…As Kumuyi, other clerics, gospel singers headline inauguration

On Monday January 20, President-elect Donald Trump will commence his administration as the 47th president of the United States.

This is coming on the back of a much-heated campaign. But, with some sense of divine passion, Trump is set to kick-off his new administration, leaving many to wonder if he is truly anointed by the divine.

Trump as a politician played the religious card with support from the Evangelical and people of faith – benefiting from the widely shared belief by many who regarded America as God’s own state.

Trump’s second inauguration day will begin with a service at St John’s Church, Lafayette Square, a historic Washington DC church, followed by tea at the White House. The service will be closely followed by musical performances and opening remarks are set to begin on the main event stage – located on the West Lawn of the US Capitol building – at 09:30 EST (14:30 GMT).

However, as the curtain rises on Trump’s new administration on Monday January 20, one thing is clear: he’s not just leading the country, he’s on a mission from God – or so it seems.

Riding on the back of his divine favour, the 47th president of the United States have invited two notable Nigerians in the Christian community to minister at his second inauguration in Washington, D.C.

The General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, William F. Kumuyi and Nathaniel Bassey, renowned for his ‘Hallelujah Challenge’ on social media will be ministering at the U.S. Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast on January 20, 2025.

The faith-based gathering hosted by Reverend Merrie Turner, will precede the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance.

Set to take place in the Waldorf Astoria Presidential Ballroom, the breakfast will feature notable speakers, including Alveda King and Mario Bramnick.

According to a statement by A. Larry Ross Communications, a U.S.-based communications outfit, Kumuyi will engage with U.S. lawmakers, church leaders, and media representatives to discuss crucial issues facing the global Christian community and later carry out other key engagements.

Read also: Deeper Life leader, Kumuyi invited to Trump’s inauguration

The 84-year-old convener of the Global Crusade with Kumuyi (GCK) presence at the inauguration highlights the significance of religious freedom and Christian unity at a time of global spiritual shifts.

The global evangelist recently commended Trump’s effort and commitment to Christian values, citing his groundbreaking efforts to champion international religious freedom and support faith-based priorities during his first term. “President Trump’s stand for the gospel is not without recognition, not just by American Christians, but all Christians globally.”

Trump hosted the first ever meeting of foreign ministers focused solely on international religious freedom during his first term in office, and did not hide his love for people of faith in his campaign, with promise to support Christian values and priorities if elected president for a second time.

Kumuyi, who is expected back in Nigeria two-days after the inauguration for the 2-in-1 GCK for January 2025, in Ekiti and Ondo from 22-26; January themed, ‘Following the Covenant-Keeping Shepherd’, would be available for interviews in Washington, D.C., to discuss topics including Global Shift in Christianity, Global Leadership for 2025, and Faith in Practice.

On the back of the global shift of Christianity, Kumuyi will elaborate on a Lausanne Movement report about the epicenter of Christianity moving from the Global North (Europe, North America) to the Global South (Africa, Asia, Latin America).

At the recent DCLM Global Leadership Strategy Congress, Kumuyi challenged nearly 20,000 church leaders from 120 countries to embrace 2025 as the “Year of Higher Ground.” Similarly, Kumuyi called on American Christians in a recent Christian Post Op-ed to deepen their trust in God for daily concerns.

“Why is it that we can trust God for eternity but not for today? This moment in history reminds us that faith transcends borders and unites believers worldwide.

“As we gather here, the global church stands together in prayer and purpose, advocating for faith-based dialogue to shape policies that uphold religious liberty and foster the growth of Christianity worldwide,” Kumuyi said.

On the other hand, gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey took the world by storm with his ‘Hallelujah Challenge’ in 2027. Since the maiden edition of the online praise program, Bassey has sustained the annual virtual praise challenge featuring prayer and praise sessions that begin at 11:59 pm.

The 2024 edition of the Hallelujah Challenge took place from May 29 to June 4, with the grand finale held in October.

Bassey, celebrated for his global worship initiative, the Hallelujah Challenge, joins the lineup as a key figure in inspiring spiritual renewal.

In 2024, the Mayor of Albany, New York, honoured Bassey’s ministry by declaring October 6 as “Pastor Nathaniel Bassey Day,” acknowledging his global impact through music and faith.

Gracious Akintayo, publisher of Providence Magazine, a digital faith-based publication in Lagos, said the invitation will boost confidence and raise trust within the Christian community in Nigeria.

“At least with Kumuyi there; it will return some confidence into Christendom. You know, PFN as a body has lost respect. And, with Nathanial Bassey, known as a very serious-minded gospel minister; not just a gospel musician. So, with his presence there, it will be a very big gain for the Christian community in Nigeria.”