•Use time wisely, Alake tells Christians
In a heartfelt ceremony, friends, colleagues and spiritual leaders gathered to honor the esteemed Pastor Oludare Akinode for his lifetime of service and dedication.
Akinode, who recently clocked 60, retired from the civil service.
The event which took place at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Champion Cathedral, Lagos Province, 80 Headquarters, Lagos, witnessed the launching of his new book titled: ‘Against All Odds.’
The congregants all united to celebrate a man who has profoundly impacted many lives.
Among the notable attendees were: The Olu of Oluke, Oba Obadiah Akinola Akinode; The Pastor- in- Charge of Lagos Province 108, Pastor Seye Adeniyi; Baale Illesan Remo, Bisi Osideinde; The Assistant Pastor- in- Charge of Lagos Province 78, Pastor Felix Adeyinka; Pastor- in- Charge of King of Glory Zone, Lagos Province 80, Pastor Festus Eriye; who, along with others, paid tributes to Pastor Akinode’s unwavering commitment to service and dedication.
Speaking at the event, the Pastor- in- Charge of Lagos Province 80, Pastor James Alake charged Christians to use their time judiciously for the glory of God and the benefit of mankind as that can help create positive change in their own lives and the world around them.
According to him, our days on the earth are numbered by time, adding, “Time is a function of chance, thus, the need for us to use our time wisely is apt not just for ourselves, but for the benefit of people around us.”
He cited the scripture saying: “Teach us to remember our deeds, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.”
Alake’s influence and contributions were highlighted through various testimonials, emphasizing his exceptional qualities.
A poignant moment in the event was the acknowledgment of Pastor Akinode’s transition into the “night time” of his life, having served tirelessly for many years.
In his words, the father of the celebrant, Oba Akinode, who appreciated the feat the son had gotten to in life, said “I have watched him since he was a child and I have seen remarkable progress in his life. I am proud of him and I wished him many more years of pleasant surprises in life.”
The celebrant who was full of joy and admiration at his 60th birthday said: “Words cannot describe the kind of joy that is in my heart today.”
While acknowledging the fruits of his labour, he said this brings responsibilities. “With this kind of encomium, I have to do a lot more. And I am praying that God will give me the strength and the power to be able to do so.”
Reflecting on his journey, Pastor Ayinde recounted a life-threatening experience in 2010, which he described in his book, ‘Against All Odds.’
“It was indeed a miracle of survival. That alone tells me that it is God or nothing,” the cleric said.
His book shares testimonies of overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges through faith and perseverance.
Launching his book on his 60th birthday holds special significance for Pastor Ayinde. “What better day can it be today? It’s just a way of telling mankind that there’s more to retirement than being out of service,” he stated.
He aims to inspire others by sharing stories of those who have defied expectations and achieved great heights.
