OLLA FOR 'IYAYA'!
'I can do everything through him who gives me strength' - Philippians 4:13

The year 2007 has been a transitional year for disciples, especially of the Calabar mission. In many aspects, the disciples have demonstrated a lot of versatility and strength showing evidence of good character and faith.

Our young and beautiful sister, Iyaji 'Iyaya' Odey has proved these values evidently, combining a run on the catwalk with discipleship. After all her zeal for the catwalk or better put modelling has paid off for her and even many others who watched her enter for the Miss Carnival Calabar 2007 beauty pageant. As a disciple of three (3) years saying that she got to see the word of God from a different light, according to her, the pageant experience was indeed challenging and demanding for her as well as her fellow contestants.

In her audition, she claimed that dancing salsa and the catwalk was quite enjoyable. Other questions the panel of about eight (8) judges asked were, “Describe yourself” and “what would you tell a foreigner you meet about Calabar?” which she answered satisfactorily. And at the end of the auditions nationwide, she alongside 22 others were chosen for the pageant proper.

The whole experience afterwards was what I would call magical “...or not?” for the contestants. They journeyed to the Obudu Hills and to the ranch for a five (5) day camp where they did tons of photo shoots, catwalk classes and other activities in preparation for the Grand Finale.

“Though the time was challenging” she said “God proved faithful, and surprisingly I didn’t experience any form of harassment or hindrances. I went, saw and conquered. Though I may not have won the pageant, I won much more than the crown, I won faith in God, I won self-control and most importantly I learned that with God I can do absolutely anything I want to do.” With such out-standing humility and faith in God it is therefore no surprise that she came through with the Miss Personality title!

She leaves all aspiring models, actors, or entertainers saying that “with Self-belief and a firm faith in God, you can be all you want to be.” God just springs up in the darkest most trying and uncertain hour and makes everything clear. He is like change; it comes when you truly accept it. In all you do, don’t let anyone hold you back, and don’t hold back your convictions about Christ. Go into the world, do what you love and lead; because that’s what we’ve been called to do.

Deborah Braide.
Krazzlex07@yahoo.com