Uncle Joshua was the man who lifted many of us here unto God as living sacrifices. I thank God for the degree to which he conformed to the measure of the stature of Christ. And like Christ, he changed lives and make men.

He was a man who by the Grace of God put away dead works, escaped the corruption of this age and loved righteousness.

For us who are on this side of heaven:

Having a received a kingdom that cannot be moved. Let us have grace to serve God acceptably with reference and godly fear. 

To the man who pushed me to be my best, who pushed me out my comfort zone to sing, to dance, to serve in the children’s department, to plan VBS games. I say thank you. Thank you for being a father figure, an uncle, a pastor, a fire starter, and a friend. You will never be forgotten and the fire that you started in me will never burn out but continue to shine brightly for the kingdom. Thank Uncle Joshua for all you’ve done in my life. Until we meet again it’s not a goodbye but a see you later.

P.S. we still have to do our traditional dance together so remember to save me a dance in heaven. 

This is something that I never thought I'll be writing and it still feels like a dream that I can't wake up from but all I would like to say is THANK YOU uncle for always pushing me and all youths, THANK YOU for showing us what is means to serve God in every aspects of our lives, THANK YOU for being such a blessing to me and all those around you..

 I'll always remember when we went to sixflags in July and I kept telling you i didn't want to go on the rides especially Goliath because I am scared of heights but you kept telling me that you will get on it and me trying to run away from you but all of a sudden turning around and seeing you at my back rubbing your hands together and smiling and saying it will be fun and I did end up riding it. 

 I remember this years VBS when you kept telling us the volunteers that we have to be off the stage by the time the song ends and then yelling from the top. I'll always remember when sometimes I'll just feel you pulling my braids or you sneaking up behind me and me being startled and then you asking me why I was scared when I have people around me. 

I also Remember during one of the holy communion Fridays when you told me that one day I will be preaching on the alter and me saying no not knowing that a few weeks later uncle Eddie would ask me to preach for the youth takeover sunday.

 Thank God because he gave me the privilege of knowing you and by the grace of God the work you started in the Joshua Generation will not come to an end. Rest in peace uncle. I miss you and I love you🤍.

Joshua my dear. Getting to this point, at a time like this, writing a tribute about you is what never crossed my mind or I can ever imagine

I remember the first time I met you as Bolas husband when I came to Nigeria in 2009.

What attracted you to me was your genuine smile and heart for serving in Gods Vineyard.

You are such a supportive human being who loves to see everyone being successful around you. You did impact many lives and many souls were won through you, there was no doubt about that.

You are an amazing human being, a good husband and father.

Well, all I can say now is to praise God for a life well spent.

You have run the race and finished your course, and I am sure you are enjoying your reward at the bossom of the almighty.

Rest in Peace Josh

Pastor Joshua,

I know this tribute can not even sum up the amazing person that you were, but I am grateful to God for the privilege to have known you and learned from you. You never turned away an opportunity to serve no matter how great or small. I remember when I was in 5th grade, and I wanted to record a video for an arts competition. Despite my young age you did not turn me away when I asked for help, rather you encouraged me, read over my film script, gave me various creative ideas, and even stayed back after church to help me record. Because of your love and support, I remember being so excited to show you my blue first place ribbon. Not only did you serve others, but you poured into the youth ministry. The very first youth retreat I attended you prayed for me, and since that time my life was never the same. Even in the midst of COVID, when we were all isolated in our homes, you would answer questions I had about scripture and would mentor me as I grew in my walk with Christ. When I and another youth brought up the idea of creating a youth prayer call, you gladly accepted the idea and gave us guidance on how to begin. I could go on and on about the many things you've done for me and for this church as a whole. But I would like to just say thank you.

Thank you for being an amazing role model, thank you for being an encourager, thank you for allowing God to use you to push others into their callings and destinies. You spent your time on earth well by doing the will of Him who sent you and encouraging others to do the same. You did not waste the gifts and talents the Lord gave you but rather poured it out so that He may be glorified. You have fought the good fight of faith, you have run your race well ,and I know that you are enjoying your glorious reward in Heaven.

THANK YOU so much for everything Pastor Joshua, love and appreciate you so much 🤍!

Pastor Joshua

It still feels surreal to know that you are no longer with us Sir. Words are not even enough to describe you.  You were always present. The lives of those who were lucky enough to know you are forever changed for the better,you touched so many lives in the very best way. I’m grateful I got the chance to know you. Every department in RCCG FPC felt your impact. I remember how you were there for my family when I loss my Dad. Thank you for all your dedication and selfless service to God. You are truly Irreplaceable. We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." We will truly miss you.

Rest well in the Bossom of the Lord. 

It is still hard to believe you are now with the Lord. You will be more than missed! You were everywhere help was needed. I remember when I will say I cannot get something done, you would render help. The main one to always count on. It didn’t matter what department! You never said it is not my ministry. You made yourself available for doing God’s work. Thank you for always being there for us all. Your time here on earth was short, but the impact you made in us all is everlasting!

Truly painful that you are no longer here on earth with us, however the life you lived encourages me to push harder and continue to fight a good fight. When we all get to heaven, what a day if rejoicing it will be. Praying that God will help heal all the void you left. I pray for us that are here because I know you are rejoicing with Jesus. You made Jesus the center of your Joy in all things. 2 Timothy 4-7, you have fought a good fight, you have finished the course, you have kept the faith. We love you! May we all fight the good fight in Jesus name. 

It a very tragic situation to even talk or hear about, having to battle with what I’m going thru and hearing about your exit hurt even more. Hearing how you impacted life’s and more lets me know you wasn’t just a good man but a humble, loving, caring and God fearing man.

I remember in 2020 when Covid was still about the first time I came to church and you welcomed my siblings and I with a open arm, you kept introducing us to everyone like you knew us before even thought that was your first time meeting us. 

Early this year when you came to pray with baby Tafari and I, you literally took the time of your day to come meet us and pray with us even when you didn’t didn’t have too. 

Romans 14:8 “if we live we live for the lord and if we die we die for the lord either we live or die we belong to God” we all on earth was just suppose to know you for a short period of time, you belong to God and you’ve went on to be with the master. 

I’m asking God to fill in the void we have in our heart and for faster healing, even thought it might be hard to move on we pray God gives us the strength to continue this journey of life with out you as you’ve laid the right foundation for us to build upon 🙏🏾 , I’m also asking God for guidance and covering over the family at this time. God please grant aunty Bola the strength to overcome this period in her life 

Rest on uncle, we shall meet someday. 🕊️

What can I say? It Still feels like a dream!

As I reflect on my many encounters with Pastor Joshua, I’m honored to have met a man of his caliber.

A true servant of God, Peacemaker, Lover of man, Devoted father, Faithful husband, & Selfless leader to us all . Thank you for living out the scriptures for us to see!

The message your life has preached is the message found in John 9:4 which says “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”

And That is exactly what you did! With your time spent on earth, you served God & us all with impeccable zeal, passion, intentionality and strength! You have transformed soo many lives in ways that only Papa God can openly reward.

Thanks for pushing Hydration to our divine purpose! We will keep the fire burning by the help of God. May we also receive the grace to run our race the way you did and even greater!

Thank you for your YES, Pastor Joshua!

Now, since NIGHT has come for you, rest well servant of God! Your WORK here is DONE!

We thank God for a Life Well Lived! To God be All the Glory for the great things He has done through your impactful life! Papa God we say THANK YOU! 

Pastor Josh!

My pastor! My mentor! I sit here in denial thinking that you’re actually gone and I will not get to see your ever smiling face again. You loved God & most especially your wife & family.

Thank you for serving selflessly and being a great motivation to the youth & hydration.May the lord be with your family. Thank you for all you did during our wedding.You have left a void in all of us and I pray God will continue to give us all the strength to bear this great loss.

Thanks for all the words of encouragement. You’ll be greatly missed! Gone from our sight but forever in our hearts. Sun re laya olugbala re till we meet again.

Love & miss you dearly 

Our heartfelt condolences to the Sowole Family at this difficult time.  It still feels so surreal, so hard to believe that you're no longer with us.

You were such a beacon of light in our church family at RCCG FPC where we met and worshipped together since our family joined the parish. Your impact was felt in every department, every age-group, and virtually every activity at FPC. 

I remember many of our discussions, focused on constantly improving our worship experience both for the adult choir and the youth choirs. We always exchanged the latest worship songs, especially 'deep" Yoruba worship, and children ministrations via WhatsApp. You ignited the fire for faith, love and service in the children groups and young adults, thoroughly mentoring them, inspiring and encouraging them at the same time. You also ensured they were disciplined and responsible, and showed them how not to take dedicated service to God for granted.  Dami and Funmi thoroughly enjoyed the Joshua Generation ministrations, practicing non-stop to make sure they met your standards of excellence. We'll miss your heartfelt prayers and worship, prophetic declarations, dance steps, warm smile, and visionary insights. VBS will miss you. We'll miss the after-service "alujos" (you hailing each person: .Sis/Bro X....lohun jo yi ooo"), Mother's Day "alujo". We'll miss  your super talents at playing the M.C. role at virtually every party of our inner circle, and the couples' events; and sitting at the bench after service cracking jokes with Sis Bola, Remi, Bukky, Edith, Bro Sam and myself while we snacked on popsicles, cakes, etc... I could go on and on... but I'll stop for now and say THANK YOU for giving to the Lord. Many lives were definitely impacted and transformed.

Our assurance remains the same - that God is good, and He loves us so much. 

Romans 8:38-39 "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

We surrender to His sovereignty knowing that even in tough times when we don't see it, He's working, He never stops working.

John 11:25-26 "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.' ”

We will run the race set before us faithfully until Christ returns or takes us home, where we'll meet to part no more, and reign with Him forever.

We pray for Sis Bola, Temi and Demi, that the Lord himself will strengthen, comfort and uphold them at this time like only He can. That your deep love and legacy will live on in their hearts.  Psalms 147:3 "He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds."    That they will find grace for every facet of the new journey ahead, and they will never lack help or support.

Deacon Pastor Joshua ~ Forever loved, Forever remembered!

Psalm 48:14  - "Yes, this is our God, our great God forever.  He will lead us onward until the end, through all time, beyond death, and into eternity! (The Passion Translation).

We were heart broken and pained when we  heard the  passing of deacon Joshua. 

He  was supportive and happy helper. He  was an  encourager and good team player. He will be greatly missed, we  love you brother but God loves more. Continue resting in the bossom of the Lord.

"Lay down thy head upon thy Saviour’s breast

We love thee well; but Jesus loves thee best

Good-night! Good-night! Good-night!

Pastor Joshua, writing this tribute to you is unreal to me. I keep going back to our messages and all I can gather is a leader encouraging me to fulfill purpose. You were always on the move to get things done, especially if it had to do with God’s kingdom! You had so much zeal to steer the younger generation in God’s direction and you did that with how you lived and loved. There was never a dull moment in your presence. Your vibrant smile, your timely words of encouragement, your passion for prayer, and your ability to relate to everyone around you was admirable. You knew how to gently correct when I made mistakes and you loved seeing the younger generation thrive in God’s vineyard. I remember how I used to call you and say Pastor Joshua, this youth thing is getting hard and you would say, “my brother, you are doing fine” and would add a smile after it. You knew how to bring out the best in everyone around you! God gifted you with a spirit of discernment that you were able to identify people’s gifts and encourage them to flourish in that gifting. All the testaments about you confirms this. You diligently and intentionally approached every task, you served with a servant’s heart and with humility. You have left a void in all of us and I pray God will continue to give us all strength, especially to Sis Bola and the boys. Your love for your family was second to none. Your love for the things of God was commendable. Thank you Pastor Joshua for your guidance, leadership, and for leaving a legacy that is worthy to be carried on by the younger generation. You’ve been a true ambassador of the gospel and you ran your race well. You will be greatly missed and your memories and impact will forever be embedded in our hearts! I know you are in heaven rejoicing and it is my prayer that those of us you have left behind will live a life that will be worthy to call heaven our eternal home one day! Until we meet again, continue to enjoy your eternal home in heaven! ❤️❤️❤️

II Corinthians 5:1- For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 

Pastor Joshua, 

Thank You for everything you have done, From the advice you have given and also the Prayers  you have prayed for everyone in the church. 

Thank you for all the Good memories that has happened and for being there for us when we needed help the most. Thank you for all the laughs and jokes you tell us. and most of all thank you for being our pastor and allowing us to house fellowship together .After all that May you rest in peace and I hope we meet again in heaven🕊️

David Sulola

Tribute

Upon hearing the death of Uncle Joshua, the Lord led me to two scriptures. Scriptures that gave solace, scriptures that gave insight, scriptures that gave clarity. I think God wanted to show me that death is something that He has control over. That His will trumps all forces of nature and all realities of life. The first place I read was Psalm 103:15-16. Those verses talk about the brevity of human life, how we are like grass who are blown by the wind and are no more. But, the striking part of these verses was when it said “As a flower in the field, so [he] flourishes.” It led me to reflect on Uncle Joshua’s life. In his time on Earth, he was surely flourishing. In anything that had to do with God and His ministry, Uncle Joshua made sure that he blossomed. He operated with the understanding that his time was valuable. In doing so, he made every second something magnificent. He was gifted to be quintessential in ministry, stepping into every niche, spreading the message of God. He was blessed in that regard, greatly blessed.

The second scripture God led me to was Ecclesiastes 3:11, which says, “Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time, He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” Whenever you think of Uncle Joshua, the beauty of God’s creation comes to mind. God made sure to make Uncle Joshua beautiful. His impact on us all is a testament to that

fact. Knowing that, there is a sadness that grows in the hearts of us all. A sadness that comes from realizing such an impactful person will not be with us anymore. But I have an assurance that we will see Uncle Joshua again in the paradise God has set for us. The eternity God placed in our hearts, the choice of heaven, there we will be reunited with our beloved Joshua again.

 Finally, a message to all who are grieving, especially Aunty Bola. Death will never feel fair. It will always hurt us where we never thought we would be hurt. But, as the Bible says, even grief has a time. We all will grieve differently, but understand this: Firstly, grief is the final stage of love. You enjoyed Joshua so much that even in his permanent absence you continue to care for him as if he was alive. Secondly, grief is a process. It may take you time to fully process and accept Joshua’s death, but the difficult emotions will end with time. Finally, God is still good. A hard fact to accept, I know. Nothing can ever change God’s goodness. It’s an innate quality that He cannot be without. He never changes even though our circumstances do. Look to God when you grieve, His love will be as a warm blanket surrounding your grief-stricken heart.

Pastor Joshua,

I pray that the Lord continue to bless you. That all your service to us will not be forgotten by anybody. I pray that the lord will give you strength eternal peace in heaven. Thank you for all you have done for everbody