Chinyere Abiaziem 
Not a few people across boards gathered to celebrate with the Founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide Bishop David Oyedepo on his 70th birthday.
Some online observers adjudged that the celebration was one in recent times, which drew the largest number of preachers both old and young within the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), one of the five blocs of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Since the celebration was held in Ota, Ogun State, with videos and pictures appearing online it has been the subject of admiration and discussion, especially in the Christian community.
Oyedepo who clocked 70 on Friday, September 27, speaking prior to his birthday, called on the congregation to come celebrate Jesus Christ and not him.
In his sermon on Friday, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) known to be very close to Oyedepo, described him as one whom “whether you like him or not you can’t ignore him.”
Adeboye recalled the celebrator’s humble beginning and how he would ask that you go lay eggs should you ask for an egg when served bread with margarine for breakfast when you visit him.
He also recalled how he overcame battles with God’s help.
Adeboye thereby assured individuals that there was hope as long as they were still breathing
“God moved him(Oyedepo) from a very low beginning and has brought him to this level… As long as you are still breathing, nobody can write you off…His life proves that there is power mighty in his blood.”
Meanwhile, Bishop Margaret Idahosa, wife of late Bishop Benson Idahosa, Founder of Church of God Mission, shared how Oyedepo has been standing by her through the storms and how he helped pay her Children’s school fees.
On her part, Pastor Faith Oyedepo, wife of the celebrator in a viral tribute video, said she has never regretted marrying him.
The tribute reads partly: “With utmost gratitude to God, who is too faithful to fail, and a sense of responsibility, I give this tribute to my husband of inestimable value at 70. Over 48 years ago, precisely in 1976, I met a young man of value. He has a Christ-like heart and loves to help people. Like David in the Bible, he is a man after God’s own heart…
“…I must say clearly, your spirituality, dedication, boundless energy, sense of humour, as well as devotion to the promotion of God’s kingdom and humanity, is impeccable. And I make bold to say that I speak as a privileged insider. God has made me a living proof that his word works.
“From the early days of serving God together in God’s vineyard, as we went from village to village, holding crusades with many other young people early in our lives, to building a godly home and ministry founded on biblical principles, my entire life has been tremendously impacted by your exemplary lifestyle.
“Needless to say, you inspire and keep me on my toes spiritually, making me constantly seek to please God, help people, and live a value-added life while focusing on heaven as our alternate goal. Your godly lifestyle mirrors God’s word to our children.
“No wonder each of them knows God personally, and they are following God’s plan and purpose for their lives today. Doubtless, you are a generational blessing. And as I have said humorously, I would want my heavenly mansion to be next to yours.”
