Last weekend, the First Love Church held a powerful evangelistic service, Swollen Sunday, at the iconic Black Star Square (Independence Square) in Accra, Ghana. What made this gathering particularly remarkable was that it was the first time in the history of the church that a Swollen Sunday had been held at this monumental national arena, a venue capable of hosting tens of thousands and known for accommodating only the most significant public events.
The expansive grounds used for the service are among the largest open-air spaces in the country, and perhaps the largest square in Africa, stretching across 98,220 square meters and designed for massive national gatherings. Choosing this location for the first-ever Swollen Sunday at the Square went beyond logistics; it became a bold, public declaration of the Great Commission, beautifully reflected in Acts 1:8.
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
The sheer magnitude of the gathering showed that when the church mobilises its members, especially its vibrant young people, nations can witness spiritual movements on the scale of national events. In every sense, holding Swollen Sunday in such a monumental space symbolised growth, visibility, openness, and an unstoppable drive for soul winning, reflecting the heart and expanding vision of the church and its founder, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills.
Preaching from Luke 15:11, the story of the prodigal son, Bishop Dag explained that there are always 2 types of people in every group – nations, churches, families, etc. He admonished the gathering to move away from not being serious with God and join the group that is looking for God, the Church.
