(BY VEN. FOLUSO TAIWO)

The Rt. Rev. James Afolabi Popoola has described an unproductive Christian as a mere Charlatan who has nothing concrete to show as a follower of Jesus Christ.  He said a fruitful Christian is someone who leaves footprints on the sands of time.

He gave this description at the Burial service held in honour of the late mother of the Rt. Rev Oluwarohunbi the Bishop of Yewa Diocese at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Ororuwo in Osun Anglican Diocese, Osun State.

The Bishop who took his text from John 15:5-8 reiterated that Jesus is the true vine and He has His own way of disciplining Christians through pruning, through sickness, so that their faith would be stronger on this pilgrimage on earth. He asserted that Chief Mrs. Farohunbi has passed through that journey.

According to Bishop Popoola, it is a great discipline, designed not to punish, destroy but to prepare Christians for the world beyond. He said the deceased has passed through and is resting in the Lord.

According to the Cleric, many Christians are passing through divine pruning with a view to standing firm for the Lord.

He encouraged the children of the deceased to take solace in God, in the fact that Chief Mrs. Lydia Farohunbi spent 86 fruitful, productive and fulfilled Christian life; adding that Mama’s burial is a celebration of answered prayers over the children.

Bishop of Osun Anglican Diocese remarked that the late Lydia Farohunbi loved everybody and was spiritually committed to the community, noting that it is imperative that emphasis should be placed on fruitfulness because according to the soft spoken Bishop, Christianity has become noise making and there is nothing to show spiritually for relationship with Jesus.

He admonished Christians to accept Christ into their lives, be spiritually connected like Chief Mrs. Lydia Farohunbi did during her life time. Bishop Afolabi Popoola said good fruits must flow from Christians and nourish their neighbours, relying solely on Christ like the three humble Hebrew youths did.

Finally, he prayed against barrenness in all its ramification. Altar call was made, another opportunity for Christians to affirm their faith and surrender themselves in total commitment.

Family, friends, well-wishers, army of Bishops and their wives, and representatives, including that of the Primate of all Nigeria, the Most Rev. Nicholas D. Okoh, in the person of the General Secretary of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Ven. Dr. Paul Dajur graced the occasion.  Special musical renditions rented the air.  It was indeed a befitting glorious end.