In this riveting and edifying interview with Stanley Ugagbe of The Nigerian Canadian Newspaper, The Zonal Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church Canada Zone and the Convener of International Gathering of Eagles Conferences worldwide, Pastor Amos Dada shared insight on how he was called into ministry.
He walked us through his journey so far as a Preacher, Teacher, Pastor, and Evangelist who has ministered in over 80 nations. He also revealed how God led him to commence the International Gathering of Eagles Conference and how the program has put Canada on the spiritual map of the world.
NCNC: Thank you for creating time to have this interview with us. You’re quite an accomplished preacher. Where are you originally from and why did you move to Canada? What are some of the childhood experiences that shaped who you are today?
Pastor Dada: I’m grateful to God for preserving both us and the ministry for two decades. Thanks to Nigerian Canadian news for this opportunity. Being a pioneer columnist for spiritual matters has been an honor. Originally from Nigeria, I schooled there worked there and by the grace of God prospered there. I’ve found purpose in Canada beyond economic reasons—to bring a spiritual awakening and put Canada on the global spiritual map, as directed by a prophetic message, to come to this country to raise an eagle generation and put Canada on the spiritual map of the world. I always imagine if I was not educated I would be languishing in on one farmland, my greatest ambition was to become a taxi driver. Childhood experiences that shaped my life include my parents’ prayers and their determination to educate me despite their lack of schooling. Education rescued my family from generational poverty. A pivotal memory is meeting Harrison while working as a Laboratory Assistant; he changed my life by investing in my education, purchasing a one-naira form that led me to attend Federal School of Arts and Science Victoria Island in 1975. As they say the rest is history.
NCNC: You’re a Chemical Engineer by training, a field considered to be very lucrative. Why are you not practicing as an engineer?
Pastor Dada: People often ask me this question, and the answer was shaped by a US immigration officer in 2009. Back then, I had just authored a book called “Understanding Principles, Purpose, Power, and People of Vision.” While on my way to the US, the officer read my book’s back cover and inquired about my background in Chemical Engineering. He asked if I had written any books on that topic. I explained that while I had authored scholarly journals, I hadn’t written a book on it. The reason was that I had found my purpose. Purpose isn’t something you create; it’s something you discover. As Jeremiah was told by God, “Before you were born, I knew you and ordained you.”
We’re all wired for a purpose, but it takes time to uncover it. Sadly, many never find theirs, and thus miss out on breakthroughs. I spent two decades in Chemical Engineering (1981-2001) as a teacher, lecturer, and process engineer before finding my true purpose. Notably, I had already made an impact in Chemical Engineering before embarking on my journey in “Jesus Engineering.” My doctoral research focused on finding an alternative to the melt flow index for polypropylene polymerization, which successfully reduced downtime at Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
Once, I departed Canada as an Instructor with Dowel Schlumberger to train young Nigerian Engineers in the Refinery. One of these engineers, aware of my refinery impact though we hadn’t met, asked if I regretted leaving NNPC. I responded that while I might miss out on dollars, I’m honored to impact the world for Christ. Presently, I’ve trained leaders in 45 nations and preached in over 80 nations—truly fulfilling my purpose! I am practicing engineering it is just that instead of refining oil I am refining souls!
NCNC: According to your profile, you gave your life to be a follower of Christ on February 10, 1977. How has the journey been so far as a disciple of Christ?
To God’s glory, this is the greatest blessing in my life. In the era of social media, we witness critics of Christianity arguing it’s a foreign imposition on Africa, disregarding the education, healthcare, and progress brought by Western influence. Imagine people worshiping effigies! I was in Bangkok in Thailand, there was this massive idol statue that represented the god of the Buddhist’s at the airport. I was in India, I saw people decorate cow, and prostrate and the cow will put one leg on their back. Or is it a religion where people speak of peace and carry guns to kill supposed unbelievers and cut of their heads. Jesus came and died on the cross, forgave my sins. He gave me a healthy life. I’m nearing 70, I was born in a Christ Apostolic Church Mission house, not in hospital, they prayed into water, for healing and it has worked for me. I have never slept in a hospital or taken a pill due to divine healing. The Christian life is transformative; I’ve prayed for miracles and even witnessed the dead revived. Only Jesus saves, unlike other names. Consider the man Benson Idahosa how he raised the dead in Benin at the age of 24 when he heard a sermon on Cast out devils raise the dead (Matt 10:7-8). Read about how Joseph Ayo Babalola raised the dead in 1930, at the age of 26, in Oke oye. Ilesha. Jesus is the way to the father. God humanly brought Jesus from the Jewish race but he is the Way, The Truth and The life. Know Jesus No crisis, No Jesus know crisis. The journey with Jesus is glorious, wonderful, powerful and marvelous. It is a journey that will make me rest in paradise with Jesus at the end of this wretched world. You can join me in having a great experience with God.
NCNC: Your profile reveals that you’re a Preacher, Teacher, Pastor, and Evangelist by calling. How were you called into ministry and how did you know that it was God who called you?
Pastor Dada: In a very dramatic way. I was very good in playing draft – (a well-known local game in the western part of Nigeria in those days) in my university days, instead of staying awake in the reading room I was wasting away in the common room. During IT in Ibadan with my uncle, he will put me among people as old as my parents, grandparents, I was happy I was winning the game but I realized the old people hated it and could use their diabolical powers to hurt me. So, I was in search of God. One day in a small library in Fajuyi Hall of Obafemi Awolowo University after reading a tract I gave my life to Christ. The prayer I prayed that day in line with the story of the tract, was “God speak to me tonight and if you do, I will serve you all my life.” God did not just speak to me that night, he appeared to me, I did not see his face he was in a white dazzling garment, tall but he stretched the Bible to me. I took it in that revelation and told my classmates, that I am now born again, and I will preach the gospel around the world. As mentioned earlier I have preached the gospel in over 80 nations to the glory of His name and planted churches in India, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda to mention a few.
NCNC: There is a popular notion that when some persons are unable to find a job or could not find anything meaningful to do, they venture into ministry, claiming that God called them. How would you react to this and, was that the case for you?
Pastor Dada: Absolutely true. God’s ways of calling people to ministry are diverse, and He uses them to advance His gospel. His sovereignty cannot be confined. The early church’s expansion stemmed from persecution, even leading Paul to Rome through his appeal to Caesar. Persecution birthed the Catholic Church, which has blessed humanity immensely. Their preservation of historical sites in Israel is remarkable. Even if unemployment guides individuals to find purpose and service, all glory goes to God. My advice is this: no matter how you’re called, wholeheartedly serve God (Matthew 22:34-37). Personally, I began as a Process Engineer at NNPC before starting a branch of CAC, so I had a pretty good job I remain a tentmaker like Paul, with multiple income sources. All praise to God.
NCNC: Many people believe that most clergy men are into ministry because of tithes and offerings? Do you think Churches will continue to exist if tithes and offerings are halted?
Pastor Dada: Tithes and offerings are rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, and as long as there are believers on earth it cannot be halted. True believers don’t question giving; they understand its role in spreading the gospel. Satan stirs controversy around tithing, while people spend freely elsewhere. Amid my work at NNPC, I established a church without pay. Now in full-time ministry, the church partially supports me—yet, my ministry isn’t driven by money. There might be fakes among genuine material, but God discerns true motives. Serve God genuinely; avoid unethical means for money. Selling “holy” items, oil, holy water, and mantles, etc., is unscriptural. Many serve without monetary focus, dedicated to preaching. Encourage such men; they’re God’s means to spread the gospel. The gospel has to be preached and money is the vehicle according to the Bible.
NCNC: You have ministered in over 80 nations of the world, some of the nations you have ministered include South Africa, Germany, France, the U.S.A, Nigeria, Israel, Portugal, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Netherlands, Scotland, Britain, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Korea, Ghana China and Libya of recent Colombia to mention but a few. Can you briefly share an instance in one of those ministrations that you can look back to and wonder how God did it?
Pastor Dada: Let me choose Libya. When I immigrated to Canada, I know I was here to preach the gospel. I already had my doctorate in Engineering since 1995, Masters degree in 1984 and BSc in 1981. But I don’t want my children to think dad cannot study in Canada. I was a COREN registered Engineer in Nigeria since 1997. So, I had to upgrade myself to become a member of Professional Engineer of Ontario (P.Eng). To do that, I had to sit for the engineering exam in 2004. The last time I had written an exam was in 1984, a gap of 20 years. Fast forward I put my new resume on Internet. In 2010, after our International Gathering of Eagles conference I got a call from a company who asked me to come to their office that they have a job for me in one of their refineries in Libya. The miracle here is that this company never interviewed me! They asked if I was available. I said yes. They gave me first class ticket to Libya, I did simulation job and training of young engineers. So knowing that God purposely took me there to share the gospel, that is what I did. I did not preach in any church. I will never forget on my return at the airport in Canada the immigration officer looking at my passport said, “You must be a professor of a sort to secure a visa and a job in Libya.” I just laughed.
NCNC: Your profile says in 2003, as “directed by the Lord,” you and your wife commenced International Gathering of Eagles Conference, “this is one way by which he has been used of God to put Canada on the spiritual map of the world”. Can you share insight on this initiative? What is the evidence that it has put Canada on the spiritual map of the world?
Pastor Dada: Certainly, here are five ways that showcase our impact as Canadians through the conference.
1. Global Conferences: Our conference presence in 45 nations stands as strong evidence. In Malaysia, after sharing our vision, doors opened in Singapore and Indonesia. Canadian citizens have visa-free access, to many nations across the globe enhancing our outreaches. This year we shall still go to at least six, nations including Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.
2. Transformative Stories: Secondly, let me tell you a story to buttress my point. In 2006 I was on a weekly radio in Buffalo, some of the hearers are in Southern part of Ontario. One of such was a Caucasian lady. She gave me a call and I told her about the conference. She attended the 2008 IGOE Conference in Toronto. I share the vision. God said I should “Raise an eagle generation and put Canada on the spiritual map of the world.” Unknown to me she was wondering how this African man will achieve this to be modest in her heart. But as God will have it during the conference, she met a pastor from India who invited her to come over. Now as a Canadian lady minister that had not traveled outside Canada to minister, she went to India. She sent an email to me that as she mounted the pulpit to minister, the Holy Spirit said to her, “do you now understand what I meant that I sent my son to put Canada on the spiritual map of the world? That is why you are here.”
3. Church Planting and Missions: Thirdly, as Canadians from Christ Apostolic Church Bethel Toronto we have gone to African nations to plant churches and do missionary and charitable work for God (Uganda, two parishes, Kenya, Ghana, and India and now we are planting a church in Tanzania). When we saw the mud house our pastor in Eldoret in Kenya was living in, we built him a modern two-bedroom bungalow.
4. Inbound Learning and Transformation: Fourthly, we have invited many people from all over the world, in the past twenty years to Canada to attend the International Gathering of Eagles conference those who probably would never have come to Canada, they learnt spiritual things and went back to their nations to impact them positively. Some even chose to become Canadians. The philosophy of our conference is train – the trainer model. We train them as Canadians, and they take the knowledge to their nations. It is a cascade.
5. Authoring Global Impact: My twelve books, authored as a Canadian, extend knowledge and blessings beyond Canadian borders, reaching and influencing readers worldwide.
NCNC: The International Gathering of Eagles Conference (IGOE) 2023 comes up from September 14 to 17, at the Jewel Event Centre, marking the 20th anniversary. What are the expectations at this year’s Conference?
Pastor Dada: The purpose of The International Gathering of Eagles Conference is multifaceted: to lead the unsaved to Jesus, nurture immature believers into maturity, bring healing and deliverance, and ignite a passionate spirit for Christ. Our vision aims to raise a generation of dedicated, Spirit-filled individuals who spread the gospel with integrity, not just in Canada but globally. We emphasize solid, undiluted biblical teachings for church maturity.
This year’s theme, “Worship God in Spirit and in Truth,” focuses on genuine, faithful worship that pleases God. Our goals include teaching proper worship, addressing misconceptions, emphasizing worship’s significance, motivating global energetic worship, and equipping attendees with worship tools.
The conference features ordinations, awards, teachings, and miracles, including diverse healings. Esteemed speakers include the President of Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide, Pastor S.O. Oladele, along with anointed ministers from around the world, including but no limited to, Apostle Javier Espinoza from Costa Rica, Bro Sam Kputu from South Africa. Bishop Darrell Gooden from USA, Lady Evangelist Mustapha from USA and Pastor Dr John Oluwatimilehin from USA. Great gospel artists Dare David and Janet Ayeni and Bethel Melodies will be there to bring heaven down in praises and intensive worship.
It will also be a great time of networking as ministers from five continents will be present. Books and CDs and other resources will be available. I encourage you to join us for this life transforming conference from September 14 to 17 2023 at the Jewel Event Centre 55 Sovereign Court, Woodbridge (off Martin grove Rd).
NCNC: You’re an advocate of ‘no divorce’. In a situation where one party consistently threatens another’s life, what would you advice considering that domestic violence has sent so many married people especially women to early grave?
Pastor Dada: I advocate against divorce, based on adherence to the Holy Bible principles. Love between spouses should never involve violence. Husband love your wife and wife submit to your husband should be a simple way to live. Jesus links divorce to hardened hearts, so avoid that. Do not abuse each other in any way. Don’t go to marriage until you are the right person. I have five daughters; I don’t want any man to kill them and vice versa. My no divorce message has an exception – no violence. If a spouse is violent, seek help and prioritize your safety.
NCNC: What are some of the personal challenges you have faced as a Preacher and how did you tackle them? Finally, considering that we are in the end time, what advice do you have for the general public?
Pastor Dada: God has been good to me. However, like other minister we have faced a lot of challenges and God has given me victory. The greatest challenge was the church God enabled us to plant in our youthful days, for 16 years, that we left in the hand of faithful men, when we emigrated here the Pastor denied that we were the pioneers. That was very challenging. I am grateful this was resolved and we are able to continue to do God’s work in unity. To the glory of God in 38 years of ministry 1985-2023, we have not had cause to bury any member whether in Warri church when we were there or the Toronto Church. However, in 2012 after the conference a speaker’s wife died before they could travel back. That was a tough time. But as they say tough times don’t last only tough people do. Challenges of investing in members with the hope that after you have trained them, they will become resources persons in the church are there; they either leave or fail to give back.
I don’t want to end this interview pondering on challenges, but rather on lessons that I have learnt that could help our youth. One of my professors taught me what cannot destroy me makes me strong. The challenge of life is not to deter you but to make you stronger. The story was told about Jesse Owen who as a young man went to his coach and asked, how can I become a sports star? The coach said you need to take four steps, determination, discipline dedication and sacrifice. Owen ran with this vision and in 1936 Olympic he won four gold medals both in track and field events. One Olympic medal is a major feat on earth but to get four is beyond amazing. Whatever vision God has given you engage those four habits. Wrap it up with the God factor, prayers, fellowship with God, daily meditation on God’s Word the sky will not be your limit. Whoever you are whatever you have realize God made you, give your life to Christ one day you will answer for God’s investment in you. Four our beloved nation Canada and ALL CANADIANS – Return to Your Maker before it is too late.
Finally, I want to thank all the people that God has used within and outside the church for all that God has used to help our ministry in the past 38 years and especially 20 years in Canada, you are blessed.
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