The Secretary of the Conference of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt. Revd. Babatunde Taiwo, has challenged the leadership and members of Wesley Church Araromi, Lagos to remain steadfast in their Christian calling. He urged them to build upon the sacrifices of the church’s founding fathers as they prepare for another 40 years of impactful ministry.
Delivering the commemorative sermon at the church’s 40th anniversary celebration recently, Bishop Taiwo, who was the pioneer Minister-in-Charge of Wesley Church Araromi, reflected on the church’s remarkable journey from its humble beginnings to becoming a thriving society within the Methodist Church Nigeria.
Describing the anniversary as ‘a day of thanksgiving, celebration and reflection’, he urged the congregation never to lose sight of their history, stressing that understanding the past is essential to appreciating the present and preparing for the future.
‘If we do not understand our past, we cannot appreciate our present, and we cannot adequately prepare for the future. Wisdom is the ability to reflect on the past, understand the present, and make decisions that will secure the future’, he said.
Recalling the early years of the church, Taiwo paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers, mothers, and pioneer leaders whose faith, sacrifice and unwavering commitment laid the foundation upon which the church stands. He particularly acknowledged some living legends of the church, including Sir T. K. Obidairo, Pa D. B. Oke, Sir. Olakunle Ball, and Sir. J. K. Adeyemo, describing them as faithful servants whose dedication contributed immensely to the growth and stability of the church.
He also honoured the memory of pioneer members of the church such as Mama C. A. Adebayo, Elder Akindoye Akinyemi, Sir. Oluremi Omotoso, Pa. Olu Nejo, Patrick Affinnih, Ayo Affinnih, Pa J. A. Olorunfemi, Sir Peter Olorunfemi, Pa. S. A. Ayantayo and many other members who served sacrificially during the formative years of the church.
‘Many people see this beautiful church today without knowing the price that was paid to establish it. Yet through every challenge, God remained faithful. The pioneers refused to abandon God’s work but trusted Him, persevered together, and laid a firm spiritual foundation that has endured for forty years’, he stated.
Taiwo described Wesley Church Araromi as ‘a church built on mission’, noting its outstanding contributions to evangelism, discipleship, leadership development, and the production of ministers, conference officers, church administrators and faithful Christian leaders serving both within and outside the Methodist Church Nigeria.
He further urged members to preserve the spirit of unity that characterised the church’s early years.
‘The burden of one member became the burden of everyone, and the joy of one family became the joy of the whole Church. If Wesley Church Araromi is to flourish for another 40 years, that same spirit must continue’, he admonished.
In a passionate appeal to the younger generation, the Secretary of the Conference reminded them that the future of the church now rests in their hands. He encouraged them not merely to occupy pews but also to become committed leaders, workers, evangelists and faithful disciples of Christ who will preserve and improve upon the rich spiritual heritage handed down by their forebears.
Taiwo also challenged the church to reconnect intentionally with the children and grandchildren of its founding members, many of whom now reside in different parts of Nigeria and across the world, noting that preserving those relationships is essential to safeguarding the church’s history and ensuring continuity.
He urged the congregation to pursue greater achievements in the next 40 years through increased evangelism, leadership development, youth empowerment, discipleship, community service and Christian witness.
The 40th Anniversary celebration brought together ministers, church leaders, founding members, former and current congregants, and well-wishers to celebrate four decades of God’s faithfulness, commemorate the sacrifices of the church’s pioneers, and recommit the congregation to a future of faithful service, mission and growth.
