Last week Wednesday was quite a delightful evening for me as Global Harvest Church Maryland Lagos held an Award Night to pay tributes to the pioneers of the church. We remembered people who spearheaded various departments and celebrated the contributions of various helpers who supported my wife and me to get the church on a firm footing. Zachariah and Elizabeth made their way into the Bible and their story beautifully opens up Luke’s first treatise because of the special child they brought into the world called John. The name was a first at the time but would become a favourite since then. The amazing herald of the coming Messiah, a witness of the true Light that lights every man who comes into the world.

Zachariah’s name means ‘God Remembers’. Thus, we see this priest of Israel being remembered as his prayer for a child was answered after a long delay. He was certainly remembered for good. God remembers and rewards the good we do in our lifetime and does so in the afterlife. Life is a preparation for eternity. If my joy at how the evening went is a hint of God’s delight when He remembers our good deeds, then much joy awaits us in eternity.

The high point of the night for me was celebrating the choice gifts of for men. Segun Oke, the Senior Pastor of Hill City, Lagos (Mainland and Island), had pioneered prayer meetings, searched for a worship centre for us and eventually served as a church administrator and Resident Pastor. Without his sacrifices and labour for the Lord, we wouldn’t be where we are today in Maryland, Lagos. Although we have since multiplied over the years, he was certainly a significant part of the foundation laying of a parish that models our values and vision as a ministry so effectively today. The recognition, as simple as it was, mattered to me. It was important to me that Pastor Segun knows we will never forget his good deeds nor will it be lost in heaven’s archives.

Korede Adams, my cousin and a prolific preacher who was relocating to South Africa when the church was inaugurated and winding down a church at the time, encouraged his members to come over to the new Global Harvest Church. He donated chairs, a pulpit and whatever he could spare before going abroad. Upon his return, he worshipped and served with us before pioneering Masterpiece Assembly from where he travels the world today. Some of the wonderful people who came to us from his former pastorate remain faithful workers to this day. We will never forget his good works.

Setting up the structure of a local church takes a lot of team effort. Several people played several significant roles at the time. Pastor Tayo and Korede Olosunde organized our Executive Round Table (Fellowship of businessmen and professionals), and the pastoral welfare ministry respectively. Jide and Titi George pioneered the Couples Fellowship and Children’s church. Adesua Agoi pioneered the Ushering ministry and her husband later led the Sound and Technical Unit. They pastor Cornerstone Prayer Bible Church today. Kolade and Moji Aladeojebi were remembered for giving up their beds for me when I could not afford hotel accommodation. Kolade would manage the construction of our tent while Moji also led the children’s ministry eventually. She is the Church Administrator of our Victoria Island branch today.

We remembered Goke Nathaniel for spearheading our tent and relocation project with exceptional project management skills and Dare Kolawole, my Executive Assistant and Lead Pastor of our Island church today for his faithful support of my relocation to Lagos under difficult circumstances. The list goes on and on…The good works of Philemon were widely acknowledged and Paul did affirm the same. Acknowledgement is a tremendous energy boost for the effectual communication or expression of faith (Philemon 6). People are energized to do more and do better. Gaius was widely reported for his hospitality in the same spirit. He was prosperous in soul by the effect of the truth of the gospel upon him. His love walk expressed through hospitality and generosity, especially towards itinerant ministers was highly commendable. John wished him success and soundness of health. Leadership that remembers and appreciates good works will not lack help.

The evil people do should also be remembered, only that room may not be created for repetition. We should be grateful for the lessons they teach us. Nehemiah remembered such evil men in prayer that God may reward their evil too (Nehemiah 6:14, 13:29). May we only be remembered for good and not evil in Jesus’ name.