I'M GRATEFUL! Gracias! Gracias!!

“This knows also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, UNTHANKFUL, unholy,  Without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God” 

(2Timothy 3:1-4).

As I read this passage of Scripture today, I discovered afresh that one of the negative attitudes that people will develop towards God, people, organization, system etc. in the days we live in is UNTHANKFULNESS (INGRATITUDE or lack of APPRECIATION) for any or all acts of kindness. Then it dawned on me that it is one thing to show your appreciation to people secretly with a little note or card but it is another thing to openly or publicly acknowledge the blessings of God in our lives through people. Now this will become my habit henceforth, every January, I will take time to openly appreciate the people that make most impacts in my life and family the previous year even if I have done that during the year. When I began to compile the list for 2014, I was amazed! I know some people don’t like to be appreciated openly but guess what, sometimes it is not about the other person but about you and your covenant principle with God. I will do this in categories. 

Mike Murdock said one of the greatest honors and privileges a man/woman (especially preachers) can receive is to be asked by another person to mount the podium/pulpit to speak to others. It means they believe and receive your ministry, gifting and your person. I want to appreciate among many these few ministries/churches/organizations/schools that provided me the platform to physically minister, preach, teach, encourage, instruct others in 2014:

• Pastors Gbemi and Richard Olajide, Christ-Touch Ministries, Texas. I’m grateful for the relationship that started between my family and yours strangely. You will forever be our brother/sister in Him. 
•  Bishop and First Lady Tony Osuobeni, New Season Assembly, Columbus. I still remember the message, “Developing a Winning Spirit”, I was terribly blessed myself. Thanks for the opportunity. 
•  Pastors Dupe & Yemi Olumuyide, Kings Ambassadors Ministries, Ohio. Your Dare to Dream conference was a blessing. Thanks for the privilege. 
•  Pastors Simbo Odunaiya & Opeyemi Adesanya, Christ International Community Church, Ohio. The message of Rejoicing became my song for the rest of the year. Thanks for the opportunity. 
•  Pastors Abimbola & Sanya Oyedola, Sanctuary of Hope Church, Columbus. I enjoyed leading prayer sessions at your meetings. Thanks for the relationship. 
•  Pastor Opeyemi Bornstar Adesanya, Yoruba Breakthrough Service, Ohio. What an opportunity to minister in song in my native dialect. Most grateful to God. 
•  Pastors Amos & Bosede Adetunji, Christ Harvest Church, Columbus. You resurrected my Yoruba speaking ability again through your ministry. You are blessed and I’m thankful. 
• The Entire Planning Committee for AACHSA Reunion 2014 (North America Chapter). I literally saw the fulfillment of God’s promise that I will stand before kings to declare His counsel. Thanks for the opportunity to bring a word during the last day of the Reunion in Ohio and it was a great honor to have the Olori and HRM Oba (Prof.) Akinola A. Owosekun, the Asotun of Isotun-Ijesha at the meeting.

  

  HRM Oba Akinola and his Wife (5th and 6th from LHS)

•  Pastors Florence & Emmanuel Inah, Winners Christian Ministries, Ohio. Thanks for the opportunity. 
•  The entire leadership team of Ibadan Varsity Christian Union, Postgraduate Fellowship, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. What a privilege to stand before the saints of God on campus to minister the word of life. I’m grateful!

  

  L-R: Dr. Praise Adeyemo, Me and the President

  
  

  

  Group Picture with Some of the Fellowship Members

• Pastors Bukola & Bunmi A. Paul, Word Garden Chapel, Ibadan Nigeria. I’m grateful for the relationship and the privilege. You will forever be part of my family.

  

  Pastor Bunmi and his lovely family with the Kuyes in Ibadan

• Pastors Evelyn & Abraham Raymond, End-Time Triumphant Church, Ibadan Nigeria.
  
  
  

What about schools and organizations? In 2014, my family is grateful to God for the privilege to teach and impart knowledge to students through their platforms. Among such institutions are:

• Indiana Wesleyan University, Hilliard Ohio. The students were generous in their gratitude for learning computer skills with ease and simplicity.

  

  Before the Class Begins

  

  With Some of the Students

 

 

• Felbry College School of Nursing, Ohio. I met some of the finest nursing students and faculties at Felbry. Thanks for being so kind.

Some of the students during the 2014 Bridge Program

• I'm also grateful for the opportunities to teach Math Skills to some Middle and High school students of Polaris Christian Academy and  Reynoldsburg High School. Thanks for being so kind.

How about hundreds of people all around the globe that yielded the platform of their hearts to receive our ministry through Facebook, Whatsapp, Blogs, Emails, Text Messages, Phone Conversations etc. I'm grateful to God for your life and constant feedback in 2014. You will forever by my brothers and sisters.

Jerry Stephens

I know this might sound strange to some people but I'm thankful to the people that provided some major services to me in 2014. The guy that cut my hair making sure I don't appear unkept. Thanks for your care. My good friend and business partner, Jerry Stephens of Ministry Consulting Group who prepared our taxes last year. I'm grateful for your help.Without the help of a team of people led by our wonderful brother and friend, "Engr." Niyi Ajibade and Big Aunty Lola Akinrinade, it would have been difficult for my family to have a memorable experience during our recent trip. Thanks for your love always.

I'm also thankful to our dentist, physicians, the librarians, the guys that fixed our cars (@Midas), the guys that delivered our mails to ensure we are not late on bills, the guys that cleaned our carpets for us to keep my wife from being stressed out (laughs), the teachers at Polaris Christian Academy that impart the knowledge (of God and academics) to our kids and of course their Sunday School teachers, and the great worship team at our local assembly that made the worship of God big in our hearts every Sunday in 2014 etc. We are grateful to y'all.

I'm also grateful to Dish Network for providing the platform for me to be of help to hundreds of people in America through service. I meditate more on this quote by George Washington Carver because of my work through Dish, “How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these”.

Finally, I want to appreciate all the great men and women that God used to speak words of encouragement, grace, power into our lives and family directly or indirectly in 2014. The list is huge but I will mention few names: 

• My biological mum, Mrs. Mary Kuye, who constantly say to us, "The grace that distinguish men in their generation, heaven will release upon you." We are grateful for your life ma'am.

• My Parents-in-Love, Daddy and Mummy Okeniyi. Your main prayer every time is, "E o ri aanu gba" (You will always enjoy the mercy of God). You are simply the best! 

• My Pastors and Mentors (both near and in proxy) - Pastors Sam & Funmi Adeyemi, Pastor A.T. Raymond, Pastor CNS Prince, Bishop & First Lady Osuobeni, Pst. Femi Oyewusi, Pastors Yemisi and Ayo Popoola (Best Uncle&Aunty),  Rev. Bolaji Adeisrael, Pastor Pertru Okebugwu, Dr. Henry Jones, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Bishop David Oyedepo etc. Thanks for giving to the Lord, you are forever part of our family.

Did I say finally before? this supposed to be the final one. Once again, I'm thankful to the Almighty God that kept His covenant of peace, protection, life etc over my life and family in 2014. Only You I Will Serve, I have no other God.

NOTE: If I did not mention you or your service in my gratitude note, forgive me, it is not deliberate. Gracias!

LESSONS FROM MY FIRST WINTER (SNOW) EXPERIENCE

I have not done this in a while but I feel like sharing this with someone. Of course it is still winter time in Ohio and many of us are snowed in. Some by choice and others compulsorily because you have to stay home with your kids since the schools are closed. This morning, I decided to get some exercise through clearing the snow on my driveway and we all had fun doing that. As we continued with the exercise, my mind went back to my experience years back during my first winter in the States (2004). It was not pretty at all but God taught me some lessons that I want to share with you.


I believe it was one of those shopping days in December when most of the stores close early, and we never knew because we were new to the system. Our daughter (Blessing) was just about 3 months old and we had to do some grocery shopping at the store. Then we realized the store was going to close in less than 40mins. I told my wife I was going to go start the car for a while and then come back to get them. Initially, I thought it might not be too cold in the car, may be we should just go together since the baby was well wrapped, but my wife said I should go and come back for them. Thank God I listened because what happened next could have been so funny if we were outside in the cold together.

I got to the car and tried to open but the key would not go in. I never knew the weather could be so cold that some locks will just freeze. I never knew anything about antifreeze because it was my first winter experience. I struggled to force the key in but nothing happened. Then I beckoned on a guy passing by to help. He tried as hard as he could but our efforts were fruitless. He suggested I get hot water or antifreeze in the store to spray on the key hole. By this time, I was freezing myself because of the kind of jacket I had on. Remember, it was my first winter. 

I headed back to the store to go do as I have been instructed, guess what, my wife and the baby and many others were already helped towards the door and no one is allowed to go into the store but going out. I could not get close to them to explain the situation we were in. Every other person brought their car close to the door to pick their family but I could not. My plan was not to start looking for any antifreeze but to quickly grab a soda in the store, pour the content away and rush to the rest room to get hot water (remember I was fresh from Africa, laughs) but the door was locked. I was stranded outside in the cold but at least my wife and the baby were inside. 

After a while, I stood in front of the store wondering how in the world I was going to come out of this mess. I had no phone on me to call for help. I felt empty, helpless, and powerless and without any hope. Then I remembered a statement by Mike Murdock many years back, “There will never be a time in your life that you will have nothing!” It dawned on me that I can tap into the supernatural help of God. I may not have my phone to make a call but my mouth can still dial “Heaven’s 9-1-1” and the line is never busy. In less than a minute, I said something like this, “Lord, help me to open this car”. As I walked towards the car, I was hoping somebody with antifreeze will come to my aid or some kind of magic will happen. As I stood in front of the door, I did not want to use the key again since earlier attempts had failed, and I was afraid the key might break. But I sensed in my heart that I should use the same key again this one time! That was it! The door opened effortlessly. A thousand messages could not have preached that to me.

Few lessons to learn from this story (even though there are many I would have loved to share with you):
1. Learn to Listen to Your Wife (if you are married or planning to be in the future): When my wife gently suggested I should go out alone to bring the car, even though I struggled with the idea a little bit, if I did not heed that advice, the three of us would have been locked outside the store and any effort to send them back into the store may not work since the store operates by the “Law of Medes and Persians” which cannot be repealed (Dan. 6:8-NIV).
2. Don’t Feel Ashamed or Less Important to Ask for Help Sometime: One of my favorite scriptures is Matt. 7:7, “Ask and you shall be given…” That means sometime you need to ask for help no matter how strong you think you are. It does not mean you are weak but some situations in life are wired in such a way that you will require help outside of yourself to pull through. Even though the guy that was gracious enough to honor my gentle beckon could not open the car, but the fact that he overcame all fears of the unknown (he may have thought, this guy might be up to something, what of if he is trying to break into someone’s car, he does not look like me – white, brown, Latino etc) and joined me in the struggle meant a lot to me. Remember, it is not the outcome of your faith that pleases God but the process of exercising your faith. I guess that guy walked away feeling disappointed that he could not open the door (expected or desired result) but heaven just celebrated an unnoticed hero that rendered help to a stranger who looked nothing like him. (Please Note: The simple fact that I said you should not feel ashamed to ask for help does not mean you should become a “parasite” that prey on people’s generosity to enrich yourself. That is not dignifying and it sucks!)
3. God Can Still Use The Same KEY: Often times, we are advised not to use the same skill, method, approach or instrument that we have used in the past and failed. It is perceived as insanity. I totally agree with that notion but there are certain miracles or breakthroughs that God will bring your way by simply acting in obedience to ridiculous instruction. A typical example that comes to mind is the story of Samson in the Bible. Samson was a man of might and exploits, an unusual poet, and he can give difficult riddles that make people of his generation wonder. It was recorded that at a particular time, he needed to fight the enemy that came upon him and “the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him…finding a fresh jawbone of a donkey, he grabbed it and struck down a thousand men” (Judges 15:14-15). That was a key in his hand! He used it and did something funny in verse 17, “he threw away the jawbone”. I don’t know what that key is to you and in your own context- a skill, a relationship, business idea, approach in ministry etc. Samson had another challenge and he dialed Heaven’s 9-1-1, “Because he was thirsty, he cried out to the Lord” and the same jawbone is what was needed to perfect his miracle, “But God clave an hollow place in the jaw, and there came water thereout; and when he had drunk, his spirit came again, and he revived” (v.19-KJV). Never forget that we are finite beings created by an Infinite Being. God is able to perform a miracle in a thousand way because He is infinite in His ways. He’s got a thousand ways to make you a millionaire and all you can think of are just one or two ways. He can choose to open my car by using another means but I was not expecting the door to open at that particular time with that same key at that moment. Let me end this short story with this last point:
4. Faith Always Win: Someone has defined the acronym for faith as Finding Answers In The Heart. It is one thing for me to call unto God, it is another thing for me to be calm enough to hear the ridiculous instruction in my heart, “Go use the key again and stop looking for another help”. Even though I knew I was eventually going to need the key to open the car and start the engine, but because of the struggles I had with the key, it was not one of my options to try again at that moment. May be after I would have used antifreeze or hot water, then I can use it. But deep down in my heart, I heard the voice of faith saying, “Use the same KEY now!” God dropped the answer to my predicament in my heart and I acted upon it. Don’t despise or ignore the thoughts in your heart because your heart is GOOD!

In closing, even though my first winter was funny and challenging, now I can have some fun in the snow with my little buddy (Isaac).

2014 Winter

It’s my prayer that whatever KEY you have used in the past and it seems abandoned, the favor of God will rest upon it and it will bring your next breakthrough for you and your family. Never forget, no matter what you are going through, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO WIN. On behalf of my Essence of Joy – Oludolapo, my graceful kids – Blessing, Faith and Isaac, I am saying you are blessed and highly graced. Love you.

In His ever increasing love,

Sam Kuye, M.Div.

Just 2 Days Ago


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Places, People and Purpose, 3 of God's "Pees"

I remember hearing this statement from one of my Professors, Dr. Robert Tuttle few years ago, "Because human being has lousy memory, God keep telling us, ‘Remember’". He tells us the things to remember and the things to forget. That means there are certain things we need to keep for permanency in our ‘hard drive’ while some files must be deleted to create space. It’s funny that many of us still keep the information that supposed to only last a week in our minds for months and we keep deleting the ones that we supposed to preserve. Going through my archives today, I found this awesome picture and Oh what a joy that fills my soul. God has a way of putting us in PLACES, connecting us to PEOPLE that will help us fulfill His PURPOSE for a PARTICULAR season.

The PLACE was The Christian Union Fellowship in Ibadan Poly (Nigeria); Many PEOPLE that I cannot mention for space, but in that picture was Evangelist Richard Usenu, one of the finest preachers of righteousness that blessed our lives on campus. As a young Christian, I was the Organizing Secretary of the Fellowship (PARTICULAR season) and one of my assignments (PURPOSE) was to give the information register to guest ministers after their ministrations. I will forever be grateful to God for such foundation of holiness, purity and pure love from ‘brethren’. Friends, never underestimate the place you find yourself right now (either willfully or forcefully) because the STEPS and the STOPS of a righteous man are ORDERED by the Lord! Please, don’t despise the PEOPLE around you or in your life at this season because there’s a PURPOSE in the mind of your Creator for allowing them in your life at this MATERIAL time! God Bless.

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“…I’M NOT EVEN SUPPOSED TO BE HERE...” – Lebron James

“…I’M NOT EVEN SUPPOSED TO BE HERE...” – Lebron James (See video on http://youtu.be/SyeE5OOrCXQ)

That statement made by the greatest basketball player on earth, Lebron James has stayed with me since he uttered those words few years ago, “I’m not even supposed to be here”. Until July 10, 1994, life was great but not meaningful to me because I had not fully surrendered my heart to the Author of Life. Therefore my appreciation and gratitude today goes to: 

1. GOD, who closed the doors to other colleges and universities when I was dying to go there but opened THE DOOR of admission to The Polytechnic Ibadan, Nigeria (1994). In spite of my funny lifestyle up till that moment, MERCY located me and I gave my heart to Jesus.“I am not even supposed to be here”. I’m eternally grateful to everyone that crossed my path throughout my four years in The Polytechnic Ibadan (Space will not be enough if I mention names). That single decision is the reason why I’m still here. You see,

20 years after with Pastor OJ in Nigeria

2. HELPERS OF DESTINY, Many of my friends who knew me before I went to SPCC on July 10, 1994 were quick to testify that something HAPPENED to Sam that day. I’m eternally grateful to Pastor Olubi Johnson for his message on ‘Spiritual Time Management’ that day. Even though I could not understand most of the things he was saying, the only thing I heard was, “The Spirit and the Bride is calling, would you come?” It was an invitation to the palace of the King and I’m glad I honored it. It will be surprising to know that I did not set out on that day to attend Pastor Olubi’s church but going for a different program with a friend.

With Omo Alagbe in '96

We already walked pass Pastor Olubi’s church when I had a problem with my shoe and I decided I was going back to campus, because one of the major “missions” we were going to accomplish at this other place will be messed up without a good shoe. The moment we were about to pass the exit to SPCC, my friend (helper of destiny) persuaded me that we should go to this nearby church. Even though he was much as far away from God as I was at that time, he persuaded me! No matter how powerful the message that Pastor Olubi prepared that day, if “Omo Alagbe”, the Best Man at my wedding, Fisayo Alagbe did not yield himself to be used by God that moment, may be you will not be able to read my testimony today. Guess what, one of the people that made fun of me in college most for given my heart to Jesus was “Omo Alagbe” but today he is a firebrand for the Lord. You will forever be my brother buddy! You see, without you and Pastor Olubi, “I am not even supposed to be here.”

3. AND MANY OTHERS: Few people among many contributed to the foundation laying of the Christian life I’m enjoying today. Our foundation not only determines our strength in life but also predicts how far we can go. How best can I show appreciation to one of the finest saints of God, Bro. Sola Akinsola (Orisun Hall Pastor) who single-handedly picked me up like a baby and not just taught me Christianity101 but lived it before me. Many times after fellowship is over at NLT North Campus, one of the few names that we hear people (mostly sisters) calling for one discussion or another is “Bro. Sola”. Among many things, he taught me how to love people and really care. I can never forget Bro. Sola’s "FellowSist” meetings.

Even though for some strange reasons, I do not have a single picture of you and I have desperately looked for you over the years without any luck, wherever you are on this side of eternity, know that your impact still speaks and I’m eternally grateful.

Time will fail me to talk about Pastor A. T. Raymond (The Glorious Church), Pastor Moses Olaniyi (The Impossicant Pastor), Bro. Sam Omowaye, Evangelist Morgan Olukayode Emmanuel, Evangelist Akinfenwa, Pastor Abraham (Pastor AB), Reverend Bolaji AdeIsrael, my fiery Pastor Pertru Onyedikachi, Pastor Bunmi A. Paul, Rev. Gbeminiyi Eboda, Bro. Biodun Ologunebi, Engr. Wale Alao, all the Executive Members of Christian Union Poly Ibadan (94/95set) etc. Thanks you all for giving to the Lord and I’m eternally grateful. You see without those people, “I’m not even supposed to be here”.

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THANK GOD FOR SHUT DOORS!

I started my gratitude challenge few days ago and it’s seems my own one day is like a thousand year. Anyway, I need to complete my second day now. On this Day 2, I want to appreciate God for SHUT DOORS! I know it’s natural to give God thanks when doors are opened to us but over the years I have come to realize that had God not shut some doors – of opportunities, relationships, traveling etc., I would have self-destruct. Many of us have been to many “houses” (of drugs, alcoholism, immorality, crack etc.) and we wanted to remain there but God shut the door and led us into the “HOUSE on the ROCK”. I want to specifically appreciate God for SHUTTING DOORS in two major areas among many years ago: 

DOOR OF TRAVELING OVERSEAS SHUT: The time people wanted me to travel abroad, God shut the door and ensured that every promise from families and relations met with huge disappointments. I later realized that sometimes when men disappoints you, it’s because God has another appointment for you. Time will fail me to narrate the drama that led to my relocation to the United States but it was indeed an act of God’s faithfulness. I want to appreciate my dear “Mummy”- Mrs. Tinuade Olla and her family for allowing God to use them as our main ‘entry point’ to our second earthly home country. “Mummy and Daddy Jersey", your love is always appreciated. Guess what, the people that promised to help you and failed to make it good at any point, don’t hate on them or wish them any evil, believe that their help is meant for someone else. Life goes on. 

DOOR OF MARITAL RELATIONSHIP SHUT: One of the major decisions that everyone who has not been given the gift of celibacy will make in life is the choice of who to marry. I still remember vividly that one of the major prayers my “lady friends” (in Poly Ibadan, NCCF Bayelsa, IVCUPGF etc.) always pray is, “Brother Sam, may God give you your wife”. Even though I made several attempts to enter into some door of relationships permanently, one way or the other, God shut those doors. I can’t imagine a better woman in my life than my wife of more than 130 months. Guess what, it gladdens my heart to see today that some “doors” that were closed to me in those days were opened to some other great men in the lives of those ladies (now women today). Again, don’t be mad about a “shut door”, it’s because the door is meant for someone else. Therefore I celebrate every lady/sister (now woman) that “life” brought into my life at one point or another in those years. You are part of my story that has become HIS-Story. Once again, Daddy God, I thank You for shut doors! 

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Who Can Fathom the Depth of His Love?

During our family devotion this morning, my daughter read a prayer from the devotional that says, “I prophesy to you that God will give you that ‘mouth-opening miracle’ you have been expecting this month”. I asked them if they understand the prayer. They both said in unison, YES! Okay tell me how you understand it I said. These are their responses:

“It means when you open your mouth miracles will happen” – Faith

The other girl does not want me mentioning her name on social media so I will not but this is her response, 

“When people talk they are able to do miracles”

As funny as these responses could sound to us, I realized that God communicates sometimes with us based on our level of comprehension at every stage of our lives. Awesome God!

My Recent Trip to Nigeria: Visiting My "Roots" - Pt. 1

University of Ibadan, IVCUPGF, December 8, 2014 

Ibadan Varsity Christian Union (Postgraduate Fellowship, Nigeria) meant so much to me because it is one my “roots” when I think of spiritual formation. It was in that fellowship that I met some of the best lovers of God. It was while there that my relationship with my fiancee (now my wife of almost 12 years) was further nurtured. It was while I was part of that fellowship that my relocation to the States (my new home) was birthed. It was in that fellowship that the practicality of Mark 11:23-24 was entrenched on my heart. Can I tell you more? 

I saw the life transforming power of the Holy Spirit displayed firsthand in the life of a young aspiring lawyer (now certified, happily married with children) while I was in that fellowship. I received (possibly) my first gift for preaching the message of hope to fellow students (a Five-Alive Drink) while in that fellowship. There is something about your “root”. 

It was such a great privilege and honor to minister to saints at that same fellowship during my recent brief visit to Nigeria. I will eternally be grateful to God for allowing me pass through the University of Ibadan. And big thanks to my amiable friend (then General Secretary and now a Doctor of Mathematics in U.I), Dr. Praise Adeyemo for making it possible, my 2gether4ever couple, Pastor and Mrs. Oyebola and Pastor Bunmi A. Paul for their presence. And of course, I’m grateful to the current executives of IVCUPG fellowship for the privilege to be a blessing.

FotoSpeak 

During my Recent Visit.

With the 2gether4ever Couple, Pastor and Mrs. Oyebola

With Dr. Praise and IVCUPGF president

With some of the members

Some faces while we were there more than a decade ago

The Executives of the fellowship then (2001/2002)

(From L-R, Tope, Sam, Nkiru, Praise and Kecy)

To God be all the glory for great things He has done and He is doing and will yet do. Watch out for my next post on the continuation of the narrative of my recent visit to my "Roots"