When I lost my son, Uma Ukpai gave me the strength I needed to carry on -Pastor Adeboye

General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E.A. Adeboye, has said that he found strength in the renowned evangelist, Rev. Uma Ukpai, when he lost his son in 2021.

Dare Adeboye, the third child of 82-year-old Adeboye, died on May 4, 2021 in Eket, Akwa Ibom State where he was based with his family. Married to Temiloluwa, the deceased was the Assistant Pastor in charge of Region (Youth) 35 before his death and father to three daughters.

Adeboye said during a special service at the International Worship Centre in Uyo on Friday held to celebrate Ukpai’s 80th birthday that the latter’s steadfastness in Christian faith helped him in his “darkest moment”.

“If you really, really want to serve God, then you must be ready to serve him whether things are pleasant or not,” Adeboye said.

“In the darkest moment of my life since becoming a Christian — when I lost my son without notice — my son called me on a Sunday evening and said, ‘Daddy, the weekend programme was extremely successful. Glory be to God, thank you for your prayer support.’ The next thing I heard on Tuesday night was that my son was gone.

“I had to preach on Friday, and one reference point that gave me strength was Uma Ukpai. I know he lost more than one child in a day, yet he did not waver. He kept on serving God. He gave me strength at a time when I needed it most.”

Adeboye added that Ukpai’s influence would be well appreciated when he dies.