GCM Hosts Tribute Service of Songs in Honour of the Late Elder, Mrs. Olufunke Kehinde Fadaka (A.k.a O.K), …Physical death is not the end of human existence – Pastor Iruofagha James

 

The leadership and members of Glory Christian Ministries (GCM), Odo-Olowu, Ijeshatedo, Lagos, together with the family, friends, and well-wishers of late Mrs. Olufunke Kehinde Fadaka (a.k.a. O.K is Okay), who passed onto glory on Friday, 22nd May 2026, at the age of 84, gathered for a memorial service of songs to honor and celebrate the life of their member, mother, grandmother, and aunt.

The service, held on Monday, 6th July 2026, at the Church’s auditorium, drew a large crowd of dignitaries and sympathizers from different backgrounds.

Late Elder (Mrs.) Olufunke Kehinde Fadaka, was a retired Company Secretary of African Petroleum (AP), a respected elder and long-standing Head of the Treasury department in the Church.

Her devotion to God, commitment to service, and profound impact on lives were acknowledged and celebrated.

In his exhortation, “What Happened After Death?”, Pastor Iruofagha James, the founding pastor and general overseer of Glory Christian Ministries, established that human life is eternal and that God created man to live forever. “Physical death may mark the end of our earthly existence, but it does not terminate the existence of the person. The Fall did not cause man to cease existing; rather, sin introduced death into human experience”, he stated.

Picking his text from Mark 12:26–27, Pastor James described death as the greatest mystery that has puzzled mankind throughout history. He noted that across generations, men have posed the same question: What happens after death?

He explained that, for centuries, philosophers, scientists, traditionalists, religious leaders, and great thinkers have sought to answer this question.

He stated that modern science and technology continue to search for answers, with advances in technology and artificial intelligence, including attempts to preserve human memories, or consciousness in computers or robotic systems, in a form of human existence beyond physical death.

“These efforts reveal humanity’s persistent search for a way to overcome death, demonstrating that the answer cannot be found through philosophy, science, or religion alone,” he said.

Pastor James referenced an attempt by the Sadducees to ridicule the doctrine of resurrection by presenting Jesus with a hypothetical question about a woman who married seven husbands, each of whom died without leaving children, asking, “In the resurrection, whose wife will she be?” Jesus responded by declaring, “God is not the God of the dead, but of the living” (Mark 12:26–27).

Pastor James emphasized that this understanding is the foundation of the Christian perspective on eternity. “Physical death is not the end of human existence; it is a transition from one realm to another. The critical question is not whether life continues after death but where will you spend eternity?”

He highlighted that when Lazarus died, Jesus said, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps,” indicating that physical death is temporary and not the final state of man. The body returns to the earth, but the spirit continues to live.

Pastor James noted that hell was not prepared for humanity; God designed it for the devil and his angels. If anyone spends eternity there, it is because they chose to reject God’s provision of salvation.

He lamented that people often accuse God of sending men to hell, but everything God has done throughout history aims to rescue mankind from that destiny.

Jesus Christ came into the world so that man would not perish. Through His death and resurrection, He opened the way for sinners to reconcile with God and be restored to eternal life. However, God will never force this gift upon anyone; the choice belongs to individuals.

Using Job’s restoration as an illustration, Pastor James said, “Physical death does not erase a human life; it simply marks the transition from this world to the next. For those who belong to God, death is not destruction but departure, not extinction but entrance into another realm of life.”

When we lose loved ones who pass away in the Lord, grief is inevitable due to their absence, yet our sorrow is tempered by the hope that death is not the end. Their bodies may rest in the earth, but Scripture assures us that they are alive in God’s presence.

He emphasized that the crucial decision determining eternal reality is not merely a topic for discussion but a personal choice that cannot be postponed. “As long as one breathes, God’s mercy extends, and while the heart beats, Christ’s invitation remains open”, he said.

Pastor James urged individuals not to let philosophy, human reasoning, or worldly opinions dictate their eternal destiny.

Affectionately referring to the late Elder (Mrs.) Olufunke Kehinde Fadaka as his own mother, he highlighted her exemplary Christian virtues, lifestyle, and godly character, encouraging others to emulate her commitment to Christ and secure eternity with God.

He stressed that entrusting one’s life to Jesus is the wisest decision anyone can make. Citing the testimony of those who have gone before, including his mother, he demonstrated that choosing Christ yields no regrets, and emphasized that when one’s earthly journey ends, nothing else matters but the decision made for eternity.

Meanwhile, the only two scripture readings of the programme were taken by Mayowa Akinmade and Folajimi Olunloyo respectively.

During the service, Mayowa Akinmade and Folajimi Olunloyo read the only two scripture readings of the programme.

Paying her tribute, Mrs. Omos Olunloyo described her mother as a woman of faith, humour, and kindness who led by example, teaching her children the importance of hard work, generosity, and love for God.

Deaconess Vera Opuoro noted that Mama Fadaka left a lasting legacy and impact that would continue to inspire.

Elder S. O. S. Nwachukwu remembered Mama Olufunke Fadaka as a beacon of light and love, a devoted Christian, and a compassionate soul whose presence profoundly impacted many lives.

He commended her unwavering faith, commitment to Christ, and her role as a pillar of strength and wisdom in the church.

Pastor Shola Famoye and Pastor Chucs Ahiakwo led prayers for the children and family of the late Elder (Mrs.) Olufunke Kehinde Fadaka.

The wake service is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at St. Saviours Church Hall, TBS, Lagos, and the funeral service will take place on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the Methodist Church of the Trinity, Tinubu Square, Broad Street, Lagos, at 10 am.

According to the family, the interment following the funeral service is strictly for family members, and all events are adult-only affairs.