Courage Igene is the Founder of Joshua Generation Ministries which Comprises of His Biannual Joshua Generation School of Ministry which covers over 60 courses in a 2 Year Period & Is Divided Into 5 Parts; Administrative, Theological, Spiritual, Ethical & Practical with A Cap & Gown Graduation & Impartation After Successful Completion. Courage Igene is a Mentor, Father, Teacher & Overseer; He Is the Senior Pastor of All Nations Churches.
He Has Authored Some Life Changing Books Such As;
“Gods Weapons of Mass Destruction”
“Revelation & Relationship”
“100 Reasons Why I Hate Poverty”
“Forgiveness: Gods Roadmap to Heaven”
“Lessons from The Furnace of Affliction”
When did you realize that you wanted to be a Pastor?
It began with great burning passion and desire to see many saved, healed and delivered from the grip of darkness. My passion has been all about helping lives, preaching the gospel and praying for the sick. It took years of grooming and training as I served in two major church denominations such as; Assemblies of God Church, Nigeria and The Redeemed Christian Church of God in Phoenix Arizona. God used my pastors to train me in a lot of Ministry experiences. All that has helped build me up into what I am today. I am grateful for the good, the bad and the ugly.
What was it about helping people that encouraged you to move forward?
The more I helped people, the more the passion grew. Love births passion. Love is not something we say or feel, but something we do. We cannot say we love Jesus our Lord and not care for our neighbor. The world does not want to see just another preacher preaching on a pulpit every Sunday, but they want to see us demonstrating the Power of God and showing love by helping the least among us. Today, many of those helped have been empowered academically, financially and spiritually and now helping and empowering others. I rejoice when I see such changed lives, it truly encourages me to keep on keeping on.
When did you realize you wanted to become an author?
I realized I wanted to become an author when I felt strongly to document my persuasions. I discovered the power of a book. A book can go where you cannot go. Even God sent His Son (Jesus) but left His Book (The Bible). I can be in America or London, but my books are in countries where my faith may not be openly received. And some get access to them and read and gain knowledge. Today, I have a great respect for authors because of what I know goes into Book writing and publication. You can easily know a man and his belief system by his books. As I discovered in the year 2007 that I could no longer just preach all the revelation God was showing me, I knew I had to put them into books. The Bible says, “write the vision down; make it plain, that he may run that reads it.” – Habakkuk 2:2
What was the process like writing your 1st book?
It was challenging, especially with coordinating my ideas and editing the book in its proper format. It took me two years to finish it. I had to put a lot of thinking, get biblical references, and get book experts to help me scrutinize it. It took time but it was worth it. Anything worth doing is worth doing well. There is always a challenge to every first project; it may be a first child, exam or accomplishment. If we don’t give up, slow and steady will eventually win the race.
Is the church an inspiration for what you write about?
Yes, it is. Due to my day to day dealings with people in the church, its inspires me on what I write on. Pastoring different branches of our Church has opened me up to people from all background which I love so much. I have learnt about so many cultures and their differences. As the name of our church goes; (All Nations Church), it is truly a church for all nations. we have people of different tribes and creed and they are all taught the power of love and oneness in Christ. we are family not because of our skin color or accent but because of the blood of Jesus shared for us all. It has made us one in Him.
What would you say to others who are wanting to write their own novel?
Focus is the key. when you start to write, all manner of distraction would come to take your eyes off the mark, do not get distracted. The only reason people fail is broken focus. When we are distracted by side shows of life or the criticisms of armchair critics, we unintentionally take our eyes off the mark. Anyone wanting to write a novel, should document their thoughts, expand on them, get ideas from others and work vigorously to get them printed for many to read and be blessed.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
Yes, I doubted initially but after i discovered that doubt is an enemy with whom never to negotiate, I put it away and built my courage and fought on. Especially when I discovered that God`s greatest pain is to be doubted. I never wanted to live another day in my life with doubt in my Spirit. Many deals with this problem of doubt. They doubt their ability, will, drive, passion and their Zeal to achieve and do the impossible. Great inventors would have never achieved anything if they stayed stuck in the mud of doubt. But they believed all things are possible if you believe. They dared the Impossible and today the world is a better place because of them. There have been times in my life I doubted If God wanted me to continue to write books or preach His word; But after I was encouraged and strengthened; I knew doubt is an enemy especially when it comes to spiritual things.
What has been the most satisfying moment from writing books?
Getting testimonies from the readers of how the books have tremendously blessed them and helped them to grow spiritually. Nothing could be more satisfying than that. A pastor in Dallas said to me; “This book is our Sunday school manual in our church.” Referring to my book; “Gods Weapons of Mass Destruction. Another ministry leader once said concerning my book; “100 Reasons Why I Hate Poverty” that it’s the book he takes with him on every trip he goes. Hearing how many loves my books is inspiring and encourages me to write more whenever I receive inspiration from God.
Are you planning on writing any future pieces?
Oh Yes, I am. My goal for now is to write 2 books a year.
If you could provide a summary of points to live by for readers, what would they be?
I am currently working on two books which I believe they will read so many powerful points that will bless them. The 2 books will give them all the points they need to live by.
So, Watch Out…!
i. 7 Benefits of An Enemy
ii. 7 Mistakes Every Minister Must Avoid