Matthew Ashimolowo, founder and senior pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre, has announced that the church, through its Christ Compassion to the Rural World Foundation (CCRWF), will host the next Rural World Mega Crusade 2025, which will be held in Port Harcourt from 24 to 29 November 2025.
Mr Ashimolowo shared this in a video statement made available to PREMIUM TIMES.
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This is not the first time the popular pastor has held similar crusades. In November 2024, the church held its six-day crusade in Ibadan, Oyo state, where the church stated that it partnered with four hospitals to conduct surgeries for 711 individuals in Ibadan during the crusade.
Similarly, in November 2023, this newspaper reported that Mr Ashimolowo donated relief items to thousands, funded surgical operations, and provided food, clothing, books, and other essentials to residents of the Igbogbo area in Ikorodu, Lagos State, during the first edition of the crusade.
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Mega Crusade
On Tuesday, Mr Ashimolowo explained that CCRW’s vision is to touch lives across Africa with the love of Christ in practical ways.
He said CCRW has been called a game-changer in organising crusades and outreaches. He added that Africa is rich in resources but home to millions of impoverished people.
“That’s why we don’t preach the gospel; we demonstrate it. CCRW operates through five unique arms — what I call our five fingers of compassion: Free Surgeries – Transformational operations for those who can’t afford them; Nightly Crusades – Spirit-filled gatherings where thousands meet Christ; Relief Distribution – Food, clothing, and essentials for struggling families; Pastors’ Empowerment.
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“It will also include Training and resources for local leaders, ensuring lasting impact; Medical Services – Free healthcare, medicines, and education for tens of thousands. Through each of these, we show compassion while pointing people back to Christ.”
Previous crusades
Recounting on the first crusade held in Ikorodu, Lagos, Mr Ashimolowo revealed that the initial plan was to screen 300 people for surgery, but more than 7,000 showed up in two days. He added that by the weekend, 340 surgeries had been completed.
In Ibadan, the demand was even greater. Across four hospitals, 500–600 complex surgeries were performed, some lasting 10 to 13 hours. We saw fibroids as large as full-term pregnancies removed, deformities corrected, and lives completely transformed.
“One man had his face rebuilt in a 13-hour surgery using muscle and flesh from his thigh. Another miracle came through a visiting doctor from Mali, who performed 134 cataract surgeries in just one week, restoring sight to people who thought all hope was gone.
“If each patient had paid for these procedures, it would have cost millions. Yet every surgery was fully sponsored by CCRW,
In Ikorodu, more than 40,000 people filled the stadium for free healthcare. With over 70 doctors, pharmacists, and nurses on the ground, medicines worth ₦300 million were distributed,” the pastor explained.
On the second crusade held in Ibadan, Mr Ashimolowo noted that the numbers grew even larger: 60,000 people over two days.
According to the KICC pastor, thousands received free eyeglasses, 500 dental cases were treated, and countless people discovered life-threatening conditions they never knew they had — from HIV to high blood pressure. For many, it was their first-ever visit to a doctor.
The 72-year-old cleric explained that children weren’t excluded from the crusade treatment. He said 25,000 kids received free exercise books, pencils, erasers, and health checks, filling hearts with joy and hope.
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“Beyond healthcare, CCRW is committed to meeting basic needs. In Ibadan, we improved the system with coupons, ensuring orderly distribution. Thousands of families were left with food supplies that brought real relief.
“At the heart of CCRW are our night crusades, evenings alive with worship, deliverance, and preaching the Word. Gospel artistes lead thousands in powerful praise before the Word is preached and lives are surrendered to Christ,” he said.
Ministers conference
Additionally, the clergyman stated that pastors were not left behind in the crusade benefits. According to him, CCRW invested in local pastors in both venues.
“We believe revival must outlive the crusade. That’s why we hold ministerial conferences to strengthen local pastors. In Ibadan, leaders came from Nigeria, Ghana, and even New York to pour into thousands of ministers.”
By the end of the Ministers Conference, 2,000 Bibles produced by Pastor Ashimolowo in conjunction with Cambridge University Press were distributed.
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