By Darlington Okpebholo Ray, Special Correspondent
In a heartfelt display of love, faith, and final honour, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Victory Centre, London on Friday gathered to bid farewell to one of its own, Pastor Jumoke, affectionately known as Pastor Jummy whose life of service and compassion left a lasting imprint on all who knew her.
From the church auditorium where worship and tributes flowed freely, to the quiet burial ground where her body was laid to rest, it was a day marked by solemnity, deep emotion, and spiritual reflection. Family, friends, clergy, and congregants assembled not only to mourn but to celebrate a woman whose life echoed the message of Christ in word and deed.
Delivering the main sermon during the church service, Pastor Stephen Bello, one of RCCG London’s senior pastors, preached a deeply stirring message titled “This Is the Time,” based on Ecclesiastes 3:1-4. With a calm yet urgent voice, Pastor Bello reminded the congregation that life moves in seasons and the most crucial of those seasons is now.
“Though it may seem like time is always there, that there will be a tomorrow, it is a lie,” he declared. “Time is not promised. Time is not later. Time is now.”
He spoke on King David’s prayer, in which he asked God to teach him to count his days, urging everyone present to live wisely and purposefully while they still have the opportunity. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 11:12 and Philippians 1:21, Pastor Bello urged all to live in honour of God, declaring that to live is Christ and to die is gain, and that Pastor Jummy, having lived such a life, is now at peace and smiling down from above.
He exhorted the congregation to store up treasures in heaven as instructed in Matthew 6:19-21 and Galatians 6:8, noting that where one’s treasure is, the heart will also be. He challenged them to take home the powerful tributes shared about Pastor Jummy and reflect on them not merely as memories, but as a call to emulate her godly character and legacy, referencing 1 Corinthians 11:1.
In a final call, Pastor Bello reminded everyone to run their race with patience, discipline, and a focus on Christ, drawing from Hebrews 12:1-2. “Distractions will come,” he said, “but we must run with endurance, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Pastor Jummy ran her race well and finished gloriously.”
At the graveside, another touching moment unfolded as Pastor Akin Soroye, Senior Pastor of RCCG Victory Centre London, gave a brief but impactful exhortation. In his short sermon, Pastor Soroye re-echoed the earlier message: the importance of living for Christ and intentionally touching lives, just as Pastor Jummy did with humility, grace, and unwavering faith. His words were a gentle reminder that every believer must live in a way that echoes the light of Christ to others.
The final act of the day was the closing prayer, led by Deaconess Mercy Darlington Okpebholo Ray. With a voice steady but emotional, she prayed for the peaceful repose of Pastor Jumoke’s soul, committing her spirit into the eternal care of the Almighty. She also prayed for strength and comfort for the family, friends, and the entire church community left behind.
Worship hymns rose to the sky as the coffin was lowered into the earth. There were tears, yes, but also hope, knowing that a faithful servant had returned home.
“This is the time,” Pastor Bello had declared earlier. For many present, it was clear that now is the moment to live intentionally, love deeply, and serve faithfully, just as Pastor Jumoke did. Her journey may have ended on earth, but her legacy continues in the hearts she touched and the faith she lived.