A tribute to Rev Stephen Akinola – MENTOR, COACH & HERO (‘The Reverend Gentleman)

Our dear Pastor, in life he shone like the sun with a deeply loving and caring heart, he had just the right amount of grace round the bend. His charm and positive disposition would always remain a wonderful thought that keeps him in our hearts. We loved him. A man with open hands, open heart, open doors to his home and office.

God is in full control of all things, and has better plans for him outside this terra firma. There is no place on earth like heaven! The biggest moments lie ahead, on the other side of the grave. The short life on earth is just the beginning. It is the first letter, of the first word, of the first sentence, of the first chapter, of the great story God is writing.

I believe writing this tribute is very fitting since he was not only my Pastor, but someone I considered as my mentor, coach and hero. I cherished his personal ideals and values, and I would forever remember him. It was always great to meet this man with a heart of gold. He was always loving and willing to go the extra mile to help anyone in need.

Permit me to place on record that Pastor was a man of peace and he preached tolerance, love and forgiveness. A brilliant man he was! As a caring husband, loving father and dedicated man of God, he worked hard to support his family and all the people within the sphere of his influence.

I make bold to say that within his life period, he made a very significant impact on my life and that of my family. He had a way of creating a lively and relaxed ambience that could charm anyone meeting him for the first time and dispel any fears previously nursed.

As a mentor and coach, I understood from him that nothing great is created suddenly. He equally instilled in me the understanding that success does not occur overnight and neither does failure. Each is a process. The fact is, every day is preparation for the next. He showed me that the only adequate preparation for tomorrow would be to use today wisely.

He always made it succinctly clear that life was not a dress rehearsal and most times there would be no second chance. Benjamin Disraeli said, ‘The secret of success in life is to be ready when the time comes.’ I believe that in many ways, his legacies and values have rubbed off on his family and those who came in contact with him.

I thank God that he lived a much fulfilled life and has transcended this earth to the great beyond to meet his creator, although it is sad that I would not see him again or hear him call me the pet name, ‘Brigadier’.

May the peace and love of God surround the entire Akinola’s family and Redemption Ministries worldwide, and grant everyone comfort and strength during this difficult period.

Adieu, Adieu, Adieu – ‘the Reverend Gentleman’ Rev Stephen Akinola!!!

Prince John Wawa and family

London – United Kingdom

DADDY!!!
It is almost impossible to describe you with words! You exhibited many of our Lord’s attributes: love, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, dedication, patience, joy, faith and many more. You were a guiding light to all of us in Redemption Ministries and beyond.

You were truly a beacon of light and hope to the hopeless, fatherless, widows and the less privileged. You were an inspiration to all of us in Redemption Ministries and beyond. You were truly a lover of souls. You were all these to all of us since we came in contact with you until you took your last breath on earth.

Daddy, you were indeed a rare gem, an icon in our generation and beyond. You were truly an epitome of humility, and of the love of Christ. Your selfless and unconditional love towards all of us in Redemption Ministries and beyond is worthy of emulation. You gave your all to Christ and you were still ready to give more to anyone in need of your assistance until your last day on earth.

Daddy, you led us by example, we are only privileged to serve under your leadership. We have learned more than we can ever imagine. You carried an uncommon grace, that accounts for why you could play the role of a father, mentor and a trail blazer in the Kingdom business.

Daddy, your ministry has touched and transformed countless lives, yes the impact is really global in nature. Though you have gone home to be with our Lord, but the grace you carried, the love you had for humanity, your godly meekness and your simplicity remain with us. This I know will encourage, strengthen us until we meet to part no more.
Daddy! Good night! We shall see you in the glorious morning!!!

Pastor Levi Odumodu
(Redemption Ministries Abuja Regional Headquarters)

TRIBUTE TO A “HERO OF FAITH”

Your departure broke my heart and kept me speechless for days. I wasn’t confused nor was I wondering where you are going; it is certain that Heaven awaits your home coming. But I knew I will deeply miss you.

You have been a father with a large heart. The Love of Christ in you magnetized all the fruits of the Spirit. Walking closely with God in our time as Enoch did, we saw Jesus in you.

You were the Apostle of Revival, unveiling the mysteries of God’s word with an in-depth teaching and in power. A catalyst for OASIS of life to all; mostly to the weak, the wounded, the hopeless, the rejected, nourishing and refreshing their souls.

You were Brave-hearted – you fought a good fight, finished your course, and triumph to Glory: Heaven Rejoicing with a great joy, Angels with sounds of Trumpets, Saints giving you a warm embraced, as the Crown of Glory with stars is worn on your head and adorned in a new robe, saying Well-done, thou whom Christ Loved!!

With joy in my heart I take solace in Christ and in knowing that you have left behind a footprint and a legacy that will outlive generations.

I will deeply miss you

Rest in His Bosom
Rest in His Love.

Victoria A. E.

Tribute to my loving father

From every perspective I find it difficult to put this down, but I realize this is one of the numerous ways I can express my feeling during this time of grief chi
and pain.

Your surprise departure threw my family and I into deep thoughts of uncertainty, but I take courage to the fact that Christ in us is the hope of glory. Colossians 1:17.

Indeed, I found in you a peacemaker, a true disciple of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, undiluted Christian, Pastor, Mentor, and Father to me and family. A de-tribalistic leader and generous and well-meaning father who showed enormous compassion and love to the well-being of all those that came your way. Your contribution, and advice and spiritual life, were something to be emulated. Your legacies will be remembered by all. You have fought a good fight of Faith and your golden crown await you in glory.

Daddy you are a man of humble character, I still remember those days, when you will come out of your office and wake all the young brothers up in the night to play table tennis with you, you will watch us play and than play with the best hand and win, and you will still play with everyone around that night. You never saw us as strangers or low lives.

I can still remember the first time you asked me my name at Deacon Pius photo-studio, I was scared of you then, but your fatherly approach calmed my fears and brought me close to you

Though we are deeply pained by your death, but we find solace in the Word of God that we shall see you again on the Resurrection morning

Pastor Ikechi John Stephen
Redemption Ministries
Agudama-Epie
Bayelsa State.

Love Leaves a memory no one can steal, but Death leaves a memory no can heal…

Daddy, it’s sad to know you left, but the good memories of the short time, l worked for you, remains with me forever…
Your counsel, life lesson’s and all the good things, you taught us, have remained with me.

Daddy, you’re An intelligent and intellectual man, Full of wisdom, humility and love…always stresses the importance of “Education and Hard work in Life to Become a Great Person”.

Daddy, my heart bleed, each time, l remember that you’re gone, but your loving and fatherly role will continue lingering in my heart…
All l keep thinking is how, l wish l had “one more” opportunity to see you daddy, to hear your voice and see you smile…

Daddy, the Legacy you Left, is what inspires me and will keep me progressing in life…
You lived for others, always helping others and l will do my best to carry on in your footsteps.

I am happy being your dry cleaner and you were a father to me.
Your memory will not die… Remembering the times, you admonishes us brings smile to my face and l remember your smile also.

Daddy, you’re in my heart and l will always miss you…

Continue to Rest in Peace.
Adieu!!
Pepple Tamunoseledi

Tribute to My dearest Father- Daddy Stephen Oluwole Akinola

I came in contact with you as a teen, and ever since I’ve stayed! What a wonderful Father you were to me and mine till you passed.

You taught, groomed, nurtured and nourished me under God as a person to be what I am today and will ever be. I’m very very grateful to God that I ever came in contact with you sir.

Daddy your investment in my life will for ever blossom. God bless you sir, my Father, Mentor,Example, Pastor, Leader, ……… I will forever miss you on planet earth. Good night Sir, I’ll meet you in the morning by the grace of God!
Elizabeth Desmond.

Tribute to our most lovely Father – Daddy Stephen Oluwole Akinola

Beautiful memories!

Cletus/Elizabeth Desmond’s family started in your house so many many many years ago and have ever remained so.
Sir you took me, my wife and children (when they came) as your own and it will ever remain so! You loved us, cared for us Spiritually, Physically, Mentally, in education, financially and otherwise.

God! Life is so brief, parting is so painful! We miss you so much but our great joy is that heaven gained and your legacies speak loudly, which we cherish and value.

Daddy continue to rest in the bossom of the Lord and enjoy the reward of your great labour! Good night sir, we will by the grace of God meet you in the morning!

Pastor Cletus, Elizabeth and the children.

Tribute to my Father, Mentor, Pastor, Confident, Counselor, Adviser …….. Rev. Stephen Oluwole Akinola

Precious memories how they linger, how they ever flood my soul – too many to remember! Where will I start from? Sir YOU KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN TO ME! Oh how I feel so alone humanly speaking but I know God is with me!

Sir you trusted me and allowed me stand on your shoulders to see the world – I thank you so much! What ever I am today, you wrought under God to make it be! Thank God you are already enjoying your reward!

Sir, the legacies you left will forever be cherished, held on to till the end. The God you taught me to hold on to, look up to in every situation will surely prosper the work you left behind. Good night Sir, I’ll meet you by the grace of God in the morning!

Your son, Pastor Cletus Desmond.

TRIBUTE TO A DISTINGUISHED FATHER, MENTOR AND PASTOR. REV. STEPEHEN AKINOLA:

You were a rare combination of meekness and holiness.

A maestro of diction, the finest preacher and truly, That Disciple Whom Jesus Loves.

You operated on a spiritual atmosphere that was uncommon possessing the sole Liscence to coin captivating message topics. Messages like:-

lamentation of the jealous,

X-Ray of conscience.

Pentecostal witchcraft,

Liquid content only,

Holy Ghost maternity,

ACTS 29;

M1112,

Holy Ghost maternity

Incendiaries for Christ,

Visionary or villain,

Conscience under fire

Damned through the pulpit etc

These and many other messages neither spared the men behind the pulpit nor those in the pew as both wept finding their way to the altar.

You were the brain behind the Hour of Fire, the voice in the Wind and Fire conferences, and the pastor of pastors in Conferences On Power Evangelism ( COPE)

You shed more tears for families, spent and was spent for people you only met in the gospel field or in the counseling room.

You presented a paradigm shift from the conventional approach to Christianity.

In you we saw CHRIST personified. LOVE exemplified and GRACE magnified .

Your departure made me wished it was rapture which would have afforded us the opportunity to depart at the same time.

With tears we say Good Night.

Brother & Sister A. K. Komando.
Redemption Ministries.