YOU RAN WELL! YOU FINISHED STRONG!
I really never envisaged that I would be writing a tribute about my beloved brother and friend, Pastor Dr. Johnson Olatuyi, at this point. The most painful part was that I did not get to speak to him or felicitate with him while going through the unpleasant experience he succumbed to. I still haven’t got over the shock!
Two weeks prior, I had a strange dream! A strong wind blew against the Capitol dome steeple. It bends it to the right, and it did not break. But when it brings it to the left, the dome breaks in half. That day, I had the inspiration to call some AMF leaders to see how everybody was doing, and I did. However, when I called my friend, I was told he was sleeping. Hence I couldn’t talk to him nor see the need to visit him.
I met Rev. Johnson Olatuyi at GOFAMINT, Ayantuga Mushin, Lagos Assembly, in 1973. He was one of the bright and brilliant young brothers in Christ. He stood out by the way he carried himself. His well-tailored suit was always neat! He walked majestically, holding his Bible close to his chest in his left arm. He was so knowledgeable of the Word and could debate with anybody. I loved his style, and he became my role model. They called him “The Lawyer for
Christ.” I started imitating him when I relocated to Ibadan at our headquarter church.
As God would have it, we met again in 2004 when he came to the US. He made it clear from the onset that though he is willing to work with GOFAMINT, God had sent him for mission work. He served in different capacities, including working with me in the Department of Education as our Superintendent. When it was time for him to start his church, GOFAMINT House of Hope blessed him with needed equipment.
Rev. Dr. Johnson Olatuyi was a man of strong faith, a prayer warrior, and a committed soul- winner. He was always willing to serve, ready to help, and a generous giver. He is Mr. Fireric! He disdains, “Willbarrow Christians!” He possessed such a contagious zeal for Christ, for His church, and the Great Commission. I loved him for that! My friend faced challenges while working hard and praying for his family to join him. His children came, but he had to wait fourteen years before his wife could join him. In the end, his faith vindicated him!
Without a doubt, my friend ran well, and he finished strong. There would be those who will be saying “REST IN PEACE!” thinking the man of God is in the grave. Please, don’t make him jump out and quote you the Word, “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” (2Corinthians 5:8 KJV). Indeed, God’s General is having a ball at the Church of The Firstborn, in the General Assembly in Paradise! Heb. 12:22-24. Hallelujah!
It was a pleasure knowing you in Christ, young man! Thanks for all you meant to my family and me! I still can’t believe you just took off like that without any notice! To God be the Glory! My joy is that his wife and children are involved in the ministry and moving the church forward. We pray the Holy Spirit will continue to comfort, strengthen, and protect his wife, children, and the entire family he left behind. May the Lord uphold every member of his church and cause the ministry to blossom beyond human imagination in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen. May his legacy endure among the pastors in the Christian community in Washington Metropolitan Area.
Amen.
Pastor Peter & Julinanah Akinsanya