A heart once full of fire and light
Began to fade into the night
Avoiding gatherings, once so dear
Christian fellowship, now brought fear

It’d skip the meetings, one by one
And find excuses, never done
It’s seat was empty, its voice unheard
Its heart was drifting, Its soul blurred

It’d lose Its zeal, Its love did too
For the things of God, it didn’t pursue
Its walk was solo, no longer with friends
Its journey backwards, a bitter end

But still, the love of God shines bright
A beacon calling, through the dark of night
A chance to return, to make it right
To rekindle the flame, and shine with new light

Written by Jesse Nzima, Sang by Remi , Mirriam and Marius Engesvik

By now you probably have heard the screaming headlines on all news media concerning Pope Francis permitting Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples. On BBC News:

Pope Francis has allowed priests to bless same-sex couples, a significant advance for LGBT people in the Roman Catholic Church. The leader of the Roman Catholic Church said priests should be permitted to bless same-sex and “irregular” couples, under certain circumstances (Vock, 2023).

And after approving the blessing of same-sex couples AP news had this to report:

Pope Francis urged Vatican bureaucrats Thursday to avoid “rigid ideological positions” that prevent them from understanding today’s reality, an appeal made days after he formally allowed priests to bless same-sex couples in a radical change of Vatican policy. Francis used his annual Christmas greeting to the Holy See hierarchy to encourage the cardinals, bishops and laypeople who run the Vatican to listen to one another and to others so they can evolve to truly offer service to the Catholic Church (Winfield, 2023).

Well, have you ever wondered why Apostle Paul used such strong words when he called the doctrine of celibacy a doctrine of the Devil –  “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils..Forbidding to marry” (1 Tim.4:1-3)? You cannot modify God’s method and expect it to produce results. A male was designed to carry seed and a woman was fashioned with breasts, a vaginal passage, and a uterus for a purpose. Leave a man and woman on an island for  a century and next you will find a thriving human population. Leave John and Steve there, it’s bones you will find, death. No life, no continuity.

But look at a false holiness the Devil invented: forbidding priests to marry on the premise that they are consecrating themselves to the work of ministry. But inside they so burn with sexual passion, and the pressure eventually finds its way out to the closest human being around, another male! Look at these disturbing words which appeared in a New York Times news article:

Gay men probably make up at least 30 to 40 percent of the American Catholic clergy, according to dozens of estimates from gay priests themselves and researchers. Some priests say the number is closer to 75 percent. One priest in Wisconsin said he assumed every priest was gay unless he knows for a fact he is not (Dias, 2019).

Now, not only are the priests practising it but a step has been taken towards normalising it for congregants. Do you know what impact this will have gradually? The Catholic Church is a big system with millions of members around the world. Although initially people, especially those from conservative Third World nations, will be in denial of the new situation, gradually it will settle in their subconsious. All it takes to make a lie acceptable is to repeat it enough.

Now, like all religious systems, the largest Christian denomination has no regard for scriptural truth. It’s version of truth is defined by how many people are in support of an idea. If its authority was the Word, it would know what Scripture plainly states about this subject:

“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination” (Lev.18:22).

“If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them” (Lev.20:13).

Israel was a theocracy and God required a death penalty for this abomination. As for the Pope and the Catholic system, they bless the sin. How can this be; how can the “vicar of Christ” bless that which Christ has cursed? Anyone who blesses what God has cursed is  antichrist and diabolical.

But, are not popes, cardinals and bishops not educated men? They spend so many years studying letters and yet miss a scripture as plain as Leviticus 18:22. Well, it’s not about how plain something is or how simple it is to perceive by common sense. It is about a spell that falls on people when their minds are intent on disobeying God. Yes, it is God who gives them up to a reprobate mind. Such folly had to manifest to the extreme in Sodom and Gomorrah before it rained brimstone on the cities. To this end, Apostle Paul admonished:

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient (Rom. 1:26-28).

The other day I watched the video below and I wondered why it is difficult for anyone to discern the spirit behind this church system; it is the “hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird” (Rev.18:2). Think about the difficulty a Catholic would have to evangelise a Muslim. A muslim knows something about decency, modesty and reverence. Is there any wonder why they see much of what makes up Christianity to be infidels?

If you are still caged in this rotten church system, I hope you have ears to hear that voice still calling out –  “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” (Rev.18:3-4). And be warned, do not be decieved, for very soon the clergy with  forked tongues will be in panic to try to explain how the pope was misunderstood. Be wise, if Judas had an opportunity to excuplate himself before cameras, he would have also convinced some people with a rational explanation concerning his sinful transaction. But thankfully, the Lord Jesus did not mince his words when He called him “the son of perdition” (Joh.17:12).  If “Truth”, “Faith” and “Eternity” have objective value in your world, then start going to a Bible-believing church. No, do not look at what name it is called, but what manner of life manifests in it. Do not look at how big and polished it looks, for there are many charismatic and fundamentalist churches which are just as reprobate. Go to a humble place where people are truly consecrated to the Word. Pray about it and be sincere and the Lord will lead you. A true church is not an organisation, it is an organism that pulsates with the life of the Word. It is scarce but God always has people who have never bowed a knee to Baal.

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References

Dias, E. (2019). ‘It Is Not a Closet. It Is a Cage.’ Gay Catholic Priests Speak Out. New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/17/us/it-is-not-a-closet-it-is-a-cage-gay-catholic-priests-speak-out.html

Vock, I. (2023, December 18). Pope says Roman Catholic priests can bless same-sex couples. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67751600

Winfield, N. (2023, December 21). After approving blessings for same-sex couples, Pope asks Vatican staff to avoid ‘rigid ideologies’. AP. https://apnews.com/article/pope-gay-blessing-vatican-10105d0291f20d471ed2c7ece32d450e

Shalom all,
This evening at 10:30 PM (Central African Time) some brethren are joining me in prayer for Israel. If you would like to join the session a link can be sent to you. We are living in uncertain times, but God’s Word is certain and sure. Our love goes out to all  affected by the unfortunate events.
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee”

(Psalm 122:6)

A C Phiri

A great but humble servant of the Lord has departed.

Richard, a man so rich in the knowledge of Scripture and so hard on error.  The way of loving him was not by means of a material offering or by praising his person but by manifesting  a life of sincerity, love for the truth and humility.

To the family and the church in Singapore:

We share your pain in losing a pastor,  father, husband, uncle, and grandfather.  He is no longer near to advise, admonish or teach the Word but if there should be one thing to remember about Gan, let it be this: God is always near those who trust in Him to sustain them for the remainder of the journey. Brother Gan believed in the living presence of God to sustain all who would hear what His Word says. That should be our hope and comfort – He “will never leave nor forsake you” (Heb.13:5).

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” (Psa. 116:15) for “I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom.8:18).

Andrew C Phiri

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FUNERAL SERVICES

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Ministering: Bro. Charles Obwoon

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Ministering: Bro. Joshua Akpan Nice

Friday, April 28, 2023

Ministering: Bro. James Veremu

Saturday, April 29, 2023

Family Reflections 

Brother Zoel Gan

Sis Zoe Gan

Ministering: Bro Hubert D’souza 

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Memorial Service (April 2024)

MEMORIES & EULOGIES 

I become so scared to think what my understanding of the MESSAGE would have been if the man of God had not passed my way. I am so grateful!

Tindrika, ZIMBABWE

Shalom saints of God, I want to thank God for the ministry of Bro Richard Gan, his books ministry has blessed my life. The first time I got to know Brother Gan was through Brother Akpan Nice, Brother Nice gave me Richard Gan’s books, and those books ministers the truth into my heart, that revelational truth opened my eyes to the mysteries of God in the Bible. The books help some of us to stand in the truth of God’s word up till now. And I also want to thank God for Brother Nice who makes Richard Gan’s books available to us. May our brother’s soul rest in peace, we will meet again to part no more. Shalom!

John Obasanjo, NIGERIA

There are so many things I could say, a multitude of testimonies I could give; accolades to the spirit of Christ that dwelt in Brother Gan that he displayed to those who had the spiritual eyes to see..But my words would all fall flat to express the depth of my love in Christ for him.

Of a truth I can say, I was a seed plucked from the fire through his patient instruction in the Word. God knows that is true!

To me, his greatest attributes were his unfailing stand on the revelation of the Word he was given, and his resilience in adversity. He showed me what it was to be strong in the Word and to stand upon it.

I’ll miss him, but I’m so happy for him that he is with the Lord now!

Bree Span, USA

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints” (Psalm 116:15). Surely it is precious in the sight of the Lord but it is painful for us.
Shalom saints, it is an honour to be associated with an apostle of this age, dear Brother Gan. I have grown up reading his books. when I came to the faith our church in Delhi, India was very close to Brother Gan as our Pastor then Pastor Pratap Singh used to translate his books in Hindi so I had the privilege to read his books from the very beginning of my journey. It was because of his teachings that I abstained myself from many deceptions and discrepancies in the Faith, and to-date his teachings are helping us move towards high calling. I thank God for giving me a chance to serve his humble servent Brother Gan when he visited India about 16 yrs back . Looking forward to see him in the morning. Thank you LORD for Brother Gan’s ministry. God bless you all

Sanjiv Emmanuel, INDIA

Bro Richard Gan was no strange face in Africa at some point. He did God’s work in Africa and we see a number of Believers today who received the Message of our time partly through him. He was person who never minded where he rested to sleep, even in environment which others would term unhealthy, there he went and rested. He has run his race and only worthy to say, “Farewell ” Servant of God.
Joseph Daka, ZAMBIA

One of the major lessons I learned from Brother Gan is never to idolise any man.He taught me to be as the barean Christians.To be progressive in learning the Truth(Christ) .I missed him for he was always committed to teach me whenever I asked him questions.He was my true friend.I respect him, and never idolised him.I pray we learn what we need to learn from him and move on.We have many things to learn from the Lord through others. Shalom saints of God!

Cornelius Malachy Sheyin, NIGERIA

In the year 2012, while I was in campus. I started to drift away from the Message of The Hour while I was reading the websites of the critics of the Message. I remember that I was starting to doubt whether the Supernatural cloud of 1963 was truly from God.

One day, while in this state (of confusion and drifting away due to the building up of doubt in my mind) I searched the internet concerning the cloud issue and one of the hits was Bro Gan’s website(www.propheticrevelation.com). There as I read the book entitled “Branhamism & William Branham: How Some Christians View and Distort  William Branham’s Teachings” in the section where he was dealing with the cloud issue, something happened. As I read that part I felt a dark cloud lifting up from me. That cloud of doubt which was weighing me down was lifted from me and that became a turning point for me. From that point I started to understand The Message of The Hour and the purpose of The Message started to become clear and clearer to me.

And as I read the books and literature of Bro. Gan from the website, my appetite to read the Message books was then revived. But most of all, through the ministry of our brother, I came to appreciate The Truth that The Scriptures has to be my Absolute in all matters of Faith.

I am so thankful to God for using His servant for my sake that I should be grounded in The Word.

Paul Kirui, KENYA

Farewell, my Brother, Mentor, Father, Pastor and Friend,
Richard Gan, you fought until the very end.
Under the command of our Lord and Saviour,
We battled on many fronts with faith and fervor.

You taught me to care for people with simplicity,
Even when they disagreed with me.
To be firm with the truth, yet gracious and kind,
To love and serve all, with an open mind.

When I was sick, you said, “Brother Nice,
Do not die before me, get well quickly for your journey is far and nice.”
Your words of encouragement gave me strength and hope,
To face life’s challenges and learn to cope.

You lived a life of faith and devotion,
Inspiring us all with your unwavering emotion.
We will miss your smile, your laughter, your embrace,
But we find solace in the promise of eternal grace.

Praise be to God for the blessings and hope of resurrection,
And for the gift of your life and dedication.
Thank you for being such a blessing to me,
And to all who had the privilege to see.

Farewell, dear Richard, till we meet again,
In the eternal home where there is no more pain.
May you rest in peace, in the arms of our Lord,
And enjoy the glory of His eternal reward.

Shalom!

Akpan Blessing Nice, NIGERIA

My first encounter with the late was in 2008 in a convention in eldoret kenya , his teachings were truely remarkable, he taught with authority and special wisdom , his understanding of the original Hebrews text was something i had never seen anyone do, read the text from the original hebrew writtings to get the meaning of the Hebrews text ,words which were not punctuated like our English to me that was special, infact one of my friend who had attended the convention testified and said he had never seen anyone teach the bible like that ,he was convinced and believed since, we will miss Apostle Gan surely ,REST IN PEACE SOLDIER ,TILL WE MEET AGAIN AT HIS FEET

Justin Ojara, UGANDA

I have known Brother Gan as a Brilliant Gallant Soldier of the Lord, one who emulated God’s Love, Care for His brethren, stood by the truth and His entire ministry has been a great blessing to many souls. Though He has departed, His words will continue speaking in us.

On behalf of the family of the Late Brother John Mark Louse, Farewell Our Dear and Precious Brother Gan. May the Good Lord Comfort the Family and Church Brethren. We sincerely Love you all. Till we Meet again.

Emmanuel Opio, UGANDA

BROTHER GAN’S LOVE FOR SOULS, HIS LOVE FOR GOD’S WORD AND THE TRUTH, HIS OPENNESS AND TRANSPARENT LIFE, HIS TOUGHNESS TOWARDS ERROR, HIS HUMILITY, HIS SINCERITY……and the many many other gallant Soldiers of the cross i came to know through his ministry……plus this crowd of testimonies here ; ARE AMONG THE MANY THINGS I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER ABOUT OUR PRECIOUS BROTHER.
Indeed ALMIGHTY GOD raised a standard on that part of the world through his ministry and which has impacted souls from every continent.
Dear Brother GAN WE SHALL FOLLOW THE ARK just as you did and are now resting in HIS bosom.
ADIEU DEAR BROTHER.

Constantine Loh, GHANA

By the fordained providence of God, my close association with the two Apostles of the Lord ( among others in the 5 fold Ministry of the Bride, Eph: 4:11), for over 30 years in the Message of the Hour, of Mal 4:5,6; I learned and tapped mainly the following:
1. Apostle Richard Gan: To Stay on Jesus Christ, ( The Revelation of the Word of the living God) as the Sure Foundation of our Christian Faith.
2. Apostle John Mark: Apostle Evangelist. He had a great passion to spread the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, and win lost souls to Christ. He did a lot of Evangelism both in Teso and much more in Karamoja. He planted many new churches in the vast and remote regions of Karamoja, in north eastern Uganda. On the day of his burial alone, he had over 50 pastors lined up to his credit both in Karamoja and Teso Region, who looked to him as their Elder in the faith.
That is exactly, by the grace of God what am endeavouring to do today. First, stay with the Truth of the Word, and secondly have it spread to others who have not yet known it, so they too may be saved by believing the Truth of the Gospel! One more soul brethren. We work till Jesus comes!

Charles Obwoon, UGANDA