Fellowship and Letters
Wogu was still residing in Port Harcourt; however, he would come home every weekend to join the fellowship. The pastor at Ohokobe was impressed by their zeal and gave Wogu the addresses of some Christians overseas who, he was sure, would be interested to learn about their experiences. On receiving the names, Wogu began writing letters. Some of those he wrote to responded generously with magazines, tracts, books, Bibles, clothes, and money. They also wrote letters encouraging those of the Old Umuahia group to continue in the faith. Otto Olson and Cecilia M. Barton, both in America, were particularly helpful. Olson urged Wogu to contact Norman M. Green, an evangelist in South Africa.
Spiritual Hunger
The relationship with Green would prove crucial in ushering the group into a new phase of their Christian experience. Wogu recalled that “In Bro. Green’s reply, I found myself face to face with a wonderful Bible teacher and expositor, and his letters were nothing but Bible teachings on faith, salvation, justification… the two resurrections, judgment, the baptism with the Holy Ghost, etc.” Green also sent him the Pentecostal Evangel, a magazine of the Assemblies of God Church.
Heightened Expectations
From reading Green’s writings and the Pentecostal Evangel, their spiritual hunger was heightened. This led to questions about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Wogu and the group pressed the leaders of the Faith Tabernacle congregation in Ohokobe for teachings on the subject. The leaders did not, however, give an adequate response. They urged caution in seeking the gift, as ‘it was a delicate thing.
Confrontation and Decision
Wogu and his group could not agree with such a stance, suspecting that the foot-dragging by the leaders was a tactic to postpone the issue indefinitely. The final confrontation occurred on a Sunday morning in August 1934. The leaders stated clearly that they were against speaking in tongues and threatened that any of the brethren who decided to pursue the experience could no longer consider themselves members of Faith Tabernacle Church.
Historic Speech
Wogu then stood up and made a historic speech: “Reverend Sir, and father in the Lord: we of Old Umuahia do hereby acknowledge and take note of your historic verdict on this important subject. For these four years, we have worshipped God here in Spirit and in truth… We are convinced that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is one of the cardinal doctrines of commandments of our Lord Jesus Christ to all Christians in this church age.”
New Beginning
The Old Umuahia group marched back to Old Umuahia, trusting God to honour their faith in His word. When they got back, Wogu prayed, “Baptize Your people, O Lord, with the Holy Spirit, and may today be the beginning of Your great work in our midst.” Prayers with fasting began in earnest-night and day.
Tale Tuesday 031
Date: 7th March 2023
Title: A Pentecostal Trailblazer
Source: A Heritage of Faith: A History of Christianity in Nigeria
Author: Ayodeji Abodunde
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