Peace Deal

Rev. Omolola Omoteso Famuyiwa, DMin.

In 2016 following the transition of my beloved and the drama orchestrated by his family that almost engulfed me, I had one key prayer point - Lord Grant me PEACE. I prayed this point in tranquility and in tears. 

I thought of seeing Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye but I did NOTHING to make it happen; my home was in Gid and I never had the tradition of running after men or women of God. 

But the Holy Spirit strategically mapped the path through me humbly carrying the bag of a woman of God and just following as her cadre of pastors were called to see Pastor Adeboye. By the time she realised I was still with her, clutching to her bag, I was already at the border office and I made my demand. She responded with a sigh, You have asked a hard thing but let me go and ask. As she was going in to make the request after her own group meeting, I stepped right in, courageously. There was no turning back now. 

The man known as Daddy G.O. who I call in my mind Daddy GO, prayed with the empathy only a divinely ordained  father could have mustered after hearing that the year claimed not one but two beloved ones closest to my heart. One thing I picked and held on to in his short but soul lifting prayer was, Lord Grant her peace. 

Last Tuesday we had a review of our year with 5 simple questions 

1. What were your goals or resolutio. when 2025 began 

2. Which of the goals did you achieve and why/how 

3. Which are you YET to achieve and why 

4. What will you do to ensure you meet or achieve the goals yet to be achieved 

5. If you know you have struggled with a particular goal, share your struggle so members can share tips with you 

One of our graced sisters mentioned that when 2025 began she was NOT on speaking terms with family members due to land issues but she happily announced that she chose to pursue peace and the Holy Spirit helped her to turn the situation around; she is now reconcilled. I could hear peace and satisfaction in her voice. How so beautiful! 

Another graced sister shared that she pursued and achieved peace and achieved a better relationship with the Holy Spirit. Neat! 

One sister who had shared testimonies of her daughter's admission was attracted to the goal of reconciliation and peace that she in high expectation made pursuing peace that leads to reconciliation with family members her own goal. This for me is beautiful ministry when vulnerability leads to victory for us all. 

I went on to reiterate that pursuing peace is great but we must protect the peace we arrive at. Those who have lost their peace have an agenda to scatter the peace we achieved. We must guide and guard our peace intentionally with the help of the Holy Spirit. 

Beloved sisters, the year is YET to end. Among all your goals and getting, I urge you to pursue peace and trust the Holy Spirit to protect peace. 

If I will give you the gift of one word today, the second to the last Sunday of 2025, it is PEACE. Dearly beloved 

Pursue PEACE

Embrace PEACE

Anchor PEACE

Celebrate PEACE

Encourage PEACE 

You have it right there, the acronym for PEACE given to me by the Holy Spirit. I sought the help of AI for another word for the A but it had none better than ANCHOR. 

I urge you to become the Peace Ambassador in your heart, home and homeland after the order in Romans 12:18 - If it is possible, as far as it depends or relies  on you, live or be at peace with everyone; all humans! 

Matthew 5:9 tells us that peacemakers or peace initiators are blessed because they will be called children of God. When you are peaceful even unbelievers see God in you. 

These verses capture the essence of pursuing, embracing, anchoring, celebrating and encouraging peace. GOD The Father embodies peace. 

Psalm 34:14 encourage us as believers to actively choose righteousness and peace - Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. 

Peace may sound intangible but you know it when you have it; nothing bothers or stresses you anymore. There is money, praise God, there is no money, praise God. 

I spoke to a woman whose grandchild is dealing with autism, her state of worry and anxiety was at an all time high. If she does NOT already have blood pressure issues, you may land right there. She has abandoned her own aspiration to worry about a condition she can do little about beyond praying, encouraging, affirming, counselling and embracing the parents and the child, in the knowledge that God does NOT create damaged children; situation damage the minds or bodies and God in His Infinite Mercies can fix this. Plus there are professionals gifted to help them. I counselled her and offered to link her to a professional in the field that I recently met but the next day she went right back to weeping! As I always say, ti ekun ana ba ba oju je, ki la ma fi ri ayo ni owuro! If the weeping of yesterday damages the eyes, what will we use to see the joy in the morning! 

I encourage you to affirm loud and cl3ar: 

I have PEACE. 

I am a woman of peace. 

I accept the peace of God that passeth all understanding into my heart, home and homeland! 

Brethren, I anchor the peace I achieved on God and I encourage you to do the same. No one will be in your face or space 24 hours in a day. Whether married or not, no human can be in your heart or mind except you create room or mansion for them there so PLEASE FOR PEACE SAKE, LET PEOPLE OR THINGS THAT CREATE OFFENCE GO SO YOUR PEACE IS ESTABLISHED. 

Peace steadies and balances the soul. Peace is the stabiliser your heart needs and the security that holds your mind firm through stress and storm.  

Psalm 107:30 captures a moment of relief and joy after a terrifying experience. The verse speaks of sailors who, after enduring a fierce storm, finally see the waters calm down. The phrase “they were glad” highlights the deep sense of gratitude and relief they felt once God intervened. God calmed the storm and safely guided them to their desired destination. This should be your goal. 

No one calls anyone resilient until we have won peacefully. If you win and your home is scattered, you have NOT won. If you win and you lose your child, you have NOT won. 

As the year ends I, Omolola affirm that I will - 

Pursue peace with God as my HELPER. 

Embrace peace and treasure the achievement 

Anchor peace on God The Maker of all good things 

Celebrate peace in me and around me 

Encourage peace in as much as it lies with me 

Ire nko? 

Ire o. Ire kabiti!

Mrs. Omolola Omoteso-Famuyiwa is a minister who is passionate about sharing God's words for the healing of others.

Rhema Moment

A Rhema Moment

The scene is set in a quiet, peaceful space, with soft music playing in the background. The protagonist, a chaplain and worship leader, sits with a Bible open, reflecting on Proverbs 22:6.

Protagonist: (whispering) Train up a child in the way he should go...

(pauses, reflecting on traditional interpretations)

Protagonist: I have heard this verse so many times, but today, something it me. (pauses, smiling) I saw it in a new light. 'Train', is not just about discipline; it is about direction. It is about pointing the child towards destiny, not just teaching them a set of rules.

(excitedly)

Protagonist: The Holy Spirit revealed that it is not just about my own child, or even just about children. It is about every child, every young person, in my sphere of influence. The neighbour's child (children), the one in my congregation, the one on the streets...

(with conviction)

Protagonist: This fresh understanding has deepened my faith, reminding me that God's word is alive and active. As I dug deeper into Scripture, I found that it is not just about knowledge, but transformation. It is about allowing God's truth to shape me, mould me, and send me to children in need of cheer, counsel and/or correction.

(joyfully)

Protagonist: What excites me spiritually is the prospect of interpreting Scripture well, not just for myself, but for others. Many interprete this verse as your own children; I did at some point but the Holy Spirit redirected me. I am happy to see people encounter God's word and have their lives changed... it's a privilege, a responsibility and a joy.

(smiling)

Protagonist: Whether I'm leading worship, counselling, or just sharing with a friend, I want to unlock the Scriptures in a way that reveals God's heart and sparks faith. And it is not just about me; it is about empowering others to do the same.

(softly)

Protagonist: Thank You Lord, for this fresh perspective. Let me continue to be a guiding light, a channel of hope, and a voice of encouragement to every child, young person, and seeker I encounter. Dear Jesus, let your word dwell richly in me, and bless me to share you with others in love and humility.

(smiling, with tears of joy)

Protagonist: Train up a child in the way _they_ should go... not my way, but God's way for them.

The scene fades to black, with the sound of soft worship music and a sense of awe.

Dr. Omolola Omoteso-Famuyiwa is a minister who is passionate about sharing God's words for the healing of others.

Standing in the Gap by Diane Hanson

Standing in the Gap: Praying for Jamaica and the Caribbean During Hurricane Melissa

When Hurricane Melissa threatened Jamaica and the Caribbean, bringing fear, devastation, and uncertainty, the Lord stirred my spirit to stand in the gap in prayer for our island and the region. In those moments of storm and distress, I was reminded that while the winds may rage and the seas may roar, God remains our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

As the host of the Morning Glory Devotional Programme, I called upon believers to unite in intercession, to lift up our nation before the Lord, pleading for His mercy and divine protection. We declared peace over the atmosphere, rebuked the spirit of fear and invited the presence of God to cover every home, community, and coastline.

There are persons who have testified of how, in the midst of the storm, they felt an unexplainable calm, a peace that surpasses understanding. That peace is the power of prayer in action. It is evidence that God listens and responds to the cries of His people. Though we faced damage and disruption, the hand of God preserved us from greater destruction. 

I truly believe that the collective prayers of the faithful caused the storm to weaken and move away faster than predicted.

To those who were directly or indirectly impacted by Hurricane Melissa; those who lost homes, livelihoods, or loved ones, I want to remind you: God has not forgotten you. In the ashes of loss, He plants seeds of restoration. The same God who calmed the sea for His disciples will calm the storms in your life. Hold fast to your faith and trust that what the enemy meant for evil, God will turn for good.

To my fellow Jamaicans and the wider Caribbean family, let this be a call to unity, compassion and renewal. Let us rebuild not only our physical structures but our spiritual foundations. The storm may have shaken us, but it has not destroyed us. We are a resilient people, anchored in hope and sustained by grace.

And to Christians and non-Christians across the world, I say this: the times remind us of our shared humanity and our need for divine help. Whether you stand on the mountain of faith or are still searching for meaning, God’s love extends to you. He invites all of us to seek Him, not just in crisis, but every day, for in His presence there is safety, wisdom and peace.

As I continue to pray for Jamaica and the Caribbean, my heart is filled with gratitude — gratitude that we are still standing and gratitude for the opportunity to witness the power of a praying people.

May we continue to look upward, walk in faith and arise stronger, knowing that our God reigns above every storm.

Diane Hanson
Co-Founder, Kingdom of God Empowerment Centre
Country Coordinator, Feast of Esther Jamaica 

Vessel of Love

The story that comes to mind is one that began with deceit and denial. 

I remember the day the Holy Spirit led me to visit my friend who was considering abortion. It was a tough situation, especially given the circumstances – she was pregnant by a man who had asked me out. I initially was in denial. Knowing that the Holy Spirit has never lied to me I had to face my fear. I knew it would not be an easy conversation, but the need to obey the Holy Spirit compelled me to go. 

When I shared my concerns, she initially denied and later broke down on tears, and we talked through her fears and uncertainties. It was a raw and emotional conversation, but ultimately, she chose to keep the pregnancy. I was overjoyed and continued to support her through the journey. 

What struck me was how God used me to be a vessel of love and care, despite the complexity of the situation. I had to navigate my own feelings and boundaries, but I chose to prioritize her well-being and the life of the child. 

As she struggled to care for the baby, I took her in, providing a safe space for her and the little one. It was not easy, and there were times I felt tested, but I knew I was called to love and serve. 

Years went by, and we lost touch, but the bond remained. One day, I ran into them, and the boy, now a bright-eyed youngster, recognized me and hugged me so tightly. He never wanted to let go until his mother nudged him away... In that moment, I knew it was all worth it. 

This experience has shaped how I approach care and collaboration. I have learned to be more intentional, to listen for the Holy Spirit's guidance, and to prioritize love over personal interest. It has taught me to be more patient and understanding, recognizing that everyone has a story. 

As a result, I have become more willing to take risks and go the extra mile for those in need. I have seen firsthand how God's love can heal and redeem, even in the most challenging situations. 

The boy's hug reminded me that the investment was worth it. It ia not about seeking recognition or reciprocation; it i about loving because we have been loved and forgiven by God. It is about being a vessel for God's love to flow through us, even when it is hard.

Dr. Omolola Omoteso-Famuyiwa is a minister who is passionate about sharing God's words for the healing of others.

Embracing Vulnerability

I would love to share a story about a time when someone cared for me in a profound way. 

I remember the time after a surgery. I had been so looking forward to a quick recovery, but things took a turn for the worse when I developed surgical site infection. I was forced to confront my own vulnerability, and it was challenging. 

As a caregiver, I am used to being the one who is strong and capable. Suddenly, I found myself in a position where I needed help just to get by. And it was hard, letting people in. I mean, really letting them in – into my space, into my dugnitym hprivacy, into my weakness. 

But that's when my community stepped up in a way that made life meaningful. Friends, family, even some former colleagues, rallied round to support me. A friend brought meals. I recollect my sister installing a call bell and warning her house staff that she risk losing her job if my call goes unanswered. One friend in particular, who had experienced something similar, would come over and just sit with me, no judgment, no expectations. She would listen, pray, share God's Word and encourage me. 

What I learned about caring in that experience was that it s not about grand gestures; it is about the small, everyday acts of kindness. It is about showing up, being present and willingness to support. It is about understanding that sometimes, the most loving thing you can do is simply be there. 

This experience made me see Psslm 27:10 in a new light. Those who are close to you may be u available but God will always take care of His own. 

The experience taught me how to care for myself better so much so I was known for being an self care advocate during my chaplain residency. 

I have learned to recognize my own limits, to ask for help when I need it, and to prioritize my own well-being. I have learned that self-care or self first is NOT selfish; it's essential. After all Matthew 22:39b says - Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 

I have learned to create space for others to care for me, to let them in, and to trust that they are doing it beyond obligation, but out of love. 

We often think that caring for others makes us strong, but sometimes, it is letting others care for us that makes us stronger. 

I hope this story conveys the importance of caring and how it can shape our understanding of ourselves and others.

Dr. Omolola Omoteso-Famuyiwa is a minister who is passionate about sharing God's words for the healing of others.