Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo encourages Fountaineers
Sunday, the 10th of September, was an unusual Sunday service. It was the thanksgiving service for the conclusion of the series of activities put in place to celebrate the glorious exit and legacies of the founder and senior pastor of the Fountain of Life Church, Daniel Taiwo Odukoya.
The service could be described as both celebratory and reflective. It was not short of an abundance of emotions, reflecting the reality that the man many have come to appreciate as an exceptional shepherd has passed on to eternal glory.
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, the guest minister for the occasion and a prominent cleric in the Pentecostal movement, began his message by reminding the congregation that the occasion was to celebrate the passing to glory of God’s general, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya. The minister stated that in his 25 years of relationship with the departed man of God, he could not recall any incidence where the latter had made him angry.
Appreciating God for His powerful presence in the church, the Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Church, KICC, remembered an instance when the late Pastor Bimbo came to minister in London. He recalled that she ended up taking all the sessions instead, as she was evidently empowered to do so. Pastor Matthew encouraged the congregation to celebrate the memories of the generals that God had blessed the church with.
The clergy stated that it is crucial to receive encouragement from God no matter what the situation or circumstance is, quoting from 1 Samuel 30:1-6. He encouraged the family that the Body of Christ stands with them and the Church and that there is an assurance that all of them will be a blessing to humanity.
Espousing the direction and leading of the Spirit in his message, Pastor Matthew stated that God sent him to tell somebody to encourage himself. He elucidated that ‘the biggest battle and greatest challenges in life are those that one cannot understand’. He reiterated that the biggest battle is the question that one is unable to answer.
The minister cited David as an example of someone who went through daunting challenges even though he was anointed three times. He narrated the multitude of both internal and external challenges he faced, including the terrible shame he suffered and the unwholesome behaviours of his sons. According to him, David went triumphantly through it all by encouraging himself in the LORD.
He declared prophetically that good, greatness, and testimonies are coming out of the recent events in the church. “What God is set to do concerning this church, the devil can’t stop it, he can’t stand it, and there is nothing he can do about it,” avowed the minister.
Quoting some lines from a famous country music, he stated that there are valleys that one must walk by himself. He challenged the church to strengthen herself even in the face of severe challenges and disappointment.
Reading from Psalm 59:1–4, and Psalm 56:1–2, Pastor Matthew mentioned that David never despaired or went into self-pity. Rather, he went before God in praise and supplication to see his desires accomplished.
He reeled out declarations of faith to the end, saying that glorious things were set to take place in the church and in the lives of the people. Speaking directly to those who are waiting for the flame lighted by God through Pastor Taiwo Odukoya to be extinguished, the minister declared that the light would shine even brighter.
Referencing Psalm 63:1–2, he highlighted how David overcame loneliness by seeking after God in the face of abandonment, betrayal, and disappointments. He taught the congregation that such dedication and attitude led him to operate as a prophet beyond his ordination as king. He therefore challenged the people to keep hope and be positively disposed towards the fact that there are better days ahead.
He taught the congregation to be conscious of praise even in the face of adversity. Reading from Psalm 63:6–7, he admonished that the church should be focused on God in times of trouble. He prayed for the congregation that victories would be assured with testimonies in attendance.
Concluding his message, he cited Psalm 32:7, Psalm 37:39, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 54:7, and Psalm 91:14. The minister advised the congregation to set their love on God and be committed to serving him with positive declarations as to a wholesome heritage in Christ Jesus.
The glorious service ended just as it started with worship led by the children of Pastor Taiwo and the excellent Grace Levites. Glaring and undisputable is the fact that the memories of the righteous shall continually be glorious.
This full message is available on the Church’s YouTube channel, The Fountain TV) and TOM TV (Taiwo Odukoya Ministry) https://www.youtube.com/live/3vsQ3X4uKTA?si=xoh54rKz7c4kZzyd It is also available on CD and DVD at The Fountain of Life Church Digital Media Store.
CONTINUE THE RACE
Pastor Amaka Maduneme @ Thursday Showers
At the Thursday Showers service held on the morning of September 7, 2023, preceding Pastor Taiwo Odukoya’s service of songs, Pastor Amaka Maduneme led the congregation in a variety of worship songs that conveyed messages of encouragement. She also read from scriptures that echoed the same theme. Pastor Amaka Maduneme told her listeners that Pastor Taiwo Odukoya had completed his earthly journey and had now passed the baton to the church, entrusting them to continue from where he left off. “It is now the church’s responsibility to take up the baton and run the race to bring souls into God’s kingdom,” she emphasized.
Drawing inspiration from Hebrews 12:1, she pointed out that Pastor Taiwo, who had transitioned into glory, had joined the assembly of saints and witnesses, cheering on and encouraging the church to persist in the race without giving up. She also cited Psalm 54:4 to encourage the congregation to seek God’s help for the church, Pastor Taiwo’s children, and his family during this time of loss.
Furthermore, she assured the congregation that, despite the circumstances, the Holy Spirit would remain with the church and the surviving members of the Odukoya family, surrounding them with His peace. To support her statement, she referenced scriptures from John 14:17, Isaiah 26:3, and Psalm 29:11.
Pastor Amaka Maduneme reminded the congregation that God never promised that believers would be free from troubles. However, she reassured them that when troubles arose, God would provide a way for His children. The key, she explained, was to keep their focus on Jesus Christ, just as Pastor Taiwo had taught them. By doing so, they could stand firm, knowing that the enemy would not prevail. She continued, “The enemy cannot defeat you when you are standing on the Solid Rock; the devil cannot overcome you when you stand in praise.” She emphasized that even in challenging times, they would remain unshaken in the face of adversity, standing steadfast with their eyes fixed on Christ, who has the final say.
This full message is available on the Church’s YouTube channel, The Fountain TV) and TOM TV (Taiwo Odukoya Ministry) https://www.youtube.com/live/3vsQ3X4uKTA?si=xoh54rKz7c4kZzyd It is also available on CD and DVD at The Fountain of Life Church Digital Media Store.
