The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has credited the resilience of renowned evangelist Rev. Uma Ukpai as a source of strength during the most challenging period of his life—the loss of his son, Pastor Dare Adeboye, in 2021.
Speaking during a special service at the International Worship Centre in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, held to mark Rev. Ukpai’s 80th birthday, Pastor Adeboye shared how Ukpai’s unwavering faith in the face of personal tragedy inspired him to remain steadfast.
“In the darkest moment of my life since becoming a Christian — when I lost my son without warning — Rev. Uma Ukpai became a pillar of strength to me,” Adeboye said.
Pastor Dare Adeboye, the third child of the 82-year-old cleric, passed away suddenly on May 4, 2021, in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, where he resided with his family. The 42-year-old, fondly called “Pastor Dee,” was the Assistant Pastor in charge of Region (Youth) 35. He left behind his wife, Temiloluwa, and three daughters.
Recalling the painful period, Adeboye narrated how his son had called him on a Sunday evening to report a successful church program but passed away just two days later. Despite the immense grief, Adeboye preached a sermon the following Friday, drawing inspiration from Ukpai, who had endured the loss of multiple children yet continued his service to God.
“If you truly want to serve God, you must be prepared to do so in all circumstances, pleasant or otherwise,” Adeboye remarked. “Rev. Uma Ukpai’s steadfastness after losing more than one child in a single day gave me the courage to carry on when I thought I could not.”
The RCCG leader also emphasized that Ukpai’s influence on the Christian faith would be fully appreciated only after his passing, highlighting the evangelist’s enduring legacy of faith and resilience.
The emotional testimony served as a tribute to the strength of faith in adversity and an acknowledgment of Rev. Uma Ukpai’s impactful ministry.
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