues such as greed, hatred, religious intolerance, and selfishness. The speakers emphasized that these problems begin at home and that by cultivating godly love and neighborliness within families, society at large can experience transformation. Society, after all, is merely an extension of the family unit.

However, Pastor Kumuyi made it clear that the change he envisions cannot be achieved without an encounter with God, through Jesus Christ. He stressed that true transformation requires adherence to God’s laws, a rejection of unrighteousness, and the embracing of love and respect for one’s neighbors.

The success of the CMI initiative has been hailed as a significant turning point in Nigeria’s socio-religious history. Many observers believe that if the government, through agencies like the National Orientation Agency (NOA), partners with CMI, the ripple effects of the Port Harcourt conference could lead to a silent but impactful revolution in Nigeria’s societal norms. Schools could also incorporate the teachings from the programme to instill values of love, tolerance, and selflessness in future generations.

Three key reasons have been identified for the widespread acceptance of CMI’s message. First, the timing is perfect—Nigeria’s people are desperate for change and are looking for a solution to the divisions and conflicts that have plagued the nation. Second, Kumuyi’s personal integrity and his longstanding relationship with society give him credibility beyond sectarian boundaries. Lastly, it is becoming increasingly clear that true change is spiritual, born out of personal commitment to God’s laws, rather than government policies or superficial religious practices.

In conclusion, Kumuyi’s Change Makers International represents a bold and much-needed initiative to foster unity and transformation in Nigeria. By promoting love, selflessness, and respect across religious and ethnic lines, it offers a pathway to the societal change that the country so desperately needs.