Bassey Essien

Prologue

“.....in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:52

Death is said to be the necessary end of all mortals. It is the one thing that is common to all. To the rich as well as to the poor, to the great as well as to the small, to the educated as well as to the uneducated, to the famous as well as to the infamous. The great beyond awaits the arrival of all those that transit from the planet earth to their final destination.

Late Rev; Essien was born on September 9, 1944, into the family of Late Elder Benjamin Udofia Essien and Deaconess Annie Benjamin Udofia.Essien of lkot Ebiyak, Etinan in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. He was the fifth child among ten children. His father, popularly known as "B.U" was a professional teacher who obtained his teaching qualification through long distance learning from the prestigious Wosley Hall, Oxford, England. He taught English Language and English Literature at the Qua Iboe Mission Secondary School, Etinan ( now popularly known as Etinan Institute). His mother, Deaconess Annie Benjamin Essien, also a teacher, obtained his teaching qualification from the then government owned Women Training centre (WTC) in Uyo. He grew up in a modest but deeply spiritual family and from an early age, Rev. Essien exhibited a hunger for knowledge and an unshakable sense of purpose. These traits would later define his remarkable journey as a pastor, evangelist, and founder of multiple church ministries.

EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION

Rev. Essien shared a passion for academics as his father, leading to a rich variety of training and exposure. He attended John Kirk Memorial school and Etinan Institute both in Etinan. At just 13 years old his father, a teacher and the family’s primary provider, passed away suddenly, leaving behind a widow and 9 children. The loss was devastating, but it also became a defining moment in Rev. Essien’s life. His mother, who had never worked outside the home, courageously stepped into the workforce for the first time to support the family. Meanwhile, late Rev. Essien took on the role of a surrogate father, pushing his younger siblings forward in their education. These formative years shaped his character, teaching him resilience, selflessness, and a deep reliance on God—qualities that would later define his ministry. Despite the hardship, late Rev. Essien excelled academically. He was determined to honor his father’s memory by succeeding in life and ensuring that his siblings had opportunities to thrive. His perseverance paid off when he gained admission into P & T School, Oshodi in Lagos, where after graduating, worked as a telecommunication technician with P & T. before moving to the United States in 1970. He gained admission into Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas where he obtained his BSc. in Physics. Rev. Essien then gained admission into Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas where he obtained his MSc. in Statistics.

CAREER AND WORKING LIFE

Rev. Essien returned to Nigeria with his family in 1984. Filled with a passion and skill for numbers analysis within Physics and Statistics, he began his statistical career as the Chief Data Analyst at National Youth Service Corps Lagos, a Federal establishment. He was tasked with computerizing the Selection process, distribution and management of Youth Service Corp member participants and their data. He also re-organized the entire national organization program and orchestrated the transition from paper processing and data collection to a computerized, more efficient and modern upgrade. He brought the NYSC program into the computer age. After years of modernizing the data management system of NYSC he was eventually transferred to Edo State with promotion to the position of Edo State Director. He directed all affairs of NYSC within the State until his retirement from Civil Service in 1997. On his return to Houston, Texas United States, he spent the early years of his retirement as a lecturer in Houston Community College.

CHRISTIAN LIFE

In 1976, Rev. Essien had a divine encounter that changed his life forever. At a morning Sunday Service meeting held at Nacogdoches First Church of the Nazarene, he experienced the transformative power of salvation. Deeply convinced by the redeeming salvation message of the cross, he fully surrendered his life to Christ and immediately embarked on a journey of faith and obedience. Here he was ordained as a licensed minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This moment marked the beginning of a lifelong ministry dedicated to the gospel. Rev. Essien with a few other ministers established Evangel Pentecostal Church in Lagos, Nigeria. The church grew and the Lord added more and more saved members. Rev. Essien was again led by Holy Spirit with a few people to establish another church - Evangel Power Chapel in Lagos, Nigeria. The Lord continues adding more and more saved members who are evangelizing, spreading the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ our Savior. One of Rev. Essien’s greatest achievements was the international expansion of his ministry. After retiring from Federal Civil service, in 1998 Rev. Essien dedicated himself fully to ministry. This marked the beginning of a new phase in his calling. He established a branch of Evangel Power Chapel in Houston, Texas. This move was inspired by his vision to continue his calling and reach the diaspora community with the gospel after migrating back to the United States. As a pastor, Late Rev. Essien was deeply committed to teaching and discipleship. His sermons were rooted in Scripture and enriched by his vast theological knowledge. He was a strong advocate for personal holiness, fervent prayer, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. His ministry was also characterized by a focus on deliverance, as he believed that believers must walk in the freedom and authority given to them by Jesus Christ. Rev. Essien was known for his tireless work ethic and unwavering commitment to the Word of God. His sermons were delivered with passion and boldness. As a deliverance minister, he was particularly burdened for those oppressed by spiritual forces, and his ministry was marked by numerous testimonies of healing, freedom, and restoration.

FAMILY LIFE

In 1975, Rev. Essien married his sweetheart, Inyang Essien (formerly Inyang Aquaisua), marking a significant milestone in his personal life. Their love story, which began in their youth in Lagos, Nigeria, was one built on mutual respect, shared faith, and a vision of a future together. Inyang, an inspiring woman of faith in her own right, was not just a loving partner but also a staunch supporter of Rev. Essien's ministry. Their union in marriage was a beautiful reflection of their commitment to each other and to their shared Christian values. Together, they raised a family rooted in the principles of love, service, and faith. The Essiens’ marriage has been a testimony of unwavering love and devotion, and their partnership continues to be a source of strength both in their family life and ministry.

Despite his demanding schedule, Rev. Essien remained a devoted husband to his wife, Pastor(Mrs) Inyang Essien, and a loving father to their three children: Benjamin, Rose, and Nkoyo. He often spoke of his family as his first ministry, and his home was a model of love, faith, and integrity. Inyang, a prayer warrior in her own right, stood by his side throughout his ministry, supporting him in prayer, counseling, and administration.

A Life Well Lived: Transition to Glory

On September 13, 2024, Rev. Bassey Essien was called home to glory at the age of 80. Though his earthly journey has ended, his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the ministries he established. He is survived by his beloved wife, Pastor(Mrs) Inyang Essien, his son Deacon Benjamin Bassey Essien, his daughters: Rose Aire, Nkoyo Aquaisua Essien. Grand-children: Benjamin Essien, Adesua Aire and Itohan Aire, his Daughter-in-law - Anietie Essien, his Son- in- law, Pastor Ehije Aire and all his children at Evangel Power Chapel. Rev. Essien’s life was a testament to the power of a surrendered heart. He lived with unwavering faith, unrelenting love for God, and an unshakable commitment to the gospel. His ministry spanned nearly five decades, during which he planted seeds of faith that will continue to bear fruit for generations. As we celebrate his life, we take comfort in the assurance that: “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5) Therefore, Rev. Essien is now in the presence of the Lord he served so faithfully.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness…” (2 Timothy 4:7–8).