WHERE IT ALL STARTED...

IGNITE: History and Vision

“Ignite”–once called “Wildfire”–stems from a vision I had in January 2017 after the "X-tra Ordinary People" youth concert in my home church, Chapel of Praise. In this vision, I saw people like trees and from the front to the back, they all caught fire. It was like a domino effect with fire. I wondered what it meant. Then I heard that the fire symbolizes an igniting faith from one heart to the other. I thought! I need to get this message out! It could be a Wildfire Concert! Yes!

Then, doubt arose in my mind and it festered. I thought, what will my youth leader think? Then my pessimistic side spoke and said he's going to put water on my fire so let me not share this. Questioning voices were saying, “Why do believers need to believe more? Don’t they already believe! You’re just dragging your siblings on another stressful ride! You’re going to stress yourself out. You’re way too busy for this!” So, I kept quiet for five months and sat on this revelation that was cemented in my mind/heart. Clearly, that was a huge mistake!

In July, my friend presented “Scarlet Love” and in fasting for the program for strength and bravery. God was kind enough to speak to me again. What an amazing GOD, I tell you! He reminded me of my walk with Him. Where I started, where I am now, and where I am headed in Jesus name (Amen). After which there was no hesitation to obey. I was ready!

In fasting, I was reminded that faith can be silenced by the lies of the enemy, physical situations, psychological fear/pessimism, false belief systems, etc. It can be hard to battle the whispering lies of the devil when you're also prone to think the worst about yourself or your situation. How does one win a fight with bruised hands? How does one fight while crippled or broken? The mind is a powerful thing the devil aims to gain control of daily!

I AM THE DAUGHTER OF THE MOST HIGH!

- 1 PETER 2:9!

Glory to God, I’ve learned to fight SMARTER! Not that I'm completely there but I've learned to fight better. I read a devotional called "Out of Darkness" by Mandisa. I realized I wasn't seeing correctly. I wasn't seeing the person God crafted, placed in Fire to be tried, tested, and proved. I was seeing myself as IMPERFECT for all of my mistakes whereas I'm UNFINISHED because there's so much more good to come. I realized that I wasn't breathing in a spiritually beneficial manner. But I've learned to: Breathe out shame, and breathe in grace. Breathe out fear, and breathe in peace. Breathe out weakness, and breathe in the strength of God the Most High (“Out of Darkness,” Mandisa). The day I prayed that prayer, a lot changed for me.

Overall, these things helped me a great deal and I want to share this all, I want to encourage you all, I want you all to be set ablaze, and to pass the flame in the honest lifestyle that you live. Forget being perfect or feeling as though you do not deserve all that He has to offer and live to honor Jesus and His sacrifice! Live righteously in your personality! NOT JUST FOR YOU! But for the sake of the salvation of OTHERS, and glory of God.

Matthew 5:14 says, “You are the light of the world, a city that is set on a hilltop that cannot be hidden".

Your Faith cannot be HIDDEN, it will NEVER be HIDDEN or SILENCED or MOVED by the darkness of this world! You have everything it takes to live righteously in your personality! You have all the authority to stand firmly with Jesus Christ and to INSPIRE the lives of others! You have what it takes to allow the message of Christ to IGNITE in OTHERS.

Genesis 1:2-3a says, “The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good”.

This Light is who you have become through salvation. This light is the proclamation of your Faith in Jesus! This Light may draw flies to you but it’s only for them to be zapped as they encounter you! This LIGHT is the spirit of God in YOU! This Light is good; therefore, YOU are Good and a lovely creation of the Father.

I believe young people should be empowered to follow through when they hear from the Trinity. Therefore, my prayer and challenge to you is to… Shine BRIGHT; Pierce the DARK! Live a life that will inspire others! Make HIM, the Almighty, proud and go in Peace, in Jesus Name. Amen!

THE VISION: To Ignite a fresh fire and to set others ablaze for Jesus Christ. To Ignite a fresh passion, compassion toward people, and creative instincts in service.

“LET GOD MOVE IN YOUR LIFE AND SEE WHERE HE’LL TAKE YOU” – Grace O. Akinbola