By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye
General Overseer of the Glory House City Church, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America, Pastor Chuzzy Udenwa, through the Fire Campus Crusade has offered scholarships to no fewer than 30,000 students from Nigeria universities across six states of the federation. In this interview with Saturday Sun, he speaks on the proposed student loan of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, and why big corporations, banks, individuals must fund education among other issues
• General overseer of the Glory House City Church, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America, Pastor Chuzzy Udenwa, with lucky winners of competition at Minna Fire Campus Crusade.
Share with us the inspiration behind the campus fire crusade?
During prayers, I received a message from the Lord to conduct fire campus crusades and conferences at all universities and higher institutions in Nigeria, teaching the word of God and life skills. Despite my initial hesitation due to the presence of many pastors in Nigeria, the Lord revealed that the call from America to minister in Nigeria indicated a need to fill a gap and provide something essential.
Secondly, God called me to be part of a movement because I have what he wants me to contribute. Campus crusade is not attractive to some pastors because it is capital intensive and in such meetings, we don’t collect offerings. To address funding concerns, I sought divine guidance and was encouraged to seek support through church announcements, social media, and personal networks. Each crusade requires $30,000, and we have held the crusade in various locations since March 2023, including UNIZIK – Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa, Owerri, Enugu, Agbani, Abuja, and Minna, and it keeps growing.
The vision of the Fire Campus Crusade is to teach biblical principles on success and life skills, and pray for the sick and offer professional help for those dealing with various challenges like addictions and self-esteem issues. Funding comes from church members, partners, and supporters worldwide. Each crusade is costly but engaging, featuring entertainment like dancing competitions, Bible quizzes, Bible recitals, and life skills competitions with prizes of N50,000 for the Best Male and Female Students in three categories. So it’s enormous.
Over 30,000 students from Nigerian universities in six states have benefited from a scholarship programme. The initiative covers Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Niger, Ekiti, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The campus crusade aims to address issues like cultism, drug abuse, internet fraud, and more by providing prayers and financial support to students facing sponsorship challenges. This proactive approach targets nurturing future leaders and rebuilding Nigeria through student engagement and scholarships.
What’s your take on the federal government’s student loan scheme?
Is it more prudent to address the issue of parents unable to pay school fees or to tackle the challenge of unemployed graduates? Merely offering financial assistance through loan programmes without addressing the root causes may not lead to meaningful outcomes, as students might perceive it as a handout rather than an investment. This strategy is likely to falter in the face of systemic corruption and deep-seated issues. To bring about real change, the focus should be on transforming students’ attitudes, reshaping their mindset, and instilling a new way of thinking.
How has been your experience with the institutions?
We no longer have difficulties because by clarifying our purpose upfront – that we are not here for fundraising or taking offerings – we emphasise that our crusade is about the importance of investing in students as the future leaders and recognising the societal challenges faced by students. Our efforts to support and inspire them are well-received. This shows that giving care and support can make a significant impact.
Since society has not treated our students well, there is so much deprivation, they are enraged but they welcome a friend like me coming all the way from America to be of help to them spiritually and physically.
Who are your coordinators, and what significant contributions have they made to streamline operations since your arrival a few days before the crusade?
My national crusade director, who is 28 years old, is actively involved in the field, demonstrating remarkable dedication. I connected with him on Facebook when he was studying at the University of Calabar. After reaching out, we developed a friendship. He starts his day early, secures accommodation, engages with students, mobilises them effectively, and handles all aspects of the work with exceptional talent. His team comprises individuals aged 19, 20, and 21, who efficiently manage the operations. They arrange transportation, collaborate with local pastors, churches, and the student Christian Fellowship, among others. We are thrilled about the growth of this initiative and are seeking sponsors and partners. We are hopeful for partnerships with corporate organisations and agencies through God’s provision.
How many students have attended the meetings up to this point?
It is likely that there are over 50,000 students involved in the fire crusade since inception, sourced from an average of eight to 15 institutions of higher education. The impact of our crusade is evident in the transformation of these students who have become increasingly dedicated and focused, leading to positive changes in their lives.
Minna was your latest campus fire crusade. How come you were not discouraged by the reports of insecurity coming from there?
God instructed us to proceed while ensuring security and other arrangements are taken care of. Additionally, we employ security personnel for each gathering and event, experiencing God’s unwavering faithfulness throughout. Besides God’s work must continue, whether there are insecurity issues or not. We can’t serve God in comfort.
What measures are in place to ensure the sustainability of this crusade given that once it ends, you will return to the United States?
We maintain regular contact with many students, supported by a comprehensive follow-up system within my team. Additionally, every crusade connects participants from various schools, fostering the growth of a substantial community.
Are there remarkable testimonies available from these crusades?
Many students used short-term scholarships we offer for fees and expenses. One of such students, after completing her OND programme, faced financial difficulties with her school fees, leading to her results being withheld. Despite this, she was allowed to proceed to HND. During a quiz competition on the book of Esther in one of our crusades, she not only studied diligently but also prayed fervently. She needed N70,000 to clear her bills and fees, she won N100,000 in the competition. Her emotional reaction to winning got us curious and she said it was due to the relief of not only covering her debts but also having extra funds. She shared that her parents couldn’t afford her fees, explaining her overwhelming joy and gratitude.
A young man who had missed the beginning of the programme and was absent on Friday, honoured the invitation to attend the Saturday event. He was staying in a crowded room with several other students and needed N50,000 for accommodation. Miraculously, he won exactly N50,000 during the competition. Overjoyed, he expressed his newfound ability to afford rent in a new accommodation and also be a landlord to others in a similar situation he was before he won the prize. Additionally, there were testimonies of individuals being healed from addictions and illnesses, showcasing the transformative impact of the crusade.
It is immensely fulfilling that God selected us to reach out to students. Having not been born again at the University of Ibadan, I relate to their language and mindset. I connect by dressing casually, speaking their language, and inspiring them to envision a successful future. I guide them on changing their mindset, achieving success, leveraging the internet for income, utilising their phones for profit, and starting their own businesses.
Despite such positive testimonials, many young individuals are still choosing to depart the country in search of better opportunities. What guidance would you offer to these individuals?
My advice is to align yourself with God’s will and purpose for your life. Discover where God intends for you to be. Some may be called to stay in one place, while others are meant to go out into the world. Wherever God leads you, trust that He will provide for you and help you flourish. Despite my initial reluctance to leave Nigeria for the US for ministry in 1997, I have since found that I make an average of three to five trips back to Nigeria every year since 1998.
How do you manage balancing your professional responsibilities, pastoral duties in the United States, and family commitments effectively?
Extensive planning is essential. Initially, I used to arrive around 10 days prior to the event. However, with experience and improvement, I can now come just a few days before and promptly depart post-event.
With students being targeted by kidnappers who demand large sums of money for their release, with a religious leader suggesting negotiation with the abductors, what guidance would you offer to the government?
It is a concerning pattern that schools are interconnected with society, making it imperative for the government to address issues within the educational sector. While individuals may lack the comprehensive security information available to the government, it is crucial for various entities beyond the government to contribute to education and safety of our children. In countries like America, private funding plays a significant role in financing education, there’s a need for banks, companies, and large corporations to invest in educational initiatives. Government can incentivise corporate participation by mandating contributions towards scholarships, research grants, and educational endowments. Collaboration between successful Nigerian individuals and the government is essential to enhance the educational system, as universities in Nigeria currently heavily rely on government support.
How do you navigate challenges as regards hosting the crusades?
At times, there may be resistance or suspicion from churches, pastors, or student leaders. In such cases, extensive communication efforts are undertaken, including discussions, phone conferences, and calls. Additionally, strategies like creating WhatsApp groups, providing financial support for necessities like food, water, and transportation to meetings, as well as hosting and explaining the purpose to them are employed. In instances where some are reluctant, efforts are made to accompany those who are willing. Overall, these approaches have yielded a highly successful response. The key lies in thorough explanations of our intentions, establishing our identity, and obtaining official approval from school authorities and leadership at each institution.
Do you have challenges with the school or state authorities?
We follow the authority system and official leadership without encountering any resistance from schools. Authorities show interest in our work and eagerly anticipate our return, fostering a growing friendship. The Campus Fire Crusade is expanding successfully.