When we write about faith stories and movements in Nigeria, May – June 2017 will stand out as a time when one event broke all religious and cultural biases, location barriers, and brought the Christian community together. That event is the one-month online praise and worship tagged Hallelujah Challenge that took place from the 1st to 30th of June 2017, convened by Gospel Musician, Nathaniel Bassey.
By all standards, the event was a success – the numbers were great, miracles were recorded, the event trended for days – weeks even, international media covered the story and as usual, there were a group of people who were not down for this “show”. This is the dream of every Instagram user and for Nathaniel Bassey, it fell right on his laps.
It’s been about a year since the last event occurred and there have been clamours from all quarters to have the Challenge again. However, Nathaniel Bassey has not budged – knowing that it’s not in his hands to determine such a decision.
Now, he has received a divine instruction to go ahead, so we would be having the Hallelujah Challenge, albeit for only 14 days.
Although the date for this challenge has not been announced yet, Nathaniel Bassey revealed that it will hold between now and August and in the usual fashion – Praise and worship from 12 am – 1 am, live on Instagram and Facebook.
And while we prepare and plan towards this, Nathaniel Bassey also disclosed a few things to note before the event kicks off. Before the 14-Day Challenge begins, he plans to have a 3-hour chain every day for 7 days praying and preparing. One of those hours would be live on Instagram and there would be a physical location or locations where people can meet to pray knowing that an event of that nature is first birthed in prayer.
The goal remains simple – that souls are saved, the sick healed, the dead raised to life, reconciliation and restoration in homes, churches and cities, and most importantly, that Jesus be revealed.
Bolu Akindele is a freelance writer and journalist whose work covers religion, human interest stories and development across Nigeria and increasingly, West Africa.
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