By Rachael Oke & Oluwagbenga Bankole
The fifth President of Christ Apostolic Church Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor John Dada Obafemi has been laid to rest at his home town, Isare Opin in Kwara State on Friday, January 24, 2025.
The burial programme commenced with a Christian Wake Service at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Alaafia, District Headquarters on Thursday, January 23. The evening was filled with solemn, soul-lifting hymns, Bible readings, tributes, and prayers as family, friends, and esteemed ministers from across C.A.C. Nigeria and overseas gathered to pay their respects.
On Friday, January 24, a "Service at Home" and interment were held at the same venue, followed by an Outing Service at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Alafia District Headquarters, Isare Opin. During the exhortation at the "Service at Home," Regional Superintendent Pastor S. O. Owolabi encouraged attendees to fix their gaze on Jesus, surrender to Him, and emulate His example.
The interment was a solemn occasion, with family and friends bidding their final farewell through hymns and heartfelt words. The entire ceremony was a testament to the profound impact and exemplary life of Pastor John Dada Obafemi.
The Outing Service served as an important culmination of the burial ceremonies, providing another meaningful opportunity for the congregation to express their heartfelt gratitude to God for the remarkable life and legacy of Pastor John Dada Obafemi.
Preaching from Psalms 39:4 during the exhortation on the topic: “Lord make me know my end” the President C.A.C. Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samuel Olusegun Oladele, reflected on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of keeping one’s end in mind.
Pastor Oladele highlighted the teachings of Psalms 39:4, urging believers to pray for understanding of life's brevity. He reminded the congregation of the psalmist's lamentation about the shortness of life, describing it as frail, brief, and fleeting. Referencing the life of Pastor Obafemi, Pastor Oladele noted that, despite living to the age of 111, which humans consider as long, in the eyes of God, even such a long life is but a fleeting moment.
Drawing from the scriptures, Pastor Oladele compared life to the dew that vanishes, emphasizing the transient nature of our existence. He encouraged believers to place their trust in God rather than in worldly achievements, possessions, or appearances. He stressed that our hope should be anchored in God alone, as earthly accomplishments are ultimately insignificant.
Pastor Oladele also reflected on the lives of biblical figures such as Methuselah and Elisha, who, despite their long lives and great deeds, eventually faced death. He then underscored the certainty of death for all, regardless of status or achievements, and urged believers to live with the consciousness of their mortality.
He called on believers to seek wisdom from God, as only He can teach us the true meaning of life and death. Pastor Oladele encouraged everyone to come to Jesus, find rest in Him, and learn from His teachings. He emphasized that understanding our end leads to a life of moderation, humility, and reliance on God.
In conclusion, Pastor Oladele reminded the congregation that life is brief and uncertain. He urged believers to live soberly, with a focus on eternal values, and to always pray for the wisdom to understand the brevity of life. He called on everyone to build their lives on the foundation of faith in Jesus Christ, the Everlasting Father, who reigns forever.
The event had in attendance, all principal officers and fathers of Christ Apostolic Church Nigeria and overseas – the President, Pastor Samuel Oladele, the General Superintendent, Pastor Emmanuel Odejobi, the General Evangelist, Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji, the General Secretary, Pastor Emmanuel Mapur, the Finance Director, Pastor Johnson Omitinde, Director of Missions, Pastor Caxton Fasuyi; Babalola Regional Superintendent, Pastor G. S. Dada, Babajide Regional Superintendent, Pastor S. O. Owolabi, Akilling Regional Superintendent, Pastor E. Olusoko and some retired fathers: Pastor M. A. Adeoye, Pastor M.A. Komolafe and Pastor Ogunwuyi, the retired Regional Superintendent of Babalola amongst other DCC/Zonal Superintendents, ministers, dignitaries both within CAC and beyond including family members, friends of the deceased, the traditional ruler and members of Isare Opin community and beyond.
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