ASUQUO ERNEST MFON (1953—2007)
HALL`MARK OF INGENUITY IN MINISTRY
Asuquo Ernest Mfon (aka Pastor Eskor) was a visionary leader with a message, mission and ministry. He was a financial strategist and a teacher, who was well anchored on the principle of financial growth and prosperity. He disseminated these principles to many believers whom he came across in life. He presented the gospel in its fullness and did all he could to ensure that the light of Christ shone through the myriad of revolutionary programmes that he initiated.
‘’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.’’ Revelations 21:4
EARLY YEARS
Asuquo Ernest Mfon was born into the middle class. His father was a marine engineer; a position considered to be for the high class in the pre-independent Nigeria, while his mother was a professional nurse who had risen to the position of a matron at the General Hospital in Lagos. This great family was well respected and they enjoyed financial stability. They welcomed the birth of their first child, ASUQUO ERNEST on 18th March, 1953.
Mfon hails from Ishie town, Calabar, Cross River state, Nigeria. His mother was partly Ghanaian from the Dadzie family of Cape Coast, Ghana, and partly Cameroonian from the Haddison family of Victoria Cameroon.
He had his primary education at LadyLak Primary School, Yaba, from 1961-1965. He then attended King’s College, Lagos (1966–1970) for his secondary education. From there, he proceeded to Anglican Boys Grammar School, Bariga for his A-levels (1971-1972).
But the unexpected happened and the family’s story changed when Asuquo Mfon senior died suddenly in the prime of his life on 29th February 1968, leaving Asuquo Mfon Junior and his siblings to face life without a father at the age of 15. At this time, he was while still a student at King’s College, Lagos.
Tragedy struck again 5 years later, when his mother died. By now, Asuquo had completed the Advanced Level examinations at Anglican Boys Grammar School and was preparing to gain admission into the university.
He studied English at the University of Ibadan, and graduated with a B.A (Hons) in 1976; by this time, he was popularly known as Eskor Lee. Faced with the reality of being an orphan, Mfon had to double up his efforts to cater for his siblings and also pursue his professional dreams with valour. He chose to invest his knowledge, time and resources in the private sector which saw him rise steadfastly with dignity to the zenith of his chosen profession.
After his youth service in 1977, he worked briefly with Radio Nigeria, before moving to Lintas, a prime advertising agency in Lagos, as a Client Service Executive. This was the beginning of an interesting and much-loved career in advertising. Over the years, he rose to the position of Client Service Group Head and subsequently, Client Service Director.
Mfon left Lintas to set up his own advertising agency, TIE Communications Ltd. The company was incorporated in May 1992 and began operations in January 1994. When asked what the acronym meant, he always explained with pride, “Truth, Insight, Emotion”. The vision of the agency is to practise advertising with integrity and the fear of God. The profits from the agency were to be sown into the support of missionary work which explains why church publications were processed free of charge at TIE.
As a member of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, Mfon brought creative ingenuity to the profession. Practising in Lagos with a high-density cluster of renowned Advertising agencies, TIE Communications was able to cut a competitive niche in the industry, bringing spectacular innovations to the packaging of Public Relations, Marketing Communications and Brand Building. Pastor Eskor excelled as one of the top industry practitioners in Lagos with indelible promotional impressions in different sectors of the thriving Nigeria economy. He was a guru in Media Communications management and served many reputable clients. His success in advertising practice implied that he managed big ‘’accounts” with big budget, financial outlays and therefore more cash inflow to the company of which he was the CEO.
He was blessed materially, financially and spiritually. He earnestly sought for a spiritual avenue to lift up his spiritual calling and impact the lives of others around him. He found that platform at The Redeemed Christian Church of God and soon became a global actor; he acted locally but impacted his generation globally. This can be deduced from the tributes given at his funeral by international ministers who interacted and networked with him in his life time. He was indeed a devoted Christian leader with a global vision and passion for lost souls everywhere: in prisons, villages, nationally and internationally and those whom he personally grew and nurtured.
MARRIAGE
He married Adebimpe (nee Osinulu) of Ijebu Oru, Ogun State, on 16th February 1985. He would in some cultures be regarded as marrying late, but that was not to be construed as a disadvantage for the ebullient and energetic Eskor who took time to invest in all the departments of his calling before choosing to settle down with his heartthrob, Adebimpe. The holy matrimony was celebrated at Tinubu Methodist Church, Lagos, Nigeria and the union is blessed with three children; Oluwatosin, Asuquo and Ima.
Eskor as he was popularly called was a devoted and loving husband and a doting father. The joy and well-being of his family meant the world to him and his happiest moments were those spent with them. He would spare nothing to ensure the comfort of his family members.
SPIRITUAL LIFE
Eskor gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ in 1987 and joined the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Apapa parish in 1991, after which he became a member of the workforce.
From his first preaching assignment in a little church at Orile, Lagos, he began to lead workers’ meetings and was soon ordained as an Assistant Pastor. He worked in various capacities in the church; from Pastor-in-charge of Freedom Hall, he was posted to Victoria Island to run Victory Temple. He was later recalled to Freedom Hall and appointed as an area Pastor.
From Freedom Hall, he was asked to lead a team to Haiti to plant a parish of RCCG and was later sent to London to run Jesus House London, for a season. In between the London and Haiti mission trips, he was sent to Jesus House DC Maryland, U.S.A.to encourage the mission team there. On his return to Nigeria, the Church in Haiti floundered and he had to go back and reestablish it. To the glory of God, the Church is still standing till today.
In 1996, he was sent with a group of workers to set up a parish in Victoria Island called The City of David (COD), the church to which he devoted his life’s work. The Church initially met at the Lagoon Restaurant in Victoria Island, Lagos, but soon moved to their own site in Victoria Island. COD grew to be regarded as a true worship centre from Lagos to the United States of America.
Shortly thereafter,Pastor Eskor was appointed the Head of Apapa Family, a group of all the churches that came out of the old Apapa Parish. In 1999, he was appointed as the State Pastor for Headquarters State 3 to administer the growing number of parishes in the Apapa family. He was appointed as the Provincial Pastor of the RCCG, Lagos Province 4, in 2004.
Like David and Solomon, Eskor had a burning desire to build a sanctuary for the Lord. This led him to acquire some land in from the Dideolu and Oniru families in the Maroko area of Lagos, to build a befitting sanctuary for the Lord. The present City of David Sanctuary was built on the first plot of land. This sanctuary was dedicated by the General Overseer, Pastor E.A. Adeboye in November 2003. The original plan for the COD Sanctuary was for a 3000 seater Junior Church (present building) as first phase and an 8000 seater Main Church, with the same design, as second phase. The piling works for the second phase was completed in 2005 and the main building was supposed to commence in the last quarter of 2006. Unfortunately, Pastor Eskor fell ill in June 2006, and the plans had to be out on hold.
The COD Sanctuary featuring a unique architectural design where the weight of the building was inverted to be at the top rather than the conventional bottom, was designed by Prof. Adesanya, a professor of Architecture at the University of Lagos, and a member of the Church, who said that he premised the design on the functional operation of the human body.
Because Eskor had a big vision, he went on to acquire more land for the church. He had a plan to build the first Christian Recreation Centre, similar to Ikoyi Club, Lagos. This was to comprise a multi-storey car park with a music conservatory on the top floor, office and sports complex for recreation, along with a library. Arrangements had already been made with three banks to lease two floors each for their staff parking and to bus their staff from the car park to their offices, while the Church would have the remaining floor and conservatory. The banks had agreed in principle to pay 10 years rent in advance. The cost of the whole project was to be financed through these advance payments. Thus, the project would have paid for itself. Ahead of the planned construction of the project, Pastor Eskor ordered a Steinway Piano for the Music Hall. This was delivered sometime in 2007, and is currently in use at the Church.
The land, which he named PROMISED LAND and valued at about N235m, was acquired from the Oniru family on 2nd June 2006, with N40m from COD finances and the balance via a bank loan for which Pastor Eskor gave his personal guarantee as security. The loan was a short- term loan to be repaid by August 2006, through the Promised Land Seed pledges received from Church members and even non-members. On what was to be his last Sunday in Church, Pastor Eskor led the congregation to thank God for the land and to walk over the land and offer prayers of thanksgiving there.
In spite of the fact that he held so many important positions, Pastor Eskor worked hard to set up numerous innovative programmes aimed at propagating the gospel. He ensured that everyone was reached, regardless of their social or economic standing.
BUSINESS PEDIGREE
Pastor Eskor had a business orientation and communications background, first as a radio broadcaster and then a communication strategist and subsequently as an Agency’s CEO. He developed a brief with a focus on stimulating business growth of memberships as well as committing profit from entrepreneurship to church project development. This culminated, sometime in 2005, to the inauguration of The School of Prosperity which brought together a group of Christian Businessmen, who pulled resources together to make investments that would not only prosper them but also help further the gospel. He believed very strongly that it is a misnomer for any Christian to have to beg for food or be hindered by lack of funds for the work of God. Because God had prospered him through these principles, he was devoted to teaching them to everyone who was willing to learn. He likened it to a Christian business school where Christians were taught biblical principles on making money.
He was a financial strategist and a teacher who was well versed in the principle of financial growth and prosperity which he disseminated to many believers whom he encountered in life. As a communications guru, leadership in business training and ethics was central to his teachings. He also organised train the trainers’ seminars that focused on the financial growth of the people around him and financial empowerment of his colleagues in all facets of life. He was a global figure who gave international and standard modules without expecting any remuneration in exchange for his commitment to the welfare and professional needs of his people.
Pastor Eskor presented the gospel in its fullness and did all he could to ensure that the light of God shone in every area of the lives of his congregation
THE PIONEER OF A CAN CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE (CSR)
Pastor Eskor had a yearning to alleviate the suffering of the masses and give a meal to every hungry person on the streets of Lagos. This led him to launch CAN at the City of David on Sunday 19th February 2001. He borrowed the phrase A CAN CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE from Bishop Bart Pierce of the Rock City Church, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A. who had a similar programme to distribute food to the poor. The key scriptures that Pastor Eskor used to share the vision of CAN with the congregation are Psalm 41:1-3 and Proverbs 19:17. CAN derives its name from the idea that if everyone brought a can of food to Church, many people would be fed by the food collected.
The programme was launched at very great personal expense to Eskor because he was notified of the death of his sister on the morning of the launch. He had to hide his personal pain and carry on as a good soldier of Christ. With CAN, every Sunday, individuals in need received hearty meals and basic medical care thereby experiencing the love of God. This outreach also extended to Lagos prisons.
After sharing the vision of CAN with pastors of the Apapa Family churches, Pastor Eskor who was then head of the Apapa Family extended the scope of CAN from the City of David alone to all the churches of the Apapa Family. In April 2001, at the Easter ‘LET’S GO A FISHING service (an outreach service to win souls to Christ) held at the National Stadium in Surulere. Lagos, thousands of destitutes were fed at the neighbouring Teslim Balogun Stadium. This came after a big media hype and extensive preparations. Church members and professional cooks prepared thousands of packed cooked rice, meat and drinking water were given to destitutes. Every Sunday thereafter, meals were prepared at the soup kitchen acquired by the Church; and the Church members would go out in groups to preach and feed the hungry all over Lagos. Free medical services was also provided at some locations. The scope of CAN was later extended to the prisons. CAN has proven over time to be a veritable tool of evangelism which has won many souls over to Christ and alleviated the suffering of the less-privileged all over Lagos. More importantly it has demonstrated the love of Christ. “For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty, you gave me drink” Matthew 25:35.
This policy is now a strong policy direction adopted by the authority of the RCCG after more than a decade that the vision was birthed: the church wanted to touch lives by feeding the needy in the society as an act of Corporate Social Responsibility.
EXCEPTIONAL VISION FOR CHURCH DRAMA
With his calling into the Drama Ministry and a strong belief that drama is an effective tool of evangelism. 1n 1996, he commissioned Professor Femi Osofisan of the University of Ibadan to chronicle archival details from the life of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther. Following this, the first detailed drama on the Bishop was staged at Nigeria Law School auditorium, Victoria Island, Lagos. He also worked very closely with Free Gift International, a Christian drama group, to produce inspirational plays.
He also brought in Mr. Zik Zulu Okafor to produce “Heaven’s Gate”, a soap opera which debuted in April, 2004. He also worked with Free Gift International to produce a radio drama “Close Encounters” which debuted on 28th May, 2006. This made impactful headlines in the evangelical ministries in Nigeria and beyond her shores. We must also not forget that Pastor Eskor’s professional calling included the production of radio jingles, television advertisement and audiovisual spotlights for the purpose of brand building and PR promotional strategy for clients’ businesses in Nigeria and beyond at a fee.
He was a force to be reckoned with in the production of radio and television corporate jingles in Nigeria. He committed his professional earnings to the work of the ministry and ensured that he used his professional expertise to project documentaries and autobiographies. A good example is the dramatization of the life of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther which was spearheaded by Pastor Eskor. He was committed to promoting the work of the Master through increased evangelistic outreaches that created awareness of the message of Christ in Nigeria.
DEVOTION TO THE ARTS AND MUSIC
Eskor was a lover of the arts and music and this was demonstrated by the way in which he interacted with the choir at COD. He was indeed the choir-master and whenever he was in Nigeria, he spent hours with the choir, preparing for service. Little wonder then that the ‘Voices in Zion’, the COD choir backed by “The Apostles”, the instrumentalists, was outstanding. The trumpeter was Nathaniel Bassey and Eskor’s cue to him to blow the silver trumpet was “Nathaniel blow!” That soon became a catch phrase in the City of David.
This silver trumpet was a special trumpet given to Pastor Eskor at an Apostolic Prayer Conference in Khazakhstan. This followed his request for the trumpet which was blown prophetically by Chuck Pierce, the widely acclaimed American prophet and apostle. That Conference was also attended by the late Peter Wagner, Cindy Jacobs, Apostle Kure and Ted Haggard. After the Conference, Pastor Eskor and his team visited Ted Haggard’s Church in Colorado Springs, U.S.A., and there he was given the Church pulpit, after he had admired it .That is the present pulpit at the City of David.
Pastor Eskor was a perfectionist who was quick to spot talents. He was also a father- figure to the young choir members, teaching them that they did not have to sing or behave like the world. He always insisted that the musical notes had to be just right. To ensure this was so, he upgraded the musical equipment continually. When he realized that the choir could not sing hymns well, he contracted Emeka Nwokedi of MUSON, Lagos to come in and train them, He also sent some members of the choir on voice training. He believed that the choir was very important because they led the congregation to the presence of God . He therefore ensured that the choir members were comfortable and even went as far as buying cars for some of them to enable them get to choir practice in time.
The COD choir was indeed outstanding and Eskor spared no expense in seeing to their well-being. Some of the members of the Voices in Zion, the COD choir and The Aposles (the instumentalists) at that time included Tony Zino, Victor Odetunde, Nathaniel Bassey,Mike Ebere, Deola Adeyemi, Ibukun Adeeyinwo, Funmi Bucknor, Enitan Adaba and Victoria Orenze, some of whom have gone on to further their musical career.
Pastor Eskor was a pacesetter and a visionary who operated ahead of his time. In pursuance of his vision of making City of David an international centre, he invited world renowned pastors, apostles and music ministers to bring inspiring messages to the congregation. Those pastors and evangelists invited include Pastor John Hagee of Cornerstone Church, San Antonio, Bishop Jackie Mc Cullough of Beth Rapha Ministries. Apostle and Pastor (Mrs) H. Daniel Wilson, Mike and Cindy Jacobs of Generals International, Bishop Bart Pierce of Rock City Church Baltimore, Pastor Jan Pasterkamp.
Some of the other pastors who ministered at pastor Eskor’s invitation include: Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Rev Joe Olaiya, Apostle Nuhu Kure, Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo, Pastor Peter Olawale and Pastor J.T. Kalejaiye.
The music ministers invited to bless the congregation of the Apapa Family include : Helen Baylor,Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary and Daniel Winans. He had very big dreams for the chir of COD, one of which was an album project in collaboration with Daniel Winans.
CONCEPTION OF SCHOOL OF LIFE
THE SCHOOL OF LIFE initiative came into being in May 2005 when Pastor Eskor conceived a powerful vision to impact his congregation in a dramatic way that would bring meaning to the lives of the people around him. Through this school, he was able to help young converts gain a solid foundation. With 98 percent retention rate, this school produced many of the church’s most industrious members. All aspects of life were thought to young believers at this school. It is a school with a curriculum for pragmatic orientation with most of the modules having practical life case scenarios to further enrich the quality of decisions made by youths at this critical and strategic stage of their lives. The modules dwelt on Career/Professional Decision Making Procedures, Life Partners Choice Making Processes, Coast Enlargement Strategies with a focus on mercurial application of SWOT analysis. He gave the best from his global enterprise encounters and shared strategic initiatives that gave a competitive edge to life. He was a profound mentor, counselor, formidable teacher, well anchored coach with evidence in prudence manifesting in all his teachings and encouragement. He was a typical giver of both the physical and the spiritual.
NAN’s LITERACY PROGRAMME
NAN’s LITERACY PROJECT was established on, 11th May, 2006, to overcome the ills in the society and have those of the lower cadre come to the full understanding of the applications of the living gospel. Through this initiative, nannies who could neither read nor write were given basic education, enabling them to read their Bibles and thus, empower them for the future. It was a special project that focused on strengthening nannies that were actually programmed to impact the children at an early age. He believed that catching them young on the path of righteousness must be at the preliminary point of first encounter which is through the point of the nannies and care givers.
Education was of the utmost importance to Eskor and he made immense contributions to the educational infrastructure of his community, extending far beyond City of David. He encouraged everyone to get the best education they could and through his ministry, several people received sponsorship for school. He was also a Board member of the Redeemer’s University.
AN IMMACULATE EDUCATIONIST
Eskor was an erudite scholar. He cherished education as a life changing mechanism and believed that education could and should bring transformation to lives. He saw education as a redemption light which should be encouraged so that the quality of people’s livescould improve.
In the light of the above, he was at the vanguard of the establishment of FORTRESS SCHOOL PROJECT, in order to educate a cross-section of Nigeria’s under-represented groups.
Under his watch, Fortress School Project commenced the physical infrastructure and the development of edifices to be used as school in Ifewara, Qsun state and Akwuzu in Anambra State. Today, the schools have turned peoples’ lives around and increased the quality of the lives of the children and their relatives.
REVIVAL CHRISTIAN PROGRAMMES
Pastor Eskor was totally sold out to God and he encouraged his congregation to seek God through creative forms. One of such was LAZARUS COME FORTH, a special healing service. The title is taken from the story of Lazarus of Bethany whom Jesus raised from the dead in John 11:1-44, The first of these services was held in November 2004, after an intensive period of prayers, fasting and vigils. The congregation saw the manifestation of the power of God as many spectacular miracles and healings were recorded on that day especially the power released through the blowing of the trumpet.
HALLELUJAH SUNDAY was a thanksgiving service held on the first Sunday of every month. It was based on the story in 2Samuel 6:4-22 when David brought back the Ark of Covenant from the house of Obededom into the city of David. In this story, King David humbled himself and danced before the Lord with all his might: he became a fool for God. Borrowing a leaf from David, Pastor Eskor encouraged the congregation at the City of David to become fools for God on thanksgiving Sundays by wearing comical outfits and generally dressing down as a sign of reverence to God. On more than one occasion he himself wore a linen ephod and led the congregation in “playing before the Lord” (2 Samuel 14:21). Halleluyah Sunday was a time of high praise and worship when the congregation danced and thanked God for His past faithfulness while looking forward to another month filled with His goodness.
On NICODEMUS SUNDAY, church members were encouraged to bring in their unbelieving friends who were welcomed as honoured guests and the attitude of prayers was maintained during the service.
HE IS LORD PRAISE HOUR is an hour long intense session of praise and worship every Friday afternoon. It is usually attended by many members and non-members of the City of David.
Pastor Eskor’s innovative plans were deferred after a brief illness in June 2006 which caused him to leave Lagos to receive medical attention in London. He was subsequently discharged from hospital and was looking forward to returning home but he was called home unexpectedly on 30th April, 2007.
The story of Pastor Eskor’s ministry, though immense, is still written in the hearts of everyone he impacted. The City of David sanctuary in its excellence, beauty and ingenuity stands as a testament of the legacy of a man dedicated to serving the Lord.
TRIBUTES
We have decided to publish some tributes written by some of his close associates in this book
A VISIONARY LEADER
He was a Pastor of note with a listening ear, always eager to share the Joy, Goodwill and Peace of Christ. He gave meaning to selflessness and he is humility epitomized. “Even at great personal sacrifice to yourself, you always reached out to others; you offered practical help, nourishment, enrichment and inspiration to people. Countless testimonies abound, in all lands and across every strata of the society to whom you have shown love, rekindled hope, restored love, counseled with biblical guidelines. You thought the Word with simplicity and profoundness, that for many years that we grew and mature in the Ministry because of that your amazing touch. “
“Pastor, what a visionary leader you were;you had a Message, a Mission and a Ministry and to the glory of God you prospered so well in all. You birthed so many initiatives includingHallelujah Sunday (A Sunday dedicated to Praise ); Friday Hour of Praise; Lazarus Come Forth; A Can can make a difference; Focus Prayer Groups; the TIE Communications Ltd., what a zeal, drive and purpose to life”
YemiJumokeOdusolu
AN ENCOURAGER AND ARDENT CHURCH PLANTER
“Pastor Eskor Earnest Mfon was a highly organized pastor. He discerned the time we were and made good use of every opportunity that came his way. He was an encourager, not only was he an ardent church planter, he also ensured that parishes planted were well nursed and nurtured. He gave spiritual, physical and financial assistance to many young pastors thereby giving hope and many rose from obscurity to limelight. He was the godfather of Apapa Family Pastors.
Pastor Eskor Earnest Mfon was an all-rounder, an articulate man of God, an innovator, a teacher and a preacher, a brother, a friend, a giver, a mentor, a pillar of inspiration to many young men and women. He was an exemplary leader, a Pastor of Pastorsand a visionary missionary
RCCG NORTH AMERICA
A SYMBOL OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IN MAN
“I am eternally grateful for his guidance and his example. His love for the church, his family and his nation exemplified the very essence of the creation of man to be honourable and upright.”For God had made man to be upright.”Ecclesiastes 7:29
Rev. Jacqueline and Rev. McCullough: Beth Rapha Ministries, New York City USA.
A TRUE LEADER
“I personally appreciate the time I spent with my beloved brother and the Church at the City of Davidand will never forget the great contribution he made to my life personally. I will forever cherish his legacy and I know the city of Lagos has lost a son and the RCCG a true leader.”
Dr. Myles Munroe, President Myles Munroe International, Bahamas
AN EXCELLENT PASTOR
“Pastor Eskor has fought a good fight, he ran the race that was set before him with good patience and excellence as pastor at the City of David church in Lagos Nigeria.
The crown of life now adorns his head, a dazzling white robe of righteousness rest upon his shoulder, and he has joined, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, by the river of life that flows beneath the throne of God.”
JOHN C HAGGE, PRESIDENT, JOHN C HAGEE MINISTRIES, TEXAS USA
A GREAT CHRISTIAN EDUCATOR
The first sign to me that Pastor Eskor was an educator was the VISION 2000 when he asked us to set out to establish five Redeemer’s International schools in Lagos. He embraced the vision of schools as an instrument for evangelism. Pastor Eskor will usually call our attention to build schools for the under privileged. He bought land in Lakowe for the first Redeemer’s Fortress school. He spearheaded the need to adopt a school in the General Overseer’s hometown; The Redeemer’s Fortress Nursery, Primary and Secondary School, Ifewara. He also founded the Redeemer’s Fortress Nursery, Primary and Secondary School Awkuzu insisting that all the pupils and students must get free meal each day they were in school as a strategy to motivate school attendance.
Pastor EskorMfon never ceased to look for opportunities to improve institutional productivity of the Redeemer’s International Schools. He touched the welfare needs of the staff and members of the teaching faculties, bought school buses, equipped the school with computers and great financial intervention that allowed the school in Apapa to move to its permanent site.
