Friends, family members, pastors from several denominations especially the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria on Friday March 7 gathered at the YMCA Hall, in Agege, Lagos to pay their last respect to Pastor Mrs Elizabeth Abosede Oyemade, wife of Dr. Sam Oyemade, founder of Bearer of Light Ministry who passed on recently after a brief illness at the age of 53.
The service lasted for about two hours. But testimonies of the impact of the late teacher of the word, who supported the ministry of her husband so well was a great comfort to many. at the service who expressed confidence that she has gone to be with the Lord.
Message
The preacher at the event, Pastor David Ikhielea said he had opportunity of meeting the late Bible teacher about two weeks to her transition.
He said he along with some servants of God were treated to a wonderful reception in the family house and later had cause to pray for her.
Ikhielea said he prayed so much from the depth of his heart.and was confident that she would get out of the sickness only for him to hear the news of her transition.
A fellow pastor had confronted him and wondered aloud, ‘what happened to the prayers that we prayed, why didn’t God hear us.’
Ikhielea said, ‘I told the pastor that her transition was God’s own way of answering us. I believe the prayer prepared her for her final rest. When I heard the way she passed I give God the glory. The final words on her lips was Jesus,Jesus, Jesus and she breathed her last. That was a glorious way to transit.’
He said death should not scare any believer but rather what should be our concern is to stay in the will of God. ‘anytime the Lord can call us home. It is now up to us not to be found wanting. Our sister fought a good fight. She was a gallant soldier of Christ. She has gone to her rest ‘
Ikhielea seized the opportunity to warn believers against living double lives noting that many people are playing church rather than living according to their calling.
Testimonies
Many at the event gave testimonies of the great impact Mrs Oyemade made in their lives.
A testifier recalled how the late Mrs Oyemade accommodated her in their family house and how she had access to every part of their house without any inhibition. ‘The life of the Oyemades is a transparent one. There is nothing to hide . I can’t forget how they accommodated me for days even though we are not related in anyway by blood.’
Many top leaders of the PFN including Bishop Abraham Olaleye, Pastor Oluleke Akinola, Pastor James Akanbi and a host of others were at the funeral service.
Until her transition, Pastor Mrs Oyemade was a first class caterer and theologian. She had the grace according to testimonies shared on the programme pamphlet of simplifying difficult theological issues while teaching at the BOL Bible Academy..
Appreciation
Her husband, Pastor Sam Oyemade said he was deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support he received during what he described as ‘incredibly difficult time, following the loss of my beloved wife, Elizabeth Abosede Olubukola Oyemade’
He said further that ‘the loss is immeasurable, and the pain is profound and unbearable. Yet, amidst this darkness, people’s kindness has been a beacon of light.’
He expressed great appreciation to all those who graced the funeral events, stating , ‘every act of compassion has meant more than you can possibly know. Thank you for the visits, the warmth of your presence, your valuable financial support, continuous prayers, and most importantly, for simply being there.
‘Thank you for sharing your memories of sister Lizzy, for reminding me of her beautiful spirit, and for helping me keep her memory alive Your support has been a source of strength, a comfort in my grief, and a reminder that I am not alone. I am deeply touched by your generosity and will forever cherish your kindness.’