People Ask Me If I Am a Mystic
People often ask me various questions, and some even attribute special qualities to me. However, if you know me well, like Pastor Charles Adoghor does, you’ll realize that I am very ordinary.
When grace is involved, it transforms ordinary people into something extraordinary. I don’t have an exceptional memory, and at GCU, we weren’t taught to memorize scripture extensively, so I don’t quote many verses. My journey began from a challenging and dysfunctional background, as Jude Kakpo would understand. I came from an idolatrous family and encountered significant hardships before my conversion.
I was born again at 27, having read extensively before becoming a Christian as a medical doctor. This transformation brought immense joy, making everything and everyone seem beautiful and giving life a new meaning. As young Christians in Aba, we were well-guided and I had a strong zeal for service. I held various roles, including Sunday school teacher, superintendent, men’s fellowship leader, and served as my bishop’s driver. I provided free medical care to pastors in Imo and Abia states, as well as to prisoners, motherless babies, and lepers in Ikot Oto Iwo, Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
A significant moment occurred when I served as an attendant and usher for Archbishop Benson Idahosa. A few months before his passing, he declared at the Government House Annex in Aba that he had completed his divine mission and was seeking professionals who would continue the work out of genuine commitment, not monetary gain. As he prepared to pray for a few individuals, I overcame my timidity and joined them. The prophetic declaration he made over us came to pass remarkably fast.
I had the honor of preaching on the same platform where this spiritual giant had once preached. I also had the privilege of sitting with his wife, who personally served me vegetables, and I was transported in a car with the number “Archbishop 3” from Ughelli to preach in Benin.
During a period of fasting, a pastor, who often received financial assistance from me, came to my office and informed me that God was anointing me for ministry. Initially, I was skeptical and thought he was just in need of money again. I have only seen him twice since then. Yet, following these encounters, things began to unfold in my life. I found myself disillusioned with my hospital practice, eventually selling it and moving to Ughelli to support my bishop’s work without disruption.
Sometimes, it feels like a dream. If it is, I don’t want to wake up. I didn’t receive a divine calling like Paul did; perhaps I missed a call and, in response, God simply added me to His workforce.
This is my story and my confession.
I remain your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki. You are my responsibility.
