Dear “Pastor Josh” as I usually call you or “Uncle Josh” or on a few occasions “MC Suuuuuuhoooo”!!. I thank God as you are currently in Heaven singing, acting, dancing, laughing with the 24 Elders and the angels around the throne room of the Father.
You really left this earth without a warning to anyone, and that’s how the mysteries of God certainly are.
As John 1:51 states, “I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.” During this experience, I saw you walk on that stairs as the angels blew their trumpets and welcomed you home, and as much as it hurts, the only words that could come out of my mouth with every strength I had to muster was “God you are GOOD!”
As much as it is a very hard pill to swallow, I am comforted by the words of Jesus ,"But I have prayed [especially] for you [Ezinne], that your faith [and confidence in Me] may not fail; and you, once you have turned back again [to Me], strengthen and support your brothers [in the faith] - Luke 22:32
This experience has caused me to take my walk with God more seriously, keep the fire burning, make the most of the time + gifts, keep the altar up in the ministries he left, and to Serve in Love with All I got before He calls me home..
I rejoice as I think of the memories/ legacy Pastor Josh started:
- Ahhhnnn I Loveee how much he loved Aunty Bola, like his Public Display of Affection was superbb/ on point ( I remember the 2022 Couple’s Banquet), he was the MC, and he had people “toast their wives like it was their first time meeting them” and some couples were shy, so he went over to Aunty to give them an example, and was toasting Aunty, spitting some sweeett poems/ lines and she was shy, but also blushing, and with that, everyone had to step up their game.. lol
- I love how much he ensured He was present for his sons, and ensured that they also served in every capacity and he listened to them and was their “friend”. During the 2023 Couple’s retreat, while the couples were out of town,, he ensured that he got an Uber for his boys and Mama to come to church so that they will serve in the media dept knowing that church will be probably scanty)
- I lovvee how he came to church straight from the Couple’s retreat with Aunty even though he knew people will not be there
- I love how we went for Youth retreat in like 2019 or so, and you and aunty bola and the boys came, and how all the teens rushed Aunty’s Jollof, and you were giving us your experience on how y’ll know now how much to cook.. That retreat was my early encounters with you and I saw your hunger for the youths
- I love how he believed in me even when I always tried to “runnnnn” from every assignment he gave me.. But he found a way to ensure that I did it, and he didn’t pay attention to my excuses, cloaked in the shadows of fear or insecurities.. From singing pre-covid during the 8am morning 1st Service, to MC’ing events, to preaching twice. In those events, God confirmed his calling and word on my life.. Thank you Pastor J. I honor your gift
- I loveee how he made out time for everyone’s event.. He was always at service. He taught me the value of Honoring our leaders and Serving in all capacity
- I loovee how in Q3 2022, I told you how there was a dance I had in mind,, and you knew right where you wanted to put it and told me everything will be sorted out, I should just do my part
- I love how in Q2 2023, while the kids were practicing for VBS, you came into the kids room, with such authority and calmness in your voice you told us to drop what we were doing and prep the kids to present something for mother’s day, and you left the room, and in 2-3 weeks, we knew we had to deliver something.
- I loovee how you helped me relate with the teens and childrens more.
- I lovveee how you were my instigator partner for a few of the Hydration folks.. Ahahhahahah.. (They know themselves)
- I lovvee how you were like a Mama Eagle to Hydration Ministry covering/ protecting us
- In July 2023, I won’t forget when you came into the choir room where Y.E.S Sings was and you came to encourage us after we just ministered “to do work even when no one is looking, and also to work at something with all our might bc one day, it will pay off.. Every Little preparation counts”
- I lovedd your stories of your acting days in Nigeria
- I loveee your very creative ideas
- I loovee your bluntness and that you were not shy to tell the children, teens, youths were we messed up, where we needed improvements, and you always corrected us in love
- I love how you sprinkled your heart of servitude on my journey for the youths and Children and other depts… By the Grace of God, I will keep the fire burning in my life
- I lovee how you are a master of “putting people on the spot”, and you like to plannn choii and execute
- I looove how when you want the kids to stop talking or behave .. lolz.. You’ll give the instruction and say “In Jesus Name!” – “I need you all to stop talking, In Jesus name”.. “You all need to start arranging the chairs, In Jesus name!” ..
- I lovee your Heart of Servitude. Surely you were a Servant Leader to all facets of society
- I lovee how much you invested in everyone you came across.. Both at your workplace, church, family, society., etc..
- I lovee how you intercede in prayer, and like Elijah, the mantle has fallen on us
- I lovvee the seed that this is going to produce in the upcoming days
This transition has taught me in a different dimension that “God is GOOD”
Till we meet again Pastor J, I praise God that He is saying “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Master!.. For you have lived a life with Joy that has given me Glory”
Thank you for cheering us on and telling us to lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and run with endurance the race that is set before us.
Indeed God is GOOD & Has to be In Every Situation
Bc He lovess you wayyy more than we can ever love you
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