Farewell & Reflection: Celebrating a Faithful Leader’s Impact – Bro. Lieutenant Colonel Oluwafemi Tunji Olagbende

On the evening of November 11, 2025, the Dominion Sanctuary Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Liberia Mission Filed hosted the climax of a heartfelt and multi-layered farewell ceremony celebrating one of its distinguished members, a Nigerian military officer and devoted member of the Evangelism and Ushering departments, as he prepared to transition back home from a three-year special mission in Liberia. What transpired was not only an outpouring of gratitude from congregants but also a timely call for spiritual self-examination, unity, and steadfast service.

Opening Devotions: Setting the Stage

The meeting commenced with solemn opening prayers, invoking divine protection and thanksgiving for the gathered church family and especially for the outgoing brother. Both the Pastor-in-Charge and members of the Parish were acknowledged, highlighting the sense of communal gratitude that set the tone for the event.

Scripture & Exhortation: Repentance and Fruitfulness

Central to the evening’s message was a reading from Matthew 3:1-12. The passage, recounting John the Baptist’s call for repentance, laid a spiritual foundation. The speaker emphasized three key charges: a rebuke against hypocrisy and divisiveness within church groups, an urgent call for genuine repentance, and an admonition to bear spiritual fruit rather than rely on religious heritage or titles.

The speaker referenced John the Baptist’s boldness in confronting religious leaders, likening hypocrisy and gossip within the church to the “sneaky” nature of snakes. This exhortation was not merely abstract; it specifically addressed behaviors such as gossip and clique formation, urging members to replace idle talk with intercessory prayer and communal support.

The message warned that complacency or neglect in fulfilling even humble church assignments would ultimately incur spiritual judgment, echoing the scriptural metaphor of fruitless trees being cut down.

Empowerment & Evangelistic Charge

Despite the stern warnings, the speaker encouraged all present that spiritual empowerment—baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire—is a promise accessible to every repentant heart. He challenged everyone to push past fears, particularly those hindering evangelistic outreach, with the assurance that God equips and rewards faithful witnesses.

Prayers and Leadership Reflection

The meeting included fervent prayer sessions for repentance, empowerment, and effective evangelism. A retrospective on leadership highlighted collaborative training efforts in peacekeeping missions involving Nigerian and Liberian officers, underscoring the outgoing leader’s instrumental role in mentoring and fostering international cooperation.

Expressions of Appreciation and Testimonies

Gratitude flowed from every quarter— AP Kiazolu (the PIC), church leaders, Sunday School, Protocol, Ushering, Sanitation, Evangelism & Follow-up, Men, Women, Youth, and even the Children & Teens departments as well as other closed brethren —each recounting stories of how the departing brother’s dedication, humility, kind pieces of advice, and commitment to the service of God  inspired them for spiritual growth, unity, and humility. Brother Femi, as he was affectionately called by all, was described as ever-humble, approachable, and passionate soul winner, with consistent commitment to service since his arrival in the Parish back in 2022.

Personal testimonies were shared, noting the brother’s habit of visiting members, supporting departmental efforts, and providing steadfast encouragement to young and old alike. Members prayed for God’s favor, blessings on his family, and continued spiritual elevation as he returns to Nigeria.

Formal Recognition and Challenge Ahead

Capping the evening was the formal endorsement and presentation from AP Abraham A. Kiazolu, II, the PIC, a group picture of remembrance, and a plaque with the brother in his official military regalia and a statement of appreciation from the church to him. These were in addition to an official gowning of the brother and presentation of the Liberian Flag to him during his last Sunday service with Parish on November 9, 2025 in appreciation of his tremendous contributions to the growth of the church. A group photo was taken with him for memorial to conclude the appreciation send forth. While he was also promised a letter of recommendation attesting to his trustworthiness, legacy of service, and the indelible mark left on both the church and local community, to be issued by the National Pastor for the RCCG Liberia Mission Field.

In a candid moment, the Pastor-in-Charge, AP Abraham A. Kiazolu, II, discussed ongoing challenges of modernizing administrative and departmental functions, calling for renewed prayer, unity, and collective action inspired by the departing brother’s example.

Final Words and Blessings

The event concluded with a moving farewell speech from the honoree, who expressed deep appreciation for the hospitality and spiritual impact of his Liberian and international church family. He recalled his journey of growth, the privilege of serving, and the mutual learning experienced through cross-cultural church and military collaboration. He pledged continual connection and support, and prayed that the cherished memories would continue to inspire both his life and the lives of those he served.

Blessings were pronounced over his journey and family, with the assurance that the bonds forged over nearly three years would remain strong in the mighty name of Jesus.