What a way to end such an impactful conference! The excitement, joy, strengthening of faith and learning posture assumed by all and sundry, could be seen in the auditorium as Pastor Poju Oyemade approached the podium to begin the procession of the Honour Night.
In the manner of the Convention, The Honour Night is the time where men and women who have laboured for the cause of the Kingdom are honoured. The Honour Night became a part of WAFBEC Experience in 2016 with the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa as its first recipient, while Rev (Dr.) Mike Oye, first Traveling Secretary of the Scripture Union (SU) was honoured in 2017 and the late Pa Sydney G Elton in 2018.
Catch up: [The Church Blog] British Missionary, Late Pa Elton to be honoured at WAFBEC 2018
Explaining the reason for the honour night, Pastor Poju emphasised that it is not designed to give earthly rewards for spiritual service but to acquaint the younger generation with the impact and lessons of the preceding generation. Hence, breeding a transgenerational faith, one that is deeply connected to its past, fully in touch with the present, and running swiftly towards the future.
A short video of the life and times of the awardee was played highlighting a brief biography, key achievements and praise reports from friends and family.
Extract from the video below:
Pa Elton of blessed memory in no small way, contributed to the current Nigerian Pentecostal experience, church culture if you may.
The award was received by Pastor John Aladega who stood in for Pa Elton’s daughter, Ruth Elton who due to old age, couldn’t make it down and presented by Bishop Feb Idahosa, Pastor Godman Akinlabi and Pastor Yemi Davids. An act which is symbolic of the connection which the Honour Night seeks to establish between the young and the older generation.
In acceptance of the award, Pastor Aladega read a note written by Ruth Elton where she expressed her deep regards to Pastor and Mrs Poju Oyemade for the great work done through the Honour Night and also encouraged believers to keep up with the fight of faith.
Bolu Akindele is a freelance writer and journalist whose work covers religion, human interest stories and development across Nigeria and increasingly, West Africa.
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