A Night of Tributes, Testimonies and Tears

Encomiums poured in for Pastor Nomthi Odukoya at the night of tributes service

Tuesday, November 9, started as a regular day until the evening when the death of Pastor Nomthi Odukoya, the Associate Senior Pastor and wife of the Senior Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, became public. Pastor Taiwo Odukoya made the shocking announcement on his Instagram page.

The reality of this sudden and shocking news further dawned on the majority at the service of songs which held on Monday, 29th of November 2021. The service of songs, tagged Night of Tributes, held in her honour on Monday, November 29, threw the congregation into a state of gut-wrenching tearfulness.

The service, which started at 4:30 pm in the main auditorium of the church, had the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo; the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Bishops Mike and Peace Okonkwo; Rev Joe Olaiya; Rev Emiko Amotsuka; Pastor Sarah Omaku and many dignitaries from all spheres of life and the body of Christ present. Friends and loved ones from South Africa, the UK, the USA, and other parts of the world were also in attendance to pay homage to a soldier of Christ who had laid her sword at the feet of the Master.

The first Bible reading from 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 (TPT) was read by the deceased’s first son, Timilehin Odukoya, while the second Bible reading from John 14:1-3 (NKJV) was taken by his younger brother, Jomiloju Odukoya.

Pastor Jimi Odukoya took the third Bible reading from Romans 8:31-39, and Pastor Tolu Odukoya-Ijogun rendered a special song that left many in tears.

While Pastors Tobi Odukoya-Enuha and Kemi Odukoya shared their fond memories of Pastor Nomthi and spoke on how she lived her life even amid pain, families, relatives, friends, associates, clerics and representatives from her children’s school spoke about how impactful Pastor Nomthi’s life was. These tributes give credence to the positive life Pastor Nomthi lived.

Reverend Joe Olaiya, Founder of the Living Faith Foundation Ministry, Sokoto, gave the exhortation at the Tribute service. Titling his message, ‘Written and Numbered,’ Reverend Olaiya said that God numbers every strand of hair on every living being, and this is why He is not surprised by anything that happens to them.

Reading from Matthew and Psalm 139:13-18, the cleric likened the journey of life and the challenges in life as a bend on a highway, noting that one does not see or know what lies ahead after the bend until one gets to the end.

“There is a miracle waiting for you at the end. The best is yet to come because the Lord is your strength,” he assured the congregation.

Commenting on Pastor Nomthi’s exit from the world, Pastor Olaiya assured the congregation that she has gone to glory because her life depicted love, stating that it takes a great deal to abound in love.

“Our sister had love, and everyone that has love has eternal life. So, our sister has gone home. There is a home to go to, and when you see the home, you will never want to stay back here on earth. But are you prepared?” he asked.

Comforting and encouraging Pastor Taiwo and The Fountain of Life Church from Jeremiah 21:19, he said that God’s presence will always be with them even in this time of grief. He also urged everyone present at the Night of Tributes to live an impactful life, stating that materialism cannot save them.

In his words: “As our days go by, our strength diminishes, but there is a better place for us. Life is not about what you eat, but what you do that would count in eternity. There is nothing gathered in this life that can replace your soul. All the wealth of the world cannot save a soul. So use your gift and talent to bring souls to God’s Kingdom because you will give an account of what you did with those resources in the end.”

While praying for the Odukoya family, Bishop Mike Okonkwo exhorted the congregation and the family to believe in God and remain faithful. He said that it is in adversity that we know those who know God. “Go ahead and get the job done,” he urged.

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