Olowosile was a soldier of Christ, says Fatoba at funeral
By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Ekiti State Area Overseer and member of the Board of Trustees of the Apostolic Faith Church for West and Central Africa, Rev. Oba Fatoba, has described the late Brother Fatai Johnson Olowosile as a soldier of Christ who faithfully served God and has now gone home to meet the Lord.
Fatoba stated this while delivering the funeral sermon for Olowosile, a respected cleric and Zonal Pastor of the Apostolic Faith Church in Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State.
The funeral service, organised by the deceased’s family, was held at the headquarters of the Apostolic Faith Church in Akure, Ondo State. It attracted family members, church leaders, worshippers and sympathisers who gathered to honour the late pastor.
In a sermon titled “A Soldier of Christ Has Gone Home to Meet the Lord,” Fatoba described death as an inevitable end to human existence and a transition into eternity, urging Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, endure life’s challenges and fulfil their divine assignments.
He stressed that the ultimate testimony of a believer was to remain faithful to God, complete the race of life and return home to meet the Lord.
Drawing biblical references from Acts 20:22–24, Job 14:1–10, Psalm 116:15, Philippians 2:25–26 and II Timothy 4:5, the cleric highlighted the importance of Christian service, sacrifice, perseverance and preparation for eternity.
Taking his main text from Acts 20:22–24, Fatoba cited the Apostle Paul’s unwavering commitment to his divine assignment despite the trials, uncertainties and dangers confronting him.
He said Paul’s determination to fulfil his ministry despite adversity offered a powerful example for Christians, noting that believers should remain committed to their calling regardless of the challenges they encounter.
According to him, Olowosile’s life and service to God reflected the qualities of a true soldier of Christ, who remains steadfast in faith and committed to fulfilling God’s purpose.
Quoting the second book of Timothy 4:5, Fatoba charged believers to remain sober, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist and fulfil their ministry.
He noted that the biblical admonition remained relevant in contemporary society, where the pressures of daily living could distract people from their spiritual responsibilities.
The preacher urged church members to remain committed to evangelism, prayer and Christian service, stressing that every believer had a responsibility to contribute to the spread of the gospel.
Reflecting on Job 14:1–10, which describes human life as brief and filled with challenges, Fatoba said the reality of mortality should inspire people to live purposefully and prepare for eternity.
He added that no individual, irrespective of status, position or achievement, could escape death, urging Christians to make their lives count through faithful service to God and humanity.
The sermon concluded with a message of hope, reminding the congregation that although death brings sorrow to the living, Christians find comfort in God’s promises and the hope of eternity.
The service also served as a call to believers to continue the work of the gospel and remain faithful to God, following the example of Olowosile, who had completed his earthly assignment.
Fatoba’s central message was that the life of a soldier of Christ should be defined by service, sacrifice and faithfulness, with the greatest testimony being the ability to finish the race and return home to meet the Lord.
