We give glory to God for a successful Special Autumn Meeting and Revival Program, themed, Arise and Shine in Konstanz, Germany. Saints in Germany had prayed and waited in anticipation for the Special Autumn on 1st and 2nd November, 2025. The uniqueness of the Autumn Retreat was God’s promise to do “a new thing” before, during and after the Retreat.
On 1st November, brethren from all over Germany (Bonn, Heidelberg, Mannheim, Berlin, Brandenburg, Saarland, Wuppertal, Kiel, Lower Saxony) together with other brethren from Austria, the Czech Republic, Italy and the Netherlands gathered in Konstanz for the program. For the first time, the saints in Germany were blessed with the presence and support of brethren from France and the Republic of Ireland. In attendance was the Guest Minister, Brother Olaitan Abimbola, together with his family from Bexley, United Kingdom.
Bible Teaching
The morning Bible teaching commenced at 10:00 am at the Evangelische Kirche, Karlsruherstrasse 10, 78467 Konstanz. The service began with an organ prelude, followed by an orchestration titled Whispering Hope. The choir then rendered The Gospel of Jesus Christ Must Shine On, which set all brethren in the mood of revival and evangelism.
A congregational singing was led by Brother Dare, and the congregational prayer by Brother Ahauansou Carol. Sister Abena welcomed all delegates and relayed God’s special promise for the retreat – “Behold, I have set before thee an open door and no man can shut it” (Revelation 3:8). She encouraged all to cling to this promise in prayer until all victory is won. The testimony time was filled with evidence and experiences of God’s divine and wondrous work accomplished. Sister Chisomaga testified of how God gave her a double portion of all the money she lost, while Sister Goodness narrated how God gave her a testimony before the onset of the retreat through the provision of a residence permit with a work permit. Brother Joel and Brother Bobo testified of God’s sustaining power and divine guidance, while Sister Abimbola testified of God’s salvation, provision and guidance.
A special song titled Win the Lost at Any Cost was rendered by the brethren from France.
The Bible Teaching titled “The Christian and His Armor in the Endtime” was taught by Sister Abena. Taking her key bible quotations from Ephesians 6:11-18, saints were admonished to put on the full armour of God as Christian warriors for victory over the enemy of our souls. The teaching dwelt on the armour of God, which included the three Christian Experiences, the sword (the word of God), faith, righteousness and shoding our feet with the preparation of the gospel. Brethren were also encouraged to stay faithful and beware of the devices of the devil, which included lukewarmness, worldliness, inconsistencies and hypocrisies. The teaching ended with the signs of the endtime and the need for Christians to prepare for the soon return of Jesus Christ.
A closing song and prayer followed, after which many prayed fervently at the mourner’s bench and around the auditorium. A total of 47 (41 in person and 6 online) were in attendance.
Youth Program
The youth program, the first of its kind in Germany, commenced in the afternoon with an organ prelude. Brother Olayinka introduced the outline of the event. The congregation sang Come Holy Spirit, followed by an opening prayer led by Brother Carol.
The children’s department gave a captivating presentation of songs and bible recitals from Isaiah 61:1-3.
Thereafter, the youth choir rendered Fully Alive and Shine Jesus Shine. A powerful spoken-word presentation was delivered by Sister Goodness, with instrumental support from Brother Femi. She encouraged everyone to rise and shine irrespective of life’s challenging circumstances, reminding us that we carry God’s DNA.
A drama titled Arise and Shine told the story of Lois, a young lady from a Christian home who drifted due to peer influence but later returned to God after a wake-up call. Her restoration became a blessing to others. An altar call followed, accompanied by the singing (I Saw the Light and O Victory in Jesus). The youth program was impactful and inspiring, with an attendance of 48 people (40 in-person and 8 online).
After the youth program, brethren went into the streets and the neighbourhoods to distribute gospel literature.
Evening Revival and Evangelistic Service
The revival service began at 6:30 pm with an orchestration titled Let the Fire Fall and a flute solo by Sister Nifemi. Thereafter, the choir rendered Send the Light and Heaven Came Down.
The congregational songs were led by the revivalist, Sister Patricia Sossa, the Pastor of our church in Paris, France. Sister Suzan Vimadje gave the opening prayer, evoking the power and the Spirit of God for revival and restoration. After inspiring testimonies by Brother Bobo, Brother Olaitan and Brother Rowland, the special song, titled Lay Them Down was rendered by Brother Olayinka.
Sister Patricia gave the Word of exhortation titled “Speak the Word only”. Drawing her text from Luke 7:5-13, the Preacher described how powerful Jesus’ Word is. The centurion believed that just a word from Jesus would heal his servant. Similarly, Jesus is speaking now, and His Word will bring salvation, restoration, healing, and breakthrough to all who will believe. The sermon ignited faith, which drew many souls to the altar of prayer. The service ended with the benediction by Sister Abena. A total of 57 souls attended the revival service (40 in person and 17 online).
After the service and prayer, there was mutual fellowship among brethren alongside the serving of dinner.
Sunday
The Sunday service commenced with the Sunday school at 10:00 am in Luisenstrasse 1, 78464 Konstanz. The adult Sunday school lesson, titled Godliness, was taught by Brother Jonathan, and the text of the lesson was taken from Titus 2:1-13. The class explored how Christians can live godly lives in today’s world through our actions, words, relationships, forgiveness, and conduct. Godliness was defined as honouring God above sin, self and the world. It is the fragrance of Christianity. Biblical examples of both godly and ungodly characters were discussed.
After the Sunday school, Sisters Jessica and Joy sang a duet titled Stepping in the Light. The lesson was reviewed by Brother Matthieu Bobo, who drew on key lessons of the lesson, encouraging us to live godly and holy in this present world. The Sunday school ended with a congregational hymn and prayer by Brother Carol.
Morning Devotional Service
The devotional service started shortly with an orchestration titled Count Your Blessings, followed by a brass ensemble. The choir rendered Cry Out and Shout and Get All Excited. The congregational singing was led by Sister Abena, while Brother Rowland gave the congregational prayer.
After the announcements, the first special, It’s Really Surprising was rendered by the choir. The Bible reading was taken from Isaiah 60:1-7 and read by Sister Patricia, after which Sister Goodness sang the second special song titled, He Is the One.
The Guest Minister, Brother Olaitan Abimbola delivered the sermon titled “A Call to Shine.” Drawing from Isaiah 60:1-7 and John 1:4-9, the sermon dwelt on Jesus as the true Light, Who came from heaven to light everyone that cometh into the world. This Light was witnessed by Apostle John and later the disciples and many who believed in His name. When we come into contact with this great Light, salvation comes into our hearts and joy is established. He encouraged the congregation that although storms of life may arise, children of God can smile at the storm, because there is Light in the tunnel. Citing Peter and the three Hebrew children as examples, he assured the saints of God’s help in difficult times. Brother Olaitan also shared a testimony of how God miraculously saved him in Peckham church in the UK and how God worked wondrous miracles concerning his job. He ended his sermon by emphasizing that shining begins with confessing and forsaking one’s sins.
After the closing congregational song, Sister Elke gave the closing prayer, after which many brethren fell on their knees in fervent prayer. Altogether, 56 people attended the service (41 in-person, 15 online)
After the service, brethren enjoyed a wonderful meal. Participants from different parts of Europe later departed to their respective destinations, strengthened and renewed spiritually. It was indeed an incredible weekend in the presence of our God!
