Solemn Faith International Church News
Pastor Mathew Eleojo James,of Solemn Faith International Church, Home of Praise, Woji, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has declared that divine intervention through prayer, sincere worship, sacrifice and unwavering faith can help believers overcome destructive family patterns, persistent challenges and circumstances that appear to limit their progress.
Preaching during the church’s service on Sunday, October 18, 2026, on the theme, “Why Do We Need the Help of God?” the cleric drew lessons from 1 Samuel 1:1–19 and 1 Samuel 7:12, urging Christians to seek God’s intervention rather than surrender to recurring difficulties in their families, marriages and personal lives.
Pastor Ele-Ojo explained that some individuals become discouraged when confronted with challenges that seem beyond their control. However, he maintained that through a consistent relationship with God, perseverance and spiritual commitment, believers could confront such difficulties with renewed hope.
Using the biblical account of Elkanah, Hannah and Peninnah, the preacher identified polygamous marriage, delayed childbearing and the pain of not marrying one’s preferred partner as issues illustrated by the experiences of biblical families.
He referenced Genesis 16:1, Genesis 25:1 and Genesis 29:16–18, explaining that these accounts offer lessons about the complexities of family relationships and the emotional struggles associated with unmet expectations.
According to the pastor, Hannah’s experience of childlessness and eventual conception demonstrates the importance of persistent prayer and dependence on God during difficult seasons.
He stressed that believers should not assume that challenges experienced by previous generations must determine their own future.
To overcome such patterns, Ele-Ojo outlined six spiritual principles: regular church attendance, sincere worship, sacrificial devotion, fervent prayer, prophetic declarations and faith-filled celebration of God’s promises.
Citing Psalm 122:1, Psalm 84:10 and Psalm 27:4, he encouraged Christians to remain committed to fellowship and spiritual growth, noting that genuine devotion requires discipline and a sincere desire to know God.
He also referenced Isaiah 2:2 to emphasise the significance of God’s house in the spiritual lives of believers.
On worship, the cleric maintained that religious activities must be accompanied by sincerity of heart, reverence and complete dependence on God.
Drawing from 1 Samuel 1:3 and 1 Samuel 2:2, he urged Christians to approach God with genuine faith rather than mere outward expressions of religion.
Furthermore, he highlighted Hannah’s willingness to dedicate her long-awaited son to God’s service as an example of sacrificial commitment. Referring to 1 Samuel 1:24–28, he urged believers to honour their commitments to God and demonstrate sincerity in their spiritual relationship.
The pastor also emphasised persistent prayer, recalling Hannah’s anguish and determination to seek divine intervention despite the emotional distress she endured. Drawing from 1 Samuel 1:7, 10 and 12–15, he encouraged those facing prolonged hardship to express their concerns honestly before God instead of allowing disappointment and fear to weaken their faith.
“If that pattern must be conquered, you must learn to pour out your soul before God in prayers,” he declared, referencing Hannah’s response to her difficult circumstances.
In addition, Ele-Ojo highlighted the importance of prophetic declarations and positive expectations, citing 1 Samuel 1:17–18, where Eli encouraged Hannah to depart in peace. According to him, believers should maintain confidence in God’s promises even before seeing the physical manifestation of their expectations.
The cleric also taught on what he described as the day of vengeance, presenting it as a period of divine judgment against wickedness, vindication for the afflicted and restoration of lost opportunities. Citing Deuteronomy 32:35, Jeremiah 46:10, Isaiah 61:2–3 and Luke 18:7–8, he explained that the biblical theme reflects God’s concern for justice and the suffering of His people.
He further referenced Joel 2:25 to underscore the message of restoration, urging Christians not to allow prolonged hardship to destroy their hope in the possibility of positive change.
Reinforcing his message with declarations of faith, Pastor Ele-Ojo stated, “A man helped by God cannot be harmed by men,” expressing his conviction that divine assistance gives believers courage and strength when confronted by opposition.
He also drew from Obadiah 1:17, which speaks of deliverance and holiness on Mount Zion, to emphasise the possibility of spiritual transformation and freedom from destructive patterns through continued devotion to God.
The television service featured solemn worship and what the programme described as inspiring testimonies, providing an atmosphere of thanksgiving and spiritual reflection.
The sermon ultimately encouraged believers to reject hopelessness, remain steadfast in prayer and pursue a deeper relationship with God, particularly when dealing with persistent family, marital and personal challenges.
The service was held at Solemn Faith International Church, Home of Praise, located at Road 21, Plot 14, F.H. Estate, Woji, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Through his message, Pastor Matthew James Ele-Ojo reaffirmed his belief that faith, sincere worship and persistent prayer can strengthen believers as they confront longstanding difficulties, trust in God’s promises and seek new possibilities for their lives.
