From Poverty to Academic Excellence
Enoch Adejare Adeboye was born into a humble family on March 2, 1942, in Ifewara, Osun State, Nigeria. Despite growing up in poverty, he excelled academically and pursued higher education. By 1967, he had earned a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from the University of Ife, followed by a Master's in Hydrodynamics in 1969 and a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics by 1975 from the University of Lagos. Adeboye's academic brilliance led him to a promising career as a mathematics lecturer.
A Life-Changing Encounter
However, a significant transformation occurred on July 29, 1973, when Adeboye committed his life to Jesus Christ through the ministry of Reverend Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi, the founder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). Reflecting on his past, Adeboye confessed, "If anyone could be bad, I was." Yet, his encounter with Christ marked a profound change. Not long after, he began serving as an interpreter for Rev. Akindayomi, and in 1975, he was ordained as a pastor.
Called to Lead
In 1981, after Akindayomi's passing, Adeboye was appointed as the General Overseer of RCCG, fulfilling a vision Akindayomi had received years earlier about his successor. This divine orchestration was confirmed through a sealed pronouncement revealed only after Akindayomi's death. This appointment required Adeboye to leave his academic career, embracing a new calling entirely.
A Global Movement
Under his leadership, RCCG expanded from a small local church to a global Pentecostal denomination with millions of members worldwide. Adeboye attributes this remarkable growth to divine favor and guidance. He has also experienced personal moments of divine intervention, such as his recovery from extreme exhaustion in 2018, attributing his healing to God's power.
Through his journey from a life of poverty and sin to becoming a globally recognized spiritual leader, Adeboye's story is a testament to the transformative power of Jesus. 'I came to Lagos as a sinner, but I got born again in 1973,' he shared, illustrating the profound impact of his faith.
