Ololade Adeyanju/
Sunday, April 11, was actually a sunny day at the Sunshine Parish, Lagos Province 10, of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) as a multitude gathered to celebrate God’s faithfulness in the life of an Assistant Pastor, Mama Yinka Oyebade, who was marking her 81st birthday with a Thanksgiving, Medical Outreach and evangelism.
During the event that ran for over 4hours at the Parish Church Auditorium on Somoye Street, Omotoye Estate, Mulero-Agege, Mama Oyebade left no one in doubt that 81 is the new 18.
She danced and sang all through the service after asking the choir to lead the congregation in 81 songs of praises.
Mama Oyebade was variously described as a strong evangelist of the word of God who has been touching many lives. Some of the beneficiaries were there to express gratitude.
Testifying to Mama’s strong physical and spiritual constitution, Pastor Kola Olatunde who is in charge of the Province, said, “Mama is a wonderful woman. She’s passionate about her children and about God. She has a very good memory, and she’s a giver. She’s very strong. She climbs the multi-storey building staircase easily at 81, and you will see her walking majestically to the altar.”
He reminded everyone that Moses started work at the age of 80, as he told Mama, “Your body is still strong as that of Moses, and you’ve been working for Jesus. Moses was very strong till the end. He had a sharp mind like your own.”
He prayed that Mama’s children will also live long.
One of the children, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Adeleye Oyebade, said, “To the glory of God we celebrate the life of a mother in a million. A mother that could sacrifice all… A trusted servant of the Most High. In the Church, she’s never found wanting; and that is what she has taught us. We thank God for her life. We have not taken her to hospital since… Where there are challenges, she’ll tell us.”
On behalf of those he called Mama’s biological and spiritual children, DIG Oyebade prayed that the seeds she has sown shall continue to germinate good fruits. He also prayed for greater breakthroughs for the church and everyone.
During the service, DIG Oyebade also did Bible readings. One of the passages was picked from Psalm 90: Verse 1 – 12.
The Thanksgiving and Medical Outreach was coordinated by RCCG, Praying Mothers Forum, Proverb 31 Ladies, and Mama’s children: DIG Oyebade, Pastor Bisi Oshikoya, who is RCCG Pastor in North Carolina, USA, Dapo Oyebade, and Mrs Adeola Ogunyemi.
People joined the event from around the world via Zoom.
While thanking the congregation, Mama Oyebade whose father was a Bishop, told how that had reflected on her.
She also told the congregation about miracles that happen when one has faith, even as small as a mustard seed, in God.
She shared an experience that she once had at Birch Freeman High School, when she tracked a stolen vehicle spiritually. When she was told that the vehicle was stolen, she said it wasn’t true that they had only borrowed it because no one can still what belongs to God.
She said, “My father was a Bishop and anywhere I go I do the work of a Bishop’s daughter…
“Our driver’s daughter was sick. My Principal called me and said please go with them to the hospital. She’s the wife of a doctor. When we got there, we prayed a little and the girl slept. Surprisingly, when we were about to go, we got to where we packed the car, and the driver started running around looking for the car. I said nobody steals the belonging of a child of God. They have only borrowed it. So I got the cars plate and engine numbers, and other details and passed it around on pieces of paper.
“To cut the story short, the car had travelled from LUTH to Ibadan, but as God would have it, it was on Sunday that the man who took the car was going inside University of Ibadan; and on Sunday, they don’t open all the other gates except one. So, my twin sister’s daughter went to Ibadan and she had that paper with her, saw the car going in and she went and gave the paper to the gatemen. She told them ‘this car is my mummy’s car o… That’s the paper. They dragged the driver down and the car was recovered and brought back to Birch Freeman.”
“That day, God gave me a song and it has become my song (She led the Church in the Yoruba song … Mo duro le, Christy Apata, Ile miran, iyarin ni…).
“Brethren,” she said, “have faith in God! If you have faith like a mustard seed, you will see the work of God.”
Mama Oyebade further urged everyone to serve God diligently.
“I pray you will be raptured,” she added as she ended her testimony and thanksgiving with the song: “Oh When the Saints Go Marching In”.
Mama Oyebade with 2 of her friends. 
Mama Oyebade with well-wishers 
Second Right: Mama Oyebade and her Nigeria-based children. From left, Mrs Adeola Ogunyemi, DIG Oyebade and Mr Dapo Oyebade
There were several other testimonies from people who said that Mama Oyebade had touched their lives positively.
Mama’s long-time friend and widow of the late Bishop Ejiwunmi described her as a prayerful and merciful person. She said, “If it’s possible to dash the eyes out, she could give hers. God has been answering her prayers over her children.”
Mrs Bukola Akinpelu said, “She’s a mother. She always pray. She has always been there for me since I lost my mother. She’s been standing by me and my siblings. Always calling to check on us.”
Pastor (Mrs) Adekunle said, “Mama used to be a friend to my Mother-in-Law. They do everything together. All their children were brought up together. When I was about to get married in 1987, Mama was the one that went to the market. She bought the clothes that my husband and I would put on, on that day. Mama was the one that single-handedly took over the engagement ceremony. Up till today, Mama has always been there, calling to ask about the children and how everybody is faring. When my daughter was about to get married, Mama organized prayers and was part of the ceremonies.”
Dr (Pastor) Bolarinwa who has known Mama’s family for 40 years, also testified to her virtues. “The Holy Spirit brought us together… She took me up and nurtured me,” he said.
Other Men of God who spoke and prayed at the service included the Assistant Provincial Pastor, Pastor Ogunniran Williams, Pastor Adaramola, Pastor Bayero, and Pastor Adeagbo.
Bible readings were taken from Psalm 103; 2nd Corinthians 4: 18, and Psalm 90: 12, saying “So teach us to number our days…”
In his sermon, Pastor Olatunde described the world as a market place where the seller and the buyer will take nothing back home.
He said, “Even when we have fulfilled all our mission… You can eat anything you want to eat in the market, but at the close of the day no one can take a pin away. You’ve brought nothing here and you’re going with nothing.
“In December 1999, there were fears that computers would crash in year 2000. There were simulations. I.T. Consultants made a lot of money from companies. They said all records could be wiped off in January 2000. There was no such thing. Let me tell you, the Covid-19 experience of last year was a simulation. There was lockdown, churches did not open; after the rapture as the anti-Christ takes over the Central Government. You can’t hide again. They will locate you.
“Let your yes be yes, and your no be no. Be Christians in the Church and Christian at home.”
He called on those who are yet to give their lives to Christ to do so.
He prayed that God should bless everyone.
Pastor Adeagbo prayed that as people are celebrating Mama, God will celebrate them too.
He read from Psalm 37: 37 and prayed that Mama would enjoy peace till the end.
He also prayed on the offerings, which he called the offering of peace.
The Oyebade family donated a high quality musical instrument to the church in appreciation of the honour bestowed on their matriarch.
Also at the event were: Pastor Josiah Bolarinwa, Pastor (Mrs) Aina Adesina, Dr Olufemi Okesanmi, Otunba Kayode Odetunde, Prof Olayemi, J.O. Lojede, Mrs E.O. Ejiwunmi, Mrs Titi Bolanke, Dr Sola Bankole, and Bashorun Wale Oyebade.
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