10 African Countries and How They Got Their Names

Here are some back-stories behind some African countries and how they got their names.
10. Liberia
Liberia got its name from the group of Quakers and slaveholders who wanted to repatriate freed Black people to Africa, a report by PBS explains. The group, known as the American Colonization Society, planned to send freed Black people back to Africa instead of having them potentially causing an uprising in America. The scheme of creating an entire country full of freed Black people from America ultimately resulted in the land being deemed Liberia, which translates to “Land of Freedom.”
9. Sierra Leone
In 1462, Portuguese explorer Pedro de Sintra mapped the hills around what is now known as Freetown Harbour. As he mapped the landscape, he deemed the formation Serra da Leoa, Portuguese for “lioness mountains,” according to the Kingfisher Geography Encyclopedia. The name was eventually adapted and the now misspelled term for the majestic mountains became the country’s new name — Sierra Leone.
8. Cameroon
Cameroon’s name originated from one Portuguese sailor’s fascination with how many shrimp he spotted when he arrived in the African country. According to an article posted by the Cameroon Embassy in the Netherlands, “Cameroon is derived from the Portuguese word, Camaroes, meaning shrimps.” Fernando Po arrived at the Wouri River in Douala when he spotted so many shrimp that he declared the river Rio Dos Camaroes, which translates to river of shrimps. Eventually, explorers from all around the globe came to know the land adjacent to the Rio Dos Camaroes as Cameroon.
7. Eriteria
According to a report published by Uppsala University, the country’s name comes from Italian settlers who created colonies on the Horn of Africa in the 19th century. Italians used the phrase “Mare Erythraeum,” which loosely translates to Red Sea, to describe the cluster of colonies that lined what is now known as the Red Sea. Adaptations of that name eventually led to the name it still holds today.
6. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s name originates from one of the most prominent landmarks in the country. The name is derived from a large, historical stone structure called the Great Zimbabwe, which translates to “houses of stone,” the Zimbabwe embassy’s website explains. The embassy’s site states that this stone structure is one of the largest in Africa following the Egyptian pyramids.
5. Togo
Prior to the era of colonial rule by Germany, various tribes had already settled into the country that would soon become known as Togo. In the neighboring countries of Ghana and Benin, Portuguese settlers built forts and began to trade at the small fort at Porto Seguro, according to the Journal of the Royal African Society. The area became a major trading center for Europeans in search of slaves, earning the region the name Togo, which translates to “The Slave Coast.”
4. Seychelles
According to an article published by the National Assembly of Seychelles, the 115-island country was named after Jean Moreau de Sechelles, Louis XV’s minister of finance. In 1756, the French started taking control of the country, which was eventually contested by the British for years starting in 1794.
3. Gabon
Gabon’s name originated from the unusual shape of the Rio de Como estuary, according to Encyclopedia of Nations. The Portuguese arrived on the country’s coast around 1470 when explorers realized the estuary was shaped like a hooded cloak called a “gabao.” After a series of adaptations and translations, the country became known as Gabon.
2. Mauritius
According to Mauritius: A Country Study, the island nation was named in honor of Prince Maurice Nassau by Dutch explorers. In 1715, the French claimed the country and renamed it Ile de France before the British captured the country in 1810 and changed its name back to Mauritius.
1. Zimbabwe
According to the country’s official tourism site, the origin of Mozambique’s name isn’t certain, but there is a widely believed theory. The site explains that it is “believed to have come from the name of a Muslim leader called ‘Musa al Bique’ that lived in the Island of Mozambique, where Vasco de Gama in 1498 anchored his ship.”

Give Thanks in All Circumstances

“Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus .” 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
Life is full of challenges and some of you are in the midst of one right now. Maybe like the Israelites in Psalm 107 you’ve gone from one difficult period to another. They were hungry and thirsty wanderers in the desert, prisoners in chains, sailors reeling in terror at the furious storm…each time they cried out to the Lord and He saved them. Remembering this, they are encouraged to “give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.”
We are encouraged to give thanks in everything , not for everything. Some things are plain evil and It wouldn’t be realistic to give thanks for them. But we can give thanks “in” them. How?
Thank you, Jesus, that you know all about this.
Thank you, that you are with me in this.
Thank you that you are holding my hand as we walk through it together.
Thank you that you are acting in love even now “for your love endures forever”
I’ve found that as I look back on that difficult time, I marvel how God has lovingly brought me through it. And he will do the same for you.
Father, I can thank you in everything for your plans for me are plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future ( Jeremiah 29:11 )
By Helen Lescheid

Praise God for All He has Done

“Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits ” Psalm 103:2
It is delightful and profitable to observe how the hand of God was upon the lives of ancient saints, to see His goodness deliver them, see His mercy pardon them, and see His faithfulness keep His covenant with them.
But isn’t it even more delightful and profitable for us to remember the hand of God working in our own lives? We should look back at our own history as being at least as full of God, as full of His goodness and of His truth, as the lives of any of the saints who have gone before. We do our Lord an injustice when we presume that He performed all His mighty acts for those in the past, but doesn’t perform wonders for us today.
Let’s review our own lives. Surely we will discover some happy incidents which are both refreshing to ourselves and glorifying to God.
Has God delivered you from trouble? Have you passed safely through rivers, supported by the divine presence? Have you walked through proverbial fires unharmed?
Remember, this is the God who gave Solomon the desire of his heart. Hasn’t He also often heard and answered your requests? This is the God of beautiful outpourings about whom David sang, “Who satisfies your desires with good things. ” Has He never satiated you with blessing? Have you never been made to lie down in green pastures? Have you never been led by the still waters?
Surely the goodness of God has been the same to us as to the saints of the past. Let us then weave His mercies into a song. Let us take the pure gold of thankfulness, and the jewels of praise and make them into another crown for the head of Jesus. Let our souls make sweet music, music that is as exhilarating as that which came from David’s harp, while we praise the Lord whose mercy endures forever!

Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon

How to Remain Faithful When Suffering

“Those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. ” 1 Peter 4:19 (NIV)
There are people out there who say God wants everybody to be a millionaire. God never wants anybody to have cancer. God never wants any problems in your life.
But the Bible says sometimes suffering is God’s will for your life. Why? Because it makes you more like Jesus. It deepens your faith. It brings you rewards in Heaven. It builds your character. It teaches you to worship instead of worry.
There are three kinds of suffering in the world. Common suffering is suffering that’s common to everybody. It doesn’t matter if you’re Baptist or Buddhist or Muslim or atheist or whatever. Everybody suffers certain things. When a hurricane comes into town, it doesn’t just pick on Christians. There is suffering in the world that we all share in common.
The second kind of suffering is carnal suffering. That’s suffering you bring on yourself from your own sin. If I go out and live a very loose immoral life and get a sexually transmitted disease, that’s my fault. It’s not God’s fault. It’s not anybody else’s fault. It’s my fault. If I spend more money than I make and now I’m in debt and going bankrupt, that’s not anyone’s fault but mine. That’s suffering because of my sin and bad decisions.
Not all suffering is from sin. The Bible says sometimes suffering is according to the will of God, because God is more interested in your character than your comfort.
The Bible says in 1 Peter 4:19 , “T hose who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good” (NIV).
No matter what arrows are thrown at you, no matter what you suffer in this life because of your faith, God wants you to remain faithful to him and keep on doing good to others. Is that easy to do? Not always. Does it take faith? Definitely. Is it worth it? Absolutely.
Talk It Over
– How might doing good to others in the midst of your suffering help you change your focus?
– In what situations in your life do you need to stand up for Christ even in the face of opposition?
– What does it mean to commit yourself to God?
By Rick Warren

Igogo: When the Oba plaits his hair and men wear wigs

The Oba emerges with plaited hair and the men and chiefs of Owo wear finery, wigs, braids and beads. The Igogo festival of the Yoruba of Owo seems to bear similarities with the Gerewol dance by the Fulani of Agadez, Niger republic.
Background
I have been to Ingall, near Agadez, as well as Owo in Ondo state to cover festivals which have the common theme of love. The trip to Agadez to report on the Gerewol, took place in September 2013. We left Konni in Niger republic at 6:00 pm and drove all night, arriving Ingall at 1:00pm. Gerewol coincides with the annual gathering of nomads at the edge of the sahara when the rainy season is drawing to a close. I was tired, but the colourful dance in the sunny desert woke me up. Here is a stream of colours and styles flowing from the nomadic Fulani which you cannot forget so easily, and which is at the same time a rich and rousing sight.
In September this year, in continuation of what is slowly becoming a field of special interest, I travelled to Owo to cover the annual Igogo festival. I bought a Sony Cybershot camera specially for the coverage of the festival, and I am glad I made that investment. This is a festival which is rooted in love and presents moments of drama, make believe, colour and fun. Comparisons have been made between Igogo and the Taj Mahal of India. Prince Olaleke Olateru Olagbegi, who lectures at the Rufus Giwa polytechnic Owo, opines “The Taj Mahal is a building which an Indian king built in honour of his late wife, and I appreciate this. But the Igogo festival is different from the Taj Mahal because it occurs annually. It happened last year,and it’s a different feel of the festival this year. A decade later you that experienced it for 10 years can give ten different experiences of it. So, in a way, yes, it is Taj Mahal in honour of love, but Igogo is transient and dynamic, unlike Taj Mahal which is static. Igogo itself is a highly mobile expression of love which also focuses on a very special woman who once flourished in our community.”
The use of costumes and related accessories are an important aspect of the Igogo festival. A young lady exclaims upon sighting a moustached youth wearing gold ear rings and permed hair “The boy is fine. The boy is fine.” Another chief wearing artificial buttocks pushes against some of the women at the festival, creating some laughter with his antics in a section of the palace grounds. In a quiet corner some women help a chief to adjust his wig, which seems to have become weak, what with the dancing and all the music. Another costumed chief whose hair is done in braids, is about to enter the palace with a colourful train behind him.
The Olowo dances
The Igogo festival is in honour of Oronsen,a goddess who once lived in Owo some 700 years ago, one whose beauty drew envy and hatred from many of the king’s wives. But her beauty stirred adoration from Oba Renrengenjen, her husband. Soon she had to flee the palace. The Oba looked for her, but she refused to return home with him. Instead, she instituted the Igogo festival with the assurance that if the Oba and his descendants would mark the festival annually, then he was certain to receive her blessings. No drums are beaten during the festival, and no one is allowed to cover his or her hair while the Olowo dances,and the firing of guns is forbidden. Also, during the festival the Oba plaits his hair and wears a red blouse,much as Oronsen herself would have done. The Igogo festival lasts 17 days and the Igogo dance by the Oba is one of its high points which a tourist would do well to witness. A huge crowd escorts Oba David Victor Olateru-Olagbegi as he strides through the grounds of the palace, and he makes to dance as every single Olowo has done. Around the king on the occasion are many chiefs and women who are dressed in white. The trumpet and the gongs produce lovely music as the train moves. The Oba walks for a while and stops at defined spots where he turns and dances in that special evocative dance which is the preserve of royals. Leaving the market, he pauses a few times to beat a gong which he carries with him, as well as to dance until he draws close to the palace. His plaited hair and red blouse seem to glow while he dances, or is this the effect of the setting sun? He is now inside one of the many courtyards which has a low roof, and this form of architecture defines the palace as well as the festival itself. There is something high, eloquent and inspiring about these silent low roofs seen in the twilight. Then the Oba enters the palace after a dance inspired again by the many melodious gongs and trumpets which don’t ever seem to tire. The previous evening the courtyard which he has just returned to was witness to the ‘ero’ performance which is always part of the Igogo festival. Men dance and sing, using hand fans and powerful voices to create music during this dance. One man sings and the others respond in a song that awes the watcher. A visitor to Owo must also make effort to see this dance.
During the three final days of the festival in Owo, there is much colour and fun and many of the chiefs appear with plaited hair and beads around their necks, and they would go from door to door with a large crowd made up of music makers. As he dances from door to door, the inhabitants of each house will come out and dance, and give a gift to the costumed chief. The latter then turns and dances down the road with his train. The countless costumes which make Owo a rainbow of sorts at this time of the year, are another exciting aspect of the festival occuring in a largely patriarchal society, which has enough cultural space and flexibility to accommodate the adoration of a goddess. The Oba and the men try to imitate the appearance of the goddess, through the use of costumes, plaited hair, wigs, and braids as much as possible. There are a considerable number of male youths who wear wigs or perm their hair or come out in braids and ear rings, altogether making them look every bit womanly.
A time to woo
Prince Olaleke comments on the special efforts made by women during the festival “Women seize the opportunity to look their best, because men from sundry places come around, see them in their attire and seek their hand in marriage. This is also the time when the Olowo chooses most of his wives. Some Olowos have married up to a hundred wives during the Igogo festival, because this is the time when all the beautiful women in the town come out, and the Olowo has the privilege of choosing before any other man. During this moment people in the town bring gifts to the Olowo, and the Olowo also gives gifts in return.There are more than 5,000 tubers of yam in the palace as we speak. The Olowo dispenses these gifts among the people and the chiefs.”
Igogo’s evolution
On the growth of the festival over the decades, Prince Olaleke says “I have witnessed this festival for over 40 years. The culture has grown in many ways. 40 years ago you would have found nothing less than 40 virgins with coral beads around their waists during the festival. By virtue of the way the generations have changed,it is hard to find a 20 year old virgin today at the festival. In those days it is from this group of virgins that the Olowo selects his wives.”
Concerning the attitude of the younger generations to the festival, he adds “A lot of the new generation see it as entertainment, as something they heard about which has occurred continuously for 7 centuries. They are inquisitive and want to be part of it. They see it as entertainment, as cultural development, and as a source of fun.”
On the significance of the hairdos worn by the men as well as the women “Everybody that is going to celebrate with the Olowo would have their hair woven, and this is part of the symbolism of Oronsen. She was an extremely beautiful woman and she had the most beautiful hair woven within the palace. History has it that she decorated her hair on a daily basis to attract her husband. She had more than 100 ladies who served her every single day. For instance, there were those that did her hair and then women who beautified her nails. She was a goddess and everything in the kingdom revolved around her.”
Women
According to Prince Olaleke “The women cheer the men along. But once the Olowo dances on Friday, then the women take over. After the Olowo dances, all his wives dance around the town for about 3 days, singing and praising Oronsen before rounding up the festival. They can be said to crown the festival. The women are actors of a sort who engage in rites which speak of forgiveness, for 700 years ago the wives of the Olowo acted against Oronsen which made her flee the palace. Oronsen wanted the senior wife to lead all the wives in pleading her plight during the festival, and this continues to occur today, 7 centuries later.” While commenting on the festival, Olanrewaju Onisile, the Oludoro of Owo tells Daily Trust “The festival is a celebration of culture. Every year it brings everyone together, that is, it brings all Owo sons and daughters together as a family. All friends, sons and daughters and friends in the diaspora, find it expedient to come together to celebrate at this time. It is a festival of love and unity.”
Festival of unity
Adeoye Oluwasola, Curator of the Owo museum, sees the festival as “an appreciation of the role of women in leadership. It can be described as the celebration of love. Like all festivals, this one brings about unity among the group.If you had been around when the festival started, you will see a lot of gifts being taken to the palace, and a lot of gifts too being taken away from the palace in the form of an exchange. This brings about the unity of the people in the area of participation in the festival. Gifts are exchanged and chiefs do obeisance to the Olowo, to show that they work in harmony with him.”
He repeats the possibilities of marriage mentioned earlier “A lot of marriages are contracted during the festival, because the environment is made conducive for people to interact. The whole community converges and relationships are established. Relationships are formed which can lead to marriages, and business links can be formed too during the festival.”
On the various hairdos on display during the festival, Oluwasola adds “When the Olowo wants to dance, he plaits his hair. It is the ceremonial attire of the king in obedience to Oronsen. The men in Owo do their hair after the fashion of a female during the festival. Oronsen is still the most prominent deity that has direct consequences for rulership in Owo. So, she is revered. In most cases during the kings outing, he wears a ceremonial dress. He wears a blouse of coral beads, and a wrapper too.While the Oba dances all women ensure that they remove their head gears, while men remove their hats and caps.”
Igogo’s future
“Concerning the future of the festival, Oluwasola says There is no way the people will not be celebrating it. It may however be reduced to the palace alone at some time. That’s the way I look at it. Since the king and the community will continue to relate, the community will continue to insist on the festival. If you become a king and you do not want to hold the festival, the people of Iloro quarters who are the kingmakers, will insist on it. A lot of people derive their livelihood from it. They naturally want their entitlement such as the gifts that fall to them during the festival, and this perpetuates the festival.The people will then look forward to it every year.”
Rethinking Igogo and Gerewol
There are elements in Gerewol which are similar to what obtains in the Igogo festival. Both festivals have a connection with the female principle in the sense that they focus on goddesses and the impact of these beings on the community. Also, both festivals are set in male dominated or patriarchal communities. In Agadez, the goddess is known as Gawo, while in Owo she is identified as Oronsen. There is the tendency towards imitation or make believe in both festivals, and this is captured in both dance, make up and dress styles in which the men strive to resemble the female. This is a very striking similarity. Next, both festivals occur at almost the same time which is in mid September every year,and both provide an environment for women to find husbands or lovers, or for the men to find wives. In Owo, it is said that one Olowo married 100 wives during a festival. The theme of an ever so delicate wooing and deep love is present in both. In Agadez, the men rub ochre on their faces, and make their eyes and teeth white and radiant in an attempt to please the female. In Owo, the Oba plaits his hair and wears a blouse, while the male members of the community decorate their hair, and wear wigs, beads and braids, all in honour of Oronsen who will in turn bless the Olowo and his kingdom. There are many taboos connected with the Igogo festival. For instance, all forms of drumming are banned, and no woman wears a head tie while the Oba dances. Neither will a man wear a hat at this time. On the other hand the Fulani group who perform the Gerewol have a name(Wodaabe) which means “the people of the taboo.” In other words the Wodaabe have a deep connection with the observance of taboos, and this, alongside the points earlier mentioned, links them in an unbroken line with the Yoruba of Owo. Are all these to be seen as mere coincidences?

By Tadaferua Ujorha

Jesus Through the Bible

In GENESIS, Jesus is the Ram at Abraham's altar
In EXODUS, He's the Passover Lamb
In LEVITICUS, He's the High Priest
In NUMBERS, He's the Cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night
In DEUTERONOMY, He's the City of our Refuge
In JOSHUA, He's the Scarlet Thread out by Rahab's window
In JUDGES, He is our King
In RUTH, He is our Kinsman Redeemer
In 1st and 2nd SAMUEL, He's our Trusted Prophet
In KINGS and CHRONICLES, He's our Reigning King
In EZRA, He is our Faithful Scribe
In NEHEMIAH, He's the Rebuilder of everything that is broken
In ESTHER, He is the Mordecai sitting faithful at the gate
In JOB, He's our Redeemer that ever liveth
In PSALMS, He is my Shepherd
In PROVERBS and ECCLESIASTES, He's our Wisdom
In the SONG OF SOLOMON, He's the Beautiful Bridegroom
In ISAIAH, He's the Suffering Servant
In JEREMIAH and LAMENTATIONS, it is Jesus that is the Weeping Prophet
In EZEKIEL, He's the Wonderful Four-Faced Man
In DANIEL, He is the Fourth Man in the midst of a fiery furnace
In HOSEA, He is my Love that is forever faithful
In JOEL, He baptizes us with the Holy Spirit
In AMOS, He's our Burden Bearer
In OBADIAH, He's our Savior
In JONAH, He is the Great Foreign Missionary
In MICAH, He is the Messenger with beautiful feet
In NAHUM, He is the Avenger
In HABAKKUK, He is the Watchman that is ever praying for revival
In ZEPHANIAH, He is the Lord mighty to save
In HAGGAI, He is the Restorer of our lost heritage
In ZECHARIAH, He is our Fountain
In MALACHI, He is the Son of Righteousness with healing in His wings
In MATTHEW, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God
In MARK, He's the Miracle Worker
In LUKE, He's the Son of Man
In JOHN, He is the door by which everyone of us must enter
In ACTS, He is the Shining Light that appears to Saul on the Damascus road
In ROMANS, He is our Justifier
In 1st CORINTHIANS, He is our Resurrection
In 2nd CORINTHIANS, He is our Sin Bearer
In GALATIANS, He redeems us from the law
In EPHESIANS, He is our Unsearchable Riches
In PHILIPPIANS, He supplies our every need
In COLOSSIANS, He's the Fullness of the Godhead Bodily
In 1st and 2nd THESSALONIANS, He is our Soon Coming King
In 1st and 2nd TIMOTHY, He is the Mediator between God and man
In TITUS, He is our Blessed Hope
In PHILEMON, He is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother
In HEBREWS, He's the Blood of the everlasting covenant
In JAMES, it is the Lord that heals the sick
In 1st and 2nd PETER, He is the Chief Shepherd
In 1st, 2nd, and 3rd JOHN, it is Jesus who has the tenderness of love
In JUDE, He is the Lord coming with 10,000 saints
And in REVELATION, He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

BABALOLA, JOSEPH AYODELE 1904 TO 1959

The story of Apostle Joseph Ayodele Babalola, his life and work can be thus classified. His unprecedented Oke-Oye Revival gave birth to what is now known as the Christ Apostolic Church (C.A.C.), a Nigerian indigenous church.
His Background
Joseph Ayodele Babalola was born on April 25, 1904 to David Rotimi and Madam Marta Talabi who belonged to the Anglican Church. The family lived at Odo-Owa in Ilofa, a small town about ninety kilometres from Ilorin in Kwara State, Nigeria. His father was the Baba Ijo (“church father”) of the C.M.S. Church at Odo-Owa. Pastor Medayese wrote in his book Itan Igbe dide Woli Ayo Babalola that mysterious circumstances surrounded the birth of Babalola. On that day, it was believed that a strange and mighty object exploded and shook the clouds .
On January 18, 1914, young Babalola was taken by his brother M. 0. Rotimi, a Sunday school teacher in the C.M.S. Church at Ilofa, to Osogbo. Babalola started school at Ilofa and got as far as standard five at All Saints’ School, Osogbo. However, he quit school when he decided to learn a trade and became a motor mechanic apprentice. Again, he did not continue long in this vocation before joining the Public Works Department (PWD). He was among the road workers who constructed the road from Igbara-Oke to Ilesa, working as a steam roller driver.
Babalola’s Call to the Prophetic Ministry
Just like the Old Testament prophets, Babalola was called by God into the prophetic office to stand before men. His was a specific and personal call.
Babalola’s strange experience started on the night of September 25th, 1928 when he suddenly became restless and could not sleep. This went on for a week and he had no inkling of the causes of such a strange experience. The climax came one day when he was, as usual, working on the Ilesa-Igbara-Oke road. Suddenly the steam roller’s engine stopped to his utter amazement. There was no visible mechanical problem, and Joseph became confused and perplexed. He was in this state of confusion when a great voice “like the sound of many waters” called him three times. The voice was loud and clear and it told him that he would die if he refused to heed the divine call to go into the world and preach. Babalola did not want to listen to this voice and he responded like many of the Biblical prophets, who, when they were called out by Yahweh as prophets, did not normally yield to the first call. Men like Moses and Jeremiah submitted to God only when it became inevitable. So, Babalola gave in only after he had received the assurance of divine guidance.
To go on the mission, he had to resign his appointment with the Public Works Department. Mr. Fergusson, the head of his unit, tried to dissuade him from resigning but the young man was bent on going on the Lord’s mission.
The same voice came to Joseph a second time asking him to fast for seven days. He obeyed and at the end of the period he saw a great figure of a man who, according to Pastor Alokan, resembled Jesus. The man in a dazzling robe spoke at length about the mission he was to embark upon. The man also told him of the persecutions he would face and at the same time assured him of God’s protection and victory. A hand prayer bell was given to Babalola as a symbol. He was told that the sound of the bell would always drive away evil spirits. He was also given a bottle of “life-giving water” to heal all manners of sickness. Consequently, wherever and whenever he prayed into water for therapeutic purposes, effective healing was procured for those who drank the water. Thus, Babalola became a prophet and a man with extraordinary powers. Enabled by the power of the Holy Spirit he could spend several weeks in prayer. Elder Abraham Owoyemi of Odo-Owa, said that the prophet regularly saw angels who delivered divine messages to him . An angel appeared in one of his prayers and forbade him to wear caps.
The Itinerary of Prophet Babalola
During one of his prayer sessions an angel appeared to him and gave him a big yam which he ordered him to eat. The angel told him that the yam was the tuber with which God fed the whole world. He further revealed that God had granted unto him the power to deliver those who were possessed of evil spirits in the world. He was directed to go first to Odo-Owa and start preaching. He was to arrive in the town on a market day, cover his body with palm fronds and disfigure himself with charcoal paints.
In October 1928, he entered the town in the manner described and was taken for a mad man. Babalola immediately started preaching and prophesying. He told the inhabitants of Odo-Owa about an impending danger if they did not repent. He was arrested and taken to the district officer at Ilorin for allegedly disturbing the peace. The district officer later released him when the allegations could not be proven. However, it was said that a few days later, there was an outbreak of smallpox in the town. The man whose prophecies and messages were once rejected was quickly sought for. He went around praying for the victims and they were all healed.
Pa David Rotimi, Babalola’s father, had been instrumental in the establishment of a C.M.S. Church in Odo-Owa. Babalola organized regular prayer meetings in this church which many people attended because of the miracles God performed through him. Among the regulars was Isaiah oluyemi who later saw the wrath of Bishop Smith of Ilorin diocese . Information had reached the bishop that almost all members of the C.M.S. Church in Ilofa were seeing visions, speaking in tongues and praying vigorously . Babalola and the visionaries were allegedly ordered by Bishop Smith to leave the church . But Babalola did not leave the town until June 1930.
On an invitation from Daniel Ajibola, Babalola went to Lagos. Elder Daniel Ajibola at that time was working in Ibadan where he was a member of the Faith Tabernacle Congregation. He introduced Prophet Babalola to Pastor D. 0. Odubanjo, one of the leaders of the Faith Tabernacle in Lagos. Senior Pastor Esinsinade who was then the president of the Faith Tabernacle was invited to see Babalola. After listening to the details of his call and his ministry, the Faith Tabernacle leaders warmly received the young prophet into their midst.
Babalola had not yet been baptized by immersion and Senior Pastor Esinsinade emphasized that he needed to go through that rite. Pastor Esinsinade then baptized him in the lagoon at the back of the Faith Tabernacle Church building at 51, Moloney Bridge Street, Lagos . Babalola returned to Odo-Owa a few days after that and Elder (later Pastor) J. A. Medayese, paid him a visit.
The news of the conversion of the new prophet reached Pastor K. P. Titus at Araromi in Yagba, present Kwara State. Pastor Titus was a teacher and preacher at the Sudan Interior Mission which was then thriving at Yagba. He invited Prophet Babalola for a revival service. Joseph Ayodele Babalola while in Yagba, performed mighty works of healing. Many Muslims and Christians from other denominations and some traditional religionists were converted to the new faith during the revival .
The fact that Babalola did not use the opportunity to establish a separate Christian organization despite his marvelous evangelical success, must be puzzling to historians, but his intention was not to start a new church. He declared to his followers that he had registered his membership with the Faith Tabernacle, the society which had him baptized in Lagos . He thus persuaded them to become members of the Faith Tabernacle. To facilitate this, he went to Lagos to confer with the leaders, especially as he was not yet well acquainted with the doctrines, tenets, and administration of the church.
Oke-Oye Mighty Revival
There was a controversy among the leaders of the Faith Tabernacle in Nigeria over some doctrines. In the midst of it were, in particular, the Ilesa and Oyan branches of the tabernacle. The Oyan branch was under the supervision of Pastor J. A. Babatope, a notable Anglican teacher, before his conversion and later, one of the outstanding leaders of the Faith Tabernacle in Nigeria. Issues like the use of western and traditional drugs versus divine healing, polygamy and whether polygamous husbands should be allowed to partake of the Lord’s Supper, were among those doctrines that needed to be agreed on. These issues had caused dissension at the IIesa Tabernacle and in order to avoid a split, a delegation of peacemakers made up of all leading Faith Tabernacle pastors, was sent to Ilesa. It was headed by Pastor J. B. Esinsinade of Ijebu-Ode, president of the General Headquarters of the movement and D. O. Odubanjo of the Lagos Missionary Headquarters. The Ilesa meeting was scheduled for the 9th and lOth of July, 1930. The Apostolic Council of Jerusalem in A.D. 48, and other important church councils, are precedents in seeking ecclesiastical direction on matters affecting the life and peace of the church [14].
Before the delegation left Lagos for Ilesa, Babalola had been invited to meet the leaders at Pastor I. B. Akinyele’s residence at Ibadan. From there I. B. Akinyele and Babalola joined the delegation to Ilesa. At Ilesa, he was introduced to the whole conference and was lodged in a separate room because of his prophetic mission. The representatives began their meeting and on the agenda were twenty-four items. The first was the validity of baptism administered to a man with many wives. The second was the issue of divine healing because some of the members believed in the use of drugs like quinine to cure malaria fever. They were only able to discuss the first item when there was a sudden interruption which Pastor Adegboyega described thus: “The conciliatory talks at Ilesa were going on, when suddenly a mighty sweeping revival broke out at Faith Tabernacle Congregation Church at Oke-Oye, Ilesa” . The revival began with the raising by Babalola of a dead child. The mother of the dead child who was restored to life went about spreading the news around the town of Ilesa proclaiming that a miracle working prophet had come to the town of Oke-Oye. This attracted a large number of people to Oke-Oye to see the prophet. According to Pastor Medayese, many of those afflicted with various diseases who came to Oke-Oye were healed. Many mighty works were performed through the use of the prayer bell and the drinking of consecrated water from a stream called Omi Ayo (“Stream of Joy”) [16].
The result was that thousands of people including traditional religionists, Muslims and Christians from various other denominations were converted to the Faith Tabernacle. As there was no space in the church hall, revival meetings were shifted to an open field where men and women from all walks of life, from every part of the country and from neighbouring countries assembled daily for healing, deliverance and blessings. Odubanjo testified that within three weeks Babalola had cured about one hundred lepers, sixty blind people and fifty lame persons

He further claimed that both the Anglican and Wesleyan Churches in Ilesa were left desolate because their members transferred their allegiance to the revivalist and that all the patients in Wesley Hospital, Ilesa, abandoned their beds to seek healing from Babalola. Also:
Many of the schools belonging to the Wesleyan and Anglican Churches, as well as to the Baptists and the Roman Catholics, closed down altogether, and there has not been sufficient money again to pay their teachers due to the fact that the majority of their members left to join us” .
The assistant district officer in Ilesa in 1930 wrote that he visited the scene of the revival incognito and found a crowd of hundreds of people including a large contingent of the lame and blind and concluded that the whole affair was orderly . Members of the church made fantastic claims such as: “Hopeless barren women were made fruitful; women who had been carrying their pregnancies for long years were wonderfully delivered. The dumb spoke and lunatics were cured. In fact, it was another day of Pentecost. Witches confessed and some demon possessed people were exorcised .
But the general superintendent of the Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society of Nigeria at the time has described the reports as “grotesquely inaccurate accounts of the operations of Babalola.” This of course could be the biased view of a man whose church was said to be the greatest victim of the Ilesa revival.
A revelation was later given to Ayo Babalola to burn down a big tree in front of the Owa’s Palace. The big tree was traditionally believed to be the rendez-vous of witches and wizards. The juju tree was therefore greatly feared and sacrifices were usually made to the spirits believed to reside in it. There was apprehension that this bold act would result in the instantaneous death of Babalola since it was expected to arouse the anger of the gods. But to the great amazement of the people, the prophet did not die but rather continued to wax stronger in the Lord’s work. That single event was said to have made even the Owa of Ilesa and important people in the town to fear and respect the prophet.
The tidal wave of Babalola’s revival spread from Ilesa to Ibadan, Ijebu, Lagos, Efon-Alaaye, Aramoko Ekiti and Abeokuta. No greater revival preceded that of Babalola. It was popularly held in Christ Apostolic Church (C.A.C.) circles that at one revival meeting, attendance rose to about forty thousand. Among the men of faith who came as disciples to Babalola were Daniel Orekoya, Peter Olatunji who came from Okeho, and Omotunde, popularly known as Aladura Omotunde, from Aramoko Ekiti. These men drew great inspiration from Babalola. Orekoya went on to reside in Ibadan where a great revival also broke out at Oke-Bola through him. It was during his Oke-Bola revival that Orekoya reportedly raised a dead pregnant woman .
Babalola’s Other Missionary Journeys
After the great revival of Oke-Oye, the prophet was directed by the Holy Spirit to go out on further missionary journeys, but even before this, people from other parts of the country had been spreading the glad tidings of Oke-Oye, Ilesa’s great revival, to other parts of the country. Accompanied by some followers, Joseph Babalola went to Offa, in present Kwara State. Characteristically, people turned out to hear his preaching and see miracles. The Muslims in Offa became jealous and for that reason incited the members of the community against him. To avoid bloodshed he was compelled to leave.
He next stopped in Usi in Ekitiland for his evangelical mission and he performed many works of healing. From Usi he and his men moved to Efon-Alaaye, also in Ekitiland, where they received a warm reception from the Oba Alaaye of Efon. An entire building was provided for their comfort. Babalola requested an open space for prayer from the Oba who willingly and cheerfully gave him the privilege to choose a site. Consequently, the prophet and his men chose a large area at the outskirts of town. Traditionally the place was a forbidden forest because of the evil spirits that were believed to inhabit it. The Oba tried to dissuade Babalola and his men from entering the forbidden forest, but Babalola insisted on establishing his prayer ground there. The missionaries entered the bush, cleared it and consecrated it as a prayer ground. When no harm came upon them, the inhabitants of Efon were inspired to accept the new faith in large numbers.
Babalola’s evangelistic success in Efon-Alaaye was a remarkable one. Archdeacon H. Dallimore from Ado-Ekiti and some white pastors from Ogbomoso Baptist Seminary were believed to have come to see for themselves the “wonder-working prophet” at Efon. Both Dallimure and the Baptist pastors reportedly asked some men from St. Andrew’s College, Oyo and Baptist Seminary, Ogbomoso to assist in the work .
The success of the revival was accelerated by the conversion of both the Oba of Efon and the Oba of Aramoko. They were both baptized with the names, Solomon Aladejare Agunsoye and Hezekiah Adeoye respectively. After this event, news of the revival at Efon spread to other parts of Ekitiland .
The missionaries also visited other towns in the present Ondo State. Among them were Owo, Ikare and Oka. Babalola retreated to his home town in Odo-Owa to fortify himself spiritually. While he was at Odo-Owa, a warrant for his arrest was issued from Ilorin. He was arrested for preaching against witches, a practice which had caused some trouble in Otuo in present Bendel State. He was sentenced to jail for six months in Benin City in March 1932. After serving the jail term, he went back to Efon Alaaye.
One Mr. Cyprian E. Ufon came from Creek Town in Calabar to entreat Babalola to “come over to Macedonia and help.” Ufon had heard about Babalola and his works and wanted him to preach in Creek Town. After seeking God’s direction, the prophet followed Ufon to Creek Town. His campaign there was very successful. From Creek Town, Babalola visited Duke town and a plantation where a national church existed at the time. Certain members of this church received the gift of the Holy Spirit as Babalola was preaching to them and were baptized. When the prophet returned from the Calabar area, he settled down for a while. In 1935 he married Dorcas.
The following year Babalola, accompanied by Evangelist Timothy Bababusuyi, went to the Gold Coast. On arrival at Accra, he was recognized by some people who had seen him at the Great Revival in Ilesa. After a successful campaign in the Gold Coast he returned to Nigeria.
The Birth of the C.A.C. in Nigeria
The spectacular evangelism by Prophet Joseph Ayo Babalola brought with it a wave of persecution to all who rushed into the new faith. The mission churches allegedly became jealous and hostile especially as their members constituted the main converts of the Faith Tabernacle. It was widely rumoured that the revival movement was a lawless and unruly organization. The Nigerian government was put on the alert about the activities of the movement. At this time, the leading members of the movement were advised to invite the American Faith Tabernacle leaders to come to their rescue. The leaders from America, however, refused to come as such a venture was said to be against their principles. As a matter of fact, the association between the Philadelphia group and the Faith Tabernacle of Nigeria was terminated following the marital problems of the leader of the American group, Pastor Clark. The Nigerian group then went into fellowship with the Faith and Truth Temple of Toronto which sent a party of seven missionaries to West Africa. Again, the fellowship was stopped when Mr. C. R. Myers, the only surviving missionary, sent his wife to the hospital where she died in childbirth .
Despite these disappointing relationships with foreign groups, the Nigerian Faith Tabernacle still considered it prestigious to seek affiliation with a foreign body. The rationale for this can be found in D. 0. Odubanjo’s letter to Pastor D. P. Williams of the Apostolic Church of Great Britain of March 1931. In the letter Odubanjo claimed: “The officers of the government here fear the European missionaries, and dare not trouble their native converts, but often, we brethren here have been ill-treated by government officers” .
This was followed by a formal request for missionaries to be sent to strengthen the position of the Nigerian Faith Tabernacle. Missionaries did come and, on their advice, the Nigerian Faith Tabernacle was ceded to the British Apostolic Church. Consequently, the name changed from Faith Tabernacle to the Apostolic Church .
Doctrinal differences between the two groups soon began to appear in forms similar to the ones that caused the termination of the association with the American groups. The subject of divine healing, was one of the most important issues. Some of the invited white missionaries from Britain were found using quinine and other tablets and this caused a serious controversy among the leading members . It was unfortunate that the controversy could not be resolved and the movement subsequently split. One faction of the church made Oke-Oye its base and retained the name the Apostolic Church. The other larger faction and in which Prophet Joseph Babalola was a leader eventually became the Christ Apostolic Church. This church had to go through many names before May 1943 when its title was finally registered with number 147 under the Nigerian Company Law of 1924. Today, the church controls over five thousand assemblies, and reputedly is one of the most popular Christian organisations in Nigeria and the only indigenous organization with strong faith in divine healing.
Professor John Peel recorded that the membership of the C.A.C. in 1968 was well over one hundred thousand. That figure must have doubled by now. The church opened up several primary and grammar schools, a teachers’ training college, a seminary, maternity homes and a training school for prophets. The years between 1970 and 1980 saw further expansion of the church to England, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone and Liberia. At present the church has its Missionary and General Headquarters in Lagos and Ibadan respectively.
Babalola was a spiritually gifted individual who was genuinely dissatisfied with the increasing materialistic and sinful existence into which he believed, the Yoruba in particular and Nigeria in general were being plunged as western civilization influence on society grew.
The C.A.C. believes that the spiritual power bestowed on Babalola placed him on an equal level with Biblical apostles like Peter, Paul and others who were sent out with the authority and in the name of Jesus.
Joseph Ayo Babalola slept in the Lord in 1959 .

Heaven At Last. Sermon and prayer point by Pastor E A Adeboye

Memorise
In my Father’s house are many mansions : if it were not so, I would have told
you. I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:2
Read: Revelation 21:1-8
1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth : for the first heaven and the first
earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem , coming down from God out of
heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of
God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people,
and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no
more death , neither sorrow , nor crying , neither shall there be any more pain :
for the former things are passed away .
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And
he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega , the beginning and
the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life
freely.
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he
shall be my son.
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving , and the abominable , and murderers , and
whoremongers, and sorcerers , and idolaters , and all liars , shall have their part
in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone : which is the second death .
Message
You may have wondered in your heart, “Of what benefit is it to me to deny
myself the pleasures of sin by living a holy life ?” I have good news for you: it
is of great benefit. One major benefit of living a holy life is the assurance of
making it to Heaven . Our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 5:8 said:
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. ”
Many people are being deceived today by the doctrine that says you can still
make it to Heaven even when you live in sin, so far as you have confessed
Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. Don’t be deceived; Heaven is not for
everyone. It is not for sinners, nor is it for the wicked; it is for the pure in
heart. Heaven is not for souls confessing salvation but still living in sin.
Nothing that is defiled or tarnished with sin can be allowed into Heaven
( Revelation 21:27 ). It is a prepared place for a prepared people. Nobody can
get there by wishful thinking . The Lord Jesus Christ has gone ahead of us to
prepare a place for us, and He will definitely return to take us there ( John
14:1-3 ). Will you be among those who will be welcomed into Heaven?
Beloved, many people are fast shifting their focus away from heaven to earth.
In fact, Satan is giving some people a very comfortable piece of the world so
that they will forget about Heaven. Is comfort or wealth eroding your faith in
Christ ? Are wealth and earthly pleasure replacing God in your heart? Don’t let
anything good or bad hinder you from making it to Heaven !
Living a life of holiness is also of benefit to your life on earth. One of such
benefits is the anointing . Hebrews 1:9 says:
“Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy
God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.”
“Oil ” in this Scripture symbolises the Holy Spirit . If you want the anointing,
you must live a holy life. If you want the power of God to move freely through
your life and ministry, you must be holy. In fact, the degree to which you are
holy will determine the extent of the anointing upon your life. Based on this,
you can easily tell that those ministers of the gospel who appear to be highly
anointed but lack holiness must have gotten their power from some other
source and not God. If you want power from God, you cannot get it by
compromising with sin . Are you living a holy life ?
Key Point
God can only entrust you with His power if you are living a life of holiness.
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May God Bless Nigeria, America And Israel And Take Care Of Us; May God
Make His Face Shine Upon Us, And Be Gracious To Us; May The Lord Lift Up
His Countenance Upon Us, And Give Us Peace, In Jesus Christ Name, We
Pray! Amen!
May The Grace The Lord Jesus Christ, And The Love Of God, And The
Fellowship Of The Holy Spirit Be With You All. Amen!

14 Strange-but-True Health Tips

Use the First Stall
After analyzing 51 public restrooms, experts found that
the stall closest to the restroom door consistently had the
lowest bacteria levels (and the most toilet paper!). The
first stall probably sees less traffic because it's near the
door and people want privacy. And when you're finished,
stand before you flush. When toilets are flushed, a fine
mist of water containing contagious bacteria sprays up.
You can catch intestinal bugs and hepatitis from it.
Splint a Broken Arm with a Magazine
To make an impromptu cast, place your wrist palm-down
on top of a thick magazine. Roll the magazine into a U-
shaped cradle and secure it with tape, an ace bandage , or
long strips torn from a shirt. Then please remember to
renew your subscription.
Accuse Others of Taking Your Keys
Research suggests there's a marked difference between
how younger and older people interpret misplacing their
car keys. A young guy usually blames it on someone else:
"Who took my damn keys?" An old man typically blames
it on himself: "I must be getting old. I misplaced my keys
again." Never use your age as an excuse for anything like
this—and see if you don't remain younger longer. It's an
effective mental trick.
Scratch the Other Limb
For itchy skin under a cast, try scratching the same place
on the other arm or foot. This may trick your brain into
thinking you're scratching the real itch.
(How 'bout advice to get stronger? Try these 100 Best
Fitness Tips of All-Time .)
Break a High Fever
Anything up to 102°F is mild and can be treated by
drinking plenty of fluids. But to quickly bring down a
reading above that, put an ice pack under your arm or
near your groin. Icing either spot will cool your body's
core. It's uncomfortable, but it works fast. Then see a
doctor.
Keep the Willies at Bay
If you get claustrophobic in small spaces such as subways,
elevators, and that closet of an office they stuck you in,
visit your local fruit stand. A sniff of green apple may
help relieve claustrophobic sensations. Carry one with
you. Also, if you're selling your house, placing a basket of
fresh green apples on the table may make potential
buyers perceive the house as larger.
Skip the Antibacterial Soap
There's absolutely no reason to buy antibacterial soaps,
according to the American Medical Association. While
close to 50 percent of soaps sold in the States contain
antimicrobial agents, the AMA claims there's no solid
scientific proof that these soaps are better at preventing
infection than regular soap. In fact, the group argues that
antibacterial soaps may be doing more harm than good—
by making bacteria stronger and more resistant to
existing germ killers.
Straighten Your Drive
Taking a long drive? Pretend someone poured a cold
drink down your back—notice how your shoulders pull
back and your spine curves? That's the position your back
should be in when you're rolling down the highway.
Disinfect a Wound with Honey
Pour a dab of honey on a cut before covering it with a
bandage. Believe it or not, honey has powerful
antibacterial properties. A recent study found that it was
capable of destroying almost all strains of the most
common wound-infecting bacteria.
(There are other use for honey, too, and you might find
one of them among the 50 Best Men's Health Sex Tips
Ever .)
Call Dr. Pepper
Next time you nick yourself in the kitchen, reach for the
black pepper. Run cold water over the wound to clean it,
using soap if you were handling meat. Then sprinkle on
the pepper and apply pressure. In no time, the bleeding
will stop. Turns out, black pepper has analgesic,
antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. Pepper doesn't
sting, either—but don't tell that to your audience.
Shave Your 'stache and Sniff Less
If you're prone to allergies and have a mustache, wash it
twice a day with liquid soap. One study found that
patients who did this used fewer antihistamines and
decongestants. Reason: Cleaning got rid of stuck pollen
grains.
Pet Away High Blood Pressure
To lower your risk of heart attack and stroke, get a dog.
Numerous studies show that petting a dog keeps blood
pressure under control when you're stressed.
Flush Away Trouble
Ever notice how satisfying it is to flush a toilet, especially
if it's one of those airport monsters? Think of this next tip
as a stress laxative—a bit strange, but guaranteed to be
gentle and effective: Before you go to bed, put some small
strips of flushable paper and a pencil in the bathroom.
The following morning, take a seat and write down the
names of all the people or situations in your life that are
causing you angst. Then throw them in the bowl and
flush. You'll be amazed at how great this feels and works.

NEEDLE CAN SAVE THE LIFE OF A STROKE PATIENT

NEEDLE CAN SAVE THE LIFE OF A STROKE PATIENT -- .
From a Chinese Professor .
Keep a syringe or needle in your home to do this... It ' s amazing and an unconventional way of recovering from stroke, read it through it can help somebody one day.
This is amazing. Please keep this very handy. Excellent tips. Do take a minute to read this. You ' ll never know, ones life may depend on you
My father was paralyzed and later died from the result of a stroke. I wish I knew about this first aid before. When stroke strikes, the capillaries in the brain will gradually burst. (Irene Liu) When a stroke occurs, stay calm.
No matter where the victim is, do not move him/her. Because, if moved, the capillaries will burst.
Help the victim to sit up where he/she is to prevent him/her from falling over again and then the blood letting can begin .
If you have in your home an injection syringe that would be the best.
Otherwise, a sewing needle or a straight pin will do.
1. Place the needle/pin over fire to sterilize it and then use it to prick the tip of all ......10 fingers.
2. There are no specific acupuncture points, just prick about an mm from the fingernail.
3. Prick till blood comes out.
4. If blood does not start to drip, then squeeze with your fingers.
5. When all 10 digits is bleeding, wait a few minutes then the victim will regain consciousness.
6. If the victim ' s mouth is crooked , then pull on his ears until they are red.
7. Then prick each earlobe twice until two drops of blood comes from each earlobe.
After a few minutes the victim should regain consciousness.
Wait till the victim regains his normal state without any abnormal symptoms then take him to the hospital.
Otherwise, if he was taken in the ambulance in a hurry to the hospital, the bumpy trip will cause all the capillaries in his brain to burst.
If he could save his life, barely managing to walk, then it is by the grace of GOD.
' I learned about letting blood to save life from Chinese traditional doctor, Ha Bu Ting, who lives in Sun Juke.
Furthermore, I had practical experience with it. Therefore, I can say this method is 100% effective.
In 1979, I was teaching in Fung Gaap College in Tai Chung.
One afternoon, I was teaching a class when another teacher came running to my classroom and said in panting, ' Ms Liu, come quick, our supervisor has had a stroke ! ' . I immediately went to the 3rd floor. When I saw our supervisor, Mr. Chen Fu Tien, his colour was off, his speech was slurred , his mouth was crooked - all the symptoms of a stroke
I immediately asked one of the practicum students to go to the pharmacy outside the school to buy a syringe , which I used to prick Mr. Chen's 10 fingers tips.
When all 10 fingers were bleeding (each with a pea-sized drop of blood), after a few minutes, Mr. Chen ' s face regained its colour and his eyes ' spirit returned,
But his mouth was still crooked . So I pulled on his ears to fill them with blood . When his ears became red, I pricked his right earlobe twice to let out two drops of blood .
When both earlobes had two drops of blood each, a miracle happened .
Within 3-5 minutes the shape of his mouth returned to normal and his speech became clear.
We let him rest for a while and have a cup of hot tea , then we helped him
go down the stairs, drove him to Wei Wah Hospital . He rested one night and was released the next day to return to school to teach.. Everything worked normally.
There were no ill after effects.
On the other hand, the usual stroke victim usually suffers Irreparable bursting of the brain capillaries on the way to the hospital. As a result, these victims never recover. ' (Irene Liu)Therefore, stroke is the second cause of death. The lucky ones will stay alive but can remain paralysed for
life.
It is such a horrible thing to happen in ones life.
If we can all remember this blood letting method and start the life saving process immediately , in a short time, the victim will be revived and regain 100% normality.
IF POSSIBLE PLEASE FORWARD THIS AFTER READING . YOU NEVER KNOW IT MAY HELP SAVE A LIFE FROM STROKE

Detailed Analysis
According to a widely circulated "health advice" message that has been passed around via email, the blogosphere and social media websites since at least 2003, you can save the life of a stroke victim by pricking his or her finger tips and earlobes with a needle to let out blood. The message suggests that, should a person suffer a stroke, you should prick all ten of the victim's fingers with a needle or syringe until they bleed. And, if the victim's mouth is crooked, you should also pull on his or her ears until they are red and prick them until they bleed as well. Supposedly, the blood letting technique described will stop capillaries in the victim's brain from bursting.
The message also recommends that you wait until the victim recovers from the stroke symptoms before taking him or her to the hospital because the journey will cause all the capillaries in the victim's brain to burst, thereby leading to death or paralysis.
However, the health advice in the message is total nonsense and has no scientific or medical merit whatsoever. In fact, the spurious claims in the message are potentially very dangerous and acting on them could actually cost a stroke victim's life or cause the ongoing effects of the stroke to be significantly worse than need be.
In a post on the NeuroLogica Blog, respected American clinical neurologist Dr. Steven P. Novella notes:
First let me dispense with the claims that are made – primarily that minute bleeding through finger or earlobe pricks will prevent permanent damage from a stroke.
There are actually several kinds of stroke. The term refers to the presentation of symptoms – stroke-like or sudden in appearance. The two main types of stroke are hemmorhagic and ischemic. Hemmorhagic strokes are caused by bleeding into the brain. Ischemic strokes are caused by lack of blood flow to a portion of the brain, and are further divided by the cause of the blockage. Ischemic strokes can also secondarily bleed from the damage to the brain tissue and its blood vessels.
There is no situation in which all of the capillaries in the brain burst – this is not part of a stroke. The closest thing to this that actually occurs is that an ischemic stroke may subsequently bleed, but there is no evidence or any plausible reason to think that any of the things mentioned in this e-mail would lead to or prevent secondary bleeding.
Further, pricking the fingers or earlobes would cause (thankfully) a negligible amount of bleeding and would not in any way affect the stroke victim’s hemodynamics. And if it did,that would just worsen the stroke by decreasing brain perfusion and oxygen delivery.
The last thing a stroke victim needs is someone stabbing at his or her face and fingers with a needle, especially when said stabbing will not help in the slightest. But, the most concerning part of the message is its advice to wait until the victim has recovered from the initial stroke before taking him or her for medical treatment. This statement is irresponsible in the extreme and taking heed of it could have dire consequences. Dr Jose Vega, writing on strokes for an About.com article, explains :
The email conveys multiple unfounded ideas about stroke, but by far the most dangerous one of all is the suggestion that people should not be taken to a hospital until all their symptoms are resolved, on the grounds that "all the capillaries in the brain will burst on the way to the hospital". This statement is untrue and totally irresponsible. When it comes to stroke every minute that you stay away from the hospital counts against you. After all, tPA, the most effective treatment available for stroke, must be given within 3 hours of the onset of stroke symptoms. Thus, even if you are into bloodletting, should you ever suspect that you or someone you know might be having a stroke, do yourself a favor and call the ambulance immediately.
The false ideas described in the message may have been fueled in part by the
results of a 2005 study at Tianjin College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The object of the study was to "observe the effect of blood-letting puncture at Twelve Well-Points of Hand on consciousness and heart rate in patients with early apoplexy" . The results of the study suggested that "Blood-letting puncture at Twelve Well-Points of Hand can improve the consciousness and raise the systolic pressure in patients of the mild injury team". However, it is very important to note that the patients who participated in the study were already properly diagnosed and hospitalized and the seemingly positive results only applied to the "mild injury" group. The article certainly does not advise or even imply that such a bloodletting technique should ever be used at home on stroke victims in place of seeking immediate medical treatment.
Moreover, while blood control techniques such as hemodilution have been considered as possible treatments for strokes, results have typically shown no improvements for stroke impact or tend to be inconclusive. Certainly, no credible medical reports have ever recommended blood letting as a stroke first aid treatment . Nor do any legitimate descriptions of stroke treatment recommend that patients be left until the stroke symptoms have dissipated before being taken for medical treatment.
A fact sheet about stroke first aid published on the Mayo Clinic website notes:
Seek immediate medical assistance. A stroke is a true emergency. The sooner treatment is given, the more likely it is that damage can be minimized. Every moment counts.
Thus, this potentially life threatening misinformation should not be forwarded, or shared. If you receive this message, please do not send it on. And please take the time to let the sender know that the information it contains is dangerously inaccurate.

Welcome to The 63rd RCCG Annual Convention

The Lord has preserved us to see another Convention of His Church and
to participate in the blessings that He alone can give. We therefore
welcome you to the convention of “The All-Sufficient God”. This year’s
theme holds lots of promises for all of us who will participate in all the
proceedings and our lives will be imparted in ways we have never
imagined.
The All Sufficient One has enough blessings to give all His children
because there is no shortage in His storehouse. He appeared to Abraham
as the El Shaddai, the One who is more than enough (Gen 17:1), and He
is still the same till this moment. During this convention, He will release
His all-sufficiency concerning all your long-awaited miracle and you will
become a testimony in the name of Jesus.
The All Sufficient One rules by decrees. He commanded light where there
was darkness and darkness had no option but to take its leave (Gen
1:3). He commanded ravens to feed Elijah and they did not miss their
way (Kings 17:4-6). He is the One who calls those things that be not as
though they were (Romans 4:7) and He has not changed. You will
encounter Him again as He decrees goodness, mercy, favour, and healing
into your life. He spoke to the sea and the waves and there was peace.
He will speak into your situations and you will have new experience of
fulfillment. He spoke to the emptiness of a widow and she became an oil
merchant, and her disgrace was turned to abundance. Get ready for a
delude of miracle.
His promises cover every aspect of your life- spiritual, physical,
emotional, financial and material. Zacchaeus was rich but he needed
something money could not buy. He sought the attention of Jesus (Luke
19:12-8). Salvation entered his house, the lamb of God who takes away
sin of the whole world visited him and his past was washed away.
There will be salvation galore during this convention. It is the opportunity
you have been waiting for in order to make peace with God. Hannah, the
mother of Samuel, did not visit Shiloh in vain. She returned with her
bundle of joy. You will be the next in the line. The woman with the issues
of blood did not touch His garment in vain. Her issues were adequately
dealt with. The man at the Pool of Bethesda was made whole of all his
diseases. The incurable was healed and raised up to confront life with
gusto.
Since it is God’s nature to give more than we need, the anointing that
will operate during this convention take you to the level of “running over”.
That was the anointing that took the shepherd boy and made him a king
and the progenitor of the King of kings. This same anointing turned the
son of a farmer to a great prophet and the father of kings. This anointing
will touch individuals, organizations will be transformed and whole
nations will rejoice.
As you participate in all the Plenary Sessions, Seminars and Bible
Studies, prepare yourself for unprecedented breakthroughs and a new
level of walking with God. Please remember to obey all camp rules and
be at the right place at the right time. Be in meditation and take time to
reflect on the message God sends to you through His ministers. You will
not be disappointed that you attended this year’s convention.
The One who holds the whole world in His hand is more than able to
meet all needs, and He is already waiting for you. He knows you by name
because He calls the stars in their billions by name. He is here before
you came. Concentrate on Him and let nothing divert your attention from
Him. “They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were
not ashamed” (Psalm 34:5). Remember, this Jesus who is the All
Sufficient One, is the same yesterday, and today and forever.
Welcome to Convention 2015
Pastor E. A. Adeboye
General Overseer, The RCCG

Why we should not stampede Buhari

A new dawn and epoch of optimism has been bequeathed on the Nigerian landscape by the decisive victory of President Muhammadu Buhari at the March 28 2015 presidential poll. The victory, indeed, followed a long drawn battle which had the whole country, nay, the continent and the world, on edge. There were palpable fears that the country could implode and descend into unimaginable chaos.  However, the aftermath of the elections made many believe that President Buhari’s victory was divinely ordained, as all naysayers and doomsday prophets were proved wrong. Rather than the predicted doomsday scenario, the whole country was enveloped in   relief, joy and peace following the victory of the ‘Peoples General’. This has understandably triggered off great expectations.

These high expectations of the majority of Nigerians are not totally unexpected, given the level of rot and uncertainties on our national landscape prior to the presidential polls. Hence, the victory of President Buhari can be adjudged as the outcome of “the peoples’ referendum” on who should direct their affairs for the next four years.

Since the swearing of the president into office on May 29, a lot of “water has passed under the bridge” as the proverbial saying goes. One thing that has gained currency and prominence is the legendary impatience of majority of anxious Nigerians at the perceived slow pace at which the Buhari administration has taken off. Just as informed watchers have predicted, the burden of expectations which the Buhari administration is likely to face from many Nigerians is enormous. It has, therefore, become imperative to set the records straight, so as to help manage the expectations that people have of the new administration.

The haste which many impatient people want the new administration to embrace cannot be in the best interest of Nigeria   and Nigerians. This is because of the fact that a meticulous and deliberate process of administration is certain to be more beneficial for the greater interest of the country at this time. From the reports of the transition committee headed by the respected Ahmed Joda, it is obvious that the new administration of President Buhari is starting from a shaky ground. This points to the fact that there is a Herculean task before the new administration.

It is also public knowledge that the previous administration did not pass on vital information to the Joda-led transition committee almost throughout the interregnum between the elections and swearing in. Not surprisingly, this slowed down the pace of the transition committee and delayed it in coming out with a comprehensive report about the general state of things in the country.  It is this report that is expected to “chart the road” and serve as a working template for the new administration of President Buhari.

If we take a cursory look at the trajectory of past events in the country, we will observe that most of the policy flip flops and policy reversals with their attendant confusion and distortion in the polity were caused by haste and inadequate study of policy trends and objectives.

The country has suffered much from this in the past, and we cannot afford to continue to follow this same path of “too much motion and too little movement”.

A corollary to this fact is for us to appreciate the size and state of the country/federal bureaucracy which Buhari is inheriting. In order for a smooth take off of this new administration, comprehensive and careful planning needs to be carried out.

In project management and administration, the need to get the planning stage right is very important. This is because all other stages in the project /administration life cycle depend on the planning stage. Once the planning stage is gotten right, it can be taken for granted that all other things will work well if meticulous care is applied.

The best analogy that suffices here can be likened to the foundation of a high rise building which must be solid and deep enough for the entire high rise building to stand upon.

Nigerians should give the President enough time to plan the trajectory of his administration, because if this is done, we shall all benefit tremendously from it.

Besides, for the “change” mantra of the administration to be really meaningful to all and sundry, much time needs to be dedicated to the planning process for a full maximization of the different dimensions of the change we so much desire.

It is also trite to remind us of the level of rot in the system which this administration is inheriting as well as the financial constraints imposed on oil producing nations globally by the drop in oil price. Most sectors of the Nigerian economy are at their nadir point. With the economy in so such a bad state, part of strategies which the Buhari administration has adopted to bail the economy out of its dire straits is the desire for a very lean government. This is expected to lead to a drastic cut in the number of ministries and even federal parastatals. This commendable approach of the new government requires time, so that a workable framework for the operation of the expected change can be produced. The anticipated effect of this is the expected savings the government will make in overhead costs which will be ploughed back into the development of critical infrastructure.

Another area in which some critics have attempted to stampede the new administration is in the delay in constituting the new federal cabinet, and the appointment of persons into other key offices. Most of us can attest to the modest and silent achievements of the administration in the past one month, even without key appointments being made.

The modest achievements in the improvement in the general security situation, the reduction/near absence of vehicular queues at filling stations across the country, the improvements in the power situation, the expected commencement of operations by the nation’s refineries, the goodwill and renewed interest in Nigeria by the international community and so on show that there may be no direct correlation between the time of setting up a federal cabinet and achieving positive results. Besides, the ascension of the Buhari administration into office can be likened to a people’s revolution, based on a desire for a fresh start. In other words, painstaking search needs to be carried out to identify credible Nigerians who share the passion and vision of the People’s General for a new Nigeria.

The issue of appointments needs not be over-flogged as there is existing precedence set by previous administrations where appointments into key offices were not done for as long as sixty days after the inception of those administrations.  It is important for us to appreciate the president as someone who has been around for some time. Nigerians should rest assured that he is not coming to lead a rookie administration.

By nature, the president is not given to impulsiveness. He cuts the image of an administrator who always thinks through his actions before he takes them. When such actions are eventually executed, the finesse of such actions is enduring and clear for all to see.

The Buhari administration is a project for all Nigerians in which everyone is a stakeholder. Hence, we should not attempt to stampede the administration, but rather support it for the general good of all.

Do Not Throw Away Watermelon Seeds

Did you know that watermelon seeds are very healthy? They contain fiber that
is essential for the functioning of the digestive tract , help in case of parasites ,
and are also excellent as antibiotic assets .
Watermelon seeds contain citrulline , which is known as an antioxidant. Citruline
dilates blood vessels, and has a positive effect in case of hypertension , angina
pectoris and arteriosclerosis.
How to properly use watermelon seeds?
We will now present a specific recipe that is very efficient in the fight against Е.
Coli . However , you can use the recipe in another occasion .
Ingredients needed :
– Water
– 30 watermelon seeds
Method of preparation :
Put some water in a bowl and add around thirty watermelon seeds. Put the
seeds in a pot on the stove and boil for about 10 minutes . Once you remove the
pot from the fire leave it to cool . Strain the resulting mixture and store it in the
refrigerator.
You can drink just the water , but if you do not like the taste you can combine it
with any natural juice.

Drink Pineapple Water In The Morning For 7 Days And These 10 Things Will Happen

Your daily routines help building up resistance to a certain disease or tearing it down. In this article we will discuss more about the benefits provided by healthy morning rituals, such as drinking fresh pineapple water before your breakfast.

Pineapple contains a lot of less known micro-nutrients It is packed with bromelain and vitamin C, and these both aid in every healing process in the body.

1. Fights Inflammation : Bromelain has strong anti-inflammatory properties. It helps the body eliminate toxins by fighting off inflammations that affect tissues and organs. Regular consumption of pineapple aids in the treatment of arthritis and sports injuries by reducing inflammation and relieving pain.

2. Healthy Weight Loss : Thanks to its high fiber content, pineapples take more time to digest, and thus makes you feel full for longer. Pineapple water prevents sugar and fat cravings. Thiamine converts carbohydrates into energy and boosts metabolism.

3. Flushes Parasites From Liver and Intestines : Bromelain has anti-parasitic properties. Some studies have shown that a three-day pineapple fast kills off tape worms.

4. Proper Thyroid Function : Pineapples are rich in iodine and bromelain. These help in the treatment of many autoimmune disorders, and relieve thyroiditis-associated symptoms.

5. Balanced Electrolytes : Potassium found in pineapples make your body stronger and maintain proper electrolyte balance, thus preventing cramps or injuries.

6. Flushes Out Heavy Metals and Toxins : Pineapple is packed with fiber, enzymes and antioxidants that clean the body from heavy metals and toxins.

7. Digestive Aid : Bromelain stimulates the body to digest proteins more efficiently.

8. Strengthens Gums, Whitens and Preserves Teeth : According to Dr Frawley, bromelain is a natural stain remover. It breaks up plaque efficiently.

9. Improves Vision : Beta-carotene and vitamin A are essential for eyesight. A study published in the Archives of Ophtalmology has shown that 3 or more servings of pineapple a day reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), which is cause number one of vision loss in elderly.

10. Anticancer Protection

The journal Planta Medica published a research according to which bromelain is superior to chemo drug 5-fluorauracil in the treatment of cancer. Researchers explained:

“This antitumoral effect [of bromelain] was superior to that of 5-FU [5-fluorouracil], whose survival index was approximately 263 %, relative to the untreated control.”

Ofada Rice: A Local Delicacy With Health Benefits

Ofada Rice, also known as brown rice, is a local, Nigerian unpolished rice which is non-genetically modified. It is the short, robust and brown rice planted mostly in Ogun State and some other states in western Nigeria.

The delicacy is very popular in the South-west region of Nigeria, but many who eat it, are not aware of the health benefits of ofada rice. The rice is also good for those aspiring to lose some weight.

Weighlossnigeria.com tells us more. Read below:

1. It has about twice the fiber content of regular white rice. Fiber plays a significant role in our digestion process. Because of this high fibrous content, brown rice is known to be one of the most effective natural colon cleansers which aids weight loss.

2. It lowers the level of LDL cholesterol aka bad cholesterol. Having a high level of bad cholesterol in the body is a primary reason for excess weight because it LDL causes insulin resistance and when this occurs it naturally stimulates the body to store fat.

3. It has two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble fiber. The soluble fiber slows the rate at which food leaves the stomach and promote a sense of satiety, or fullness after a meal. This helps to prevent overeating and weight gain. That is the equation for fat loss; eat less and burn more!

4. While the insoluble fiber is also known as cellulose which is indigestible and has less transit time through the body. In general, the higher a food’s fiber content, the lower it tends to be in available calories. That’s why you can eat a very large serving of salad, which is almost all fiber, and still eat very few calories. And high-fiber diets also tend to be less “energy dense,” which means they have fewer calories for the same volume of food. Thus when you eat brown rice, you are actually eating fewer calories

5. Insoluble fibers also helps the body get rid of some dietary fat. As it goes out of the body via the excretion process it grabs fats and carries them all the way through to the colon, where they are bundled together and eliminated from the body. Hence brown rice is preferred by people dieting to lose weight.

6. Brown rice controls blood sugar and diabetes. It does this because of the presence of soluble fiber. Soluble fibers swell up upon contact with water and forms a viscous gel. This slows down the passage food along the alimentary canal and gives the body ample time so that the nutrients from food is properly be absorbed. This slows down the release of glucose into the blood.

7. Brown rice is important for a healthy heart. Researchers at Temple University School of Medicine report that brown rice is a better choice over white because it has an ingredient that protects against high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.

8. It reduces  the severity of asthma because it’s a rich source of manganese and magnesium. ust one cup of brown rice will provide you with 88.0% of the daily value for manganese

9. Because of this rich source of magnesium it lowers high blood pressure, reduces the frequency of migraine headaches, and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. With a diet low on magnesium, calcium can gain entry into the nerves and overactivate it. Magnesium helps regulate nerve and muscle tone by blocking the entry of calcium into the nerve, preventing its contraction and keeping it relaxed. Besides, Magnesium is necessary for healthy bones as well.

10. Brown rice provides an excellent source of whole grain for people with gluten allergy and thus can substitute for numerous whole grain foods. People with Celiac disease cannot eat proteins found in wheat, barley, rye and wheat because the gluten contained in them damages the lining of the small intestines so that essential nutrients cannot get absorbed properly, and it (gluten) also triggers an abnormal immune reaction.

11. Brown rice protects the body against cancer particularly it substantially reduces the risk of colon cancer because of its high fiber content and the presence of selenium in the brown rice. Selenium is a trace mineral that induces DNA repair and synthesis in damaged cells and inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells. Selenium is an antioxidant and is essential for thyroid hormone metabolism and immune function.

12. Selenium plays a critical role in cancer prevention as a cofactor of glutathione peroxidase, which is one of the body’s most powerful antioxidant enzymes and is used in the liver to detoxify a wide range of potentially harmful molecules. When levels of glutathione peroxidase are too low, these toxic molecules wreak havoc on any cells with which they come in contact, damaging their cellular DNA and promoting the development of cancer cells.

13. Brown rice diet contains a high amount of fiber great for cleaning the colon. In your gut acts as a drain cleaner, grabbing passing nasty toxins such as pollutants, chemicals, pesticides and heavy metals. It cures constipation and intestinal blockage.

14. It is rich in manganese. Manganese can help to keep our bones healthy and strong. It also helps to synthesize fatty acids and cholesterol.

15. It is rich in Naturally-Occurring Oils which are the healthy fats which help normalize cholesterol levels.

16. It is a perfect Baby Food. Brown rice cereal or brown rice itself is the perfect baby’s first food due to the dense natural nutrition and fiber it contains. This is a much better choice than refined white rice/corn cereal products because rapidly growing babies and toddlers require nutrient rich diets to help maintain rapid growth cycles.

17. It heals candida yeast Infections because of its high fiber which can help sensitive digestive systems to heal from an overgrowth of candida organisms.

18. Finally, brown rice is simply delicious and a fantastic staple for both vegetarian and vegan diets. Brown rice can be used as a white rice alternative in most vegetarian recipes and provides a full, rich and somewhat nutty flavor. Brown rice flour can be used for vegetarian pancakes, breads and other baked goods. All in all, brown rice is clearly the an amazing healthy choice.

HOLISTIC APPROACH TO FIGHT GUM DISEASE & CAVITIES

The teeth are a direct reflection of your whole body wellness, and if you consume a healthy diet, then your teeth and gums will be healthy too. There are certain foods that can be thought of as a double-edged sword, in terms of keeping your body healthy and cleaning your teeth at the same time, and people need a more clear understanding of these items for better oral care.



Most Americans consume a diet that is highly acidic, inflammatory, high in sugar, and pretty much a toxic nightmare. Eating this way causes the blood to become acidic, and when that happens, the body pulls minerals from anywhere it can to correct the pH, but this leaves fewer minerals for bones and teeth.

The average American is significantly inflamed throughout the body, typically because people eat too much sugar. However, certain fats are also inflammatory by nature and the American diet is full of inflammatory fats, which makes matters worse.

Below is a complete and holistic approach to gum disease and cavities and most other mouth ailments as well. Holistic is the key, because for the mouth to heal, the body has to be in good overall health. For the body to heal, the gut has to be balanced and healthy too.

Foods to Avoid For Good Oral Health

Certain foods are a mess for our teeth and gums, and unfortunately many of the common foods most Americans eat today, are types that help destroy our smiles such as:

Refined Foods
Sugar
Acidic Foods & Drinks
Processed, Packaged Foods
If you eat sweets, find types that clear out of your mouth quickly. That means stay away from lollipops, caramels, and cough drops that contain refined sugar. The good news is some studies have shown that chocolate, especially raw cacao is not as bad as other sugary treats. If you are going to consume sugary foods, do it with your meals. Your mouth produces more saliva during meals, and this helps to reduce the effect of acid production and also helps rinse pieces of food from the mouth.

Beyond sugary treats, you should give up carbonated soft drinks, as they are the leading source of added sugar among kids and teens. Besides being loaded with sugar, most soft drinks contain phosphoric and citric acids that wear away tooth enamel.

If you eat a lot of starchy foods that can get stuck in your teeth like soft breads and potato chips for instance, you need to be sure to be brushing and flossing more.

Watch for substances that dry out your mouth such as alcohol and many medicines. If medications are the cause, consider talking to your health care provider about getting a fluoride rinse, or a fluoride gel for brushing your teeth

Limit between-meal snacks. If you crave a snack, choose something nutritious and good for the teeth such as nuts & seeds. Sesame seeds are especially good at reducing plaque and at helping build tooth enamel. They are also very high in calcium.

Drinking more water can help prevent tooth decay, because water cleans the mouth and helps produce saliva that deposits essential minerals into the teeth. It keeps gums hydrated and washes away particles. Also, get into a routine where you brush your teeth twice and floss once a day.

Natural Tips That Provide Excellent Oral Health

To promote oral health, we need to be eating more whole, raw produce such as vegetables & fruit, however there are other foods that heal. Below you will find the list of “Good Guys” in for fighting tooth decay.

Fiber-Rich Fruits & Vegetables

Foods with fiber stimulate saliva flow, which is a natural defense against cavities. Not only does saliva wash away food particles and clean your mouth, about 20 minutes after you eat something, saliva begins to neutralize the acids attacking your teeth. Opt for crisp fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, celery, brown rice, quinoa, and legumes.

Dairy Products

The calcium, phosphates and vitamin D in cheese, milk, plain Greek yogurt, kefir and other dairy products are important minerals for the health of your teeth. The teeth are made mostly of calcium, and without enough in your diet, you risk developing tooth decay and other issues. An added benefit is that the calcium in these foods mixes with plaque and sticks to teeth, protecting them from acids that cause decay, while also helping to rebuild tooth enamel. You can get plenty of calcium from foods like Oranges, collard greens, Broccoli, kale, Edamame, Bok Choy, Figs, Sardines, Salmon, Okra, Tofu & almonds.



Green & Black Teas

Tea contains compounds like antioxidants that interact with plaque and either kill or suppress bacteria, which prevents them from producing tooth-destroying acid. This not only helps to prevent cavities, but also reduces inflammation and the chances of gum disease.

Sugarless Chewing Gum

Chewing sugar-free gum after meals and snacks can help remove harmful acid off your teeth. Sugarless gum containing xylitol has been shown to have decay-preventive qualities, as research indicates that xylitol helps inhibit the growth of oral bacteria that causes cavities.

Eat For A Healthy Gut

It is extremely difficult to have good oral health and poor gut health. Anyone with serious mouth problems should consider a detoxification protocol that repairs the gut, kills Candida and other parasites, and balances the gut microbes. Good health starts in the gut, and so does bad health.

Start with learning and consuming more prebiotic & probiotic power foods. A food that is prebiotic contains mostly fiber, that gut bacteria feed on, which produces fermentation by-products that benefit our health. Here are some of the most potent prebiotic foods:

Almonds
Asparagus
Bananas
Burdock root
Cereal grains (whole wheat, barley, rye)
Chicory root
Endive
Garlic
Greens (especially dandelion greens)
Jerusalem artichoke
Jicama
Kiwi
Leeks
Legumes
Mushrooms
Oats
Onions
Probiotic Power Foods are prepared by putting them in a slow cooker or a mason jar or otherwise letting the bacteria ferment the food naturally. Common bacteria, like lactobacilli, break down the sugars into acids, preserving the food and imparting a salty, tangy flavor. Fermented foods can provide fiber for our gut bacteria as well as more GOOD bacteria. Here are some of the most potent probiotic foods:

Fermented vegetables (kimchi, sauerkraut, carrots, green beans, beets, lacto-fermented pickles, traditional cured Greek olives)
Fermented soybeans (miso, natto, tempeh)
Cultured dairy products (buttermilk, yogurt, kefir, cheese)
Cultured nondairy products (yogurts and kefirs made from organic soy, coconut, etc.)
Fermented grains and beans (lacto-fermented lentils, chickpea, miso, etc.)
Fermented beverages (kefirs and kombuchas)
Fermented condiments (raw apple cider vinegar)
Oil Pulling

Oil pulling has been around for a long time and involves swishing coconut oil around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. Traditionally, sesame oil was used, but these days, coconut oil is recommended. To increase the potency, you can also use essential oils, such as peppermint, cinnamon, or clove with your coconut oil. Tea tree oil and oil of oregano are two good options, but they can get really intense.

Start off with just a small amount
Swish the oil around in your mouth (like you would with mouthwash) for 15 to 20 minutes.
Don't swish hard, or your cheeks will get sore very quickly.
When your time is up, spit it out, do not swallow it.
Other Tips For Oral Health

Floss Correctly Every Day

Most people do not floss correctly, if at all. Flossing is imperative for anyone with gingivitis because the sides of the teeth need to be cleaned so food debris doesn't feed the bacteria.

Ditch Toxic Toothpaste & Mouthwash

There are some "healthy" toothpastes out there, but make sure they do not contain any of the following ingredients like: Sodium laurel sulfate (SLS), triclosan, any artificial colors or flavors, hydrated silica or alcohol.

You can also make your own toothpaste by following this simple recipe:

Equal parts of coconut oil & baking soda
Add essential oil like cinnamon or mint to taste
Add stevia (if desired) to taste
For 6 tablespoons of oil to 6 tablespoons of baking soda, add 10-15 drops of essential oil. Try peppermint, eucalyptus, cinnamon, clove, lemon, orange, rosemary or any others or any combination that sounds good to you. These essential oils provide more than taste, they also add other health benefits, so experiment with combinations.

Stop or Reduce Smoking

Smoking anything like tobacco or marijuana can be very harmful to the mouth. So is vaporizing, but not as much so. If you have gum disease, but you continue to smoke regularly, the best you can hope for with this regimen is for things to stay the same and not get worse. Those who do this and continue to smoke, may notice that their mouth does not getting any worse, generally symptoms will improve, but their mouths may not completely heal.