At 50, Bishop Blessing Samuel sets fresh agenda for gospel, charity, leadership

By Clement Emmanuel

General Overseer of Royal Place Ministries International, Bishop Blessing Samuel, has marked his 50th birthday with a colourful celebration of thanksgiving, praise and renewed commitment to the service of God and humanity.

The US-based clergyman, gospel preacher, revivalist and philanthropist celebrated his Golden Jubilee in the company of family members, ministers, church members, friends and well-wishers from the United States and beyond.

One of the major highlights of the celebration was the sight of the Golden celebrant dancing joyfully in praise of God. His various dance steps, performed in a decorous and celebratory manner, were interpreted by guests as an expression of gratitude for God’s faithfulness throughout the first 50 years of his life.

For Bishop Samuel, however, the celebration was more than a birthday party. It was an opportunity to look back at the challenges, victories and lessons of the past decades while setting his sights on a new phase of ministry.

“This is not the end for me. To me, this is just the beginning of a fresh start. God is doing a new thing,” he said.

Reflecting on the milestone, the Bishop said he was particularly grateful for the gift of life, God’s grace and the people who had contributed positively to his journey.

“50 years is a milestone that many don’t get to see. When I look back, I see the hand of God in every season — the good, the bad, and the in-between. I am grateful that I am alive, healthy, and still standing to serve God and humanity,” he said.

A celebration of gratitude

According to Bishop Samuel, the birthday celebration was largely organised by members of his ministry, with the central message being thanksgiving to God.

“I have gone through a lot in my life, but thank God I am still here by His grace. I didn’t plan much myself. My members actually planned and executed everything. The reason was simple: to thank God for His grace and for the gift of life,” he explained.

He identified his life, God’s grace, mercy and favour, his ministry, his wife and the people around him as some of the greatest things for which he remains grateful.

The celebrant also disclosed that two moments stood out for him during the celebration.

The first was when the choir performed one of the songs he had composed during a difficult period in his life. He said hearing the song again reminded him of how God had helped him overcome the challenges of that period.

The second was the presence of pastors, ministers, members, friends and family who came to celebrate with him.

“That love was overwhelming,” he said.
Among dignitaries who graced the occasion were Prophet Frank Udoh, Apostle Sean Anike and Apostle Courage Igene.

Lessons from 50 years

Looking back on his journey, Bishop Samuel highlighted three major lessons he believes God has taught him.

The first, he said, is the importance of remaining within God’s will.

“Stay in God’s will. Nothing works outside of it,” he stated.

His second lesson was the need to be discerning about relationships.

“Be careful who you trust. Not everyone cheering you is with you,” he cautioned.
His third lesson was the importance of doing good regardless of whether such kindness is immediately reciprocated.

“Do good. Even when it’s not reciprocated, God sees, and He rewards,” he said.

From foundation to expansion

Bishop Samuel described his ministerial journey as one characterised by learning, endurance, expansion and battles.

According to him, his 20s and 30s were largely periods of laying foundations, learning and developing endurance, while his 40s brought expansion as well as significant challenges.

“Now at 50, I know this is the beginning of new things. I am not where I want to be, but I am definitely not where I used to be,” he said.

He identified betrayal and disloyalty as some of the challenges that shaped him most during the past decade, but said his faith in God enabled him to overcome them.

“Faith carried me because I learned to lean not on men, but on God. Every closed door pushed me closer to God’s open door,” he said.

A new vision for ministry

As he enters his sixth decade, Bishop Samuel said his vision is centred on taking the gospel to the ends of the earth, raising leaders and increasing the ministry’s humanitarian impact.

“We have a lot to do. To achieve greatness, you must be focused, purpose-driven, and consistent,” he said.

He disclosed that the coming 10 to 20 years would be focused on deeper missionary activities, leadership development and greater impact.

“We are going deeper in missions, in raising leaders, and in impact. The next 10, 20 years will be greater,” he declared.

Church must meet people’s needs

The Bishop also outlined two major areas he believes should receive greater attention in the church and wider community — evangelism and practical humanitarian service.

“Preach the gospel so that Jesus can be revealed to everyone. And do lots of charity and empowerment. The church must not only talk, but we must meet needs,” he said.

According to him, Christians should demonstrate the love of Christ through practical assistance to people in need.

“People need to see the love of Christ in practical ways,” he added.

Message to young ministers

For young ministers and people beginning their journey, Bishop Samuel advised them not to attempt to bypass the process of growth and preparation.

“Never jump the process. Be focused. Be honest. Be patient. Believe in yourself, but yield to the Holy Spirit and trust God all the way,” he advised.

He added: “God is not in a hurry, and neither should you be.”

Legacy of impact

Speaking about the legacy he hopes to leave behind, Bishop Samuel said he wants his life to be remembered for impact, love, sacrifice, honesty and the fear of God.

“If the next generation can see Jesus in me and run with that, then my life would have counted,” he said.

He also revealed that one of the things his 50th birthday reminded him of was the importance of the quiet acts of kindness and humanitarian work that may not always be visible to the public.

“People see the pulpit, but they don’t always see the philanthropic work, the quiet help, and the burden for people. This season reminded me that God is calling me to do even more of that,” he said.

‘The best is yet to come’

As he begins his new decade, the Bishop said people should expect greater things from him and the ministry.

“Expect greater work than we have ever done. I am focused, and I am trusting God for it. The best is yet to come,” he declared.

He expressed special appreciation to his wife, Pastor Constance B. Samuel, his team at Royal Place Ministries International, his spiritual fathers and every partner who has supported the ministry.

“Thank you for 50 years of grace,” he said.

About Royal Place Ministries International
Royal Place Ministries International, under the leadership of Bishop Blessing Samuel, is a global Christian ministry with branches and outreaches across Africa, Europe and Nigeria.

The ministry focuses on preaching the gospel, raising leaders, organising revival crusades and transforming communities through the Word of God, prayer, charity and humanitarian outreach.

Its mission is “Impacting kingship and banishing slavery.”

Bishop Samuel’s Golden Jubilee celebration, therefore, became more than a commemoration of five decades of life. It was a celebration of grace, a testimony of survival and a declaration of renewed purpose.

From dancing in gratitude to declaring a fresh vision for the years ahead, the Bishop has entered his 50s with a clear message: the journey is not over — the best is yet to come.