User:Vanderwaalforces/Samuel Ogbonmwan

Samuel Enoragbon Ogbonmwan (5 August 1930 – 3 July 2007) was a Nigerian Christian leader and founder of the Christ Apostolic Church of God Mission, a Pentecostal denomination with branches in Nigeria, Europe, Canada and the United States. He was also a gospel singer and composer who popularised the use of Bini dialect in Christian music.

Early life and blindness
Ogbonmwan was born in 1930 to Ogbonmwan Okunwague and Ruemwinyogho Ogbonmwan (née Osaghae) in Emodu Village, Ovia North East, Edo State. He was the eldest son of his parents and belonged to the Ogbonmwan-Oghodu dynasty. He attended St. Peter's Anglican School in Benin City until he lost his sight at the age of 14 due to an eye infection. He became blind in both eyes and had no means of livelihood. He suffered from poverty and discrimination and was taken to various juju priests and traditional doctors for healing, but none could help him. He later described his bitter ordeals in his biography "The Man Apostle Ogbonmwan".

Conversion and ministry
In 1954, Ogbonmwan had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ who told him that he had the power to restore his sight, but if he did, Ogbonmwan would not serve him as the vessel he had planned to use. Ogbonmwan accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and surrendered his life to him. He joined the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Ofunmwegbe Street, Oliha Quarters, Benin City, where he learned more about the Christian faith and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. He also developed a passion for evangelism and gospel music. He started singing gospel songs in Bini dialect, which was uncommon at that time, and attracted many people to Christianity through his music. He also moved from house to house with a bell and a Bible in his hand and a guide, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to anyone who cared to listen.

On August 17, 1970, he was ordained a prophet by CAC. On January 3, 1974, he founded Christ Apostolic Church of God Mission (CACGM) after God told him to move away from CAC and start a different mission. He became the General Superintendent and Head of Mission of CACGM until his death in 2007. He led crusade teams to all parts of Edo and Delta States (then known as Bendel) and many souls were converted in the process. Between 1981 and December 2006, he travelled round to Europe, Canada and the United States of America to plant churches and minister to people. In 1980, he was ordained an apostle by CACGM.

Ogbonmwan was known for his faith, humility, generosity, compassion and love for God and people. He was also a visionary leader who established various institutions and projects under CACGM, such as schools, hospitals, orphanages, radio stations, printing press, farms and industries. He was also involved in social welfare activities such as providing scholarships, employment opportunities, financial assistance and empowerment programs for the needy.

Personal life
Ogbonmwan married Grace Obasuyi in 1965. They had five children: four sons and one daughter. His wife was also a deaconess in CACGM and supported him in his ministry. Ogbonmwan died on July 3, 2007 in Benin City after a brief illness. He was buried on October 26, 2007 at his residence in Emodu Village. His funeral was attended by thousands of people, including dignitaries, religious leaders and members of CACGM from different parts of the world.

Legacy
Ogbonmwan is regarded as one of the pioneers of Pentecostalism and gospel music in Nigeria. He is also credited with transforming the spiritual and social landscape of Edo State and beyond through his ministry. He has been described as a "man of God who defied all odds and rose from a zero point to a hero point". He has also been honoured with various awards and recognitions, such as the Doctor of Divinity degree from the International Bible Institute and Seminary, Florida, USA in 1994, the Justice of Peace (JP) title from the Edo State Government in 1998, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Gospel Music Association of Nigeria (GOMAN) in 2006.