Union Baptist Church honours Reverend Babalola

It was a memorable day recently when the pastorate and entire members of the Union Baptist Church, Ekotedo, Ibadan, Oyo State, honoured their minister-in-charge, Reverend Jonathan Babalola, for his 15 years of service and leadership at the church.

President, Ibadan Baptist Conference, Reverend Dr S. A. Adekunle, in his sermon at the commendation service, entitled: “Ministry as a seed,” highlighted three seeds that clerics must sow into church members as well as the three corresponding seeds to be sown by church members to support their pastor’s ministry.

“The seeds to be sown by the pastor are: seed of sacrifice (Phil 4:13), seed of sharing (Phil 4:14-15) and seed of raising more disciples (John 12:24). The corresponding seeds by members are supportive seeds to help the pastor (Phil 4:10), sharing in the trouble of the pastor and planting seed that will be credited to individuals,” he added.

He also commended Reverend Babalola for his diligence and dedication to the work of God.

“Appreciation service is a well deserved honour as a result of your good deeds  since you took the leadership of the church. You have indeed distinguished yourself a s a true servant of God and I pray God will continue to strengthen you in the vineyard and all aspects of your life,” he added.

Retired Senior Pastor, Reverend E. A. Falade, who led the church in a special prayer session, celebrated the cleric and his family.

One of the highpoints of the event was the encomium showered on Reverend Babalola by members of the church.

Mr Noah Ojo described him as a servant-leader who cares for all members, caters for people’s needs and is always checking on members’ wellbeing.

Mrs Olabisi Ajuwon also described the cleric as a problem-solver who is always at peace with all and sundry, while also encouraging individuals to develop and exhibit their spiritual gifts.

Expressing appreciation to Reverend Babalola, chairman of the Deaconate council of the church, Deacon Paul Adewale, on behalf of the entire church, presented a car to the cleric and his family, while various departments, groups, societies and individuals also presented gifts to the family.

Adewale noted that the gesture was long overdue, as the cleric was due to be celebrated before now according to the church’s obligation.

“Reverend Balalola ought to have been honoured before now, but we are glad that   the church eventually deemed it to appreciate our dear pastor, who has been so wonderful to all members of the church.

“Though he has spent 18 years as the head of the church, and the appreciation service ought to have come even when he marked 15 years as the pastor of Union Baptist Church, Ekotedo, Ibadan, we are grateful to God that this great honour finally came to pass as an appreciation of his loving pastoral calling,” he added.

In her response, wife the cleric, Reverend (Mrs) Esther Babalola, on behalf of the family  expressed profound gratitude to God and the entire members of the church for their gestures, cooperation, love, and support in the last 15 years for her husband’s ministry. She also prayed that God will reward every member of the church.

Tribune Church News gathered that Babalola has served in various capacities of the church. He has also held different prominent positions both at the association and conference level and is currently the chairman Ibadan Baptist Conference and the  minister-in-charge of the Union Baptist Church.

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