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From Joe Effiong, Uyo
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has told the family of Dr Uma Ukpai and other Nigerians not to mourn the late Evangelist but themselves since he had completed his divine assignment on earth and gone home to glory.
Adeboye, who was in company with the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Dr Umo Eno, on a condolence visit to the family of the late Dr Ukpai in Uyo, said he was not in Uyo merely on a visit but on a family mission to console the widow and family of his late friend, Evangelist Uma Ukpai.
“The last time I was in this town was because of my friend, Uma Ukpai, during his 80th birthday. My friend felt he had done his part and it was time to go home,” he said.
Recalling his sermon at that 80th birthday celebration, the RCCG leader noted that anyone who had caught a glimpse of heaven would not wish to remain on earth, adding that comparing heaven with earth is like comparing freedom with prison.
He urged the family and the Christian community not to mourn but to rejoice.
“Let us not mourn Dr Uma Ukpai. Rather, let us mourn ourselves. He has finished his race, fought a good fight, and gone home to rest. We should rejoice that a true general of God has gone home. One day, we shall meet again, as long as we continue in the ways of the Lord.”
Turning to Mrs Philomena Uma Ukpai and the family, Pastor Adeboye prayed for divine comfort and strength, assuring them that God would stand by them in this season of grief.
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“For me, my heart is with you. The Comforter Himself will comfort you. It will be well with you,” he said.
While welcoming the RCCG General Overseer and his delegation, Governor Umo Eno said it was a great honour for the government and people of Akwa Ibom State to receive the revered cleric, who had come on a private visit to console the bereaved family.
The Governor expressed appreciation to Pastor Adeboye for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit, describing the gesture as a source of comfort not only to the family but also to the entire Christian community in the state.
Responding on behalf of the family, Mrs Philomena Ukpai expressed gratitude to Pastor Adeboye for his love and friendship, and to Governor Umo Eno and all those who had visited and shown love and support to her family since her husband’s passing.
She described her late husband as a visionary and devoted servant of God who had fulfilled his earthly mission.
“In many ways, he knew his time had come. I will carry on from where he stopped. We will continue the work. He was a focused man. When we came, Uyo was a glorified village; today, it is a beautiful city. I have spent 90 per cent of my life in Akwa Ibom State. We are grateful for all the love and solidarity,” she said.
Dr Uma Ukpai, founder and president of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, was a globally respected evangelist known for his passion for soul-winning, the unity of the Church, and humanitarian service.
