BASIRI CHURCH

 SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, BASIRI, ADO- EKITI

Restoration Hill came to existence on July 1, 2006 by inspiration from God. It was initiated through the group then known as Covenant Generation which started sometimes in 2001.

          This group comprised members of Seventh Day Adventist Church in the then Ado District which included:

Foundation members

Elder James Abayomi Oso (now Pastor Dr. Oso) as the leader

Deacon Banjo Ezekiel Abolarin

Miss Adeola Adefajo (now Dr. Mrs. Oso)

Miss Jumoke Komolafe (now Mrs Jumoke Ogunrinde)

Sister Yemi Abolarinde (Treasurer)

Bro Bukola Awoniyi (Secretary)

Elder Deji Dada

Miss Joke Adeniyi

Miss Kemi Ayeni

Miss Funke Ibijola (now Mrs Abolarin)

Mrs Kemi Aseperi

Bro Bayo Omodan

Miss Folasade Adeniran (now Mrs. Oso)

Sis Fisola Ajibaye

Miss Yetunde Alebiosu (now Mrs. Makanjuola)

Mr. Ajisegbede Seun

Miss Ayo Falade (now Mrs Adesina)

Miss Gbemi Aina

Reason for the establishment

          They were young and vibrant members that came together with no other mission but to spread the gospel. The group considered herself to be an ambassador of God and was able to contribute immensely towards evangelism.

          In 2006, the group came together in conjunction with Victory Sanctuary of Seventh Day Adventist Church, and prayerfully agreed to establish an Outreach of the SDA church with the intention of fulfilling the Mission of the World Church using the most effective means and with a vision of making Jesus real to people.

          The church was officially inaugurated with ministrations from Pastor Kayode Arigbede and Pastor Grillo from the old South West Nigeria Conference on July 1, 2006 at the residence of Late Elder D. O. Babajide in Basiri, Ado-Ekiti.

Church growth

          The residence served as the first and temporary place of worship and the outreach began to grow in strength and membership to the glory of God. Other families that started the branch were Elder & Mrs. D. O. Babajide, Elder & Mrs. S. K. Dada, Mr & Mrs. Arowosegbe, Deacon & Mrs M. D. Babalola, Mr & Mrs. G. O. Oni, Mrs. Deborah Faleye and others that may not be remembered due to shortness of human memory and not in any way to disregard any one.

          As a sign of progress, in August 2006, the followship moved from Late Elder Babajide’s residence to a rented aparptment at Paradise Estate beside the current ECO Bank Plc along the State Secretariat Road, Ado-Ekiti. As at the time the church moved, the membership was about 50. The church embarked on various teachings, including the Bible School in order to equip the members for mission. The church purchased three plots of land along New Iyin/INEC Road upon which the church is currently located. The property was located through a link from late Elder S. K. Dada during the time the fellowship just started and by implication had no money to procure land. It is good to note that during one of the visits of our brethren from Victory Sanctuary in 2006, the church was encouraged to possess the land by faith.

          Consequently, the team with the Restoration Hill members went up to the land and prayed for its possession. Even though for sometime after the prayer, the Church was not able to gather enough money to pay for the land, but no one came to buy the land as well. With the help of God, as at the time the money for the land was ready, the owner of the land was amazed because no one came to negotiate for the land, despite the strategic location of the property.

          In December 2009, the fellowship decided to go up to the land and began our services even though there was no building on it. For several worship days, we made use of canopies for our Sabbath worship and weekly services. The idea then was that instead of paying rent for another year, we should move believing that God would make a way. By his grace, the construction of the temporary building started with late Elder S.K. Dada as the leader of the project team.

          Through the amazing grace of God, the church has experienced much development since its inception. One of the major testimonies of the church was the birth of another outreach named Calvary outreach under the vision 2020 programme organized by Victory Sanctuary Seventh Day Adventist Church.

          While we are thanking God for what he has done so far, we still remain focused and committed to our vision of Making Jesus Real to the people”. We believe the task is enormous but that with the help of the Lord God Almighty we shall not derail but remain steadfast and sure even while the billows may roll.

Thank you.