The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday, described Papa Ayo Oritsejafor of Word of Life Bible Church as “one of God’s finest servants.”
The Governor made the description during the celebration of the birthday anniversary of Papa Oritsejafor at the Word of Life Bible Church, Warri. He was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Ph.D.
Governor Oborevwori who paid glowing tribute to the preacher’s pioneering contributions to the Pentecostal and Charismatic movement in Nigeria, prayed for more active years of service to God by Pa Oritsejafor.
He said, “it is my joy and pleasure to join you all to celebrate one of God’s finest servants in this country, Papa Ayo Oritsejafor.
“Papa Ayo, I thank God for the uncommon gift of you; I congratulate you on the turning of a new page in your truly remarkable life; even more significant is that you are celebrating this day in good health, strength, and vitality.
“I rejoice with you and your family on this joyous occasion. Indeed, this is the Lord’s doing and it is marvellous in our sight.
“To Him be all the glory for His faithfulness, unfailing love, and sustaining grace.
“Today, as you celebrate the gift of another year, we honour your rich legacy of faith, courage, and passion for Jesus Christ.
“As one of the pioneers in the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement, you have made your mark in the church of Jesus Christ; your wisdom, humility, and selfless service in the Lord’s vineyard are inspiring. I admire and celebrate your fiery preaching style, deep spiritual insights, dedication to the cause of missions and evangelism, and relentless advocacy for good governance.
“To God be the glory for the thousands of lives that have been positively transformed through your messages, shepherding, and compassion for the poor and vulnerable. Indeed, yours has been a powerful ministry with genuine transformational impact.
“The story of the Pentecostal/Charismatic Movement will not be complete without the chronicle of your faith exploits in the Kingdom.
‘I pray that the good Lord will grant you many more years in good health and continuously enlarge your coasts.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26)
‘”Happy birthday, Sir.”
Former President Good luck Jonathan said, Oritsejafor was a man committed to Christian faith.
“I thank God for his life, he is a man who, when he is committed, uses all the energy he has to ensure positive results.
“We thank God for today, and I join the Deputy Governor to pray that God should give you many more years to live in good health to continue to mentor the younger generation and continue to do your work.
“Do not give up; you have read the Bible and whenever I listen to you, you quote passages without looking at papers; that shows how many times you have read the Bible.
“So, you know those who carry the cross must suffer persecution.
“Continue to do your best because that is what God asks you to come and do in this country,” Dr Jonathan said.
Pa Oritsejafor thanked God for the gift of life and urged Christians to always believe in God.
