The October 2009 edition of the Rhapsody of Realities daily devotional is special in the sense that it is particularly packaged to commemorate Nigeria’s 49th Independence anniversary celebrations. The introductory page immediately captures this mood as it aggrandizes the euphoria of the moment, setting the tone for the rest of the power-packed articles  specially designed to build into Nigerians the requisite godly virtues that’ll engender a more positive and productive attitude in the approach to nation building.

This special commemorative edition, according to the authors, Pastor Chris, and his lovely wife, Pastor Anita Oyakhilome, is a fine blend of well-timed, luxuriant and life enriching thoughts from God’s Spirit to inspire in the reader a fresh love for Nigeria, an undying patriotic zeal, and an unwavering commitment towards selfless service. The articles in this special edition encompass character development, how to effect lasting and positive changes through prayer, nation building and infallible tips on success, and leadership development—all from God’s perspective.

The articles are loaded with copious lessons for life and spiritually enlightening thoughts succinctly delivered in a flourish of anointed words by Pastor Chris and Pastor Anita. The very first article, the Independence Day message if you like, by Pastor Chris entitled, “Seek The Peace Of The Nation” is a clarion call to Christians in Nigeria to take more seriously the responsibility of prayer. An excerpt from it goes thus: “we’re responsible to God and to the country to seek its peace and pray to the Lord for it….” No one in Nigeria today will doubt the necessity for peace in our nation considering the tense situation in the Niger delta, religious uprisings in the northern parts and incessant spate of violent crimes all of which have tended to aggravate the volatile situation of national peace.

As Christians, we have a God-given responsibility to do something about this; we can prayerfully bring about the desired change starting from our immediate sphere of contact as individuals. This is the summation of an underlying import that runs through the masterfully crafted words with which the 2009 October Reach Out Nigeria edition of Rhapsody Of Realities is adorned.   

A country, apart from being a geographical land mass is essentially made up of human persons, whose actions and inactions define the character and developmental pace of a nation. The success or failure of any country therefore to a large extent depends on the character of the individual persons making up the population of that country.
The importance of prayer to a Christian can never be over emphasized as such sufficient attention is devoted to prayer in this special edition. Pastor Chris in the message titled “Secure The Future Through Prayer” dwelt extensively on the need for the child of God not to neglect times of prayer, particularly when it has to do with corporate prayers, teaching that we can actually secure the future of our country and that of unborn generations through prayer. The edition further amplifies the notion that effective result-oriented prayer must be specific and focused. Therefore in praying for our nation we’re to give priority attention to praying for the youths of our nation, our leaders, Christian ministers and ministries, and other God-ordained structures of our society.

Also, the LoveWorld News segment (the colourful 12-page full pictorial mid-page magazine) for this edition also features special highlights on “The Healing School”—a global healing outreach that brings healing and the message of the divine life to millions around the world, “The Inner-City Missions,” a ministry arm of Christ Embassy that provides succour to the needy and give life to the dejected and homeless in our inner cities, and “Rhapsody Of Realities,” the unflagging “messenger angel” whose reach and impact is beyond measure.

Giving no room for misgivings, the October 2009 special Independence edition of Rhapsody of Realities holds a great promise for Nigeria and Nigerians as it’s bound to bring unforgettable blessings into the life of every reader. The classic edition is particularly timely, coming at such a time when the task of nation building appears to have suffered severely as a result of the quirks of human imperfections in our past socio, political and economic structures. It’s definitely indeed a must-read for all lovers of Nigeria.