Bishop Tom Sampson, the ever-bold and spiritually militant founder of Christ Royal Family Church International, is set to host the 19th edition of his globally acclaimed deliverance conference, It Is War. Known for its intense spiritual atmosphere, miraculous healings, prophetic deliverance, and life-transforming encounters, the conference has become a global force in the Christian faith space.
The 21st edition of the Lagos Reigning in Life Conference annually organized by the Christ Royal Family International Church, is billed to take off on Sunday, August 3, 2025. The programme tagged ‘It Is War’ is scheduled to be held at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos State.
In a recent media parley, Bishop Sampson took a nostalgic journey through the origins of this power-packed event. “As far back as 2001, I started a program called Reigning in Life,” he recalled. “But in 2004, God gave me a clear mandate: ‘Come out and remember the ministry I gave you a deliverance ministry to set the captives free.’ That’s when It Is War was born.”
Famed in his earlier years as the “confrontational pastor in military camouflage,” Bishop Sampson made waves by turning Lagos upside down with an aggressive evangelistic style. “When we launched the first edition at Lagos Airport Hotel, even the military and SSS showed up they wanted to know what was going on,” he said with a chuckle. “We later transitioned to the chaplaincy uniform after advice from a Christian General.”
Sampson’s bold ministry traces its roots back to his university days at the University of Ekpoma, Abraka Campus, where he faced down dangerous cult groups and spiritual darkness. “I preached the gospel from campus to campus Unife, Uniport, Auchi Poly delivering students from spiritual bondages. They called me ‘Violent Tom’,” he recounted.
Since its humble beginnings, It Is War has expanded beyond Nigeria, taking the message of freedom to cities like Abuja, Port Harcourt, London, America, and Canada. Despite its global reach, the mission remains consistent, to break strongholds and set people free from every form of spiritual oppression.
“I am the first beneficiary of this message,” the bishop said candidly. “In my family, nobody got married, no completed buildings, and no higher education. Today, we’ve broken all those barriers. God has used this ministry to transform not just my life but thousands of others across the world.”
Bishop Sampson highlighted that spiritual bondage is not limited by geography. “I’ve seen debt-based living in the U.S. where people are bound by credit systems. A sister lost her car before service ended because of loan debt. A brother told me, ‘Don’t envy my Jeep I have five years of payments left.’ That’s bondage too.”
As the 19th edition approaches, Bishop Sampson remains focused on the divine mandate. “For 34 years, we’ve preached the gospel and broken chains — and we will not stop. Jesus said, ‘I am sent to preach the gospel and set the captives free.’ That is our assignment. That is It Is War.”
The upcoming It Is War conference promises to be another landmark in a legacy of power, healing, and divine deliverance — a must-attend for anyone hungry for spiritual breakthrough.
“God help us,” Bishop Sampson concluded. “We will keep spreading the gospel — until every captive is free.”
