Lagos — A popular Lagos church, House on the Rock, hosted Nigerians to the third edition of an annual gospel music concert at the Tafawa Balewa Square recently. Appropriately tagged The Experience, the concert was one experience Nigerians will not forget in a hurry.

It was a night of great expectations and, ultimately, fulfillment. Lagosians and indeed, all Nigerians who came from different parts of the country, as well as many others from outside the country, will not forget The Experience 2009 in a hurry. The Christian music concert, organised by the Lagos swanky church, House on the Rock and supported by many other denominations, took place penultimate Friday, at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos. And indeed, it lived up to its billings in every way.

There is no denying the fact that the all-night gospel musical concert tagged The Experience, was indeed a night which provided a congregation of God-seekers wonderful opportunities to lift up their voices in worship and praise as they offered prophetic and intercessory prayers for Nigeria.

Convener of the annual concert, which is in its third year, Pastor Paul Adefarasin who is also Senior Pastor, House on the Rock, left no one in doubt about what to expect at the show earlier that Friday.

Flanked by almost all the guest artistes billed to perform that evening (most of whom had arrived the country from across the world, including the United States of America, Britain, South Africa, Malaysia and Canada), a highly elated Adefarasin exuded uncommon confidence with the assurance that "the presence of God is already here."

At a pre-event media briefing which held at the topmost floor of the Eko Hotels and Suites on Victoria Island, Lagos that Friday morning, Adefarasin, who was all smiles, explained the motivation for the concert as he traced its history from its origin three years ago to its present state.

Guest star artistes, including the very best in the gospel music genre like Don Moen, Bebe and Cece Winans, Phil Driscoll, Chevelle Franklyn, Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, Ron Kenoly, Donnie McClurkin, Lara George, Mike Aremu, Rooftop MCs, Timi Dakolo and Nikki Laoye, among others, watched as Adefarasin disclosed that, "in three years, The Experience has played host to a variety of international and Nigerian artistes, producing different styles of music that puts the concert in a class of its own."

His words were quite instructive and assuring. "This year, The Experience will be no different as people will be ushered into His court to experience a bit of 'heaven on earth' like they did in the past editions. The visitation of the almighty God will be absolutely phenomenal and His unmistakable presence will be felt as people praise Him. God inhabits the praises of His people.

"It is going to be a great time of refreshing with God. It is a night to encounter the living God. One night with the King that lasts a lifetime as is evident in the testimonies that abound following each year's concert," he assured.

And asking rhetorically, "What can be more beautiful to God than a united voice of praise and worship?," he maintained that "The Experience showcases the immense potential in the body of Christ coming together as one, despite differences in denomination to join hands and work together."

According to Adefarasin, "over 15 frontline churches and Christian organisations in Nigeria endorse this concert which has also featured reputable Ministers of the gospel like Bishop T D Jakes, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Bishop David Oyedepo, Apostle Anselm Madubuko and more."

He appealed to the media not to be antagonistic to the church, saying "though the church may look so imperfect, the Head of the Church who is Christ, is perfect."

With such assurances, many therefore looked forward to a night of great experience, later in the evening. And the concert touted as the largest musical concert in Africa with an estimated attendance of 350,000 people in December 2008 did not disappoint as attendance grew to about 500,000 participants penultimate Friday. It turned out to be an entertaining and life transforming experience.

The Experience 2009 which started on a solemn note with songs and praises as well as prayers unto the Lord, took a frenzied turn with the arrival of the Lagos state Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola with his wife, Abimbola as well as the State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Sarah Sosan.

With the President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Ayo Oritsejafor, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Pastor Sam Adeyemi and others welcoming the state government's delegation to the occasion, the tempo of the concert went several notches higher as the crowd welcomed them with a loud ovation.

Fashola could not hide his excitement as he expressed joy and belief in the theme for the night, saying with the kind of reference Nigerians were giving to God, there is an assurance that the mighty hands of the Almighty will soon reach out to change the situation of the country for the better.

World acclaimed gospel artiste, Ron Kenoly triggered the emotion further with his beautiful rendition of the popular Yoruba song, 'Ose o Baba, Ose o Jesu, Kini ma fi san ore re bi o tipo to laye wa' (Thank you father, thank you Jesus; how can I ever repay your favours in my life?) even as he commended Nigerians for their love and dedication to God.

He said since he had been traveling all over the world to minister in songs, Africa as a whole, and Nigeria specifically, is where he has seen the largest crowds gathering to worship God. He assured Nigerians that the country was capable of becoming a world power through the persistent manifestation of the power of God in the church as was witnessed recently.

Kirk Franklin, who also performed, said Nigeria had always been noted for the magnitude of whatever it did. According to him, "We have the largest church, largest gathering of the faithful. Nigeria is indeed a great nation. There is no way God would not intervene in the affairs of the nation."

Musician-turned evangelist, Chief Ebenezer Obey also rendered some of his popular tunes to the admiration of the audience.

Adefarasin, who had promised that The Experience was more than just a concert before the show began, was quite right after all. Disclosing how his church, House on the Rock started in his mother's sitting room with less than seven members, he also assured the audience that, "The anticipation, passion, joy and the vibrant praise that the event commands, without doubt, has found a home in the hearts of God-lovers and cheers from around the world."

According to him, "It is not just about the size of the event, even if we all like to be a part of history. It is the opportunity it affords everyone to experience God at very close quarters in the midst of a throng of unashamed worshippers."

He said the event was not just an avenue to sing and dance, but also a platform for thousands from different tribes, races and creeds to provoke a move from God in the land that will promote unity, healing, restoration and national transformation till Nigeria becomes a better place for all as she takes her rightful position in the global community.

"There is no greater legacy than a better Nigeria that we can leave for future generations not yet born", Adefarasin said.

PFN President, Oritsejafor was also optimistic as he prophesied on what Nigerians should look forward to after the concert. "Watch and see what will follow this event. There is going to be a tremendous transformation in the country", he said.

The event, described as the best musical concert in Nigeria so far, was undoubtedly highly and efficiently organised; there was in fact, no recorded case of security breach. Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) were in full control of the traffic situation, while security agents were fully on ground to forestall criminal activities. And, as the participants returned to their various destinations in the early hours of Saturday, it was quite evident that the beauty and spiritual gains of the all night concert, which succeeded in setting the mood for the yuletide, will linger in their memories for a very long time to come.