In a poignant reflection during a service to mark Evangelist Uma Ukpai’s 80th birthday, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), shared how the loss of his son in 2021 led him to find an unexpected source of strength in the life of his friend, Rev. Uma Ukpai. Adeboye, who has always been known for his unwavering faith and leadership, disclosed how he drew inspiration from Ukpai’s own journey of faith amidst personal loss.
A Dark Moment
The year 2021 was one of the most challenging in Pastor Adeboye’s life, as he faced the sudden death of his third son, Dare Adeboye. Dare, a beloved father of three and a pastor based in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, tragically passed away on May 4, 2021. His death shocked both the family and the wider Christian community. The circumstances surrounding the loss were even more heartbreaking as Dare had spoken to his father just days before his untimely demise.
“I was speaking to my son on Sunday evening, and he shared with me how successful a weekend program had been. He thanked me for my prayers and support. But just two days later, I got the devastating news that he was gone,” Adeboye recalled with a heavy heart during the service on January 10.
For many, the loss of a child is an unimaginable sorrow, and Adeboye’s grief was compounded by the fact that he had to continue with his duties as a spiritual leader, including preaching on the very Friday after his son’s death.
A Source of Strength
However, during this deeply sorrowful period, Adeboye found solace and strength in the life and unwavering faith of Evangelist Uma Ukpai. Ukpai, a respected Nigerian evangelist, is no stranger to hardship. He has faced his own share of personal losses, including the death of multiple children in a single day. Yet, despite such profound grief, Ukpai has continued to serve God with steadfast devotion and a positive outlook.
Adeboye, deeply moved by Ukpai’s example, shared how the evangelist’s resilience became a beacon of hope for him in his own darkest hour. “If you really, really want to serve God, then you must be ready to serve Him whether things are pleasant or not,” Adeboye said, quoting the example of Ukpai.
The RCCG leader praised Ukpai’s fortitude, noting that, even in the face of unimaginable loss, Ukpai did not falter in his faith. “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,” Adeboye reflected, as the congregation sat in rapt attention.
The personal connection between the two men goes beyond their shared Christian ministry; it is rooted in mutual respect and the example Ukpai set for Adeboye during one of the most painful moments of his life.
Evangelist Ukpai: A Pillar of Strength
Evangelist Uma Ukpai, whose life and ministry have inspired countless Christians across Nigeria and beyond, has become an emblem of resilience and unwavering faith. His ministry is marked by powerful sermons and healing services, but perhaps his greatest testimony lies in the trials he has endured and the way he has used those experiences to deepen his faith.
Ukpai’s loss of multiple children in a single day is a story known to many in the Christian community. Despite such tragedies, he has continued to preach, heal, and uplift the souls of millions. His commitment to God and his ability to serve Him through personal suffering is a testament to his character and faith.
In his 80th year, Evangelist Ukpai remains a living example of how one can still find purpose and strength in the midst of overwhelming personal challenges. His message of faith, perseverance, and hope continues to resonate with people of all walks of life.
A Call to Endure
As Pastor Adeboye shared his testimony, the message was clear: true faith is not conditional. It does not waver with life’s challenges, nor does it abandon its followers in their times of need. The loss of Dare Adeboye was a profound personal blow to the respected pastor, but his testimony serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of grief, faith can provide a foundation of strength.
The service in Uyo, where Adeboye spoke so candidly, was not just a celebration of Evangelist Ukpai’s 80 years of service to God and humanity, but also a moment for the Christian community to reflect on the importance of enduring trials with faith. Adeboye’s words echoed a powerful message: “If we are to truly serve God, we must do so regardless of our circumstances.”
Strength Through Service
Evangelist Uma Ukpai’s ability to continue serving God despite his own heartbreak has made him a guiding light for others, including Pastor Adeboye. His life’s work, which spans decades, serves as a living example of the strength that comes from unwavering commitment to one’s faith, no matter the personal cost.
In the heart of his message, Adeboye stressed the importance of service to God in both good and bad times. “It is easy to serve God when everything is going well, but when life throws its hardest challenges, that is when true faith is tested,” Adeboye noted.
For many, especially those who have faced personal losses, the testimonies of figures like Uma Ukpai offer hope and the reminder that, with God, strength is not just found in triumphs but also in endurance through pain. Ukpai’s faith is not only a source of inspiration for Adeboye but for millions of Christians who look to his example in their own struggles.
