Congregation will donate 100 bags full of school supplies to students in NDG and Ville St. Pierre
Submitted by Rose Wangechi Ntone
As part of their ongoing outreach program aimed at enriching the community in which the church congregates, Overcomers Assembly Church will be distributing one hundred (100) bags full of school supplies to children in elementary schools in the NDG and Ville St. Pierre neighbourhoods. It’s called Operation Back-to-School.
“Our motto/mission is to be a church that cares about people. That’s why such programs are instrumental to our work in the community and abroad,” says Pastor Ade Sobanjo. “This year, we are particularly honoured to be giving back as we mark our tenth anniversary. Our plan is to positively impact the community by investing in children, our future. T
his program aligns well with our core mission of being committed citizens.”
The gathering which started as a prayer meeting in the living room of its founding and senior pastors, Ade and his wife Olu has grown significantly over the last 10 years. Although it’s still moderate in numbers, the church now has two branches in Montreal, one in Kingston and one in Abuja, Nigeria.
The first public service was held on July 10, 2005, at the Montreal West United Church, where the congregation still meets today. A then young graduate of Concordia University’s Master of Electrical Engineering department, Ade was a thriving entrepreneur before he left his business to heed the call of God and become a fulltime minister and servant in the church.
Soon after, he returned to pursue a Bachelor’s in Theology at Concordia University, a decision that did not surprise him or his family. Ade had always been an active participant in all the Christian Fellowship of the schools he attended.
From the beginning, the congregation has focused on building people, encouraging them to be a family of believers whose lives are devoted to God.
“As a church, we believe that all human beings are part of God’s masterpiece and as such, everyone has something meaningful to offer to the world,” says Ade.
The church is supported by a model of small groups called life-groups, which meet during the week in people’s homes or in a café to pray, study the word of God and support one another in the Christian faith. This type of close fellowship and communion provides a unique and invaluable platform for growth and support in and amongst members.
The husband and wife team of senior pastors say they are grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside some of the most talented people in the city.
“Really, the family of believers that God has built these past ten years shows us that obedience to simple instructions goes a long way.” The hope is to continue to serve Christ by serving the community.
“We are the church that hosted Watoto Choir in June. We hope to duplicate the same generosity to the benefit of our children here at home.”
They also want to see members of the church blossom into community changers: Citing, “Our desire is to continue to raise a group of people who emulate Jesus, love like Jesus and impact the world like Jesus our Lord and Saviour did.”
To celebrate the tenth anniversary, the congregation has a three-day conference themed, “Joy Unspeakable” from Wednesday, July 15 to Friday, July 17. Main sessions will run from 6:30 to 8:30PM. A thanksgiving celebration service will be held on Sunday, July 19, from 6 to 8:30 PM. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served.
The Montreal-West branch meets at the Montreal West United Church at 88 Ballantyne Ave., North. It offers bilingual worship services on Sundays, from 6 to 7:30 P.M. It is ideal for individuals who are not able to attend church on Sunday mornings.
Operation Back-to-School will take place on Saturday, August 15, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Venue: 88 Ballantyne Ave. North, corner of Curzon and Westminster Streets. It will be strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and vice-versa.
If you would like to make a financial contribution to the program, please contact the church office at admin@iamanovercomer.org or by telephone at 514-510-4215. A tax receipt will be issued for all donations exceeding $20.
For more information about the church and its activities, visit the website at IAmAnOvercomer.org
