oogungbade
Where do I begin my comments on Pastor Chinyere? As I reflect on the past decades, how do I say a few words on this memorable landmark birthday? Somewhere I suppose so I'll start in 1998.
That was the year I joined Jesus House, DC where I met Sister Chinyere, a single lady that loved serving and ministering through solemn worship songs in the choir. I was in the IT profession just as she was at the time. Upon joining the church, I quickly got connected with friends from the past, two of whom were serving in the then "Technical Department," i.e., Dapo Olujide and Biodun Adewole. Dapo, whom I had known from my days in college not only had an eye for the mixer but kept the other eye open to spot "Sister Chinyere." At the time, the sound control panel was only a few feet away from the heavenly voice of the choirs were Chinyere ministered, her voice was conceivably captivating and too much to resist by Bro Dapo.
In those days, special ministration by the choir was indeed really looked forward to by the entire church. I recall the various duets ministered by Chinyere and her close singing accomplice, Sister Dara, e.g. "The Potter" by Tramaine Hawkins amongst others. She was not only committed to the choir but also very sound in the teaching of the word. Chinyere was part of the pioneer faculty of the foundation class in the church and very instrumental for developing materials at believer’s academy for mentoring new believers in Christ.
We were all delighted when Dapo and Chinyere tied the knot. I always wondered what words Mr. Dapsy said to Sister Chinyere at the time - you see; I knew Mr. Dapsy well from his Abegi Days at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. To me, it felt like Dapsy was asking for God's daughter in marriage and indeed he was! Especially because I knew how dedicated and committed Pastor Chinyere is to the Lord. At it's not that the rest of us were not all committed, but level pass level. Even in those days, she was astute at teaching and living out the word of God, providing great insight and depth that made others hunger for God's word and Christ teachings in their lives. No one was surprised when Chinyere shortly after marriage became ordained as a Deaconess in the church. She was perhaps one of the youngest ministers in JHDC at the time.
Over the years, Pastor Chinyere has served as a steady anchor for leading strategic change, managing administration and overseeing operations in Jesus House, DC. There are many inceptions of reform and new programs that started in the church over the past two decades that I can think of which she has directly championed or played a critical role in its off-take. Some of these include the development of core values for the church, establishment of the Alpha program, expansion of our Believers Academy, formalization of the workers' program, various technology system implementation, the establishment of the strategic team, the "smile" project, leading and developing of our teenage programs, etc. Time would fail to mention all.
During some of these initiatives, I got to work with and know Pastor Chinyere from another perspective, i.e. the fun-loving, compassionate, a big picture thinker with the robust ability to drive execution (even when others are prepared to hang their hats). A strategic leader with a visionary focus on the mission. An astute leader, ready to lead by exemplary conduct and action rather than egotistic words. I am sure I can go on with more examples. I must, however, add that Pastor Chinyere is also full of life with a great sense of humor. She can be funny and witty when in her turf and wants to let loose. She can also be reserved when yet to warm up - but don't get caught off-guard by that as her being quiet. She is indeed a joy to be around and to work with provided you are prepared to pull your weight and not lazy. She will not blink twice to hold you accountable if you slack off!
Apart from what Chinyere does in ministry, she has demonstrated to others with action rather than words that it is possible to move ahead and advance in life after dealing with a tragedy. After the loss of her husband, she was able to continue in life to accomplish many great achievements. For example, she authored the book "What Not to Say to Hurting People" from her experience to help others. She ventured as an entrepreneur, painstakingly engaging in research and development to successfully launch her unique recipe for a packaged consumer specialty rice product. She has facilitated several leadership seminars and programs for other churches to train and develop their workforce and staffs for ministry growth and strategic change. The most impressive feat of all is her success as a single mother raising three wonderful God-fearing boys (now men) all whom have turn out very well to the glory of God, with one in college.
I conclude by saying - Pastor Chinyere - Happy Birthday. We genuinely love and appreciate you. I am grateful to God for keeping you these past 50 years. I pray that the Lord will continue to bless you, your children and the work of your hands. May the Lord that you have put your confidence and trust in greatly reward you, increase you and satisfy you with His blessings in good health. May you always find yourself in the center of God's plan for your life doing His will in Jesus name, Amen.
God bless,
Love Tunde and Bukky Ogungbade
