Reflections from Pastor Reggie Opara
How do you begin a reflection on the life of this passionate and amiable ambassador of Christ when unseen emotional tears are still streaking down your cheeks? When you are still struggling to process the sudden departure of this servant of the Savior and a colleague in ministry?
I met Rev. Johnson Olatuyi about fifteen years ago during the founding of the African Ministers’ Fellowship (AMF) at the Deeper Life Bible Church in Washington DC. From day one of the fellowship, he brought passion, he brought fearlessness, he brought forthrightness and above all he brought faithfulness. I served as the first secretary of the fellowship while he was the third. At leadership planning meetings, he brought the same zeal and enthusiasm lacing his discussions with verses of scripture. He was a familiar face at AMF monthly meetings and events of member churches. An active participant who did not sit on the fence waiting and watching to see if the fellowship will fail or succeed. He was a minister on a mission for the Master. During one of our in-person fellowship before COVID-19 at the Holy Ghost International Church in Sterling, Virginia, he encouraged believers to go out and tell people about the Gospel. He spelled out the word for clarity.
G-God’s
O-Only
S-Son
P-Paid for
E-Everything with His
L-Life
In October of 2016, I was privileged to attend the first convention of the Christ Gospel Mission International where he was the national overseer for North America. At that convention, he said the theme: “Give Me This Mountain” (Josh. 14:12) was borne while waiting on the Lord before his relocation to the United States. According to him, “I prayed and went to our founding General Overseer who prayed for me and told me to go. He said to me, God Almighty will support you.” When the Lord opened another effectual door in Texas for souls to be added to the church, he divided his time between Maryland and Texas. I remember calling him after I did not see him at the fellowship. He told me he was in Texas. And I responded: “The Lord is your strength.”
As I reflect on his life, his faithful service to the Master and his contributions to AMF hear what he said during his welcome address at that 2016 convention in Lanham, Maryland: “We are to partner with God, to win this nation, walking daily in faith, giving valuable time and talent in cash and kind, helping one another and our leaders and preaching the gospel with everything we have to possess this nation for the Master.” He was a true believer of the AMF mission statement: “Working together for the kingdom of God.” Rev. Johnson Olatuyi + AMF = AMFM (A Man’s Finest Moment). We are consoled that you are in a bigger, better, beautiful, and best place, heaven.
Your co-laborer in His vineyard
Reggie Opara
Pastor, Deeper Life Bible Church
Lanham, Maryland