In a recent virtual interview on the ‘Mic On’ podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, Pastor Sam Adeyemi, the Founder and Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, opened up about his decision to relocate to the United States. The discussion focused on Leadership Beyond Governance Politics and the Role of the Younger Generation in Nigeria.
Adeyemi emphasized the need for the older generations, including political and religious leaders, to take responsibility for making Nigeria work. He expressed concern that the younger generation would soon start questioning the state of the country if positive changes were not made.
The Pastor revealed that his relocation was prompted by a combination of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the EndSARS protests, and troubling dreams about Nigeria. Adeyemi shared that when COVID-19 started, his entire family was in the US, so they decided to stay together. However, when they were preparing to return to Nigeria after the EndSARS protests, his wife had a disturbing dream about traveling to Nigeria and returning to the US. A few days later, he also had a dream about being violently attacked in Nigeria. These dreams, coupled with the advice of family members who expressed discomfort about their return, led them to reconsider their plans.
Recognizing the significance of these dreams, Adeyemi and his wife decided to seek spiritual guidance through prayer. They also consulted with the leaders of Daystar Christian Centre and shared their concerns. The church leaders supported their decision to stay in the US, acknowledging that if God was speaking to them, they should heed the message. They agreed to keep the church running and continue the journey, even in their absence.
The Pastor highlighted that their extended stay in the US provided an opportunity to witness the strengths of Daystar Christian Centre, including its investments in training and established systems. Despite being away from Nigeria for an extended period, the church remained resilient with its 40,000 members. Adeyemi expressed his passion for building systems that ensure the church’s sustainability and referred to it as an organizational miracle.
While still committed to Daystar Christian Centre, Adeyemi shared that the Holy Spirit revealed a shift in focus from being solely a local church pastor to engaging in a global walk. This realization further solidified their decision to prioritize their global mission while leveraging technology to keep the church running effectively.
Daystar Christian Centre, which was inaugurated in Lagos State on November 18, 1995, has grown to have branches across various states in Nigeria. Adeyemi’s relocation to the US serves as a testament to his commitment to fulfilling his global calling while maintaining the growth and impact of the church.