Introduction
On 10 October 1975, I was born with a name and a destiny.
• Ayodeji: “My joy has doubled.”
• Cornelius: after the centurion in Acts 10 who was devout, prayerful, generous, and remembered before God.
Now, on 10 October 2025, as I celebrate my 50th birthday, I pause not to boast in achievements but to testify of grace. My life has been a story of Christ’s faithfulness—from the lecture halls of pharmacy school, to the corridors of public service, to the pulpits of ministry, to the digital platforms where I share the gospel as the “smilingpreacher.”
This is my story. But more importantly, this is His story in me.
My Journey
Education & Training
I pursued professional studies in Pharmacy (B.Pharm.) at the University of Lagos, grounding me in science, stewardship, and service. Later, I trained further in Oral Health Education, combining precision with compassion to serve communities. This dual grounding—scientific and pastoral—would shape the decades of my journey.
Civic Service
My working life has been a testimony that faith belongs in the marketplace. In London, UK, I serve in primary care commissioning, covering two boroughs: Richmond and Wandsworth.
As a Primary Care Contracts Officer, my role involves commissioning, oversight, and improvement of services that meet the health needs of thousands. Policy, budgets, and service specifications are not just technical tasks to me, but opportunities to reflect justice, fairness, and the love of God.
Before Covid, I also founded a workplace choir (SSA Choir), documented on my YouTube channel. That choir was more than music—it was ministry. It built unity, hope, and light in a challenging work environment.
Earlier, I served as a Director of Chapel of Praise (2009–2014), a season that deepened my governance and accountability skills.
Ministry Calling
Alongside civic work, God called me into pastoral ministry. I serve today as a branch pastor of The Dream Centre of the Life Oasis International Church, a ministry led globally by Reverend Olusola & Reverend Oyenike Areogun. In Dream Centre’s Europe Zone, I shepherd believers both on-ground and online.
In an official Dream Centre broadcast, I was publicly introduced as Pastor of Dream Centre Online Europe—an honor I hold with humility. I continue to disciple believers, lead services, and carry the fire of Word-and-Spirit life into Europe.
Family
I am joyfully married to Mrs. Abi Bella—my covenant partner, prayer pillar, and encourager. Together, we are raising two adorable children, who are living testimonies of God’s faithfulness in our home.
Our family is our first ministry: a daily altar of prayer, laughter, discipleship, and love.
My Witness
The “Smiling Preacher” Identity
I am known across digital platforms as the “smilingpreacher.” That name is not a gimmick; it is my confession. The gospel is good news—and it should be carried with a radiant heart.
Whether in person, online, or through music, I want people to see Christ’s joy shining through. My smile is my testimony: that no matter how dark the night, joy comes in the morning.
Writing for the Next Generation
In April 2023, I published A Collection of Short Stories (Second Edition) in paperback and eBook formats (the first edition was released earlier on Kindle). These stories teach children godly character, forgiveness, prayer, and courage through narrative.
I believe storytelling is discipleship. A child who hears a story of faith today can live a testimony of faith tomorrow.
Digital Outreach
My witness extends through multiple channels:
• Blog – Divinely Inspired (corneliusbella.blog): Devotions, expositions, and salvation calls.
• Instagram (@smilingpreacher): Daily encouragements and Dream Centre invites.
• X (Twitter @smilingpreacher): Concise gospel reflections.
• Facebook (Mr Cornelius Bella): Longer exhortations and testimonies.
• SoundCloud (Cornelius Bella): Sermons and inspirational audio tracks.
• YouTube: Preaching, worship, and even the SSA workplace choir.
Through all these platforms, my consistent witness is Christ—and my consistent invitation is to The Dream Centre, where believers can be rooted and grow.
My Legacy
A Milestone of Grace
At 50, I look back with gratitude and forward with expectation. My life is not defined by positions or titles, but by grace and covenant.
Scriptures That Shape My Destiny
• Acts 10:4 – “Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.”
• Psalm 50:5 – “Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”
• Isaiah 55:3 – “Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.”
• Acts 20:24 – “But none of these things move me… so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”
Pursuing Destiny at All Cost
My charge is simple: pursue your divine destiny—whatever the cost.
Destiny is not cheap. It requires sacrifice, prayer, obedience, and persistence. But I testify: it is worth everything.
At 50, I am not retiring—I am refiring. My vision is to:
• Raise and disciple leaders.
• Write more books.
• Expand digital discipleship.
• Mentor younger ministers.
• Stand with my family and church until we see God’s glory cover the earth.
The Invitation
The Gospel in My Story
The greatest part of my life is not my career or my ministry. It is that Jesus Christ saved me.
The Bible says:
• “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
• “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
• “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
• “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9).
A Prayer of Salvation
If you are ready, pray with me:
Heavenly Father,
I come to You today as a sinner in need of grace.
Thank You for sending Jesus Christ to die for me.
I believe He rose again on the third day.
Today, I confess Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.
Forgive me of my sins, wash me clean, and make me Your child.
From this day forward, I choose to follow You and live in Your divine destiny.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of God!
Next Steps
1. Join a Bible-believing church (you are warmly welcome at The Dream Centre of the Life Oasis International Church).
2. Read your Bible daily.
3. Pray and walk with other believers.
4. Share your testimony.
Conclusion
At 50, my smile is not just habit—it is prophecy. It points to a future where joy never ends, where Christ reigns, and where every saint finishes their course with joy.
This is my legacy: a smiling preacher, rooted in Christ, pointing others to Him.
The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella
corneliusbella 
Up Holy Ghost! More grace in Jesus name.
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