Be examples of positive values, Bishop Egbebunmi charges Christians

BISHOP of Ilesa South-West Anglican Diocese, The Right Reverend Samuel Olukunle Egbebunmi, has called on Christians to live such that when they passed on, their lives would be examples of positive values for others to emulate.

He stated this in his sermon at the funeral service of Madam Rachael Ogundipe, mother of Bishop of Ifo Anglican Diocese, Bishop Nathaniel Ogundipe, at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ayegbaju, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Bishop of Ifo Anglican Diocese, Bishop Nathaniel Ogundipe, in his tribute to his mother, said: “Enduring it all to the end, you took everything that came your way calmly without complaint but with smiles. You were a warrior, a soldier for Christ, holding onto Jesus your Saviour, and despite all the disappointments and pains, you kept standing tall till the very end.

“I thank God for your life because you touched many lives with your prayers, fasting and everything God gave you. I thank God because you served your God till the very end.”

In his tribute, Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, The Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh, said: “The loss of a mother is major in one’s life, because mothers play an important role in our development. But, the joy is that she saw you grow in life to the present position and that must have given her a sense of joy and fulfilment. However old, it is always difficult, so we pray that the Lord will comfort you and your entire family.”

Archbishop of Lagos Province and Bishop of Remo Diocese, Most Reverend Michael Fape, in his tribute said: “Certainly Mama was a blessing to her generation, having produced one of the prelates in the church of God.

“There is no doubt that Mama was a positive influence on you and everyone around her in the church, society and family. While we know that the exit of Mama has created a big vacuum in your life and family, we are however thankful to God that Mama Rachael Ayinke Ogundipe has translated to the heavenly realm where she will reign with God forever.”

Present at the event were Archbishop Ephraim Ademowo; Archbishop Segun Okubadejo; Archbishop Michael Fape; 16 bishops, 68 priests; other clerics; lay members of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion); representatives of the Ogun State government; Mrs Florence Ogundipe; Mrs Adekemi Hassan, Evangelist Mrs Adenike Taiwo, Mrs Olabisi Ajala, all daughters of the deceased; Pastor Adeyemi Ogundipe; Mr Adebisi Ogundipe; Mr ‘Jide Ogundipe; Alhaji Suliman Hassan;  Alhaji Ganny Hassan, among others.