By Femi Soneye
Looking back in obligatory introspection, the “birthday boy”, without a doubt, would have a cornucopia of reasons for which to roll out the drum in festivity.
The congregation over which he presides as pastor and the convergence of other friends and well wishers must sing and dance in celebration of a worthy ambassador in the Lord’s vineyard. I am sure they would remind him to count his blessings, name them one by one, see what the Lord has done and, be surprised to observe the deeds of God in his life.
For Pastor Abbey, the Lord has, truly, done so much. Right from conception in the womb through infancy to adulthood, he has been a beneficiary of God’s beneficence and munificence.
Most significant of the Lord’s doings in his life is the salvation of his soul that enjoys a vast flourish in the demonstrated gift and covenant of life, which remarkably coextends to the sphere of divine healing and perfect health as well as sustenance in a world that appears tentative.
Pastor Abbey continues to crave the purity of mind and holiness of heart in his relationship with the Saviour, who is the central theme of life. The preachments, characterised by the undiluted word of God, attest to this Spartan Christian existential relationship with man and God.
This golden anniversary therefore is a critical intersection in the Christian race that Pastor Abbey runs to further commit himself, like Paul, to the imperative of pressing on towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3.14)
This is the essence of celebrating the life and times of a dogged and sharply-focused man of God who has assiduously and selflessly worked in the vineyard, standing in the gap for his congregants and humanity. He is a worthy exemplar of a chief servant.
And for remaining unwavering in attending to the Master’s business, he has positioned himself for both earthly and heavenly honour. “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” I Timothy 5:17.
Indeed, honour should be given to whom it is due. The Bible validates this much in Romans 13.7: “Render therefore to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom is due; fear to whom fear: honour to whom honour.” Pastor Abbey aptly qualifies for tribute, honour and celebration. This occasion, thus, offers the platform and it is to the glory of God that it is being deployed in celebration of a man-caring and God-fearing gentleman.
“For everything, there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Read King David’s homily: “Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.” Psalm 102:13. Truly, the time for more confetti of honour upon Pastor Abbey has come at 50.
For the avoidance of doubt, it is in apple-pie order to reference Biblical validation in approbation: “And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family.” Leviticus 25:10.
Since dedicating his life to the service of God, Pastor Abbey has been reconciling a perishing world with the Creator. Drawing from the abundance of His grace, he has been consistently feeding the congregants in the Redeemed Christian Church of God ‘CITY OF DAVID’ parish in the Beltsville area of Maryland, USA, with God’s undiluted words.
Little wonder that God has continued to stand strong for him and replenish him in miraculous ways. He has dwelt secure under the shadow of the Most High God for 50 years and still counting. He has enjoyed God’s immeasurable love and unmerited favour and still primed for more. It is apt to surmise that God had planned his life ahead of his coming and demonstrated fidelity to His divine agenda that has made the lines to fall in pleasant places for him.
Navigating the vicissitudes of life without irreversible incidents is an abiding testimony yet of God’s unceasing grace upon Pastor Abbey’s life
From a modest background in Ogun state while attending Isanbi Comprehensive High School, Ilisan-Remo, before capping it with a university degree in Economics at the Obafemi Awolowo University, the life of Pastor Abbey has been a book of testimonies.
His robust career path in the insurance sector is not an exception either, despite the challenges and hurdles that had to be crossed for great accomplishments. Indeed, it has been a sweet narrative of successes made possible by a dint of hard work and divine guidance.
Nurtured by great parents who, had played their roles on the stage of life and exited in grandeur, and supported by a blessed family comprising a beautiful wife-Olubunmi- and four wonderful children- Odunayo, Temiloluwa, Damilare and Ayomide, Pastor Abbey exemplifies the archetypical “omoluabi” (a proper and thorough bred and tutored child) who grew up to further tutor himself.
At 50, Pastor Abbey has recorded many giant strides, serving in the Lord’s vineyard and touching lives positively; but, then, the best of his services is yet to come. Indeed, Apostle Paul said: “But it is written, eye has not seen or ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” I Corinthians 2:9
This is the portion of Pastor Abbey as he marks his golden anniversary. This is wishing the inimitable man of God long life, good health and prosperity in the service of the Almighty God through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Mr. Soneye is the Publisher of Per Second News.
