‘I wore my first shoe at age 15’ – Rev Arojie
Impact
Benin, Edo – Secretary, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Edo State chapter, Rev Phil Arojie, has called on Nigerian youths to cultivate the virtues of humility, patience, and long-suffering, emphasising that success demands resilience and steadfastness.
Arojie, who is the founder of Dayspring Gospel Center International (Jesus House), delivered the charge during the church’s “Young and Singles Conference” held last Sunday in Benin City.
He urged young people never to give up in the face of challenges, stressing that “nothing good comes easy.”
Drawing lessons from the Scriptures, the clergyman referenced 1 Peter 5:14, 2 Timothy 4:12, and 1 Samuel 17:13–35 to drive home his message. He encouraged youths to seek out mentors who can shape, mould, and build their characters, adding that they must remain available and submissive to become effective disciples.
“Learn from the examples of Titus, John, and Mark in the Bible, who sat at the feet of Apostle Paul,” he said.
Addressing the growing trend of materialism among young people, Arojie advised them not to be overwhelmed by present difficulties, including worries about clothing and footwear. He urged them instead to stay focused, purposeful, and committed, assuring that material needs would be met in due course.
Sharing a personal testimony to buttress his point, the PFN leader recalled his own humble beginnings: “I wore my first canvas (shoes) at the age of 15. I entered Benin for the first time at the age of 14 and remained in the village. Travelling to Benin at that time was considered very expensive; the transport fare from the village was only 40 kobo, and it was not easy to come by.”
The conference, which attracted young and single participants, focused on character development, spiritual growth, and practical Christian living in today’s challenging socio-economic environment.
Rev Arojie’s message comes at a time when many Nigerian youths grapple with unemployment, peer pressure, and the allure of quick wealth, reinforcing the need for enduring values rooted in faith and perseverance.
