"What I Saw in Uma Ukpai's Crusade'" by Onyeji Nnaji

As a child growing up in the east, Igbo land, in the late 190s; the gospel atmosphere was dominated by a single voice which analyzed the scripture like a piece of cake and rained songs in the air like roaring thunder. The voice was so captivating that even the songs we used to sing turned everywhere different when it came out of this man. I listened to various of his tape and I found one thing very special. Uma sang songs more than he could preach or pray. This was unique among the ministers I had known about that time. So, I desired more to see him than listening to tapes.

In my SS2 in the prestigious Union Secondary School, Eha-Amufu, I was fortunate to work under the anointed minister I have craved to, at least, see. He was conducting his usual city-wide crusade. This time it was the turn of Nsukka zone and Eha-Amufu was incorporated. I was selected by the Methodist church to minister in songs and work as an ursher in the crusade.

The preparation took me a whole lot of time. Several nights we tarried in trainings throughout. Many of the time, these trainings had been accompanied by fasting. All in the spirit of preparing for the great time with the towering man of God. Finally the day came.

It was on a Friday, the last school day of the week. I felt happy because I would not be rushing to school the next day; knowing that I would be battling sleep by the day. We were made to assemble at a corner of my school compound where the crusade took place. People drove in, private and commercial vehicles. Long buses were hired to convey attendants from nearby communities such as Nkalaha, Nkalagu, Obeagu Amazu, Ikem and others. This plan helped in getting the population required for any of his crusades.

On that night, we all waited in great expectations for the arrival of the man of God. Around 7.30pm that evening, the minister arrived. As immediate as he arrived, mounting the pulpit, everyone among us workers became unequivocally instructed to take positions. I was in front, so I could see the minister as clear as my hear had hungered for.

As he took the microphone, the first thing he said was,

 "There are hundred people that will receive their healings tonight. I don't know the name of the problem and how much people have mocked you because of it; as the power of God will move tonight, you shall receive your healings".

That night, we worked and knew that we had worked in the end. People were healed, but we didn't hear any testimony. But towards the end of the crusade, as the man of God was leaving the stage, we were beckoned with a shout at the main road. a man brought to the crusade in a wheelchair suddenly stood up and walked. Two days later the news of the healings began to return. It was as the man of God had said it, "Whether you believe it or not, you shall be healed as the power of God moves". That was the situation. The crippled walked and people from many other indemnity were healed also.

Finally, my wish was granted in 2022, aster the burial of The Very Reverend B.N. Eze, that I met Rev. Uma Ukpai one-on-one in his office inside Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State. Although I have attended many of his services at the Victory Chapel Uyo, meeting him one-on-one was glamorous. Uma was one selfless giver as a minister. I have heard him speak of his benevolence many time. 

Today, this gospel general is gone as we speak. He is being led to rest today at his hometown in Ohafia, Abia State.

Adieu, God's general!

Adieu, the Evangelist!!