How I encourage myself after my son’s death – Pastor Adeboye

The General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, said on Friday that he was constantly encouraged by the lifestyle of Rev Uma Ukpai.

Adeboye disclosed that Ukpai’s strength to keep serving God after he lost more than a child on the same day served as a positive source of comfort to him after the death of his son, Dare.

Dare, the third child of Pastor Adeboye, died on May 4, 2021, in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, where he was working in the RCCG ministry with his family.

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Dare was the Assistant Pastor in charge of Region (Youth) 35 and was married to Temiloluwa. They were blessed with three daughters.

But a very vibrant Dare, an inspirational and impactful preacher, died suddenly in his sleep.

Speaking during a special service at the International Worship Centre in Uyo on Friday held to celebrate Ukpai’s 80th birthday, Adeboye said the clergyman’s steadfastness in Christian faith helped him [Adeboye] after the death of his son.

Adeboye, who described his son’s death as the darkest moment since becoming a Christian, said he drew strength from Ukpai’s lifestyle.

He added that Ukpai’s influence would be well appreciated after his death.

Read him: “If you really, really want to serve God, then you must be ready to serve him whether things are pleasant or not.

“The darkest moment of my life since becoming a Christian was when I lost my son without notice. My son called me on a Sunday evening and said, ‘Daddy, the weekend programme was extremely successful. Glory be to God. Thank you for your prayer support.’ The next thing I heard on Tuesday night was that my son was gone.

“I had to preach on Friday, and one reference point that gave me strength was Uma Ukpai. I know he lost more than one child in a day, yet he did not waver. He kept on serving God. He gave me strength at a time when I needed it most.” [with report from Eaglespath]