I was inspired by Uma Ukpai's words when I lost my son — Adeboye

Eric Patrick 

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has said that a renowned gospel evangelist, Rev. Uma Ukpai, strengthened him through inspirational words when his son died.

The octogenarian preacher, who spoke during a special service held to celebrate Rev. Uma Ukpai’s 80th birthday at the International Worship Centre in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital on Friday, Adeboye recounted the loss of his son, describing it as the "darkest moment of his life."

 Adeboye said: "If you want to serve God, then you must be ready to serve Him whether things are pleasant or not.

“In the darkest moment of my life since becoming a Christian — when I lost my son without notice — my son called me on the Sunday evening and said, ‘Daddy, the weekend programme was extremely successful. Glory be to God, thank you for your prayer support.’ The next thing I heard on Tuesday night was that my son was gone.

“I had to preach on Friday, and one reference point that gave me strength was Uma Ukpai. I know he lost more than one child in a day, yet he did not waver. He kept on serving God. He gave me strength at a time when I needed it most.”

Dare, the third child of 80-year-old Adeboye died on May 4, 2021, in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, where he was based with his family. Married to Temiloluwa, the deceased was the Assistant Pastor in charge of Region (Youth) 35 before his death and father to three daughters.