70
th
B I R T HDAY AND R E T I R E M EN T C ELE B R A T I O N
June 20, 2015
Olawande Joshua Adeyefa AT CAC Bethel Fellowship Church
3666 Covington Highway, Decatur, GA. 30032
Program of Events Thanksgiving Service
SATURDAY, 20TH OF JUNE, 2015
1. Opening Prayer 2. Praise And Worship 3. Congregational Hymn- Great Is Thy Faithfullness 4. Scripture Reading - Psalm 128 5. The Word 6. Prayers For Celebrant And Family 7. Thanksgiving ( Offering) 8. Congregational Hymn- Now Thank We All Our God 9. Benediction/ Closing Prayer OFFICIATING MINISTERS: Host Pastors: Pastor Felix Aduyame- District Superintendent and Senior Pastor, CAC BETHEL Decatur, GA Pastor Samuel Teniola, M.D. - Senior Pastor, CAC BETHEL, Ellenwood, GA Guest Pastors: Pastor Mike Adebiyi, Ph D. Senior Pastor, Jubilee Christian Church International, Stone Mountain GA and
President, Consortium for African Development Pastor Zaccheaus Oloba, Senior Pastor, CAC Vineyard Of Comfort, Atlanta, GA. Pastor Kayode Oyewunmi- Senior Pastor, Royal Grace Assembly, ( King’s Chapel)
1|
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
”
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate Psalm 127:3-5 ESV
”
|2
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS Great is Thy faithfulness “Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be. Chorus “Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!” Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided— “Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon and stars in their courses above, Join with all nature in manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. Chorus “Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!” Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided— “Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Now Thank We All Our God 1. Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices, who wondrous things has done, in whom this world rejoices; who from our mothers’ arms has blessed us on our way with countless gifts of love, and still is ours today. 2. O may this bounteous God with ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us; and keep us still in grace, and guide us when perplexed; and free us from all ills, in this world and the next. 3. All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given; the Son, and him who reigns with them in highest heaven; the one eternal God, whom earth and heaven adore; for thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.
Chorus “Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!” Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided— “Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!
3|
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
THE DREAM
(This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.- HAB 2:3 NLT)
I
n 1977, our father had a vivid revelatory dream. In it, he was flying high in an open roof airplane over the oceans. Suddenly the plane began to nose dive and would eventually crash in the oceans near the base of a mountain. Fortunately he survived the crash and began to climb up the mountain. He climbed arduously and tirelessly for a long period of time up until he saw three men underneath the shade of a tree. One of the men then pulled him up to the top of the mountain and breathed a sigh of relief and accomplishment only then to awaken and realize that it was all a dream. Little did know that this was a foreshadow of things to come
|4
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
THE HUMBLE BEGININGS (Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase. JOB 8:7, KJV)
O
lawande Joshua Adeyefa was born as the second born and first born son into the family of Late Pa Cornelius and Late Florence Adeyefa on February 11, 1945 in Ijan Ekiti, Nigeria. He attended primary school at Iluomoba Anglican School and later Chief Awolowo Govt. of Western Region primary school from 1952-1958. After his primay school education, he proceeded to complete his secondary school education at Ekiti Parapo College in Ido, Ekiti form 1959-1964.
5|
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
THE FAILING FORWARD
A
s a child, our father, Olawande began to nurture dreams of pursuing medicine as a profession. But to his dismay, he failed in English and Physics during the WAEC. His set of 1954 was the last cohort of students of which if you failed English, you failed everything. Which meant that he had to retake the entire examination. At the time, science subjects were not offered in his school so he bought some used books and began to teach himself. But despite the hard work and self-determination, between 19641968, he continued to have many setbacks and failures.
“I’ve missed more than 900 shots in my career, I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over again in my life AND THAT IS WHY I SUCCEED”. – Michael Jordan.
N
onetheless, he was still determined. He then began to teach at a secondary school called Benevolent High School in Surulere, Lagos while at the same time he continued to study English and Physics. He would later gain admission to Federal School of Science, Onikan, Lagos for Pre-Med in 1967. But then, the civil war broke out, the school shut down, he lost the job and had no permanent place of stay for 3 years. Eventually after the civil war ended, he was able to obtain another job as a quality control lab tech with Glaxo Nigeria, Apapa Lagos. But given that he had yet to pass Physics, he then shifted course and decided to pursue accounting. It was in the process of studying accounting, that an opportunity to travel abroad as an exchange student to study pharmacy.
|6
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
THE JOURNEY - THE CALL TO CHRIST starting to gravitate towards the occult. In response, he took our father and placed him in the mission house of the resident pastor of the Anglican church. Our father began living there and would eventually serve as the bell boy, assistant to the church warden, and chapel boy all through his secondary school education. It is here that the seed of the Word of God was sewn into his life. Thank God for fathers who position their children in the house of God. And while this was the beginning of his walk with God, he still experimented with other religions. But one night in 1967, during a heavy rainstorm he could not sleep and at that moment he poured out all the occultic and ungodly materials, crystal balls, etc into the rain and rededicated his life to Christ. He later joined Foursquare Gospel Church. He has never looked back since then.
E
A
s it was customary of his time, our father was born in a polygamous household. In addition to all the challenges that came with that, he also had a grandfather who was an idol worshipper. Our grandfather, the Late Pa Adeyefa noted that our dad given his proximity to his grandfather was
7|
ven when he immigrated to the United States, he continued to serve God in various churches including First Baptist Church, Atlanta before eventually joining with a few other Nigerian families to start the Christ Apostolic Church, Atlanta, GA in 1988 under the apostleship of Apostle T.O. Obadare. He and his family served at this church for 23 years in various leadership roles; he was ordained as an Evangelist and ministered there until he felt led by God to leave and join the CAC Bethel Ellenwood church where he continues to serve God today.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
FLESH OF MY FLESH, BONE OF MY BONES‌
I
n 1977, something very significant happened. He was introduced by his cousin, Mrs. A. Adeleye to a young beautiful woman by the name of Oluremi Grace Ojo. Interestingly he had met her before through a friend who happened to Oluremi’s cousin, Dr. Adesuyi five years prior. However when the time was right, they began courting in 1977. After returning from the United States in 1979, they would later get married and have their first son, Babatunde.
|8
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
THE JOURNEY CONTINUED‌‌. THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
O
ur father left for the United States in 1977 to pursue an opportunity to study Pharmacy. Even this was not without its challenges. On three occasions, he tried to go the United States, but failed. With the help of his relative from Ijan Ekiti, Chief Aderemi Ade-Ajayi helped him in securing the necessary paper work to travel abroad. Interestingly, what he originally thought was a Pharmacy program ended up being a pharmacy technician program which he completed in 2 years and returned back to Nigeria in 1979 for work with the Lagos State Health Dept. and later Ikeja General Hospital. Still determined to now become a pharmacist, he took off for the United States of America again as a private student to study pharmacy at the University of Cincinnati. His new wife joined him in Cincinnati, OH in December 1981 and they were blessed with two more children, Oludayo and Oluwayemisi Adeyefa. In order to provide for his now family of five, he worked as a parking lot attendant while he attended pharmacy school full time. It was not easy, but God helped him. And to the glory of God, he graduated from pharmacy school in 1986, at the young age of 41! Given that foreign students were not allowed to be licensed pharmacists in Ohio, he moved his family to Atlanta, GA to join Grady Memorial Hospital in 1986 where they would eventually have his fourth child, Oluwatayo Adeyefa.
I
n 2001, our father fulfilled a life long dream of returning to Nigeria with his family. He started a pharmacy and other litany of businesses. His move to Nigeria was met with a lot of challenges and loss. He would then move back to the United States in 2003 to continue working
9|
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
at Grady Memorial Hospital of which he retired from fully in January 2015 after almost 30 years in career as a registered and clinical pharmacist.
O
ur father’s story is one indeed of determination and perseverance. It’s a story of how a man despite many failures, obstacles, and setbacks, decided not to give up, but rather fail forward and forge ahead to reach the destiny God had in mind for Him. He commonly likes to say that a righteous man falls seven times, and yet rises (Proverbs ch 24 vs 16)…That has been his testimony. It has never been his theology to teach that God will not allow us to go through trials and difficulties. But rather one of his favorite scriptures has been “ When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” ( Isaiah ch 43 vs 2). He would emphasize to us that the bible says, “when” and not “ if”. But through it all, God is faithful and brought him through. Just as he dreamed in 1977, the airplane ride over the oceans signified the fact he would travel overseas ,the crash and the climb up the mountain signified the many trials he would go through, the three men underneath the shade and the one who helped him climb up the mountain, we believe was God helping him. Indeed God helped him and saw him through it all until he reached the top of the mountain, his destiny. And our father says, God is not done yet. Perhaps maybe there is someone who feels that God has
abandoned them. That somehow life has dealt them the wrong hand, and wonders why God would allow them to go through such trials and tribulations… the testimony of our father is that God is faithful and that as He promised, HE would never leave you nor forsake you. And even when you go through the hard times, we will bring you out of the fiery furnace shining like pure gold. Like clay in the hand of the potter, He is shaping and molding you for his purpose. It is well. And just as He did for our father, He is more than able to do it for you!
T
o say our father is blessed is an understatement. God has blessed him with a fruitful wife, four children, two beautiful daughter in laws (who are more like daughters in the persons of Modupe and Oluwatoyin Adeyefa, whom they have excellent relationships with), wonderful in laws and five and counting beautiful grandchildren. The doctorate degree that he elusively sought for years, God blessed him with children would all obtain doctorate and advanced degrees. And for every material thing he lost, just as He promised, God restored all that “the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.” (Joel 2 vs 25). As of now, even though he has retired, he says that he is not done yet. He still he says has dreams and visions of what else God has in store for Him to do. Truly God is faithful, God has done great things and we pray that as you have joined us to celebrate our father, that things of joy will likewise never leave your home in Jesus name.
| 10
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
11 |
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
MY HUSBAND
”
Y
l’m very proud of you! I love you from the bottom of my heart. l will forever love you.
”
ou are so wonderful, lovely, honorable, and you are the best man on earth. Words cannot describe my gratitude for what God has done through you. Every man deserves a woman who will appreciate, honor and respect him. I appreciate, honor and respect you! First, I appreciate our Father in heaven who gave you wisdom, knowledge and understanding to love your family and train your children in the way and fear of God. You are my best friend, my lover, my supporter, my honey, my confidant, and my helper. I really appreciate your kindness and the way you’ve treated me like a princess over the last 35 years.
Lastly, you treated my late father and mother with care and love. You promised my mom during the death of my late brother, that you would train his son, Damilola Ojo to any level of education. You fulfilled your promise and more. You helped him get an education at one of the best universities in Nigeria. The entire Ojo and Aiyeburoju family are extremely grateful for all you have done for them.
My greatest treasure is the children God gave us. You made me become the mother of wonderful and amazing children. Over the span of your career, you worked tirelessly for your children and never gave up. Your love towards them cannot be measured. It’s a beautiful picture to see you extend deeper love towards your grandchildren.
l
”
l’m very proud of you! I love you from the bottom of my heart. l will forever love you. I pray your anointing will never run dry all the days of your life. lJMN. Amen. love you and look forward to celebrating many more decades of love and marital bliss with you in Jesus name.
Happy birthday and congratulations again on this momentous milestone! OLUREMI, WIFE
You are my best friend, my lover, my supporter, my honey, my confidant, and my helper.
| 12
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
A TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER A
s I was thinking about writing a tribute to my dad I thought—How can I say a few words that do justice to all of the years of love and strength that my dad has given to me? As a child our father was tough and very disciplined with us. Daddy would give us summer assignments from text books for the next school year to complete in addition to Bible scriptures for us to memorize. As I grew up he became more than a father, he was also my friend. We discuss things ranging from sports to politics, to scriptures and we have spent many times reminiscing about his childhood while discussing the future of my children. Life has truly come full circle. I’ve continued to appreciate and understand all the sacrifices he made for me as I am now a father and making sacrifices for my family. I also appreciated how hardworking he was during his career as a pharmacist. At one point he had a job that was 7 days on and 7 days off. Instead of
13 |
”
taking the 7 days off, he would work at least 3-4 days of that off week. Dad did any and everything to provide for my siblings and I. What I most admire about him, is his devotion to God and the works of God. He has been an example in making sure that I put my faith in God in all things.
D
ad, thank you for your guidance and for being such a great influence throughout my life. I appreciate you and am proud of you. We are all really blessed to have you as our father. I hope that the real tribute to you will be the actions of my (our) lives—that we are a testament to the love and lessons that you have instilled in us all!!! Wish you a happy 70th birthday and a great, healthy and long retirement by God’s grace. Amen.
BABATUNDE ADEYEFA, SON
What I most admire about him, is his devotion to God and the works of God. He has been an example in making sure that I put my faith in God in all things.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
”
| 14
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
15 |
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
A TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER IN-LAW
T
here are so many great things to say about been the best extra set of hands on visits with the Daddy Adeyefa. Do I start from his great grandchildren, a great source of spiritual wisdom, sense of humor, his love for his garden, or and an listening ear. his unwavering dedication to his family? y husband has always spoken so highly Daddy has been and continues to be a great father of his dad and now I see why. I thank to us all. Though I’ve known daddy from my youth, God that he has had allowed me the it wasn’t until I started dating my now husband, opportunity to marry into a family with such a Tunde, that I got an opportunity to really know strong father figure allowing me to experience Daddy Adeyefa. I’ll never forget my first visit to the something that I missed out on growing up. Adeyefa house to meet with the family for the first addy, we celebrate you and all of your time since courting Tunde. Daddy met me with accomplishments on this day. May God such humor that set me at ease for the entire visit even inviting me out to his beloved garden to show continue to bless you and enlarge your me his handiwork. (I received a lot of mosquito territory. May God continue to give you your bites during that trip, though it was worth it! Lol). hearts desire in Jesus’ name. Amen.
M D
F
rom that moment in the garden until now, daddy has treated me with nothing but love, compassion, and respect. He has
”
TOYIN ADEYEFA,
DAUGHTER IN LAW
I thank God that he has had allowed me the opportunity to marry into a family with such a strong father figure allowing me to experience something that I missed out on growing up.
”
| 16
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
�
You have clearly been the best role model of a husband and a father that a son could ever ask for.
�
17 |
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
A TRIBUTE TO THE BEST FATHER A MAN COULD ASK FOR
R
ecently one cool evening, my daughter asked me, “ Daddy, where have you been? “I was working’, I replied. Then again she asked,“ Why?” But before I could even explain myself I paused and smiled. Because at that moment, I remembered that many years ago I asked my Dad the same exact question when I was 4. And like yesterday, I remember his response. “ I work because we have to eat”. “Interesting”, I thought. In retrospect, I find it funny because I literally thought then that my dad went to work in exchange for actual food. But little did he know, that that simple response seared in my impressionable consciousness the epitome of a man and a father. As our FATHER, he has inspired us through:
provide for us the best education and things that he could afford. His perseverance despite his FAILURES- He has always been open about his failures…. But also would remind us that the righteous man falls seven times and rises again ( Prov 24 vs 16). He would then using his life examples encourage us later to aim high and not be afraid to fail forward… because its only a man that stays down that has truly failed, but rather the righteous continues to rise again and there in finds success.
A
lmost thirty years later after my dad explained to me why he had to work… In an interesting twist I find myself explaining myself to my daughter why I likewise have to work. Its obvious to me now that His FAITH in God- My dad commonly likes to quote that a righteous man leaves an inheritance for his children’s I am only trying to doing what my father consistently children ( Prov ch 13 vs 22)… (He made all of us read the did…… which is to love my wife and children, work hard book Proverbs several times by the way) He would then go to provide for them, and love and serve God in my local on to proceed to tell us that the best legacy he could ever church and community. Suffice it to say, that my father leave us is an introduction to a relationship with Christ more than anyone on earth influenced me to become the and caution us that “ God has no grandchildren” to ensure man I am today and by God’s grace I sincerely hope that I that we develop a relationship with God for ourselves. can be the man, husband and father that he is. Because of him, we started fasting when we were children addy, thank you for who you’ve been. Thank and have since fasted together as a family for the last 25 you for Passionately loving us, Physically being years. Because of him, we took turns to pray at the dinner Present with us, Praying consistently for us, table, now we take turns to pray on our family conference calls). Because of him, we all as siblings love God and even Providing for us tirelessly, Patiently guiding, Persevering though we attend different churches, we all serve God and despite the hard times, and most importantly for Pointing us to Christ. You have clearly been the best role model of our community in some capacity or the other. a husband and a father that a son could ever ask for. We is Ferocious love for FAMILY- My dad love you dearly. God is not done through yet. Eyes have continually demonstrated his love for my mom not seen, ears have not heard, nor has it entered into the and my siblings and worked tirelessly (at times hearts of man that which God has in store for you. Happy two jobs) to ensure that she was always taken cared of and birthday again and congratulations! somehow he made time to be present in all our lives … to DAYO ADEYEFA, SON
D
H
| 18
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
19 |
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
DADDY,
I have thought long and hard about what I would say about the best Father-in-law a woman could ever ask for. Words cannot describe how grateful to God I am for you.
I
met Daddy for the first time over ten years ago and he has continuously been a source of inspiration. There are three things I admire most about him; his work ethic, his never-ending passion for life and his devotion to God. Over the years I have had the opportunity to hear Daddy share his life stories including all the hardships he went through. Nonetheless, it never ceases to amaze how a man could have two jobs while at the same time attend pharmacy school fullltime yet help raise three children. Talk about determination and strong will!
I
t is obvious that he had to climb multiple steep mountains but the inspirational part is that he never gave up. I must say from hearing his story and watching his life over the last ten years, he has demonstrated that once a man is grounded in Christ, no matter the obstacle, you can and
”
will overcome. Daddy has worked tirelessly for his family and God has blessed him with children and grandchildren who love him. Even though he recently retired from Grady, he continues to dream big. His vigor and passion for life is definitely refreshing.
M
ost importantly, Daddy’s devotion to God is admirable. He raised four children who love and serve God in every aspect of their lives. Now that Dayo and are blessed with three children, I pray that God will give us the same wisdom to raise our children likewise to be God-fearing. I am so blessed to have a man like Daddy in my life and in my children’s lives. I am beyond grateful to God to be married to one of his sons and proud to carry his name. I love you Daddy, happy 70th birthday and I can’t wait for the next decade because I am sure God is going to continue to add more and more blessings to your life as your cup overflows.
MODUPE ADEYEFA
DAUGHTER IN LAW
There are three things I admire most about him; his work ethic, his never-ending passion for life and his devotion to God.
”
| 20
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
21 |
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Happy Birthday Daddy!
M
that I will always have you on my side. Fighting your best on your knees, I love how you always encouraged me that I could accomplish all I ever wanted because you did against all odds. We thank God for His mercies. The Word says if it had not been the Lord who was on our side... Olawande Joshua Adeyefa; he has been to me the Sitting and talking with you about life I realize very definition of perseverance. In addition, not those words could never be more true. only has been my biological father, he was first spiritual father. I learnt to pray and how to truly o many things I could say but in a be a woman of God just from watching him and nutshell. Daddy you’re my biggest fan. I my mother. As envision marriage and to have a pray that your many years ahead is filled family of my own, I look to him as an example with life, that you enjoy the fruits of your labor, of the man I pray to head my household. He is that in retirement you lack no good thing, that man of strong faith, knowledge, and love. He you are blessed with good health and strength, is a man who would do whatever is needed to that the wisdom of God will increase and most ensure his family is well taken care of. Both importantly, that in the end we all continue in physically and spiritually, my father is someone our worship in heaven with our Lord and Savior. who always proved to quite knowledgeable. In Happy birthday Daddy and happy retirement! addition, quite admirably his love for people Looking forward to our future! extends beyond his nuclear family to all those he comes into close proximity with. Words cannot Love you forever, quantify how much I love and appreciate him Yemisi Your #3 and yet your 1 and only ;) thank you Daddy for all your words of OLUWAYEMISI ADEYEFA, encouragement. I have and will continue to DAUGHTER hold my head high because I am confidant y father! A man of very little words but actions that are filled with love. You never have to question his motive because in the end it’s not just for his good but also for those with him.
S
I
”
... his love for people extends beyond his nuclear family to all those he comes into close proximity with.
| 22
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
Daddy
If you’re like me, you’ve read about people who have strong faith, love their families and work incredibly hard to become successful. I’ve lived and watched a man lead his home well, love Jesus with his actions and work hard to ensure his kids and others achieved their dreams.
M
”
Through his actions, he taught us that following Jesus helps you love well and work hard.
”
y father’s story centers around Jesus, his family and a strong work ethic. The greatest gift and lesson I’ve received from him has been his heart for Jesus. I will never forget the evening prayers and devotionals or the constant monthly reminder “Do you have your daily bread for the month?” Growing up, you catch on that one day, these lessons will matter but you never fully realize that each lesson in that very moment shapes and transforms you into a man. My father decided to live a life following Jesus and took the time to pour into his children. Through his actions, he taught us that following Jesus helps you love well and work hard. You’ve lived a life that shines brightly for Jesus and brings God all the Glory. There is nothing more important than showing your kids how to do the same. I’m incredibly fortunate to call him dad and proud of the life he has lived and continues to live everyday.
D
addy, I can’t promise that I’ll join you in your farming passion (I tried) but know that I look forward to seeing all the great things and stories you’ll have during your retirement. You are an incredible man. We love your heart for Jesus and the life you taught us to live. You ROCK! Your Last Born,
OluwaSeun Adeyefa
23 |
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
| 24
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
A POEM FOR OUR FATHER When I was a lad of three, My father sat me upon his knee And spoke these words of wisdom to me To be a man of dignity I am no longer a lad of three And I can no longer sit upon my fathers’ knees But the words of wisdom my father spoke to me Will last for eternity
25 |
Now when my son becomes a lad of three I will sit him upon my knee Using the same words of wisdom my father spoke to me To be a man of dignity
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
GOODWILL MESSAGE
W
ande, Our Son, There is no way I can express what you are to us than that. I congratulate you for attaining the age of 70 years. It is of the grace of God. It is more important when such a life has been lived in pursuit of excellence and helping others live to achieve their full potentials. Wande, your life is an example and lesson in obedience, humility, perseverance, contentment and hard work. Yours is not just the number of years but about effect, not about longevity but about productivity, contribution and impact.
Y
ou are rare among men, an exemplary husband and father, a mentor and life coach, a man of God with hearted devotion. A prayer warrior, joyful father of his children and a husband that the heart of the wife rests. Of a truth, all the members of my family are very proud of you. May God bless you on this your birthday. May you live long in health, strength and prosperity. You shall eat the fruit of your labour and you shall long enjoy the work of your hand. God bless you and happy birthday to a son, more than inlaw. V.O. AKOMOLAFE (Mummy Bishop) Sister in Law.
Bimbola Abudu -Dad is kind and loving, shows concern and is always giving words of wisdom and encouragement.
Wole Rotimi Jr. -Daddy is such a generous and
thoughtful man. His spirit and his attitude can inspire a total stranger simply by walking into a room. His energy and passion is always felt every time we meet. He’s a great man and its evident by his family and his career accomplishments.
To Daddy Wande Adeyefa “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” Proverbs 22:29
Y
ou have come this long way in life, not by your power or might, but by His grace. You have traversed through this life diligently, with dignity, in righteousness and with sense of purpose. We rejoice with you on this occasion of your 70th birthday celebration. We admire you greatly because of the enviable heart you possess. Your resolve to see your children become men and woman of envy among their peers is unparalleled. You jealously guide them through life, maritally and professionally. You are a father indeed: not only to your biological children but to everyone ever in need that came your way.
A
nd to your wife, and all your relations, you are everything. A total man! Nothing more to add. We sum up this message knowing the significance of this day as written by Mark Twain: “The seventieth birthday. It is the time of life when you arrive at a new and awful dignity; when you may throw aside the decent reserves which have oppressed you for a generation and stand unafraid and unabashed upon your seven-terraced summit and look down and teach—unrebuked.”
W
e pray that as the days of a tree are, so shall the number of your days be, in strength and vitality. Wealth and riches shall be in your house: and your righteousness shall endure for ever. Big Congratulations,
Kay and Kenny Akomolafe Nephew
| 26
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
W
Happy 70th Birthday!!!
hat more can I say about this man who has been to me as a father ever since I’ve been under his care? Words are not enough to quantify him. He is a a man of valor, an amiable man of God who has touched my life in many ways of which am a great beneficiary of his kind heart.
O
Daddy I just want to use this medium to appreciate you for always being there. My prayer is that as you’re growing older and retiring from active service that you live long to enjoy the fruits of your labor on all your children (Amen). Happy 70th birthday and retirement from service sir!!! Your son, Damilola. NEPHEW AND ADOPTED SON.
Happy Birthday!!!
n behalf of everyone here (NIGERIA) I would like to wish you all the joy, peace and health you want and need on your birthday and everyday until your next one.
As you grow older, may you always celebrate and share the joy of life with the eyes of your inner child and the strength of your youth. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ADEYEFA’s ( NIGERIA)
Message To A Great Man
Yemi Rotimi-Daddy, is such a of encouragement you’ve provided.
genuinely happy and support man. From career, relationships, to sports he’s always had some good words to share and insightful advice to share. I thank God for your life and the many words
Always calm, relaxed, and even-keeled. It’s has resignated in a successful career, and never-ending family bond Happy Birthday and have a joyous Father’s Day to you.
Deacon & Deaconess Rotimi Overall we all thank you for continued
27 |
-HBD dearest brother thy Lord bless your days give you long life, good health, and prosperity to enjoy the fruit of your labor. Love you, respect you and thanks foryour support and prayer. It is well with you
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
love and support for our family. God bless you and have an awesome, blessed, and fun filled celebration!! With Love from, The Rotimi Family
A TRIBUTE FROM THE IN LAWS
P
apa and Evangelist Joshua Adeyefa, our In-Law is one of the most humble persons we have ever met. It takes a Holy Spirit in a man to be such noble and yet so humble. Hence you are favored before God and man. The bibles says when a man’s way pleases the Lord, he will make his enemies to be at peace with him. This peace of God over you, your family and even upon your enemy makes you dwell and prosper in life. Daddy Adeyefa, you are truly blessed. May you continue to abide in this abundant blessings. As a servant and elect of God, you have sown immensely into the kingdom, in sacrificial giving, caring and ministering to the brethren. As a strong pillar in God’s household, you have labored and built with dignity. Even though you are retired, you have not been tired to actualize his God’s given vision. As with Caleb and his type of faith; who at eighty five years old possessed his possession at mount Hebron, likewise Papa that which you have envisioned will materialize in a short time in Jesus name.
I
n closing we want to share the reflection of the word of God in Psalm 128 as a mirror image in the life of our Papa. It says, Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord. The Lord shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life. Yea, thou shalt see thy children’s children, and peace upon Israel. (Psalms128:1-6 KJV) Papa’s life is an Epitome of the Man who fears the Lord. HAPPY 70th BIRTHDAY and HAVE a HAPPY RETIRED life Daddy. Love from
The PASTOR AND MRS. TENIOLA AND FAMILY IN LAWS
| 28
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
MORE TRIBUTES FROM THE IN LAWS
I
heartily say congratulations to Mr. Wande Adeyefa on your 70th birthday celebration. There are two ways to go through life. You can either laugh or cry. But you, Mr. Adeyefa, you have the grace to always laugh and smile and that is what makes you special and a joy to be around.
Your friendship and understanding has been such a blessing in my family. I remember when you used to bless my mother years ago when she was here with me, not knowing that we would eventually be family.
D
addy, may the Lord spare your life to fully You are a one of a kind in law as You are not just my inenjoy your children, grandchildren, and great law but also my friend. You welcomed Toyin into your grandchildren. Wishing you God’s blessings and family with a warm embrace and with open arms and I prosperous years to come in Jesus name. Amen. really appreciate both you and mummy for that and I’m positive that her father, Olasoji Mayaki, would appreciate WITH LOVE FROM it even more. MRS. MAYAKI AND FAMILY, IN LAW
29 |
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
MORE TRIBUTES
I
heartily say congratulations to Mr. Wande Adeyefa. Daddy Adeyefa is a true definition of a blessed man. He doesn’t need a title of a Pastor or Bishop to be considered a Man of God. When you meet him and know him, you will see that he lives a life that is worthy to emulate.
them are very successful today. To share a secret with you, I used them as one of my prayer points “Lord Let my children grow up to be as successful as Adeyefa’s children”.
T
oday, we salute you daddy Adeyefa and we pray that the Lord will grant you good health, When I met him I was proud to have him as my fathermore happiness and a long life to see your in law. He gave away his daughter to me, in marriage, grandchildren succeed in life. We love you and we wish and from then on I looked up to him and he has been you all the best. a tremendous blessing to our family. He brought up his children in the ways of God and this is why all of The Bakrin Family
| 30
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
MORE TRIBUTES
W
ande Adeyefa is a man who started life from the scratch. As young boys, we hailed from the same small village in Ijan Ekiti and attended the same primary and secondary schools. As God would have it, many years later our paths would cross again in Lagos. In the early 1960’s, Wande came to Lagos in search of greener pastures and we would end up living together in a small room at Old Yaba Road, Ebute Metta. Many years later, while on study leave, he was working with the Health Management Board an opportunity came for him to further his studies in the U.S. By the grace of God, through my assistance, he was able to obtain
the necessary paperwork to travel to the U.S. to study pharmacy. Through hard work and perseverance he succeeded. And the rest they say is history. Before our very eyes, He literally rose from Grass to Grace.
O
ver the many decades of our friendship, Wande has always been a dependable ally and God fearing gentle man. We really do thank God for his life, his wife and his good children. As a family, we wish you a very Happy 70th Birthday and prosperous time in retirement. With Love from,
Chief Aderemi Ade-Ajayi and Family.
MORE TRIBUTES
“No great man lives in vain. The history created by God, filled with humility, joy, of the world is but the biography of great happiness, and when you have been in this world as long as he has been; wisdom. He men.” - Thomas Carlyle. moves and speaks with grace and favor only hich is a true definition of exuded by a truly anointed man of God. Daddy Adeyefa. A man whose Through his words and actions, a standard life leaves footprint on a path has been set in place for the present and we should strive to follow. He is a man who future generations, including the ones to has been successful in every aspect of his come. life. In the way he train his children, in his hank you Daddy Adeyefa for your dedication to his church, in his love for his grandchildren, and in his support for all his presence in our lives. We would be forever grateful and indebted to you. family and friends. He is a man that loves and follows God, and that is evident in his “A Good Man is not necessarily a Godly personal life, social life and career. Man but a Godly Man is invariably a Good Man.” Daddy Adeyefa is a man of few words, With love from, however his facial expressions at times speak The Daomis volumes. He is a special man personally
W
T
31 |
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Congratulations and a Happy 70th Birthday!
W
e give thanks to God for you and glorify Him for all He has done in your life. Your accomplishments and honors are recognized and admired by all of us.
It is an honor to have you as a role model, a mentor and a father figure, you are truly a great individual who has carried the torch for his family and friends, not only in US but in Nigeria as well. You are a very special and unique individual and I extend my special wishes on this very special day.
T
hank for always supporting our family. Best wishes and we thank God for your children for spreading the news of your gaining another year. We wish you. Happy 70th Birthday we are very fortunate to have such loving, caring, and amazing uncle. With all our love,
The Ijadare Family
A Short Tribute to a Special Father
“For life holds so many simple blessings each day, bringing its own individual wonder.� his describes who you have been to our family. It is of great gratitude and appreciation to be here to witness this day. Right from our foundation to where we are today. Words alone cannot express the value of how much we have been blessed with your kind, gentle, soft-spoken words of inspiration and counsel that money cannot buy.
T
The Owoeye family from Cincinnati, Ohio is wishing you congratulations on your birthday sir! As we are also celebrating a well-deserved retirement, may the Almighty God continue to grant you good health and renewed strength to enjoy the fruit of your labor. Amen. With Love from,
The Owoeye Family
| 32
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
Caring For Others Matter…..
M
y Mother-in-law ADEGBEMILE ( Momo ‘Degbemile is Onaola’s mum): As usual of her, she went about looking for people to help. She always looked for who to help, in and out of her relations. Remember, until recently, Ijan was a small village, where every body knew everyone were all considered relatives. But, not everybody cared for others. Momo was exceptional. She was relentless in caring for others. Hence, that caring extended to Wande/Remi relationship. Onaola ( Now Mrs. Adeleye) met Remi at her office/ Federal Ministry of Information, Lagos. And initiated the Wande/Remi friendship. Once Momo knew of this, she took over. She did everything as if she was Wande’s mother. That woman was awesome. Remi always remembers Momo and shows her gratitude and love for Momo and Onaolapo. At Momo’s death bed in Lagos State General Hospital, Wande was
To a great man!
T
o a great man, a dear friend, a faithful brother, I wish Joshua Olawande Adeyefa the heartiest congratulations on the occasion of his 70th birthday. I met Joshua for the first time when he came with two other boys from Ijan-Ekiti to attend EkitiParapo High School at Iddo-Ekiti. While he was there, he distinguished himself as someone who was hardworking, gentle, trustworthy and very friendly. He always had a warm smile on his face and still does; these are traits that he got from his parents.
always there and did care for her as one’s son would. Lessons. Caring matters a lot. Not just spending money. Owo tobi, Ko t’enia. Caring is a lot more than spending money. Momo lived her life doing just that.
W
ande, the celebrant. Wande remains a quiet person, strong in character and endurance. He has focus, works hard to reach his target, endures in honesty along the way until success is achieved. Remi proves to be the wife God reserved for Wande- in endurance, considerations, home comfort and all. All these and more endear our family to theirs. Happy Birthday Wande! With Love From
The Adeleye/Faleye Family
the relationship as well. I fondly remember when Remi came to Ohio to be with Joshua, she stopped to visit with my family in Cleveland, she has been a blessed asset to him and the family.
I
t is my prayer that the sterling qualities we cherish in Joshua such as Humility, Trustworthiness, Generosity, Kindness, Empathy, Willingness to give back, to name a few will continue to produce greater benefits for generations to come.
From our family to yours, we say Happy 70th Birthday, peace and good health in your Over the past 50-plus years, our families have retirement. With Love from stayed in each other lives and it is a blessing to have our children and grandchildren continue S.A. Adeyoju and Family
33 |
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Tribute to a Father Indeed
H
appy birthday to a wonderful and loving father on your 70th birthday. I don’t have the best words to qualify you. You’re truly a father any child could wish for. Your exemplary life is indescribable. You’re indeed a blessing to those lives you have touched. You’re humble, caring and loving. You have never disappointed me. Your constant support and advice are blessings to me and my children whom you’ve taken as your own. I m so grateful to God Almighty today as you celebrate 7 decades on the planet of the earth and your retirement after your selfless service to humanity.
Jesus Mighty Name. This celebration will be the beginning of many more to come. My children do really appreciate you a lot. Your role in our lives will and can never be forgotten. You’re in the history of my life. I wish you the best today and forever more. I know a lot of people will be celebrating your good deeds too.
C
ontinue to do good, God will crown your efforts. Daddy, thank you for being an angel on earth to guide and help people. Glad to be part of your loveable family. I thank God for your darling wife and great children. This is the beginning of abundant of blessings in your I pray that God in His infinite mercy will repay life. I love you dearly daddy and believe me, you’re all your labor of love and grant you more grace the best. Happy birthday daddy. and vitality to enjoy the fruits of your labor in Mrs Olufisayo Akinnawo and Family
A Short Tribute to A Hard Working Man
W
ande and I worked in both the Inpatient and Main Outpatient Pharmacies at Grady Health System. We have worked together for about 15 years as pharmacists. Wande has always presented himself as a Christian man with a meek spirit. When he would come to work, he would have a smile on his face. He was a hard worker and didn’t talk a lot while he was working. Wande had a great relationship
with his co-workers. He and I saw a lot of staff members go and come. In the years that we worked together, I have seen Wande get angry one time but it didn’t take long for him to retrieve that smile on his face.
W
ande, you gave Grady some great years. There were days that we served a high volume of patients but you were always able to maintain a kind and courteous attitude. I am so grateful that God allowed you to be a part of the Main Outpatient Pharmacy family. Now it is time for you to really enjoy life with your beautiful wife, children and grandchildren. I pray that God will grant you all of the desires of you heart. You surely do deserve them.
Katherine F. Power
Pharmacy Supervisor
| 34
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
“The ManPaofOlawande HumilityAdeyefa and Respect”
W
e join you, your family members and the very well-wishers out there to praise the Lord God who made this event possible through Jesus Christ. The Lord shall continue to make His Face shine upon you and be Gracious to you and your family in an ongoing fashion. Pa Olawande Joshua Adeyefa was born and raised in Ijan-Ekiti in Ekiti State Nigeria. Ijan is my hometown too. During our childhood and youthful years, we enjoyed the love and joy of this great Ekiti town. Together, we attended St. Paul Primary School Ijan/Ilu-Omoba. Later, we went to different secondary schools, but during long and short term vacations we always socialized and together attended many local functions and events. I have always known Wande to be a patient quiet and kind individual. His smiles always express this virtue. May you continue to enjoy sincere smiles from God! May Jesus grant you further cause to glorify Him, to cherish Him, and let you have more grins as you receive abundance of God’s graces! Amen. The Lord is Great in your life and shall continue to be so for you and your family until eternity. Amen All the members of my family say Congratulations and thank God for you. Furthermore, you will continue to enjoy my family’s admiration. Often, my husband refers to you as the embodiment of humility and respect. While my children are fond of calling you “Daddy Atlanta” and your wife, “Mommy Atlanta,” without doubt both of you merit this description perfectly. May you continue to live and enjoy God’s favor for many more years!
D
addy Atlanta, extend our cordial love and appreciation to Mommy Atlanta for her kind, motherly roles and prayers. To our most cherished family members in Atlanta, we see you as the property of the Lord Jesus Christ. The face of the Lord shines on all of you as you have organized this event to do honor to Pa Olawamide. May your years be long and blessed! My family in New York appreciates you as we join hands together to say Congratulations to our Daddy Olawande. Message from
Mrs. Victoria Yemi Abidakun and rest of family, New York City, United States June 2015
35 |
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
FAVORITE SCRIPTURES Psalm 128 (NKJV)
Blessings of Those Who Fear the LORD Song of Ascents. 1. Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways. 2. 2 When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. 3. 3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine, In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table. 4. 4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed, Who fears the LORD. 5. 5 The LORD bless you out of Zion, 6. And may you see the good of Jerusalem. All the days of your life. 7. 6 Yes, may you see your children’s children. 8. Peace be upon Israel!
Psalm 127 New King James Version (NKJV) Laboring and Prospering with the LORD A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. 3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. 5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.
PROVERBS 13:22
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. NKJV
PROVERBS: 22:16
For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.
PSALMS 126:1-3
When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. 2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them. 3 The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. KJV
ISAIAH 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. KJV
| 36
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
LOOKING BACK AND GIVING THANKS
Appreciation THE CELEBRANT AND HIS ENTIRE FAMILY EXPRESS THEIR HEART FELT GRATITUDE FOR YOUR DISTINGUISHED PRESENCE AT THE THANKSGIVING BIRTHDAY AND RETIRMENT SERVICE TO CELEBRATE GOD’S FAITHFULNESS AND GRACE OVER THEIR LIVES. INDEED THIS IS THE LORD’S DOING AND IT IS MARVELOUS IN OUR EYES. MAY YOU LIKEWISE FIND CAUSE TO CELEBRATE ALL THE DAYS OF YOUR LIFE IN JESUS NAME.
Design + Print:
1.888.501.3170 www.dexpressionz.net