Pastor Francis A.M Mambu, the Principal of the God’s Agent of Transformation (GAT) Bible College, the Chief Executive Officer of Faith Healing Agricultural Development, Redeemer Media Network, Logos International School, El-Shadai Clinics and General Overseer of Faith Healing Bible Church Worldwide, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Letters and Philosophy by the Cypress International University in Texas, USA.
The colourful convocation ceremony held at the Ajayi Crowther Amphitheatre on FBC Campus in Freetown on Saturday 25th November also witnessed 700 grandaunts being awarded with Certificates of Leadership and Discipleship from The God’s Agent of Transformation (G.A.T) Discipleship and Leadership Training Centre, after completing various courses in Practical Ministry, Eschatology, Leadership, etc.
The well-patronized programme was graced by the Mayor of the Freetown City Council, Her Worship, Yvonne Aki-Sawyer, renowned politicians, the Vice Chancellor of UNIMAK, the Vice Chancellor of M.M.T.U, Professors and a host of dignitaries from the academia, revered Members of the Clergy and people from all walks of life.
From his profile that was read at the ceremony it was revealed that Pastor Francis A.M Mambu’s rare commitment is geared towards not only the spread of the gospel but also in changing the lives of many with a demonstration of exemplary leadership that significantly impact society.
Besides, the long list of achievements as a Christian leader, TV/radio preacher, Officer of the Order of Rokel (OOR), among other things, reveals that Rev Francis A. M Mambu has shown unusual commitment to academic excellence, as reflected in his over 100 books written so far, 65 already published.
Giving a citation that followed the decoration and presentation of the Honorary Doctorate Degree to Pst. Francis A. M. Mambu, Cypress College representatives/conferrer, Prof. Dr Jaspa Daborlor, accompanied by Rev. Dr Fayia F. Bakla, stated that it is not an honour he did not work for, adding that after an individual secures his first, second and third degrees without doing anything, that individual is just a holder of a paper saying performance is practically what counts and that is what Cypress University looked at and saw in Pst. Mambu.
“We respect academic learning, again we also look at the performance, and we don’t just give awards to academic research. There are many people who have not gone to school so far, yet they have done more than people with Doctorate degrees. He has become a subject of dissertations with all that he has accomplished,” Prof. Daborlor averred.
Prof. JJ Momoh, Vice Chancellor, University of Makeni (UNIMAK), in his brief statement said among other things that Pst. Mambu has built a keen devotion to teaching and writing inspirational materials, covering a wide range of biblical and contemporary subjects, which contribute to the building of a God-fearing community of Sierra Leoneans.
Prof. Rashid Ansumana, Deen of the School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University, who titled his presentation: “Rev. Francis A. M Mambu, a Catalyst for Positive Change in Sierra Leone”, noted among other things that Sierra Leone has been profoundly influenced by the philanthropic endeavours and teachings of Pst. Francis A. Mambu and his selfless dedication to the welfare of Sierra Leoneans which has not just transformed individual lives but has also played a central role in shaping the course of national development.
Madam Martyna Foday, Registrar for Freetown Polytech, noted among other things that the awarding of a Doctorate Degree to Pst. Mambu is not merely in recognition of academic achievement but it is a testament to Pa Mambu’s tireless efforts in building the human resource of the nation through his insightful writings and teachings.
Responding to the recognition, Pst. Mambu thanked Cypress University for considering him worthy of such a distinguished honour and for recognizing his contributions and achievements.
“It goes to show that people and institutions monitor my works and what we do, this degree does not belong to me alone, but is a testament of the power of collaboration and the potential we all possess to effect positive change in our society, not only as Sierra Leoneans but as part of the collective global effort to make the world a better place for our thriving aspirations as human beings created with dignity in the image and after the arrangement of God.”
Rev. Dr Francis Mambu encouraged all to try to make a lasting impact and better society for generations to come, “I thank the Cypress University and all who contributed in one way or the other for this recognition.”
Delivering the keynote message at this year’s G.A.T convocation ceremony, Bishop Benjamin B. Bangura of the National Pentecostal Church urged all grandaunts to be vessels of honour unto the Lord as they have a responsibility to preach the word to this world.
In giving motivational charge to the grandaunts, the Principal of G.A.T, Rev. Dr Francis A. M Mambu quoted, “2nd Timothy 4:1-5” from the Holy Bible saying this charged Paul and Timothy to influence the world positively in like manner, he is charging the leaders and disciples to understand the times we are living in and urged them to preach the good work of faith in season and out of season given the shortness of time.
The grandaunts expressed joy- giving- testimony of what the Lord has done for them since they enrolled in the Bible Training Centre and how they are now transformed individuals and territory takers for Jesus.
Each grandaunt was certified and accepted as worthy to operate as Disciple and Leader respectively by the Principal, Pst. Francis A. M. Mambu.
