Senior Pastor of Foundation of Truth Assembly, Rev Yomi Kasali has charged Bishop Abraham Olaleye not to rest on his laurels but rather keep doing exploits for God despite attaining age 65.

Bishop Olaleye is an international evangelist and the Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Congregation, Ilupeju, Lagos. He celebrated 40 years in ministry on September 24 and also his 65^th birthday on October 5.

Third from right, Rev Yomi Kasali, Bishop Abraham Olaleye, Rev Toyin Kehinde,

Time to look ahead

Kasali who spoke at a small gathering of Bishop Olaleye’s acquaintances noted it was customary to want to look back and congratulate oneself for a fulfilling ministry in the last 40 years. “That is the tendency of many people. We want to look back and celebrate.

“But I think you should be thinking of the next 20 years. You should be thinking of how to keep the fire burning and how to win more souls and do exploit the kingdom. It is not time to retire” he insisted.

Making reference to  Psalm 92v14, he said the plan of God for his people is to bear fruit in old age. “God expects us to bear fruit and make more impact.

“The kind of fruit the Lord expects from you now is the fruit of wisdom. The next generation would like to learn from you and tap into your wealth of wisdom in running ministry. Those coming behind need to be guided.”

Time to mentor others

Kasali who is also the Chair of the National Christian Pilgrims Board urged Bishop Olaleye to do a book about his life. “You need to tell your story sir so that young ministers can learn from your life. This is the time to mentor others. God is not done with you. He is just starting.

“We read the story of Caleb who at 85 said he was as strong as when he was 40 and that he was still able to take the land that had been allocated to him. There is a tendency to want to be trapped by success. But I’m here to tell you not to be tired. It is time to ask God to rekindle the fire more” he said.

While noting there are many sides to the celebrant, he said, “I fell in love with his spirit because of the aura of humility around him. I am never ashamed to tell him everything about my life. He is a rare breed.”

At the event which spanned about three hours, many of the guests took turns to share testimonies of the impact of Bishop Olaleye in their lives. They prayed and paid tribute to him urging him to continue to do God’s will even as he advances in years.

Guests at the event

The event turned out to be a time of bonding and fellowship with the celebrant.

Present at the event was the Deputy Chairman of the Lagos chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship, Pastor Leke Akinola, South West Chair of the fellowship, and his wife, Rev Toyin Kehinde and his wife Dr. Sade Kehinde, Senior Pastor of Integrity Worship Centre,  Pastor Olaide Odusote, Pastor Sam Oyemade, Pastor Kayode Oyedepo and host of others.