THE MAN CALLED GASPER AMOSU DOSSOU
HIS HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Superior Evangelist Amosu Gasper was born on March 19, 1915. He was born and raised in Dekangbo Village in Gbeko Town, Oueme Division, in the Republic of Benin, West Africa. His ancestral roots can be traced back to Egbado Division, which is now Abeokuta, Ogun State. However, conflict arose between the Egba and Dahomey when the Dahomey Kingdom began expanding into the Abeokuta area. The Egba people resisted the Dahomey expansion and successfully repelled several attacks. As a result, Amosu’s grandfather, an Ifa priest was held captive in Danhomey, which is now the Republic of Benin. It was in Dekangbo village in Gbeko, under the Oueme Division of the Republic of Benin that Amosu Gasper was born. Despite the family’s migration to Danhomey, their royal and Ifa heritage remained evident. Even today, there are many Egbados in the Republic of Benin who bear Yoruba names, with their culture and traditions spread throughout the country.
One day, Gasper Amosu Dossou’s grandfather received a message through Ifa divination that a son would be born to him, and this son’s ways and actions would be different from his own. On March 19, 1915 the sunrise brought the birth of Amosu, a few months after the passing of one of his twin elder sisters. Growing up in a village, he did not receive a formal education. Instead, he became a young farmer, drummer, and music enthusiast.
He did not grow up in a Christian household, as his grandfather had embraced the Ifa tradition, a religion inherited from their homeland in Egba before the invasion of the Dahomey war. The Egba-Dahomey War which took place from 1843 to 1851 was a significant conflict in West Africa during the 19th century, involving the Egba people of present-day southwestern Nigeria and the Dahomey Kingdom of present-day Benin Republic.
HOW GASPER AMOSU DOSSOU BECAME A CELESTIAL MEMBER
His encounter with Papa SBJ Oshoffa came about when one of his nieces fell ill and they sought the assistance of a renowned herbalist named Sonu in Agonge. However, Sonu was unable to provide any solutions. They were then directed to Peter, the leader of Agun Titan (Ijo Akoko), a white garment church at the time, although it was not affiliated with the C & S or Celestial churches. Upon reaching Peter’s residence, they discovered he was not at home. It was during their journey back that they encountered Zevenu, who was spreading news about Akowe the carpenter, a popular name for Pa SBJ Oshoffa, who had been performing miracles since his return from the wilderness a few months prIor. This occurred in late 1947.
When they arrived, Pa SBJ Oshoffa prayed over water in a bottle, which was then given to the young lady, resulting in her immediate divine healing. On that same day, Pa Gasper Amosu received the gift of trance and he was one of the seven young men who became possessed by the Holy Spirit, among the witnesses who had come to hear Zevenu’s news (ref. page 8, paragraph 26 of CCC Constitution)
Pa Gasper standing behind the Pastor Founder including Pa Yansunu, Pa Kpanu, Baba Abiassin & Pa Paul at Benin Republic in the mid 50's.
Picture of the 1st Sets of Leader's that were anointed at the yearly Christmas Fiesta at the Beach in Port-Novo, Benin Republic in early 1950's
They were delivering conflicting messages regarding the principles of the church and found themselves unable to move for several hours. This particular incident served as the catalyst for his decision to become a member of Celestial Church of Christ with no intention of turning back. Consequently, rumors began to circulate throughout Porto Novo, suggesting that SBJ Oshoffa (also known as Akowe the carpenter) had acquired and employed magical powers (Voodoo) for his own benefit. Subsequently, he and a group of young men joined Celestial Church of Christ as drummers. It was during an open-air gathering that PA SBJ Oshoffa commenced addressing a wide array of questions posed by individuals from various denominations. Guided by the Holy Spirit, PA SBJ Oshoffa placed the Bible before him, without reading it and lit three candles.
He skillfully responded to each inquiry, demonstrating his spiritual connection. Following this event, they embarked on a journey from one village to another, commencing from Agonge, Gbeko, Danou, Agogbo, Agonlin Lowe, Azowlise, and finally Age Gbagodo. Upon their arrival at Age Gbagodo, late in the evening, they were kindly offered a place to spend the night by the Chief Head of the village. While enjoying the fresh air outside on a bench, a nearby banana tree unexpectedly toppled from its roots. Recognizing this as an ominous sign, Pa SBJ Oshoffa promptly instructed everyone to pray in all four cardinal directions of the world. Mama Yaman and other individuals were present alongside with him during this incident.
After offering a heartfelt prayer, Pa Gasper Amosu Dossou experienced a profound transformation plunged into a deep trance, he remained unconscious for hours writhing on the floor in a state of complete surrender. It was during this extraordinary episode that he unexpectedly began to compose a song, which has since become a cherished anthem of thanksgiving in the Church. Astonishingly, Pa Gasper Amosu had no formal education, yet he penned this remarkable composition in English.
Seeking divine guidance, Pa SBJ Oshoffa fervently prayed for the ability to interpret the message he had transcribed. With unwavering faith, he fearlessly sang the song in Ogu (Egun Language) infusing it with a spiritual power that endures to this day. This hymn, known as CCC 384 in Ogu (Egun), resonates with the lyrics: “Kpe whe ye ni mi do na Oto whe po osun po…” In Yoruba, it translates to: “Eje ka fope fun baba orun osupa wa ninu Imole….”
He later conveyed a message that no human being would ever have power over the church under any circumstances. Furthermore, he predicted that Pa SBJ Oshoffa daughter would tragically pass away at birth due to a conspiracy orchestrated by other wives, a prophecy that sadly came true. Additionally, he instructed the congregation to follow a specific route along the river, starting from Toffin and passing through Whome Lopo, Whome Gblon, Hunme, Suava, Sochanwhe, Whedo Gbaji, Dekanme, Kpave, before returning to Deken. After completing this entire journey, they arrived back at Gbeko, where the first members of CCC were baptized at Danko. Remarkably, he was among the fortunate few to be baptized on April 4, 1948, becoming the third member of CCC Worldwide with certificate number 0003. Enclosed with this document is his baptismal certificate for your perusal.
In addition to his prophetic abilities, he also provided divine guidance on the design and construction of the altars and the specific form in which the loins (Amure) should be fashioned. Despite his lack of formal education, he was chosen as a vessel by the Holy Spirit to etch the word ‘PASTEUR’ into the ground, signifying that Pa SBJ Oshoffa should be addressed as Pastor rather than Akowe or Evangelist. All of these extraordinary events took place in Gansuta, Republic of Benin, where the first mercy land of CCC was established beneath the shade of a majestic bush mango tree (igi oro). Furthermore, he prophesied that the church would expand both domestically and internationally.
History to be continued.....
Bravo for a job weldone
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