Gospel singer and Pastor, Nathaniel Bassey, has revealed how a gift from Bishop Mike Okonkwo of The Redeemed Evangelical Ministries changed his life for the better.

Celebrating Okonkwo's 80th birthday, Bassey recalled that his trumpet performance at Okonkwo's church drew attention and caught the ear of the clergyman.

Thus began his journey to being ordained as a gospel music minister.

He wrote, "Big Daddy! Big 80!

"I remember ministering at a service of songs of a family friend’s mum, who was a member of TREM. There I was, a tiny little boy, with the trumpet. As I blew, the place erupted. The members of Trem insisted Bishop had to see me. So, on Sunday, I was in Trem.

'And an even more eruption of praise took place. Bishop then ordered a mini trumpet overseas, something to fit the size and frame of this little trumpet boy.

'Years passed, and I grew in the Lord, and in 1998 precisely, I was ordained a minister of music in the church. The sound of that trumpet reverberates around the world because someone believed.

'Today, I celebrate a man who was able to spot the diamond in the rough. A man of the WORD - CHARACTER & STATURE. Thank you for your invaluable input into my life and ministry. On this occasion of your 80th, I join the body of Christ world over to wish you a GRACEFUL HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIR. Keep shining, BIG DADDY."

ASA