Tributes

Chris Briggs

Church
January 20, 2025
A Tribute to My School Master, Brother and Pasteur. I expressly didn't wish this should be the best place in noting and expressing my affirmations, truly I am finding words to pen down a tribute because I wish you were here to see and read of the piece whom you carved out as a worthy craftsman of your bro and friend. I couldn't just place the inducement and urge. While the plaque hits, I was motivated in everyway despite to be that student that was rightly tutored by my school master, brother and Pasteur to go and create an awareness and lead the pack, irresistible to opinions and views, but thanks to God that one of the pull made its impact evident by coming with brethren to your home for a visit at that cool of the evening. . I could go on and on and I wouldn't fail or lack words to ascribe your personality. Though you're mortal with its human frailty, but you were an embodiment of a burden bearer, who stakes until it's over, to see the last one in. I saw how you would want to take up burdens to show what your representation stands for and reflects. I call you my school master and Pasteur who taught me how to see an unfailing love's attributes of the father's heart towards his elected ones. You personified your words at many times, putting it down here really doesn't attach its value for a reciprocated gesture, but I know you finished your duties and obligations. As a shepherd, you became an offering for the ones you represented. Obviously, if truly the master wasn't done or through, it wouldn't have been altered, because nothing can stop God's purpose. At least you knowing you had your once more to give to the purchased but we are humans with our little imaginations and expectations hoping to see you once again in anticipation up on your stage of calling but obviously the time ticked and here we are. Coming home at your sick days, one of the echoes of your heart was that in all its to find the father's heart and every other thing shall become a journey even if the storm comes despite, we still shall arrive. I know you fought a good fight and evidently in the father eyes, there's no impurity in making of the father's piece as God's masterpieces you know? He had to take all the weights and scrapped papers away to have you light as expected, what a glory to behold, we can't be lost, What an assurance! Wishing I could still see that brother that gives me that hug that relieves and says Chriso! .. . Your demise created shock and pain to my family the union you cemented on the altar of victory, my wife, your daughter, whom you would always make reference of to me on how little she was when you all started this great mystery truth and the fruits of our unions as you will always ask, how are they and your Oyibo as you would call "Sinclair" it's sure a great miss to us not having to see you physically, but we know one bright morning when this life's over we shall see beyond the curtains of time in jubilee. . what a reunion and a joy that would be! And as a reflection of your epistle written and sent to me as an inspiration to my representation so as Paul would do I had to put it here for an extract and my consolation of that which was written of me from my school master and Pasteur, so wherever, whenever or to whom, it reads so. "Whaoooo. whaoooo Brother Chris Briggs, yesterday shall go down in Brethren history in this City and Revealed Word Tabernacle. Your coming to my house/family with brethren to fellowship gave us hope and assurance done by the Holy Spirit. We are grateful and my Spirit further lifted for the Bride coming Revival. Thank you and God bless you. Rev Elijah Akinyemi. " Rest on Sir. God be with you till we meet again. . Bro & Sis Chris Briggs and family. . Revealed Word Tabernacle.

Mrs Edith Samuel

Friend
January 20, 2025
Our dear father Rev. Elijah Oluranti Akinyemi was indeed a true father not only to his biological children but to anyone that was around him. He was lovely, always smiling, caring, God fearing and showed concern to those around him. Words and space would not be enough to talk about him. May his legacies live on and may his lovely soul rest in the bosom of our LORD GOD. Good bye God's general.

Bro and Sis Aniekpeno Emmanuel

Family
January 19, 2025
TRIBUTE TO A LOVING FATHER & A SHEPHERD Dear Reverend/Sir, as I fondly addressed you, the news of your passing greeted my family with a deep sense of loss and grief. It was but a short period of illness, during which your health seemed at times to improve, only to deteriorate again, as we heard from close family members. As believers, we prayed earnestly, and God answered—not in the way we had hoped, but in a way that fulfills His divine will. We take comfort in knowing that it pleased the Creator to call His servant home at this time, and we surrender completely to His will. With assurance in our hearts, as the scriptures say, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15). Dear Reverend, we hold firm to the belief that you are now in a better place. What we are left with are the cherished memories that will forever remain fresh in our hearts. Growing up, I knew you and my late father, Brother Michael Matthew Emmanuel, were bosom friends and staunch believers in Malachi 4:5-6. Your friendship would not be complete without the mention of Deacon Stephen Udom, of blessed memory, who also happened to be my father-in-law. One particularly unforgettable moment was during my marriage solemnization, which turned out to be the last wedding ceremony you officiated. That day was filled with touching memories of the enduring friendship between our families—a bond that now flows down to us, the children. We remain profoundly grateful for the fatherly role you played, offering moral support, counseling, and prayers. Dear Reverend, we treasure the fellowship, the warm family spirit, and the welcoming embrace we felt each time we had the privilege of meeting you. Thank you for the beautiful and meaningful ceremony you gave us on our wedding day. As a shepherd, you served God’s people with selfless love, unwavering commitment, discipline, compassion, and humility. To God be the glory, the church you nurtured continues to stand strong today as a testament to your legacy and as a beacon for the furtherance of the gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Please greet our departed brethren for us and rest peacefully at the feet of Jesus Christ, until we meet again to part no more. Adieu, dear Reverend. Bro & Sis Aniekpeno Michael Emmanuel (Revealed Word Tabernacle, Port Harcourt)

John Ubah

Church
January 19, 2025
I came to Port Harcourt in 2006 and your ministry so moulded me to a point where I came to understand the true meaning of a shepherd looking after his sheep. You were to me a true pastor, a loving father to his son. The true Christ like life you lived was full of love and brotherly kindness to one and all. You left a legacy that will be so difficult to find your replacement. Thank you God's general for giving to the Lord. Your son JOHN UBAH.

Pst. Ogbopina Oliver

Church
January 19, 2025
Tribute to our able Librarian Late Rev. Elijah Akinyemi Job 14:14 KJV‬ "If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, Till my change come" In the short time we knew Rev. Elijah Akinyemi, he demonstrated unwavering love, kindness, and empathy toward our assembly. In his role as the librarian of VOGR Rivers State, we were consistently blessed by the sermon books and other materials distributed to our assembly through his efforts. Even in 2023, when the pastor of our assembly lost his wife, Rev. Akinyemi showed remarkable love and support to the pastor's family and the church. He reached out with calls, prayers, visits, and words of encouragement. During the burial of the pastor's wife, he traveled all the way to Bayelsa to offer his support and strengthen the family and the church. The passing of Rev. Elijah Akinyemi came as a shock to us all and has been deeply felt by every member of the church. While his departure is painful to the flesh and he will be greatly missed, we take comfort in the words of 1 Thessalonians 4:13, which remind us not to grieve like those who have no hope(Job 14:7,KJV) Our time on earth is but a tiny fraction of eternity, and in this truth, we find solace. We are confident that we will reunite in the bosom of Christ. Ps. 116. 15. (KJV) Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Rest in peace, Rev. Elijah Akinyemi. You will forever remain in our hearts.

Mr/Dr. Mrs Edmund Eguzoro

Friend
January 19, 2025
TRIBUTE TO A PEACEFUL AND LOVING MAN Death! !! A debt we all have to pay at anytime in our life. Yours came at a time we never expected because the last time we spoke with you, you requested your beloved wife to put the call on video so that we can see that you are now hale and hearty. But we were shocked when we heard you have departed to the world beyond. For all the times we have known you. You were always nice. Sharing love around to your family and friends like us who came in contact with you. You were a lover of God and believers alike. You lived a life worthy of emulation. You will be greatly missed by us. Sleep well my brother till we meet to part no more. Mr/Dr,Mrs Edmund Eguzoro.

Sis Silas Treasure Obiageli

Church
January 19, 2025
"Dear Pastor [Rev Elijah Akinyemi], As I sit down to write this message, my heart is filled with a mix of sadness and gratitude. I'm sad that you're no longer with us, but I'm grateful for the incredible impact you had on my life and the lives of countless others. You were more than just a pastor to me; you were a dear friend, a mentor, and a role model. Your humility, kindness, and compassion inspired me to be a better person. Your door was always open, and your listening ear was always available. I'll never forget the way you cared for each and every church member, always putting others before yourself. Your selflessness, generosity, and love for God were contagious, and you created a community that reflected those values. Your legacy will live on through the countless lives you touched, the hearts you healed, and the souls you guided. You may be gone, but your memory will remain with me forever, and I'll continue to strive to make you proud. Rest in peace, dear Pastor. You've earned your eternal reward, and I know you're now worshiping at the feet of Jesus, free from pain and sorrow. Thank you for being an extraordinary pastor, friend, and mentor. I'll miss you dearly, but I'll continue to celebrate your life, your ministry, and the incredible impact you had on my life and the lives of so many others. Silas Treasure Obiageli.

Bro and Sis Ochei

Church
January 19, 2025
Tribute to a Compassionate Reverend You were a gallant soldier of Malachi 4 message, fearless, bold, loving and very compassionate. A caring father not only to your biological children but to all that came your way. l could remember when we were attacked by robbers in the midnight, you dispatched security personnel to come to our rescue. Even when we had issues with our business you quickly sent your lawyer to handle the case and it was settled. You were a security conscious man and a disciplinarian. You will be greatly missed Sir. Adieu great servant of the most high. Shalom. Bro and Sis Enoch Ochei and family.

Oluseyi Ishola

Family
January 18, 2025
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Rev. Akinyemi. As we bid farewell to Reverend, let us continue to carry forward his legacy of love, kindness, compassion, and resilience. Continue to rest in eternal peace, Sir. We miss you.

Gerard Perez-Winkler

Church
January 18, 2025
Dear Olu-Akinyemi Family. We which to extend our sincere and heart felt condolences to the entire Olu-Akinyemi family. We will never be able to find the words to comfort you, who have been sadly and deeply affected by the passing away of our Dear Pastor and Brother Rev. E. O. Olu-Akinyemi. The only Comfort we can offer is the Word of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Bible says, “50 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 51 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. ” (1 Corinthians 15:50-51). The scriptures also states that there is no victory in death nor the grave, but our victory is in Christ Jesus. Perhaps the best consolation comes from Psalms 116:15; “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. ”. It is in these times when we lose a loved one, that the Bible becomes real and alive. We have a promise, we shall meet them again. Our precious brother is in a better place, free from pain, sickness and disease. Rest in peace faithful Servent. You have run your race and finished your course. May God give you Peace, Comfort, but most of all Understanding. We are praying for the entire family. All is well, Shalom. Perez-Winkler Family.