Fathers Day: Who is a Successful Father?

Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu/

The women of CAC Way-To-Life, Ottawa, raised an important question about fathers’ responsibilities during their Father’s Day celebration on Sunday.

Delivering a strong sermon, Women Leader Evangelist Florence Ajayi captivated the congregation by singing Pastor Adeoye’s signature song, “Opomulero Aye Mi,” and posed a few thought-provoking questions.

She began by asking, “Who is a successful father?” She said that while any man could biologically become a father, it would take a special man to be a dad.

Ajayi supported her sermon with a passage from the Bible, quoting Genesis 6:1-18. She recounted how Noah raised his children during a time of widespread violence and corruption, fulfilling his responsibilities to his family despite the challenges.

She emphasized that a true dad must always be present for his children.

She said, “Any man can be a father simply by impregnating a woman. Many men plant seeds without watering or checking if they germinate. Some abandon their children with grandmothers without providing for them, while others dismiss their daughters’ births.

“No matter what a family is facing, the man, as the head of the family, must ensure the care and safety of the children, just as Noah did.”

Ajayi further illustrated a real father’s role: “A real father plants, waters, nurtures, harvests, and takes good care of his children from day one of the pregnancy. He prays for a safe delivery and envisions his child’s future. These are the men we should celebrate on Father’s Day, not those who dismiss their pregnant wives.”

The Father’s Day 2024 celebration took a surprising turn when the women leaders organized activities for the men. Selected men were tasked with demonstrating childcare by dressing and securing babies to their backs and then unwrapping and placing them down. They performed these tasks admirably, to the delight of the women.

The next challenge was even more entertaining: the men were asked to write recipes for egusi soup. Some produced perfect recipes, while others hilariously omitted key ingredients like salt or specified the wrong type of oil.

Laughter filled the air during the Father’s Day service, which also marked the 25th Ordination Anniversary of the Church’s Senior Pastor, Christopher Adebo Adeoye. Three new elders were introduced and ordained.

The highlight of the service was the 25th Ordination Thanksgiving by Senior Pastor Debo Adeoye and his family. He shared his journey of being called to service by God at a young age, despite his initial reluctance and a promise to never be a “beggar pastor”.

The service’s order was modified to honor Father’s Day, with women officiating in every area, including sermon delivery.

Pastor Adeoye opened the service with prayers against all challenges hindering the progress of church members. Olayemi Alfred led the prayer points, and Sister Roseline Ojugbo served as the continuity program announcer. Ms. Adeola Babayale made the regular church announcements, and Sister Annabelle blessed the offering.

Children made various presentations to celebrate their fathers, appreciating their love and care.

Elder Oyeleke concluded the service with a prayer for the congregation from Brazil via telephone.

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