Upper Room Assembly
Our History
Behind 500 Housing Units, Ganaja, Lokoja, Kogi State
The vision for the Upper Room Assembly was birthed by the then Ganaja Branch of Chapel of Freedom International under the leadership of Pastor Paul Idoko. At the time, Pastor Emeje Aruwa, who was one of the Branch Pastors overseeing the Barracks Branch, resided at the 500 Housing Units area in Ganaja, Lokoja. He had been reflecting on the necessity of a Chapel of Freedom branch in the 500 Housing Units area. Upon learning of the Ganaja Branch’s plans to establish a new branch in the vicinity, Pastor Aruwa enthusiastically reached out to Pastor Paul Idoko, and they quickly collaborated to advance the church planting initiative.
Established
15th September, 2013
Pst(Barr.) Emeje Aruwa
During one of their exploratory outings, they identified Fortune Schools as a suitable location for the new church. Together, they approached the proprietor of the school, who graciously permitted the church to use one of the upstairs classrooms for services, as another church, RCCG, was using the ground floor.
A three-day program was organized from the 13th to the 15th of September, 2013. On Sunday, September 15th, 2013, the new branch was formally inaugurated and named “Upper Room Assembly”, with Pastor (Barrister) Emeje Aruwa and his wife Dcns Wendy Aruwa as the pioneer leaders. The inaugural service saw about 80 attendees, including members from the Headquarters, the Ganaja Branch, and family and friends. However, in the following weeks, the core membership stabilized, with 15 to 20 individuals meeting regularly for worship.
Within the first year, the Upper Room Assembly demonstrated remarkable progress by acquiring essential church equipment, including a set of drums, a keyboard, an amplifier, and a projector. While the drums were eventually replaced, the other equipment remains in active use, even after 11 years.
In 2015, the branch took a significant step forward by purchasing a parcel of land. Preparations for constructing the church auditorium began with a ground-breaking and foundation laying ceremony officiated by Bishop Dr. John Ibenu in 2016. The event, marked by prayer and vision-sharing, set the tone for the collective effort that followed. Members of the church contributed both financially and through labour, underscoring their dedication to the project.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought unprecedented challenges, including government-mandated restrictions on gathering sizes and physical distancing requirements. This necessitated a relocation of Church meetings from the Fortune School to the uncompleted church building, which, by that time, had been roofed. Despite lacking doors, windows, plastering, or a ceiling, services continued uninterrupted, showcasing the resilience and determination of the congregation.
Chapel of Freedom Int'l
Upper Room Assembly
Pastor Abubakar Yahaya
Through sustained effort, the church building was completed in 2023. On November 4th, 2023, the Church Auditorium was formally dedicated in a grand ceremony led by Bishop Dr. John Ibenu, with the presence of ministry friends from the United States.
Today, the Upper Room Assembly is experiencing a growth phase, with weekly attendance ranging between 120 and 150 worshippers. The church leadership now includes one additional pastor, Pst Abubakar Godswill Yahaya ordained in 2023. The branch also has one ordained elder and five deacons/deaconesses namely, Elder Gabriel Akubo, Dcns Wendy Aruwa, Dcn Matthew Damale, Dcns Joy James, Dcns Blessing Oyibo and Dcn David James.
The Upper Room Assembly has played a pivotal role in the expansion of Chapel of Freedom International. The branch has successfully planted the Idah and Ojuwocha branches. Notably, an outreach program was held in Ojuwocha, featuring crusades, medical missions, and welfare activities. The outreach involved medical professionals, including doctors and nurses, who provided free consultations and medicines to the sick. Clothes and shoes were also distributed to those in need, leaving a lasting impact that extended to neighbouring villages.
The Upper Room Assembly continues to thrive, fulfilling its mission to spread the Gospel and meet the spiritual and physical needs of the community.
Gallery
Capturing Moments of Grace
