In the quaint town of Jalingo, Taraba State, a solemn funeral service was held at the Global Methodist Church McBride, to bid farewell to a man whose life was a testament to the power of wisdom, compassion, and resilience. Baba Charles Daniel Joda, a community leader, avid reader, and devoted family man, was laid to rest in the Gullum area, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
As the sun rose over the sleepy town, a sea of mourners gathered at the church, their faces etched with grief and their hearts heavy with sorrow. The funeral events and ceremony, which began at 9 am, brought to bear the impact Baba Joda had on the lives of those who knew him. Politicians, leaderships from the communities and groups within and without Taraba state, sympathizers including staff and management from SUM TV and Taraba News Agency, all converged to pay their last respects to a man who had touched lives in countless ways.
As the service progressed, tributes poured in from all corners, each one a testament to Baba Joda's remarkable life. He was described as a role model, an avid reader who had devoured countless books, and a maverick learner who had imparted his knowledge to his wards. His family remembered him as an award-winning husband and father, whose love and devotion had been a constant source of strength and inspiration.
Rev. Baziel Yayuba Yoila, Conference Superintendent of the Southern Conference of the Global Methodist Church, conveyed the condolence message of Bishop John Pena Auta of the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria, alongside other clergy, lay members, and sympathizers.
As the congregation gathered to bid farewell to Baba Charles Daniel Joda, Rev. Maxwell Obadiah took to the podium to deliver a poignant exhortation. With the gospel of 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 as his backdrop, he reminded the mourners of the impermanence of life and the importance of living a life worthy of emulation.
"We are all like grass," Rev. Obadiah began, quoting from the Scriptures. "We wither and fade, our lives but a brief moment in the grand tapestry of eternity." He paused, surveying the crowd with a solemn gaze. "But even as we acknowledge the brevity of our lives, we must also recognize the significance of the choices we make while we are here."
Rev. Obadiah then drew a powerful analogy, one that resonated deeply with the congregation. "Just as money launderers seek to convert their ill-gotten gains into clean, usable currency, so too must we strive to live lives that are convertible and usable in the life hereafter." He emphasized that our actions, our choices, and our character all contribute to the currency of our lives.
"In the world of cryptocurrency," he continued, "conversion rates fluctuate wildly, and fortunes can be made or lost in an instant. But in the economy of heaven, the conversion rate is fixed, and the currency of our lives is determined by the choices we make here and now."
Rev. Obadiah urged the congregation to live examplarily, to strive for a life of integrity, compassion, and service to others. "Let us invest our lives in the things that truly matter," he exhorted. "Let us convert our time, our talents, and our resources into a currency that will be usable in the life to come."
As he concluded his exhortation, Rev. Obadiah left the congregation with a profound challenge: to live lives that are worthy of emulation, lives that will be remembered long after we are gone. "Let us make our lives count," he said. "Let us live in such a way that our legacy will be one of love, of kindness, and of service to others."
In the silence that followed, the congregation was left to ponder the weight of Rev. Obadiah's words. As they reflected on their own mortality and the impermanence of life, they were reminded that the choices they make today will determine the currency of their lives in eternity.
As the service drew to a close, the mourners made their way to the graveside, where Baba Joda was laid to rest. The finality of the moment was a stark reminder of the transience of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.
In the days and weeks that followed, the people of Jalingo and beyond would come to realize the full extent of Baba Joda's legacy. His love of reading had inspired countless young minds, and his commitment to community service had touched the lives of many. His family would continue to draw strength from his memory, and his friends would cherish the moments they had shared with him.
As the great Greek philosopher, Aristotle, once said, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." Baba Charles Daniel Joda's life was a testament to the power of excellence, a reminder that our actions, no matter how small they may seem, have the power to shape the world around us.
In the words of William Shakespeare, "So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, So long lives this and this gives life to thee." Baba Joda's legacy will live on, a shining example of a life well lived, and a reminder to us all to strive for excellence in every aspect of our lives.
Rest in peace, Baba Charles Daniel Joda. Your memory will be a blessing to us all.
.jpg)
.jpeg)
0 Comments