History and Ministerial Life of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola (1904-1959) Africa's Great Evangelist

God works in miraculous ways. He enabled the Israelites to cross the Red Sea on a dry ground. He pulled down the walls of Jericho without any bulldozer. Indeed, He is a God who makes way where there is no way. In the case of Africa's great evangelist and revivalist, Apostle Joseph Ayodele Babalola, the miraculous activity of God was clearly manifested. If Babalola had been a white missionary, the black people, nay, Africans would probably have regarded Holy Ghost power as exclusive preserve of the white men. Glory be unto God for bestowing on a proper black man extra- ordinary power of the Holy Spirit with which he was able to destroy the stronghold of devilish activities.

BIRTH, EDUCATION AND WORKING CAREERJoseph Ayo Babalola was born Odo-Owa (Kwara State) on the 25th day of April 1904. His father was Late Pa David Rotimi, the first Baba Ijo (Lay President) of St. Peter's Anglican Church at Odo-Owa in the present day Kwara State. His mother was Madam Marta Talabi.