By Kolawole Ojebisi
General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye has shared how the uncommon equanimity displayed by renowned evangelist, Rev. Uma Ukpai during his darkest moment gave him solace when tragedy hit his family.
Adeboye explained how Ukpa handled his unpleasant experience and helped him find strength after the tragic loss of his son, Dare Adeboye, in 2021.
During a special service at the International Worship Centre in Uyo, held to celebrate Ukpai’s 80th birthday, Adeboye spoke candidly about the pain of losing his third child unexpectedly.
He recalled that just days before his son’s death, Dare had called him to share the success of a weekend program. However, only two days later, he received the devastating news that his son had passed.
“If you really, really want to serve God, then you must be ready to serve him whether things are pleasant or not.
“In the darkest moment of my life since becoming a Christian — when I lost my son without notice — my son called me on a Sunday evening and said, ‘Daddy, the weekend programme was extremely successful.
“Glory be to God, thank you for your prayer support.’ The next thing I heard on Tuesday night was that my son was gone,” Adeboye said.
Reflecting on this profound loss, Adeboye explained that it was in this dark moment that he found solace in the steadfast faith of Rev. Uma Ukpai, who had also endured personal tragedies but continued to serve God unwaveringly.
Adeboye said that despite his own grief, Ukpai’s example inspired him to keep moving forward in faith.
He continued, “I had to preach on Friday, and one reference point that gave me strength was Uma Ukpai. I know he lost more than one child in a day, yet he did not waver. He kept on serving God. He gave me strength at a time when I needed it most.”
He expressed deep gratitude to Ukpai for being a source of strength when he needed it most, adding that Ukpai’s influence and dedication to the faith would be appreciated even more when he is no longer around.
