.Celebrates birthday with thanksgiving, gratitude to God
Bishop Blessing Samuel, General Overseer of Royal Place Ministries International, recently marked his 50th birthday — Golden Jubilee in an atmosphere of praise, honor, and prophetic declaration.
The US-based clergyman, widely respected as a gospel preacher, global revivalist, and philanthropist, was celebrated by family, ministers, church members, and well-wishers from across the United States and abroad.
The highlight of the evening came when the Golden celebrant was conspicuously seen praising God with various dance steps in a most decorous, godly, and admirable manner — a spontaneous overflow of gratitude that guests described as “a man who has walked through battles choosing to end his 5th decade dancing into his 6th.”
Among other dignitaries at the event were Prophet Frank Udoh, Apostle Sean Anike, and Apostle Courage Igene.
Bishop Samuel spoke with Clement Emmanuel on 50 years of life, legacy, and the road ahead.
How do you feel clocking a new age?
I feel great and I feel blessed. I thank God for His grace that has kept me this far. I also thank God for the wonderful people He has placed around me, and for blessing me with a beautiful wife. Turning 50 isn’t the end for me. To me, this is just the beginning of a fresh start. God is doing a new thing. It feels surreal. 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.
Is there a special theme or message for your celebration?
50 is a milestone and it’s worth celebrating. 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. The message was gratitude. We just wanted to give God all the glory.
What are you grateful to God for at 50?
First, my life. As long as you still draw breath, everything is possible. Beyond that, I am grateful for His grace, His mercy, and His favour upon me. I’m grateful for the good people He has surrounded me with, for the ministry He committed into my hands, and for my beautiful wife who has been a pillar of support. God has been too faithful.
What was your most memorable moment that day?
There were two moments. The first was when the choir sang one of the songs I composed during one of the major challenges of my life. Hearing it again brought back memories of how God brought me through. The second was seeing everyone who came out to celebrate me — from pastors to members, friends and family. That love was overwhelming.
Look back in the past five decades, what are the three major lessons God has taught you?
Number one: stay in God’s will. Nothing works outside of it. Number two: be careful who you trust. Not everyone cheering you is with you. And number three: do good even when it’s not reciprocated, God sees and He rewards.
How has your calling and ministry evolved?
It has not been easy, but God has been faithful. We have moved from glory to glory. In my 20s and 30s it was about foundation, learning, and endurance. In my 40s it was about expansion and battles. 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.
What challenges shaped you most and how did faith saw you through?
Betrayal and disloyalty. Ministry will teach you that. But God has been faithful through it all. 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.
At 50, how would you describe God’s purpose for the next phase of your life and ministry?
We have a lot to do. To achieve greatness, you must be focused, purpose-driven, and consistent. For this next phase, God is calling us to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. The next 10, 20 years will be greater. We are going deeper in missions, in raising leaders, and in impact.
Who are you most grateful to as you mark 50?
I am grateful to my wife first. Then to my pastors, ministers, members, friends, and family. And to everyone who made my birthday a memorable one. I don’t take any of you for granted.
What legacy do you hope to leave for the next generation of leaders and believers?
I want 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.
As you step into your 50s, what areas are you focusing on for the church and community?
Two things: preach the gospel so that Jesus Christ can be revealed to everyone and do lots of charity and empowerment. The church must not only talk, we must meet needs. People need to see the love of Christ in practical ways.
What message do you have for young ministers and people who are just starting their journey?
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. God is not in a hurry, and neither should you be.
What is that special thing that people may not have known about Bishop Blessing Samuel that this birthday has revealed or reminded you of?
That I am a good and kind man of God at heart. 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.
What should expect from you moving forward?
Expect greater work than we have ever done. I am focused and I am trusting God for it. The best is yet to come.
Your final words of appreciation?
Yes. I want to show appreciation to my wife Constance B Samuel, my team and my Residential Pastors at Royal Place Ministries International, my spiritual fathers, and every partner who has stood with us. Thank you for 50 years of grace.
About Royal Place Ministries International
Royal Place Ministries International, under the leadership of Bishop Blessing Samuel, is a global ministry with branches and outreaches across Africa, Europe, and Nigeria. The ministry is committed to raising leaders, preaching the gospel, hosting revival crusades, and transforming communities through the word, prayer, and humanitarian outreach. While its mission is Impacting Kingship and Banishing Slavery. From a 50th birthday dance of thanksgiving to a prophetic charge for the future, Bishop Blessing Samuel’s Golden Jubilee has set the stage for what he calls “the beginning of a fresh start.”
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