ADIEU MY LOVE, MY AMAZING HUSBAND, REV. (DR) PRINCE JOHNSON OWOLABI OLATUYI
“Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ”
“Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.” (Rev. 12:14).
Wow, Johnson Mine, amazing husband like no other, a rare gem that you are! Your departure was a painful separation to me but, it was a glorious exit! Still too painful and difficult for me to swallow! It was so unbelievable that made me have a lot of thoughts in my mind, to the extent that even after two weeks of your transition, I asked the children if truly you had stopped breathing when your body was taken to the funeral home.
How do I begin to share the loss, is it about the amazing husband that you are, the blessed companionship, the beautiful love we share, your help, comfort and care for me and our children. Even though there are many times of disagreements but we still come again in love to agreement. You are a balanced man of God. You are godly, lively and romantic. You are my truest friend, my only love, and the best part of my life.
You were called home on your duty post as a gallant soldier of the cross. Millions of words will fail me to recount on your personality. Only those who don’t know you will not fall in love with you.
What a colossal painful loss of a special breed for the Master that becomes heaven’s great gain!
What I feared and wished would not come, (death) in your few days of sickness came suddenly and unexpectedly. I least expected this. It actually took me aback!!! I had the faith that God will add more years to you like Hezekiah. I prayed that God will breathe the breath of life on you like He did to the dried bones in the book of Ezekiel and they became mighty armies for the Lord. I had confidence that my prayers were answered. But, alas, the unquestionable God who does great things past finding out, He takes away and no one can hinder him, none can say to Him what are you doing? He loves you best and took you to be with Him. It’s just too soon to me because I never expected this at this prime time of our lives.
You are my lover, my confidant. The only one I am delighted to call MINE. Queens are scarce and uncommon, but I thank God who has made me a Queen in the palace of my King, Johnson Owolabi Olatuyi. I thank God for my life has been blessed with the man of my dream. You are my darling and better half, my lover, amazing husband and senior Pastor. You are such an amazing husband to me and father to our children. Our prayer warrior, loving and caring. You were so loving and faithful even when we were separated by distance for good twelve years.
Our journey together was beautiful, despite every twist, turn, bend and detour in the road; because God was the foundation and had always been there for us. You were always after our comfort, your siblings and others that came your way. You had your good taste, always looked out for the best and worked for the best. You always wanted the best for us. Wanting and buying me beautiful dresses to be beautifully dressed up. You are always proud of me anywhere anytime. Always wanting me by your side and introduces me as your lover and wife. You gave me protection. You protected my identity in your family circle and everywhere and made sure that I’m respected the way you are respected.
A hard worker and diligent man spiritually and physically. This reflected until you breathe your last breath as we both evangelized in front of the Metro Point Hotel some few days to your departure. And even the night preceding your demise, both of us offered fervent prayers.
Also, as a certified Realtor, you were still active, showing listed houses to your clients. You never ever give room for laziness and welfarism. You were a humble man of integrity and impeccable character. You mentored me and deposited some of your virtues by fire by force in me. Now, I can understand why you even forced me to do some things in order to equip me for such a time like this.
You were a God’s General who’s passionate about the Gospel of Christ and the cause of the kingdom. You were a man of vision and mission. Men of God attested to your courage that since the day one you started worshipping at Gospel Faith Mission Int. in the USA, you made your vision clearly known that you will only worship with them for a while because you are in this nation to establish Christ Gospel Mission International. Even though the journey was not easy, but with the Trinity by your side and the zeal for the Master’s work, the mission became accomplished and the church of God is marching forward and will continually march forward until Jesus’ return.
You are a lover of people and an ardent giver. Your generosity is to a fault. You were so humble; you believed in others, never underrated anyone but always like to celebrate and encourage others either young or old. You were not intimidated or envious of the performance of others. You believed in teamwork for excellent results. You impacted your world positively. Your constant desire is to please your Master Jesus. Even when you are being misinterpreted, you are always quick to apologize; and will always say that you are sincerely wrong because you never meant to offend anyone.
You were such a wonderful and undaunted Man of God, rugged, and unruffled with steady unwavering believe and convictions with actions to back it when it comes to the Great Commission of winning souls for Christ. You do emphasized and always want me to reason alongside that we came to America as Missionaries and we must live by the core reason that brought us to this land. You sacrificed for the body of Christ and the course of the kingdom’s advancement. You took over the Houston Church leaving your job and family to ensure that the church still stand. You were called home on active service. You desired that both of us will go to the seven continents of the world for the propagation of the gospel since soul winning was your passion. On daily basis, prayers are being offered for each continent for the kingdom of God to come, and Christ throne to be established in them. You were a learner and fast thinker. So brilliant and intelligent. Always thinking ahead of solutions to issues. An ardent meditator of the word of God and fervent prayer warrior. One of your old sayings was that you will work militantly for the Lord to the extent that you will be welcome with standing ovation as a general in heaven.
Little did I know when you called me on the eve of your departure that I should join you in prayer and requested that it must be offered fervently that the spirit that resurrect Christ from the dead will resurrect your spirit soul and body. After a short while, in a moderately loud voice you said “ My spirit is awakened”. I replied, thank God your spirit is awakened, you will sleep off your sickness and wake up hale and hearty tomorrow. I never knew that you were speaking a mystery that your spirit was awakened with your Maker whom you loved and served devotedly. I was fully confident that the next morning will be a better day. Only for me to see you gasping for breath that morning which finally brought an end to your earthly journey. The shoe you left is bigger to be fitted in by anyone both in the ministry and the home front; but Jesus, the Lord of the harvest and the Head of the home is always at work. We trust and depend on Christ our Captain of host. We take solace in Him and we know we shall not be put to shame.
My love, you are an hero; a supportive dad, loving leader, protector, wise, strong and kind. God’s own general, caring and exemplary pastor, passionate soul winner, strong in faith and prayers. You lived for your Master to the end. Your exit though glorious, but painful. We will hold on to the legacy of your dogged faith and passion for soul winning and run with it in Jesus’ name. And I know that one glorious morning we shall meet again at the feet of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Until then, sleep on Mine. I love you in life, I love you in death.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (2Tim. 4:7-8)
To everyone grieving with us this moment, I know my husband’s heart’s desire is the salvation of everyone. So, if you are not saved, let this moment bring a turning point and give your life to Jesus Christ unto whom we will all return after the completion of our earthly journey. And if you already know Jesus but you are still walking disorderly, please retrace your steps back to Him; and if you think you are standing, let’s be watchful. “Hear the victors who overcame; still they mark each warrior’s way; all with one sweet voice exclaim, watch and pray.”
Johnson mine, you have fought and won, thine is a perfect rest, secure and deep. Good-night! Good-night! Good-night!
Your most cherished and darling wife
Victoria Oluwakemi Olatuyi