NIGERIA – A young man known for his sense of humor, who was once stubborn and ran away from the call of God, is now a great apostle igniting holy fire within a great nation. He is inspiring the youth, helping the helpless, hosting retreats in the mountains, hosting events in the cities, and pastoring his congregation. As he does this, he makes sure to emphasize the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, which is where his journey began.

Apostle Gideon Desmond, Sr. Pastor of Spirit Filled Ministries International, in Nigeria, shares his story to demonstrate the power of God’s call on his life.

“I am a Levite by God’s grace,” shared Apostle Gideon.

He was raised up by his father, Reverend Desmond, who is an honorable minister from Assemblies of God Church, Okigwe South District, a church known worldwide. Okigwe is the third largest city in Imo State, Nigeria. It was here that Apostle Gideon worked as an assistant pastor with his biological father.

He served within the ministry for many years. He became the youth president in the church and intercession youth president. He was also in choir, played the drums, and participated in a great deal of activities. 

The Moment the Ministry Began in His Heart

Before starting ministry, he never knew the intensity of God’s call on his life just yet. What he did know is that he loved God. Suddenly, the Lord told him to start ministry. He experienced some serious obstacles and challenges in this calling. He thought he couldn’t do it, which led him to ask the Lord an important question.

“But my father has a church in the service of God. Why would I go out again and start my own vision?” Apostle Gideon asked.

He began to feel uncomfortable with this. It was at that moment that the Lord responded.

“Son, I want to start up the vision. I’ve called you as a prophet to nations. Through you, I’m going to deliver nations,” Apostle Gideon shared while he was referring to what the Lord spoke to him that day.

In 2012, the Lord began to give him a burden and personal conviction for the youth. This was the moment he got the clear vision. The vision included the adults, youth, and children. But he felt a special passion specifically for the youth. He firmly believes the youth are the leaders of tomorrow and the true pillars of the church.

“The next generation that God is raising is coming from the youth department.”

Apostle Gideon Desmond

He knows that the youth are always being fought against from a young age by the enemy to keep them from their true destiny. Due to this, he wanted to use his young age, gifting, and calling to draw them back to God. He shared that the youth of today can be stubborn because they are stuck in their own ways. He believes that he can make a difference among them, due to his relatability.

“So, me preaching to them, and them looking at me… I’m a very young man burning for Jesus. That alone should convince them to come to Jesus because of my lifestyle and my young age,” he confidently said with a bright smile.

Apostle Gideon’s View on Social Media & The Youth

One challenge that he sees affecting the youth both positively and negatively is social media. He said it takes discipline and commitment to use it in the right way.

“Whatever you give yourself to as a youth affects your life, your flow, and your vision,” shared Apostle Gideon.

He always advises the youth to be careful using social media, to be genuine, and use their time wisely on it. He also tells them not to use it to scam people. He shared that whatever they do on social media, tells who they are, and reflects who they are.

“Social media is also a platform that has been set for them to showcase their talents, their giftings, and whatsoever that God has positioned. They should use it to glorify the name of the Lord.”

Apostle Gideon Desmond

Apostle Gideon’s Thoughts on Nigeria as a Nation

According to Apostle Gideon, the challenges in Nigeria, include natural needs like hunger in the land. The Guardian states that, “Nigeria has the largest number of food insecure people globally at 31.8 million” due to “food inflation, abandoned farmlands because of gangs kidnapping, extorting, and in some cases killing farmers.” They also reported that over “165 farmers were killed in the first three months” of 2024.  God placed it on Apostle Gideon’s heart to help the community. He gives to the widows financially with what he has. During December, he buys rice for the church.

“We, as pastors, need to give a helping hand the way we can.”

Spiritually, he says that Nigeria is okay in terms of those who believe in Jesus Christ. The Worldometer states that Nigeria has a running population of 233.9 million people and is equivalent to 2.85% of the world’s population. Within that population, a great percentage represent Christians. Pew Research states that “Nigeria has the sixth largest Christian population in the world (87 million), and also has the world’s fifth largest Muslim population (90 million).” It also has the highest-ranking population of Christianity representation than any of the other countries found within Africa.

“Nigeria is known as a Giant Nation…a Nation of Greatness. We believe in Christianity. We believe in prayers. Anything that concerns God, we believe in it. Nigeria is the firstborn of God…allow me to say that.”

Apostle Gideon Desmond

He says that Nigeria is a place that is a country that anyone in the world can come and feel at home.

The Birthing of the Vision

In 2012, he had a deep encounter with God. Jesus Christ appeared to him by revelation. He was carrying a cross. Apostle Gideon followed him. As they got to the place where they would crucify Jesus, he woke up.

As he awakened, he was reminded of John the Baptist baptizing with water.

But the One who has already come baptizes with the Holy Ghost and Fire!!!

“I began to go deep. I was so hungry for the Holy Spirit. I was born again, but I could not speak in tongues. I was born again, but I could not do the things that pleased God. So, I found myself thinking, I need to go for the person of the Holy Spirit.”

Apostle Gideon Desmond

He eagerly studied on the ministry of the Holy Spirit found in Acts 2. On a particular night, he started to pray and went to bed. Little did he know that God preselected this distinct night to answer him by fire, which would be an unforgettable moment in Apostle Gideon’s life. Later that night, God woke him from his sleep. As he got up, he received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues.

“Right in my ear, someone was speaking to me. The person kept saying, don’t stop saying it. Keep on praying in tongues. Don’t stop saying it.”

There was another voice telling him what he was saying was fake, which tried to discourage him. But he did not stop. He kept praying in the Holy Ghost. He then began to speak massively in tongues.

“So, I now fell deeply in love with the person of the Holy Spirit.”

This encounter birthed the vision. He began to have divine inspiration, and God said to call the ministry “Holy Ghost Filled Believer’s Ministries,” with a short form “Spirit Filled Ministries.” That Spirit is the Holy Spirit.

“We are brethren, we are believers that believe in the Spirit. That is why we call it Spirit Filled Ministries.”

Apostle Gideon Desmond

Apostle Gideon’s Jonah Experience

The launching of the vision didn’t happen immediately. During the years 2012-2013, he delayed what God told him to do. He explained that he didn’t obey at first and was stubborn. He first went to school in Abia State with a scholarship. According to studies, the Nigerian culture motto of this state is: “God’s Own State.” Apostle Gideon shared that God asked him what he was doing there. He responded by asking God why He followed him there. He wanted God to let him have his peace.

“When God called Jonah, the Lord said go and preach the gospel, but Jonah ran away from the calling. So, I struggled to carry out the vision because I was scared. I was like if I start this work, who will assist or be there for me?”

Apostle Gideon Desmond

He said he was scared and fearful because it is hard to get people to believe and assist with the vision. When he was in school, the person who supported him began to have financial struggles. When Apostle Gideon heard this, he began to laugh. The man who financially supported Apostle Gideon asked him why he was laughing. Apostle Gideon responded by saying he (meaning the man who supported him financially) was not the problem. Apostle Gideon knew he (meaning himself), was the problem. Kind of like Jonah, when they were experiencing the storm, and Jonah said throw him off the boat because he was the problem…not them.

God told Apostle Gideon to go to Akwa Ibom State, a state found within the southern geopolitical zone of the 36 states of Nigeria. The Nigerian culture motto for this state, according to research is, “Land of Promise.” At this place, he said he had no money, he was having challenges, and he was struggling. When he got there, he said to the LORD, “God what am I doing here?” At the time he received no answer. God kept silent.

He finally wanted to leave that state to return back home where his father ministered in Imo State. Nigerian culture shows that the motto for this state is, “Eastern Heartland.” The biblical symbolism of the “east” represents the “Glory of God.” The “heart” can represent God’s heart and the center of God’s will. The land can represent the land of God’s choice, which is the place that He has handpicked for His will to be done.

Apostle Gideon headed to the park and then got on a bus to go home. At this moment, it was when God began to speak to him again. God said, “My son.” He looked around. He thought someone was calling him from the back. When he looked, he saw that no one was calling him.  He heard it again, “My son.” He asked his close neighbor if they were calling him. They said no. Then he heard the Voice of God, say for a third time, “My son, Apostle Gideon, I am God, the Creator of Heaven & Earth, the One who called your father into the ministry. I have seen what you have gone through, but I kept silent.”

God began to ask him questions, and then further explained that He was preparing Gideon for a greater season ahead, that deals with nations.

God then said, “I am taking you through the ministry of patience, trust, and faith.” At that moment, Gideon began to cry and realized why he went through everything. When he returned back home to his father, he explained everything that happened. His father laughed and said, “Welcome home my prodigal son.” That was the moment he started the vision with his father. In 2013 & 2014, Spirit Filled Ministries launched, beginning with four youth. He now pastors a congregation, consisting of youth and adults, that is continuously growing.

Spirit Filled Ministries Int’l Slideshow:

BETHEL – A Mountain Program Presented by Spirit Filled Ministries Int’l

The ministry also birthed an annual camp called Bethel. This is a program for adults and the youth, a place of encounter to wait upon the Lord. This is done through fasting and prayer.

It is a place of transformation, a place of change, where they expect to meet God face-to-face, to draw strength and communion with God. Those who have participated have received breakthroughs healing, supernatural favor, financial open doors, and more. Bethel is actually held at the mountains and in the church. He said it is mostly held in the mountains, because it is a mountain program. The participants are expected to bring a pen and a spiral.

“At Spirit Filled Ministries, we don’t do anything outside of God’s Word of God. We strongly believe in the Word of God and Prayer. You are not expected to come empty handed. You are expected to come with your pen and paper. So that when you hear the man of God preach, in your dream you may have an encounter. Write it down. Bethel is a place where we come to hear and receive from God, it is a supernatural program.”

Apostle Gideon Desmond

God continues to use Apostle Gideon in many ways and lives are being saved, liberated, and receiving the infilling of the Holy Spirit. He is impacting the great nation of Nigeria through ministry, among the young and the old, within churches and upon the mountains.

To get connected with this mighty servant of God, you can go to his Facebook page, where he also shares lighthearted posts that will cause you to smile. Contact details can also be obtained from the HOH Global Directory.

This is Sharlene, reporting from Horns of Heaven Global News, letting the power of Jesus be known, by Sounding the Trumpet of News from God’s People to God’s People. It’s all about the Kingdom of God and connecting the believers of Christ through clear communication and real-life stories told around the world! ADONAI ECHAD! ANACHNU AM ECHAD! Hebrew for THE LORD IS ONE. WE ARE ONE PEOPLE!

References:

Diamant, Jeff, (2019, April 1). “The Countries with the 10 Largest Population.” Pew Research Center. Accessed October 8, 2024. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2019/04/01/the-countries-with-the-10-largest-christian-populations-and-the-10-largest-muslim-populations

Egbejule, Eromo, (2024, July 1). “Child Malnutrition Crisis in Nigeria Amid Rural Violence and Soaring Food Inflation.” The Guardian.Com. Accessed October 9, 2024. Child malnutrition crisis in Nigeria amid rural violence and soaring food inflation | Nigeria | The Guardian

Nigeria Population (2024), Worldometer, Nigeria Population (2024) – Worldometer (worldometers.info)

States, NG Culture Kids Limited, Accessed October 8, 2024. Nigerian Culture Kids | States.