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Baptist Minister, Iselowo earns another divine landmark

African renowned Baptist minister celebrates success at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Forth Worth

BY ANTHONY OBI OGBO | GUARDIAN NEWS

May Friday, December 12 was not just a normal day on Mosstree Street. It got really busier than usual, with different cars driving in, to sum the congested front yard of a gigantic house where a large number of guests had gathered. Guests it appeared were driving in, securing a parking spot, and calmly walking up to the building's entrance.

There was no loud music or other forms of noise, but gorgeously dressed folks were most visible. Definitely, it was a celebration. The crowded looks alone eliminated any skepticism about people having a great ball. Moreover, the tantalizing smell of African home made fried rice, moi-moi and spicey goat soup pervaded the air - apparently welcoming guests and inviting the neighborhood.

This was exactly the situation when the Iselowos hosted a gathering of friends and family to celebrate and honor Rev. Dr. Francis Kofoworola Iselowo who received his Master of Divinity degree at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth Texas. The 2008 Fall Commencement and Graduation exercise at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas, came with another landmark. It was the centennial celebration of the institution established in 1908.

Furthermore, Rev. Dr. Iselowo was the only student from Africa that graduated from the institution, walking out with that Master of Divinity with a concentration in Counseling. Iselowo entertained guests with his wife, Joy, mingling with delight and shuttling from guest to guest. "Everybody is here and I'm very glad," he said. "You can see that my sister in-law Dr. Ariaye Icho flew in from Rochester to attended this graduation. Also, members of Christ Apostolic Chuch D/FW are here, led by Lady Evangelist Bolanle Mustapha. So we have a full house of friends, colleagues, family and well-wishers."

Rev. Dr. Francis Iselowo began his full time ministry when he gained admission into the Nigeria Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, in 1990. In 1995, he upgraded this honor with double bachelors, first in theology (B.Th) from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, and a B.A (Hons) in Religious Studies at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He proceeded with his divine call, earning a Master of Theology (2003) and Doctor of Theology at Slidell Baptist Seminary, Louisiana. This latest endeavor signals his commitment to serving God with a limitless search for ecclesiastical proficiency.

In Nigeria, Rev. Dr. Iselowo's curriculum vitae is an impressive catalogue of splendid accomplishments. He earned post graduate training at Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria, in Biblical Studies and was ordained into full time Gospel ministry on August 1997. While he was endlessly pursuing avenues to serve God better, he embraced a next stage in his life when he took to the altar his precious jewel, Joy Iselowo, a Dallas-based registered nurse. Furthermore, in June 1995, Rev. Dr. Francis Iselowo began serving as the Senior Resident Chaplain of Baptist Medical Centre, Eku, Delta state of Nigeria where he had the privilege of working with the Southern Baptist Convention missionary Medical Doctors. He was also the interim pastor of Okorore Baptist 1997-1999; Associate Pastor of Avenue Baptist Church Warri in March, 1999, and the interim pastor of First African Baptist Church Fort-Worth in 2006.

Today, Rev. Dr. Francis Iselowo has not backed down on his spirituality, and as a seasoned minister, he has remained consistent with his devoutness. He is presently the Senior Pastor of Christ Apostolic Church, Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, Inc., Sanctuary of Power and Praise, Irving, Texas, from Sep. 9, 2007 to date. He is the Vice-President of Christian Leadership Interdenominational Prayer Forum CLIP D/FW in Dallas County. Rev. Dr. Francis Iselowo is a registered member of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and also a registered member of the Association of American Christian Counselors (AACC). He resides with his family in Arlington, Texas, USA.

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Rev. Dr. Francis Kofoworola Iselowo (right) and wife Joy(left) pose with a guest at a night ball following the 2008 Fall Commencement and Graduation exercise at Southwestern Baptist Theological Serminary, Forth Worth, Texas.