Prophet Alder Still Holds on to His Faith
Vanessa Obioha encounters an ageing visioner who remains true to his passion
Prophet Emmanuel Babalola Alder of the Cherubuim and Seraphim Church of Christ, Iponri, Lagos is a man whose faith has been tested over time. From disputes to health issues, Alder has refused to sway to the other side. His only conviction is in the Supreme One.
But it was not always like this for Alder. As a young man, he wore a tough skin. Because of his strong- willed disposition, he dabbled into magic whenever he was confronted with a difficult situation.
Although, he was a member of an orthodox church owned by his grandmother, Alder’s feet were not grounded in the church.
However, his encounter with Capt. Abiodun Emmanuel of the C& S changed all of that. It was in the year 1961. He was torn between two careers: to continue his teaching profession or to join a federal ministry. After a session of prayers with Emmanuel, she told opt for the latter. Excited, he resigned from his teaching job, unknown to him that he had a greater calling. By then, he had made up his mind to worship with her. He worked with Emmanuel from 1961- 1975.
Alder worked as a social welfare officer in various institutions like Old Peoples Homes and the prisons among others. It was at during this period that he got the first call to work in the vineyard of the Lord. But he paid no attention to it. Like the biblical Moses who needed a burning bush to convince him to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt, Alder too needed a strong conviction. He was bedridden from 1969- 1970, until he finally gave in to his true calling. He started his missionary work on the beach before he moved the church to his present location at Iponri, Surulere, Lagos. The church was formerly his residence.
Since then, Alder has never looked back. He remained steadfast in his mission and frowns at the general belief that the C& S are not true worshippers of Christ.
“I believe that it is only God that can do everything. No herbalist can do it for you. God has been my helper and my joy. I always tell people to have faith and believe in God. He has always been my conviction. Magic will do nothing for you. It is only God that can do it, not even I, but God alone.”
This conviction is one true virtue of the clergyman in his over 40 years of his ministry. Till date, Alder is actively involved in the church’s activities.
Born and bred in Lagos, the primate and spiritual leader of the C& S Church of Christ attended Tinubu’s Methodist School Lagos and Eko Boys High School Lagos for his primary and secondary school education respectively. He did his teacher ’ s training at the Lagos Day Teacher Training College Ebute- Elefun, Lagos.
Recently, Alder marked his 80th birthday. Friends, families and loved ones gathered to celebrate him, including his nephew and prolific brand consultant Leke Alder.
When asked if he had any regret, Alder clearly answered: “There can never be any regret with God. Since I found Him, I have no regret.”