The CAC Way-To-Life, Ottawa women, yesterday, raised a germane question concerning fathers’ responsibilities.
In the sermon delivered by Women Leader, Evangelist Florence Ajayi, who amazed the church by singing Pastor Adeoye’s signature song, ‘Opomulero Aye mi’ asked a few questions, which she also answered.
The first question was, who is a successful father? He said any man can be a father, but it takes a very special man to be a dad.
Backing her sermon with a Bible passage, she quoted Genesis 6, verses 1-18. She recalled that Noah raised his children at a difficult time when violence and corruption were in the land, which angered God, yet he fulfilled his responsibilities to his family.
She added that, for a man to be called a dad, he must be there for his child at all times.
“Any man can be a father simply by impregnating a woman. Everywhere they go, they plant without watering or looking back to see whether the seed germinates or not. Some men also keep their children with grandmother’s without providing for them, while some would ask the nurses for the sex of a baby, and when told it’s a girl, would hiss and go away without looking back.
“No matter what a family is facing, the man as the head of the family must ensure the care and safety of the children just as Noah was able to take care of his own.
“Dad is the daughter’s first love and the son’s first hero.”
She then asked the men: “Are you a father or a dad?” Ajayi painted the picture of a real father when she said: “A real father plants, waters, nurtures, harvests and takes good care of his products from day one of the pregnancy. He places his hand on his wife’s tummy and decrees safe delivery and what he wants the child to become. Those in this category are the ones to celebrate on Father’s Day, not those who tell their wives. ” You’re not the first to be pregnant, and you’re not going to be the last, so don’t bother me…”
The Fathers Day 2024 took a surprise turn when women leaders sprang surprises on their men.
The women directed selected men to demonstrate childcare by dressing and fastening babies to their back and also unwrap and put the babies down. All the selected men carried out the exercises according to instructions, to the admiration of the women.
The next stage was, however, more interesting as the men were asked to write recipes for egusi soup. Some wrote perfect ones and stated clearly how to cook egusi soup.
Laughter rent the air during the Father’s Day Service that doubled as 25th Ordination anniversary of the Church’s Senior Pastor, Christopher Adebo Adeoye, as some recipes either omitted salt or specified the oil for cooking.
Three new elders were introduced to the congregation and ordained. The highlight of the service was the 25th Ordination Thanksgiving by Senior Pastor Debo Adeoye and his family as his impressive citation was read, and he told the congregation how he was called to service by God at a younger age against his wish, but negotiated with God that he would not be a beggar pastor.
The order of service was changed towards marking Father’s Day, as women officiated in every area, including the sermon delivery.
After Pastor Adeoye declared the service open with prayers against all challenges that might be hindering the progress of church members, Olayemi Alfred led the prayer points and said the opening prayers.
Sister Roseline Ojugbo was the continuity programme announcer, Ms. Adeola Babayale made the regular church announcement while Sister Annabelle blessed the offering.
The children made various presentations to celebrate their fathers. They appreciated them for their love and care towards them.
Elder Oyeleke prayed for the congregation from Brazil via telephone.
