Superintendent of Efon DCC, Pastor Abraham O. Olawale consecrating the newly appointed Elders.
By 'Gbenga Bankole
It was a day of history on Sunday, December 10, 2023 as Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Alaafia District Headquarters, Efon-Alaye, Ekiti State, held her 70th anniversary thanksgiving service with the consecration of new Elders and Deaconesses, award presentations and commissioning of 10kva solar light inverter.
The church, which was planted by the first General Evangelist of CAC, Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola and started off as a small assembly under a thatched roof with few members at the back of a certain Chief Ologunde Elesin's house on May 3, 1953, has now grown over the years to become a District Headquarters, worshipping in a cathedral.
At the anniversary thanksgiving service, five Elders and three Deaconesses were consecrated by the Superintendent of Efon DCC, Pastor Abraham O. Olawale, who represented the church authority.
Also, 42 awards were given out to members who have played significant role in the birth and growth of the church till date, among which are posthumous awards collected by the families.
Philanthropist Awards were given to High Chief Joseph Folorunsho Alake, Elder Dr. Remi Olowookere and Elder Albert Oluwatayo Olowoyeye, while Golden Daughter Awards were given to Mrs. Oluwaniyi Foluke Oluwatoyin and Mrs. Folayan Funmilayo Christianah.
Posthumous Awards were given to Late Elder Ezekiel Olutayo Esan, Late Elder Moses Oyeniran Akomolafe, Late Pa Ezekiel Oluwadare Oladesu, Late Elder Joseph Aluko Oyemola, Late Pa Michael Ekundayo, Late Elder Reuben Ajayi, Late Pastor Caleb Oluwadare Alo, Late Elder Michael Idowu Jegede, Late Pastor Matthew Dada Mogaji and Late Prophet (Elder) Samuel Adeniji.
Ex-Serving Ministers of God Awards were given to Pastor Dr. Julius Olu Ajala, Pastor Matthew Akinola Adebowale, Pastor Solomon Adesina Oluokun and Pastor Joseph Oladayo Ilesanmi; while active Serving Members Awards were given to Deaconess Felicia, Deaconess Emily Ayodele Oyemola and Pastor J.S. Adeniji.
Golden Son Award were given to Prince Adetunji Edward Sunday Aladejare, Elder/Engr. Ajayi Olamide Titus, Elder (Hon.) Adeniji Joseph Olaleye, Elder (Hon) George Babatope Idowu, Evang. Asaolu Kolawole Joseph, Mr. Oluwaloni Oluwafemi, Pastor Adeniji Ezekiel, Pastor Elijah Ojo Obabiolorunkosi, Olausi Temitope, Mayowa Idowu, Folorunso Omotayo Lawrence, Engr. Ojo Amos Oluwatayo, Olayiwola Stephen Esan, Israel Sunday Oyeniran, Mr. Olushola Oladesu, Hon. Kunle Oyeyemi, Taiwo Joseph Oladesu, Mr. Olayode Samuel, Ogunbayo Ojo Olamide Richard and Olakunle Caleb Ogundare.
At the anniversary which had in attendance present and past ministers and members of the church in attendance, a 10kva solar light inverter with 15 kilowatt and 15 solar panel worth Six Million Naira, donated by Elder (Engr)& Deaconess Olamide Ajayi was commissioned.
While speaking on the topic; 'Documented Wonders of God', taking his text from Psalm 136:1-2, the DCC Superintendent of CAC Efon, Pastor Olawale said the church was founded by Apostle Joseph AtoBabalola in 1953 and still survives till today, to the glory of God.
He said that Jesus Christ made his disciples fishers of men, same way Apostle Babalola came to Efon in 1953 and made many fishers of men.
According to him, part of the wonderful works of God is the transformation of a idol worshipping place like Efon-Alaye to a place of Christ.
Speaking to the newly appointed Elders and Deaconesses, Pastor Olawale told them that; "you're occupying a very delicate position and it's better not to become an Elder or Deaconess and enter the kingdom of God than to become an Elder or Deaconess and end in hell. Elders and Deaconesses must know that the church doesn't belong to them, but Jesus Christ. They must be hospitable, accommodating, not given to drinking, smoking etc."
Citing the book of Titus chapter 1 vs 7, the Cleric urged the congregation to always remember that one day they will die and it's better to be saved than to be candidate of hell.
Earlier in his speech, the District Superintendent of CAC Oke Alaafia district, Pastor E.O. Omoloye said; "it is my great delight and enthusiasm to welcome you all to this historic and memorable occasion of 70th Anniversary of Christ Apostolic Church Oke-Alaafia District headquarters, Efon-Alaaye. I have no doubt that your presence here today will bring our unforgettable blessings to your life spiritually, Carnally and financially and to the Church in Jesus name."
Pastor Omoloye charged the congregation that they should remember that they are at the end time, hence, their focus now should be heavenly home in all their doings.
He added that; "let us count our blessings and give our best to God as we shall celebrate Christ's coming very soon. I pray we shall all be counted worthy with Christ at the end in Jesus name."
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