The General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has revealed how the resilience of fellow clergyman Rev. Uma Ukpai helped him cope with the loss of his son, Dare Adeboye.
Pastor Adeboye shared this during a special service celebrating Rev. Ukpai's 80th birthday at the International Worship Centre in Uyo on Friday. He expressed admiration for Ukpai’s unwavering faith despite the personal tragedy of losing more than one child in a single day.
Dare Adeboye, Pastor Adeboye’s third child, passed away on May 4, 2021, in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, where he was serving in the RCCG ministry. Dare, a vibrant and impactful preacher, was the Assistant Pastor in charge of Region (Youth) 35. Married to Temiloluwa, the couple was blessed with three daughters. His sudden death in his sleep shocked the Christian community.
Speaking at the event, Pastor Adeboye described Dare’s death as the darkest moment of his Christian journey. He recalled a final conversation with his son, who had called him to share the success of a weekend program just days before his passing.
“The darkest moment of my life since becoming a Christian was when I lost my son without notice,” Pastor Adeboye said. “My son called me on a Sunday evening and said, ‘Daddy, the weekend program was extremely successful. Glory be to God. Thank you for your prayer support.’ By Tuesday night, I heard he was gone.”
Despite the tragedy, Adeboye preached just days later. He credited Rev. Ukpai’s steadfastness in the face of personal loss as a source of inspiration during his time of grief.
“If you really want to serve God, you must be ready to serve Him whether things are pleasant or not,” Adeboye said. “Uma Ukpai gave me strength at a time when I needed it most. He showed me that even in pain, you can remain faithful to God.”
Adeboye emphasized that Rev. Ukpai’s influence and example of faithfulness would be deeply appreciated even after his passing.
