A Tribute to Rev. Elijah Akinyemi “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” - Psalms 116:15 “Pastor” as we fondly called him, was a kind man. In writing this tribute, permit me to draw from personal experiences. His last son Emmanuel and I are age mates. We naturally became best of friends and I found myself spending most of my holidays and weekends with him at his father’s house. Throughout the years we spent together, there was never a time where I was made to feel like a “non-member” of the family. From making room for me in their already packed vehicle, to sleeping in the same hotel rooms when we travelled for conventions, Pastor was always willing to make room/space for me. When it came to feeding, either at home or on the road, there was nothing Emmanuel got that I didn’t get. That’s how selfless and kind he was. The second experience to draw from is how he and Sister Martha (of blessed memory) were there for my Mum, my Brothers and I, when my Dad transited. We were just about a year old at Local Christian Assembly Port Harcourt (as it was called then), and the love showered on us by Pastor and his family remain in our hearts till today. Some may say “oh! What else was he supposed to do, was he not the Pastor? ” but my response to that would be, not every Pastor cares the way Brother Elijah did. Was Brother Elijah perfect? No, he was human. But at the core of his heart was a man that loved genuinely, not with any expectations of what he might get back in return. On behalf of my Mum, Sister Hephzibah and my brothers, Sidney & Scott. Thank you and Sleep well Pastor, see you on that great resurrection morning. Cedric.

You have left your footprints with glory on the sand of time. Your name will be remembered for a long time, and your story will be told for generations. You are a father, pastor and mentor. I will ever cherish those moments we spent together, the lessons learnt from you and your kind heart to humanity. Greet My beloved father Adeleke , Sweet mother Cecilia and beloved big Mummy Martha for me and tell them, I miss them so much. Rest well dear Rev'd Elijah Akinyemi till resurrection morning Engr. Oluwaseyi Abioye for the Abioyes

EAGLE TO EAGLE CALL TO GLORY EXIT OF GOD'S GENERAL You heard the voice of the great MAMA EAGLE come up hither. "The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places; how are the mighty fallen! Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph. How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished! " 2nd Samuel 1: 19,20,27. Truly a weapon of spiritual warfare is perished, the sword is sheathed for this great man of war, sir I am truly pained at your exit, it was a day of sadness, when I learnt of your departure to the great beyond, it was surprising and shocking, but He that declares the end from the beginning knows it all better and allowed death snatch you from us at such a time as this, it's painful but we take solace in His Word which you thought with your whole heart, you are only sleeping and our separation is only temporary and some day He will call and you will answer, you will be some where listening. Sir your love for the Lord and the prophet William M. Branham and the message God gave him was so glaring, impacting and Convincing that me and my humble family had no choice but to stand flat footed regardless, parson thank you for giving to the Lord, you were such an encouragement. My precious loving brother, great man of God Rev. Elijah O Akinyemi, thank you for your spiritual, moral, and financial support, your encouragements , interventions, intercessions on your knees at desperate times and odd hours of the night via telephone calls, text messages, during your earthly pilgrimage, great legacies, it cannot be forgotten, thank you sir, the Lord bless your gallant soul, the kindness, compassion, dedication shown to the things of God is worthy of note, am so glad our paths crossed on this side of resurrection, our private conversations, advise and spiritual instructions went a long way to leverage the pains on the journey, we fondly remember and it's indelibly written on the palms of our hearts, live on parson, live on brother, live on friend. Sir, your Bible/Mal 4 :5-6 Rev. 10:7 message based sermons gave me and my family a firm foundation and rooting on which by His grace we are growing in His vineyard, we are eternally grateful cherishing every moment spent together especially when God used you to spear head series of negotiations via prayers and other loving brethren in the church to abate what would have been an indelible pain and tragedy in my humble family, we had no fighting chance, thank you sir for your leadership then giving to the Lord to be used, it was and still greatly appreciated , thank you, sir. Time will fail me but truly speaking if all that you did, your spiritual mentorship, guidance, positive influences, courage and encouragement to which we were and are still grateful were to be written, paper and pen cannot contain it, but as you rest in the bosom of the Father beyond the curtains of time looking down now, know parson that we miss you but you are in a better place now, and all that you thought us we hold dear to our hearts and by His grace we will live them too God helping us, also believing where you are now, all pains, worries, sorrows, tears are all gone forever, sir greet all the saints departed, our precious loving brothers and sisters and one of this blessed morning we will meet to part no more, rest on parson, rest on sir, rest on friend , rest on precious loving brother Rev. Elijah Oluranti Akinyemi, love you sir but God loves you most, till we meet at Jesus Christ' feet, Adieu. BRO SIMEON-DAVID VIHIAVE AND FAMILY REVEALED WORD TABERNACLE 14C IGWURITA ROAD, PORTHARCOURT, RIVERS STATE.

I remember you just like I mourn my biological father, forever in my heart, my Godfather like I used to call you. Rev. Elijah Oluranti Akinyemi a very close and good friend of mine, we shall however on that resurrection morning meet again, when death will not have power over us anymore. Good bye and God bless your soul as it rest in the bosom of the lord Amen . From Nyewe Oro Anyabele the III, Elder Gospel Orowhuo Orlumati the principal land-lord.

Heartfelt condolences Bro. Emmanuel and family on the passing of your father, Rev. E. O. Olu-Akinyemi. Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer. Shalom Bro. Elton Desouza & family.

Tribute to Bro. Elijah Akinyemi It is with sadness, I write this tribute to my friend, fellow soldier and brother in Christ, Bro. Elijah Akinyemi. Our paths crossed in the late seventies to the early eighties where we met in the Local Christian Assembly, Lagos. While I was led to shepherd a little flock in Ibadan, you founded and pastored a church in Port Harcourt. Despite the distance, we were in contact with each other, you came to Ibadan to minister to the flock, also your son, Emmanuel, schooled in Ibadan and stayed with us. He was a blessing as he played the guitar during our worship services. Your daughter, Elizabeth was my daughter, Sarah, bosom mate. These memories will remain etched within as a reminder of you, my dear friend and brother. I was really saddened by the news of your passing. My heart goes out to the entire family during this difficult time. May God strengthen you all. Rest in peace, Bro. Elijah, your friendship and support will never be forgotten.

The news of your death came to me as a big shock because we still spoke few days before you passed, you sounded so lively, and I was even supposed to come see you at the hospital just for me to hear you've left this sinful world. Its still hard to believe you are gone, its just like you embarked on a journey and will be back soon. Whenever I look at your pictures and how you always smiled, it still feels like you are very much alive. Its just so sad and painful that I will never see you or even get to speak with you again. Big Daddy as I fondly called you, you are gone, but you will never be forgotten. I am only left with your memories to live with now, no words can express my grief. A million words cannot bring you back, I know because I have tried; neither can a million tears; I say this because I have cried. I pray that God will bring peace and solace to our entire family because you've left a big vacuum, and I know things cannot remain the same. Thank you for all you did when you were here, the sacrifices you made, the lives you impacted on, I can go on and on, the list is just so endless. May your soul keep resting in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ big daddy. Greet our dearest Big Mummy. All is well

I came to know Daddy through my big sis, Aunty Tolu. Daddy is such a loving and kind father. I remember different occasions, he will show up at our place of work and as he is leaving, he gifts us cash to share amongst our self. Thank you daddy for being awesome. Rest well.

A Tribute to My Grandpa, A Faithful Servant of God. Today, I want to honor a man whose life has been a shining example of faith, love, and service. As a pastor, he had not only preached the Word of God but had also lived it every day with humility, kindness, and unwavering devotion. He was a source of strength to his congregation and family alike. Grandpa’s kindness and warm smile knew no limits. Like I was told that Grandpa would say in humor who is disturbing me this night for tea, each night I'm crying for tea. Your legacy will forever live on in our hearts and in the generations to come. With endless love and admiration, We will forever miss you grandpa, Rest well till we meet to part no more Divine Joseph

Tribute to my Grandpa Oh, Grandpa! How hard it was to put this down. I still remember the words you told me back when I was in school: make sacrifices now for future gain. Those words stayed with me, guiding me through school and the early days of my career. I thank God every day for the focus they instilled in me. I’ll never forget the lockdown days when it was just you, Mummy, and myself at home. You’d go out and return with a restaurant flyer saying oh we need to try different recipes, oh we need to try this, explore that, and not just one style of cooking. It was always so interesting! You even trusted me to handle the service posters, the developing church website and online service connections during COVID, despite having a team of technicians at your disposal. It showed just how much you valued helping young people grow, and that meant the world to me. Thinking back now, I can’t help but laugh at how you’d call me different names just to avoid calling me “Susu” as it means something funny in Yoruba. As my pastor, you taught me the power of faith and your sermons were not just words but truths that strengthened my spirit. You were a shepherd who led with humility, always pointing us to the love and mercy of Christ. Words will never be enough to encapsulate your legacy, your life was a testament to what it means to live with purpose. You poured yourself into your faith, your family, and everyone is blessed to know you. We will greatly miss you Grandpa. Rest well, in the arms of the One you so faithfully served. You will always be loved and forever missed. Supernatural Joseph.