The main auditorium of Victory Life Bible Church International was filled to capacity on Sunday as dignitaries and congregants gathered to celebrate the life of Reverend Fola Achudume. This Thanksgiving Service marked the end of a series of events held to honor the late pastor, the beloved wife of the church’s Lead Pastor, Apostle Lawrence Achudume. Her passing had sparked a deep sense of reflection and unity within the church and wider community.
The atmosphere was filled with a sense of celebration rather than mourning, with a colorful display both inside and outside the church grounds.
The service also attracted lots of dignitaries and well-wishers from all walks of life who came together to appreciate God for a life well lived by Reverend Fola Achudume popularly known as RFA.
In the heart of the sermon, Pastor Simeon Agbolabori of the Chapel of Restoration encouraged the congregation to look beyond the pain of death and embrace the Christian belief in life after death. His words urged the audience to remain hopeful, reminding them that death is merely a transition to eternal life.
“Don’t sorrow as those who have no hope. Be hopeful, as there is indeed life after death. This is the essential foundation of our Christian faith,”
Pastor Agbolabori preached, resonating deeply with the congregation.
The service served as a reminder of Reverend Fola Achudume’s profound legacy, with Pastor Agbolabori stating that her passing was not a result of any weakness in the church but a calling from God.
He also urged the church to continue standing strong and to carry forward the impactful ministry she had nurtured.
Speakers who knew Reverend Achudume personally, including her childhood friends, mentees, and fellow clergy, shared heartfelt eulogies. Mr. Efe Achudume, Professor Eniola Fàbusoro, and her sister and Mrs. Yetunde Osinloju, described her as a person of immense kindness and unwavering faith.
According to them, her life was one marked by grace and compassion, and her influence was felt far beyond the walls of the church.
On his part,Apostle Lawrence Achudume, the widower, led the congregation in a powerful declaration of faith with a word of conviction and hope,“I am not mourning. I am rejoicing in the Lord for an eventful life well spent.”
His words reflective of the strength and resilience of his late wife’s spirit. He added, “No one can question God’s actions. He owes no one any explanation.”
“No matter your status,needs,heart desires, just Follow Him as Reverend Fola did.You can only end well and gloriously if you Follow God”
Tributes from array of dignitaries were acknowledged, including former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and his wife, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, as well as top religious leaders such as Mummy Folu Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and Reverend Francis Wale Oke. Others included His Eminence Papa Ayo Oritsejafor, Archbishop Sam Amaga, and several bishops and leaders of various denominations, all paying tribute to Reverend Achudume’s legacy.
To enrich the atmosphere of worship, Mrs. Yetunde Osinloju, Lilian Nkeji, and Ayan Jesu led the congregation in a soulful praise and worship session. The air was filled with songs of gratitude and faith as the church rejoiced, not in loss, but in the assurance of Reverend Achudume’s eternal peace.
The Thanksgiving Service drew to a close with a reaffirmation of the church’s commitment to upholding the legacy of Reverend Fola Achudume.
Though her physical presence may be gone, her spirit continues to inspire and guide the Victory Life Bible Church community and beyond.
