Just days ago, there was joy.
Today, there are tears.
One family is celebrating the birth of a child, while another is mourning the painful loss of a beloved father, pastor, and leader.
Last Sunday, there was a pregnant woman in our church whom I had jokingly told:
“Please go and put to bed already o, I’ve been praying for you.”
Normally, she is very active and full of energy, but that particular Sunday, she sat quietly throughout the service. At intervals, she would gently squeeze her face and complain about pains in her thighs.
I asked her jokingly, “Are you sure you’re not in labour?”
But she waved it off and continued acting strong. She even stayed back for the women’s programme after service.
To the glory of God, that same evening, she safely delivered her baby.
Life entered one home.
But in another church, someone else also attended service that same day.
Sadly, he could not sit through the service and was rushed straight from church to the hospital. Since then, he had been fighting for his life.
This morning, we woke up to the heartbreaking news that he passed away in the early hours of today.
Pastor Monday Omokaro was truly a father, a leader, and a voice of wisdom whose ministrations impacted countless lives with grace, sincerity, and truth.
He chaired our wedding reception, faithfully served as my state youth coordinator, and carried himself with a humility that is rare in today’s world.
I will never forget one of the powerful statements he made during our wedding reception:
“Marriage is full of nonsense. If you are someone who doesn’t take nonsense, then marriage is not for you.”
That was Pastor Monday — honest, practical, humble, and deeply human.
He had no unnecessary pride, no oppressive spirit — just a genuinely warm man who loved God and loved people wholeheartedly. Many encountered God through his teachings, counsel, and lifestyle.
His absence will be deeply felt.
May God comfort his family, the church, and everyone mourning him during this difficult time.
Indeed, life is fragile.
One minute, someone is making plans for tomorrow; the next minute, they have become a memory.
Tomorrow is not guaranteed for any of us.
So while we are still here, may we: Love people genuinely, Forgive quickly, Serve God sincerely, Live purposefully, And make peace with God while there is still time.
Because at the end of the day, the most important preparation is preparation for eternity.
May we never become so distracted by life that we forget the life after this one.
Adieu, Pastor Monday Omokaro.
— Desire Ifebuche Uways
