Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo and I - Femi Omotesho

Femi Omotesho

 But God is the God of the waves and the billows, and they are still His when they come over us; and again and again we have proved that the overwhelming thing does not overwhelm. Once more by His interposition deliverance came. We were cast down, but not destroyed.”
¯ Amy Carmichael



There are moments when troubles enter our lives and we can do nothing to avoid them.
But they are there for a reason. Only when we have overcome them will we understand why they were there.”
¯ Paulo Coelho

I have come a long way in life. I have been at my lowest low, risen from ashes to be the best that I can be, while still striving to get better every day. I have seen rivers, deep blue seas, oceans, quakes, sandstorms, and blizzards. All these have transformed me and finally, I have found me.  The True ME!
I was raised a Christian. I mean a True Christian. My parents are model Christians, who love the Lord and raised their children in the fear of Him.  I can shout it loudly that my parents have never, ever, taken their problems to anyone but God and because of their "Clean" living, symbolized by total devotion to God, they are reaping God's glory in their old age.
Growing up was great; the best any child could dream of.  However, along the way, as christianly as my upbringing was, I veered off-course.  Nevertheless, the solid foundation had prevailed above every other experience in my life.

I have had frustrations in my life.  At a particular point, it was amazing how I could weather through, but I did.  At some point, I was an angry person.  I was so angry with everyone, including God.  So angry was I that I did not attend any church for many years. My faith in God never wavered, but my anger with Him, and His children, made me stay away from the church. This was the situation until destiny led me to a church pastored by a very young man named Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo. For those who have been following my writing, you will recall an article that I wrote about him sometime in 2007.

My encounter with Pastor Biodun was life changing. Interestingly, that encounter still continues to significantly impact my life.  Since last week, my Facebook page and mails have been filled with "friends" sending links about stories going around the social networks.  I have been receiving those messages simply because people know that he is a man I once met and have never stopped talking about.  I discussed with my editor and got the go ahead to write my story and for this I am very, very, grateful.

My writing this article is not to support or castigate Pastor Biodun, but to relive my encounter with him.  Writing for me is therapeutic and an opportunity to put my thoughts in words will help me re-examine the import and impact, if any, of those eagerly sent mails and links.
I can say that I am whom I am today because of that destined service I attended at the Commonwealth of Zion, COZA Ilorin, Kwara State in July 2007. The Church was relatively small and growing at that time and in my late 30s, I was probably one of the oldest in church that day.  I saw this young Pastor on the pulpit and his words touched my life.  I had to immediately ask to see him and he fixed an appointment for after the evening service. I had no opportunity to talk to him and his amiable wife. That meeting convinced me that great things were going to happen through them.

Meeting Pastor Biodun was a needed intervention at that point in my life. He had words that brought meaning to my life and showed that God had plans for me and will never give up on me. My life changed and I joined the workforce of that ministry until I left Nigeria in 2007.
I have not had an opportunity to physically meet the Pastor or His wife since 2007, but I have continued to follow the ministry's growth. I follow them on social networks and participate in streamed services or listen to Podcasts.  The ministry is growing just as the seed that was planted in me is growing. I am in the United States and I can say that my life is Christ- Centered and I am actively involved in ministry, all thanks to that faithful day at COZA!!!!

Pastor Biodun

So, here is my take on the recent issues that have cropped up. The world is full of hatred and haters, and I refuse to be counted among them. Several people have had their say. When crisis arise, every Tom, Dick, and Harry becomes an expert on every issue.  They will analyze, dissect, diagnose, and prescribe within their myopic capabilities.  This however, only lasts until something else catches their fancy, then they move on.
Well, my words are that this is a man of God, who has positively touched my life and motivated me to follow God's leading.  If indeed he is guilty of those accusations, I am not in a position to condemn him.  This is basically because I am not without sin so I cannot cast any stone.  If my past is to be considered, I should never be allowed to step into any church. If my present is assessed, I am trying my best but definitely not infallible. It is only the grace of God that keeps me standing.  What I can do is pray for him that the hand of God will remain strongly upon him so he can continue the work that he has been called to do.

If he is not guilty, my prayer is that this trial will propel the work of God, through him, to a higher level. To his accusers, I say search yourselves and your motives. Remember, God will judge us all, some earlier than later. Know that the evil that we do lives with us and we cannot escape repercussions of our deeds.  All our intentions are known by our creator.
So these are my thought and I have a feeling of relief to have put them down for you to read.  My prayer for Pastor Biodun is that, this cup shall pass from you and all things will become new.
Until next time remember to:
Make up your mind to be happy; learn to find pleasure in simple things!!!!!

September 02, 2013