The immediate past Pastor in charge of old region 4, Pastor Sunday Edward Akande was recently sent forth along with the regional evangelist, Pastor J. A. Lawal and national secretary, Pastor J. A. Oluwatosin who were transferred last year August.
The colorful service organized in the honour of the former pastor in charge of region 4 and others took place at the Kwara 1 provincial headquarter Parish, Mount of Joy, Sabo- Oke, Ilorin.
In his welcoming address, the current Pastor in charge of region 4, Pastor Ezekiel Afolayan took time to appreciate those being sent forth and pastors that came with them from their new base as well as other dignitaries in attendance.
A pastor, each from the adult, youth and women gave testimonies about the sent forth pastors. In his comment the chairman of the send forth committee, Pastor Joseph Bankole who is also the pastor in charge of Kwara Province 4 said though many people thought that Pastor Akande was tough but he saw him as a change agent.
In his sermon titled “DivinelyRewardable Service” the Pastor in charge of region 24, Pastor Boniface Okenwa said every truly born again child of God is a Kingly Priest. Okenwa took his Bible text from Luke 17: 7-10 where he highlighted 7 points that establish a divinely rewardable service. This, according to him involves every believer who is a kingly priest, who serves God whole heartedly; feed the flock with the word of God, who serves God so as to enjoy the full benefit of God’s power among others. He reminded the pastors being sent forth that they do not own anybody but God.
He congratulated pastor Akande for his service to the Lord in region 4 and urged him to beware of those who render emotional praises unto him.
When it was the time for gifts presentation, various groups came forward led by Region 4, Kwara 1 and so on.
In his response Pastor Akande on behalf of the others being sent forth appreciated God for His grace upon their lives to serve in His vineyard safely and support throughout their sojourn in Kwara state. He thanked the leadership in the region and all those who have honoured them with gifts. He also pleaded for forgiveness of those he might have stepped on their toes adding that it is sometimes inevitable for such to happen if reasonable progress is to be achieved.
All the pastors for sent forth were rendered farewell prayers led by the pastor in charge of the region, Pastor Ezekiel Afolayan.
At the occasion, the wife of the Kwara State governor, Deaconess Omolewa Ahmed represented by the wife of the deputy governor, Mrs Felicia Kisira of the All Progressives Congress and the Labour Party governorship candidate in the April 11 governorship election in the state, Mr Mike Omotoso and his wife were warmly welcome. Mrs Omolewa Ahmed appreciated the church for her prayer for the reign of peace in the state and the nation. She enjoined the pastors being sent forth to keep up the good work they had been doing for the Lord. The church was later led to pray for them.
In the same vein, the region also sent forth the former Asst. Admin Officer, Bro. Jide Olorunsola, Accounts Officer, Bro. Yomi Olaniran and Pastor Akande’s former driver, Bro. kolo Hassan.
Also, at the occasion the maiden edition of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) magazine named “Touching Lives” was launched.
Other dignitaries at the occasion were Pastor Tayo Allen, Pastor & Pastor Oloyede, all Pastors in charge of provinces in regions 4, 8 and 24 and their assistants, Pastor (Mrs) Afolayan, A/P Olakunle Oladokun, the Executive Programme Director of SEAP and the host of others.
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