- Bishop David Oyedepo expressed his admiration for Bishop David Abioye, at a heartfelt retirement ceremony held at the church’s Goshen headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
- The retirement ceremony was conducted according to the church’s guidelines, referred to as The Mandate.
Bishop David Oyedepo, who founded Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), expressed his admiration for his First Vice President, Bishop David Abioye, at a heartfelt retirement ceremony held at the church’s Goshen headquarters in Abuja on Friday. After more than 40 years of collaboration, Oyedepo acknowledged Abioye’s unwavering loyalty, noting that he had never struggled during his years of service.
The retirement ceremony was conducted according to the church’s guidelines, referred to as The Mandate, which functions as its constitution. Bishop Abioye, who led Living Faith Church in Goshen City, Abuja, first met Oyedepo in 1979. He took charge of one of the church’s early branches in 1987 and was ordained as a bishop in 1993 at the age of 32.
In a touching tribute, Oyedepo said, “The celebrant of today has never struggled for anything, yet good things kept happening,” emphasizing that Abioye’s presence was divinely ordained. “You didn’t come my way by accident; God sent you my way, and He sent me to you,” he added.
Preaching on the theme “Understanding the Potency of Blessings,” Oyedepo highlighted that divine blessings far surpass any earthly skills or expertise, attributing the church’s success to the validity of the Liberation Mandate, which he described as a divine plan.
Pastor Faith, the wife of Bishop Oyedepo, reminisced about their journey, recalling their simple beginnings. “I have known Bishop Abioye since before the ministry started. We have journeyed together from the days of small beginnings, and here we are today, over 40 years later, stronger in the Lord,” she reminisced.
Pastor Paul Enenche, the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, acknowledged Abioye for his commitment and generous service, stating, “Making a difference is far more important than just making a living. Bishop Abioye’s life is a testament to that truth.”
Archbishop John Praise of Dominion Chapel International Churches complimented Abioye’s extraordinary humility, asserting, “You cannot surpass his humility. In all my years, I have never seen anyone serve with such grace and humility.”
In response, Bishop Abioye expressed profound thanks for the opportunity to serve under Oyedepo, saying, “For me, ministry has always been about fulfilling God’s purpose.” He reflected on their nearly 45-year friendship, underlining its significant impact in both his ministry and personal life. “By God’s grace, we will continue to walk in this relationship as we engage in post-retirement activities under the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” he concluded.
