IDAHO GOES DOWN At St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Idaho Falls, Father Akinpelu James Lawal is getting used to his new position as priest.
On June 1, the 35-year-old Nigerian man started working. Mother Lea Colvill, who left after three years to accept a new call in Colorado, is replaced by him.
“It’s been a beautiful experience to see how the community has welcomed me,” Lawal tells EastIdahoNews.com after three weeks of living in Idaho Falls.
I’ve been given permission by my family to remain with them till my flat is ready. “That’s lovely,” Lawal remarks.
Lawal was apprehensive about relocating to a predominantly white community. Although he wasn’t sure how he would be treated, he is thankful for the cordial welcome.
“It’s been lovely because we stick together, eat at the same table, live under the same roof, and do things together,” Lawal says.
He is happy to serve, even if this is his first time in this role.
Lawal claims he sensed God’s call to come and serve in Idaho, despite the fact that he has never been there and has no connections there.
“I came because God told me to,” Lawal says.
Lawal s background
Lawal began preaching long before he became an ordained minister, which he has been doing for the past five or six years. His life has always revolved around church services.
Lawal appeared in front of crowds at the age of twelve.
We were part of a supportive church community that provided us with a platform for ministry. I began my career as a drummer minister, participating in worship sessions while playing drums in a Christian band. Lawal remembers, “We also set up a pulpit to preach the word of God.”
He taught others and participated in Bible study groups. He was the group’s youth president at one point.
His desire to pursue a career in ministry was influenced by these encounters.
He claims that his conversion experience, which occurred at the age of 28, was comparable to that of the apostle Paul in the New Testament.
He claims to have had a firsthand contact with Christ.
Lawal claims that he struggled to decide if he was a Christian. Even after years of church service, he began to have doubts after receiving messages from other clergy.
Growing up, I heard pastors in Nigeria say that you are not saved if you never step outside and stand in front of the pulpit. They were preaching that message, and it had an impact on me, Lawal adds.
He finally realized the truth, and the message was straightforward.
It’s about admitting that you are his. According to Lawal, salvation occurs when you sincerely trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
For Lawal, hearing that was insufficient, so he turned to God for additional direction.
I want to see you, God, if I am really yours and a part of this kingdom. In prayer, Lawal remembers saying. That same evening, he arrived.
Lawal claims that he had four dreams in which he saw Jesus hanging on the cross. God informed him that Jesus had gone to make room for him. His worries were allayed, and he began his preaching.
Inside St. Luke’s Episcopal Church chapel, Father Akinpelu James Lawal | Rett Nelson, EastIdahoNews.com
Lawal claims that his call goes even further than his conversion. Peter had given the command.
As Peter was informed Lawal claims he got a similar message: “Put on your shoes and follow me.”
He recalls being reminded to gaze up at the sky a few years later. He noticed a jet flying overhead when he looked up.
“That will be your experience very soon,” God replied, according to Lawal. Despite my lack of experience, I managed to board a plane.
He found a passage in Isaiah that comforted and spoke to him while he was a seminary student in St. Paul, Minnesota.
According to Isaiah 61:5, “Foreigners will work your fields and vineyards; strangers will shepherd your flocks.” Additionally, you shall be referred to as ministers of our God and priests of the Lord.
After graduating from Luther Seminary, he served as a minister for a few years before relocating to Idaho Falls.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church chapel is deserted. | Rett Nelson, EastIdahoNews.com
Lawal s mission and message
He views it as a fantastic chance, despite the difficulties of being a minority in a new location with a different culture.
According to him, his goal is to declare the name of Christ and the existence of God’s kingdom in Idaho Falls.
His advice to people of all religions is to cooperate in order to discover how the gospel might be revealed.
Let’s examine how God’s love is evident and palpable everywhere. He says, “Let’s see how the name of Christ alone will be raised high and the banner raised.”
In Idaho Falls, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is located at 270 North Placer Avenue. | Rett Nelson, EastIdahoNews.com
