Women’s Editor, TEMITOPE OJO, writes on Founding Pastor of Crusader Church, Akute, Festus Adewole, who recently celebrated his 50th birthday amid joy and testimonies.
Pastor Festus Adewole is a father to many, comprising members and non-members of his church. However, this role did not just emanate from the blues. For him, it is a God-given assignment.
Reminiscing over his intriguing life story, Adewole recalled his past dubious and offensive lifestyle, but attested to the transformation that was wrought through the power in the blood of Jesus. He described his journey in life as that of a man rescued from causing people sorrow to uplifting lives and destinies.
According to him, “It feels good, when you see people around you. You feel happy. It means you’ve made an impact on their lives. When I saw this crowd today, I felt happy and excited because there was a time in my life that people didn’t want to associate with me. I was such a pest that people avoided me like plague; so it is a miracle today that so many people can identify with me and what I represent.
“The greatest thing that ever happened in my life is the call I received into this ministry. Before now, I caused so much sorrow in the lives of people; I brought pain in the way I dealt with them. But today God is using me to create joy in the lives of many people. The greatest thing that will ever happen to me is that God called me into ministry and I am very happy about it,” he told the audience.
On what success means, Adewole noted, “Success is not determined by the type of car you drive or the money you have. Rather, it is about the assistance you render to people. Whenever I see people sharing testimonies of what God has done in their lives through me, I feel very happy. So, it is the impact I make on people’s lives that I regard as success.”
The cleric announced that a remarkable way to celebrate his 50th anniversary is through empowering the indigent people in his village.
According to him, “For over 30 years after I came to Lagos and gave my life to Christ, I didn’t go back to the village. When my mother died, I went and gave her a befitting burial. Last year, I decided to go back to the village and make impact, I decided to go back and build a house for my father.
“I also bought a land which I will be using for ministry work. Even now, we are negotiating for acres of land for projects that will enhance the lives of the people. Some of my friends that we all grow up together are still in my hometown, with their many wives, drinking and living in abject poverty. I want to go and preach the gospel to them. Also, I want to establish an NGO, Festus Adewole Foundation, that will take care of the needs of people.”
The general overseer, who also is a surveyor, said he would have regretted not answering God’s call. Hence, his discovery of God’s purpose for his life has made the difference in every sphere of his life.
His words: “Truly, everyone is born to fulfil a purpose; that is what we call destiny. Long before I became a pastor, I discovered that God has put the interest for his work into my heart. I discovered that his purpose for me is for me to do his work.
“I would have regretted if I was not a child of God; I would also have regretted if I had not heeded the call to ministry. As a result of this pastoral assignment, God has taken me to different continents of the world.”
A documentary on his life was screened at the event, which said so much about his past as a trouble-maker and community pest, a trademark that cannot be reconciled with his present character as a peace-loving and gracious man of God.
On how he relaxes, he confessed to being restless, as he has invested so much time and energy in the ministry work, but hopes to spend more time with his family.
Talking about his marital life, he narrated that he met his wife the first time during the Sunday school segment of the service. According to him, he had been praying God for the right wife because he did not want to make mistake in marriage, as some people he knew.
Being convinced that she was the right choice for her, in the manner of his church, he told his pastor his intention, who sent for her and informed her, and their courtship started.
Cueing in, his wife gave responses on what attracted her to the man, and how she has coped with a husband best described as a “praying machine” over the years. She also gave some word of advice to unmarried women as well as tips on what makes marriage successful.
“I thank God for his life. God told me he is His child; that he is a God-fearing man. During the courtship, he once made a statement that actually endeared him to me. He said, ‘If I ever make a mistake to put my hand on your chest or your backside, shout at me, in fact slap me”. To me, that was the kind of man I wanted, a man who is not ready to mess up with me, but one that fears the Lord and is prepared to help me live holy,” she said.
“My advice to these young ones (spinsters) is that they need to pray and get the right man for their lives. I remember after I got married and challenges started showing up, I was asking God, why me?
“Based on my conviction, I knew what God was telling me. Anytime there is an issue, I go back to God and remind him of how he spoke to me about him. So, I will advise them to get God’s conviction. There is no marriage without conflict or disagreement and agreement. They should have genuine conviction.”
