By: Phil Adams/Vitalis Ugoh Calabar
Acts 16:25–26 says “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed”.
So was the case in No. 11 Otu Ansa Street, Calabar when the people gathered with their storms both physical and spiritual during the normal Friday program and as they began to praise their God, their storms vanished.
For those with spiritual eyes, God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit was manifest in glory.
The service was glorious as ever before. You don’t need any soothsayer to notice the presence of Jesus Christ during the worship session. As usual, it was awesome. The Servant of God who is always ready to do the Will of His Master, could not wait until ministration period before God began to use him.
Truly, there is God in ARENA as it were and He has not departed from His people. He is always in the business of rescuing them in time of trouble and storm.
The General Overseer Prophet Sunday Enu Obi had as usual danced round the choir stand as his own way of appreciating His Master Jesus Christ. He has never missed praising Him. It has become a hobby or a ritual.
There were testimonies too. Thereafter, the ARENA Echo International choir rendered her Special No to glorify God during the service.
God honored His Word during the service. It was unique. It was packed with blessings and gifts from God.
The Resident Pastor, Prophet Victor Onen, had earlier presented the Intercessory prayer points as directed by the Holy Spirit.
He prayed as follows “Father, I praise You because You are the Almighty, the One who controls the winds and the waves. I magnify You as my refuge and ever-present help in this time of trouble. I choose to thank You in advance, knowing that You are greater than the storm I am facing, he decree and declare Peace and Authority, I speak the peace of God over my heart, my mind, my family, and my finances. In the name of Jesus, I command every storm raging around me to be still. Every spirit of fear, anxiety, and confusion, I bind you and cast you out of my life in the name of Jesus and I receive Grace for Unwavering Faith, Lord, give me the grace to fix my eyes on You rather than the waves of adversity.
Also, he prayed “Father Teach me to offer the sacrifice of praise, even when it is difficult , Father, let Your Holy Spirit take absolute control of my situation and turn this trial into a testimony of Your glory, I receive victory and Divine purpose Father, I thank You that this storm will not break me, but will anchor me deeper in Your Word and love and I decree that I am more than a conqueror, and this storm shall work together for my ultimate good and for Your praise”.
Our Father in the Lord, Prophet Sunday Enu Obi had appreciated worshippers for attending the service as he released abundant blessings and gifts from God to those that attended.
He introduced the guest speaker and a seasoned Minister in ARENA Pst David Ibeh to the Pulpit to present the Word titled
“PRAISE IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM”, taken from Acts 16:25–26
“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake…”
According to him “every person experiences storms in life. Storms may come in the form of Sickness
Financial hardship, Delay, Family problems, Rejection, Fear and uncertainty”.
Furthermore, he said “no one prays for storms, yet storms come unexpectedly assuring that one thing that separates believers from unbelievers is how they respond during the storm”.
Pst. Ibeh said regrettably “many people stop praying when trouble comes. Some become discouraged and begin to question God.
According to him, “today’s message teaches us that even in the middle of pain, we must still praise God. Praise in the midst of the storm” means worshipping God during difficulties, trusting God when life is hard and refusing to allow problems to silence your faith”.
“Storms are a reality of life –
Mark 4:37
“And there arose a great storm of wind…”
Even the disciples who walked with Jesus experienced storms.
Being close to God does not mean life will always be easy”.
Pst. Ibeh made us to understand that “sometimes storms come to test our faith, build our character and draw us closer to God –
Isaiah 43:2.
He declared “you are not alone
God has not forgotten you
The storm will not destroy you, Praise Is Powerful During the Storm.”
Acts 16:25.
“Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God…”
Paul the Apostle and Silas were in prison, beaten, chained and humiliated, yet instead of complaining, they praised God.
“Praise, he said, is based on faith in God. Anybody can praise when things are good. But true worship happens when you still praise God in pain.”
What Praise does in a Christian life. It brings strength, releases peace, invites God’s presence, defeats fear and discouragement
The enemy wants your storm to stop your worship but today
your praise becomes a weapon against darkness. Praise demonstrates Faith –
Habakkuk 3:17–18. The prophet was saying, “Even when nothing is working, Even when resources are low, Even when life is difficult
“I will still rejoice.”
Mature faith is praising God before the miracle happens. Sometimes you may not understand what God is doing, but you must still trust Him – Psalm 34:1, Acts: 16:26, 2Chr 20:20/Mark 4:39.
Finally, he said, “the storm may be strong, but God is stronger because God sees your tears, God knows your struggle, God hears your prayers. Your storm has an expiration date. Do not let your storm stop your praise. Praise God – Alleluia!
As usual, seven prayer points were raised as directed by the Prophet according to the theme of the service. The man of of God began by appreciating God for his mercies upon our lives as well as being present at the service and benefiting from the blessings, he thanked God for what he is doing in our lives, in our family and friends, for blessing and grace to see the end of the month of May, prayed for God to guide the Church leaders aright and appreciated Him for answering our prayers.
Earlier, Prophet Obi, had thrown more light on the theme for the day noting that the coming Tarry Night will feature Blood Sprinkling. He advised member to engage in a week long night praise and come with their testimonies.
Prayers were offered on behalf of Elder Vitalis Ugoh for quick recovery.
Highlight of the service was a special session for blood sprinkling held for children against the wave of evil in the country by the Prophet.
The ministration was very successful and rewarding as many afflicted went home healed. Their storms vanished. You could see the realities on their faces – Alleluia!
They were healed effortlessly by the Holy Spirit of God. The glory returned back to God Almighty as they gave thanks to Him Alone,
Second quarter tarry night comes up on June 26, 2026 at 9.00pm prompt till dawn. Invite your family and friends. It is going to be a rewarding experience.
First timers were duly welcomed and prayed for.
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And the storms could not withstand the power of God – Amen!
Glory!
MEDIA@ARENA!
