God has ordained a specific time for everything that he created, and as humans, we are granted the grace to live through the divine privileges bestowed upon us by God. Each soul is entrusted with a unique assignment to embark upon immediately after our birth, with the understanding that this assignment will be fulfilled at the appropriate time designed by God. There are certain individuals who serve as agents of positive change whose purpose is to transform lives and radiate love and fostering a sense of togetherness.
Such was the embodiment of late A/V/S/E PROPHET PAUL OLANIYAN, a man who lived as a devoted servant of God, tirelessly spreading his love for humanity. On the 29th of August 2023, here in London, I received the shocking news of his sudden departure, leaving behind a void that epitomised the true essence of Celestial Church in my heart. A/V/S/E Paul Olaniyan held a significant place in my life, a sentiment I will continue to pass down to future generations.
In the 80s, I made plans to travel to Germany, having completed all the necessary documentation for the trip. I reached out to my friend, who at the time who is presently serving as Assistant Shepherd in Berlin, Germany, by the name of OLA ADEBAYO. During that period, Celestial Church did not have parishes in Central Europe. Through my conversations with OLA, I obtained the address of his place where I made arrangements for my flights to Germany. However, I had received a spiritual message in secret urging me not to disclose my travel plans to anyone, which compelled me to refrain from informing my friend about the exact day of my arrival in Germany.
Upon my arrival at Frankfurt Airport, I promptly dialled OLA’s number using the airport phone booth. Unfortunately, OLA did not answer, and instead, I heard a completely unfamiliar voice on the other end. I introduced myself to the person who answered, expressing my desire to speak with OLA. To my surprise again, the person on the phone informed me that OLA had travelled out of town with his girlfriend. Instantly, a sense of gloom washed over me as I pondered where I would turn to and who do I know in Germany. Thoughts raced through my mind, contemplating where I would stay.
Suddenly, the person on the phone identified himself as Evangelist Paul Olaniyan, someone OLA had mentioned my visit to. He instructed me to board a train to Munchen and on getting out of the station to take a taxi to his address. However, scepticism crept in as I questioned how someone who didn’t know me could invite me to their home. This unsettled feeling caused me to forget my briefcase containing all my documents at the airport, resulting in a frantic 30-minute search at the airport thinking a bomb had been planted. The airport reopened after 30 minutes, and alas, the briefcase was no longer where I had left it. I was later directed to the Police Station within the airport, and i met an officer who I think he was an angel. He confirmed receiving the missing briefcase after the description and gave it to me with a warning to run off quickly as his bosses were furious for the cost of delaying flights from taking off or landing. Otherwise, if found, I will be prosecuted for my mistake.
Eventually, I boarded a train for Munchen (same as Munich) and hailed a taxi to the address previously provided to me by OLA whilst in Nigeria. Finally, I arrived at my destination and knocked on the door. To my delight, it was opened by a composed gentleman of average height and fair in complexion. He warmly greeted me, saying, “Welcome to Germany, I am Evangelist Olaniyan.” I expressed my gratitude for his prompt assistance, and he graciously ushered me into the living room. He introduced me to his family members and informed me that OLA had informed him of my impending visit before he went on an urgent journey with his friend.
Baba Olaniyan’s wife graciously served me a delicious meal accompanied by a refreshing cold drink on her arrival. As we engaged in conversation, I shared my experiences in locating the address. To my surprise, Baba Olaniyan kindly offered me his house, urging me to feel at ease and request anything I needed without hesitation. He explained that the apartment is a two bedroom flat with one room occupied by his children and the other by himself and his wife. He suggested that I temporarily stay in the living room until I secured a job.
Gratefully, I expressed my appreciation for his generous offer.
As the days went by, I noticed an influx of visitors, both members of Celestial Church and none members, who would come to Baba Olaniyan’s house to socialise and enjoy meals together. It seemed that his house had become a gathering point for Celestial Church members residing in Munchen during the 80s.
After staying for about three days, Baba Olaniyan informed me that he would be attending a devotional service and encouraged me to make myself comfortable in his absence. Unknown to him, I am a member of Celestial Church from Nigeria. When I expressed my intention to accompany him, he hesitated, assuming that my Muslim name meant I would not be interested. However, I quickly retrieved my garment from my luggage, and upon seeing me in my garment, he knelt down to offer praise to God for welcoming another member into Celestial Church of Christ in Germany.
Through the assistance of Baba Olaniyan, he aided me in finding employment and securing the necessary documents for me to start work. He acted as a supportive figure, akin to that of a brother watching over me. Baba Olaniyan was dedicated to ensuring that all members of Celestial Church in his vicinity were striving for a better life in Germany.
However, a significant turn of events occurred one fateful day. Due to the increasing number of visitors at Baba Olaniyan’s residence, his German neighbours reported him to the authority. One early morning, the police arrived and met me sleeping on the couch. I was subjected to interrogation while they conducted a thorough search of the house. Fortunately, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, Baba Olaniyan managed to evade detection in the apartment. His wife (Mama Olaniyan), on the other hand, had left the house before their arrival. Regrettably, the police took custody of their children while I was granted the opportunity to visit them during their short stay at a placement. The authority queried the fact that both Baba and Mama Olaniyan allow so many people into the house where teenagers live. Therefore, the authority were worried about their safety and comfortability.
As a result of this unfortunate situation, Baba Olaniyan made the decision to relocate to Vienna in Austria, a neighbouring country to Germany. His mere presence in Austria played a pivotal role in the growth and development of the sole parish in the region. The divine assignment of God’s salvation led Baba Olaniyan to the city of Chicago in the United States of America. As a result, he once served as the shepherd of CCC Oshoffa Parish in Chicago – USA before eventually establishing his own Parish, CCC Biliweu Oshoffa Miracle Parish USA.
Undoubtedly, the indelible impact of Assistant Venerable Superior Evangelist Prophet PAUL OLANIYAN will forever resonate within Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide. His unwavering dedication to spreading the message of salvation throughout the Western world remains unparalleled.
A truly remarkable soul serves everyone unconditionally and eternally as attested to by late Rev Pastor AA Bada – of a blessed memory. Such a soul never truly perishes. Instead, it unites us all, as its service transcends time and boundaries.
Today, we mourn the sudden departure of a pillar, but we humbly accept that we can not question God’s will. It is an undeniable truth that Baba Olaniyan now resides on the right shoulder of God accompanied by a host of angels. His absence will be deeply felt, as his presence will be missed indefinitely.
Adieu! my mentor and great father in Christ – AVSE Prophet Paul Olaniyan.💦
Remembered by:
Evang Tunji Dabira Bakare
God has ordained a specific time for everything that he created, and as humans, we are granted the grace to live through the divine privileges bestowed upon us by God. Each soul is entrusted with a unique assignment to embark upon immediately after our birth, with the understanding that this assignment will be fulfilled at the appropriate time designed by God. There are certain individuals who serve as agents of positive change whose purpose is to transform lives and radiate love and fostering a sense of togetherness.
Such was the embodiment of late A/V/S/E PROPHET PAUL OLANIYAN, a man who lived as a devoted servant of God, tirelessly spreading his love for humanity. On the 29th of August 2023, here in London, I received the shocking news of his sudden departure, leaving behind a void that epitomised the true essence of Celestial Church in my heart. A/V/S/E Paul Olaniyan held a significant place in my life, a sentiment I will continue to pass down to future generations.
In the 80s, I made plans to travel to Germany, having completed all the necessary documentation for the trip. I reached out to my friend, who at the time who is presently serving as Assistant Shepherd in Berlin, Germany, by the name of OLA ADEBAYO. During that period, Celestial Church did not have parishes in Central Europe. Through my conversations with OLA, I obtained the address of his place where I made arrangements for my flights to Germany. However, I had received a spiritual message in secret urging me not to disclose my travel plans to anyone, which compelled me to refrain from informing my friend about the exact day of my arrival in Germany.
Upon my arrival at Frankfurt Airport, I promptly dialled OLA’s number using the airport phone booth. Unfortunately, OLA did not answer, and instead, I heard a completely unfamiliar voice on the other end. I introduced myself to the person who answered, expressing my desire to speak with OLA. To my surprise again, the person on the phone informed me that OLA had travelled out of town with his girlfriend. Instantly, a sense of gloom washed over me as I pondered where I would turn to and who do I know in Germany. Thoughts raced through my mind, contemplating where I would stay.
Suddenly, the person on the phone identified himself as Evangelist Paul Olaniyan, someone OLA had mentioned my visit to. He instructed me to board a train to Munchen and on getting out of the station to take a taxi to his address. However, scepticism crept in as I questioned how someone who didn’t know me could invite me to their home. This unsettled feeling caused me to forget my briefcase containing all my documents at the airport, resulting in a frantic 30-minute search at the airport thinking a bomb had been planted. The airport reopened after 30 minutes, and alas, the briefcase was no longer where I had left it. I was later directed to the Police Station within the airport, and i met an officer who I think he was an angel. He confirmed receiving the missing briefcase after the description and gave it to me with a warning to run off quickly as his bosses were furious for the cost of delaying flights from taking off or landing. Otherwise, if found, I will be prosecuted for my mistake.
Eventually, I boarded a train for Munchen (same as Munich) and hailed a taxi to the address previously provided to me by OLA whilst in Nigeria. Finally, I arrived at my destination and knocked on the door. To my delight, it was opened by a composed gentleman of average height and fair in complexion. He warmly greeted me, saying, “Welcome to Germany, I am Evangelist Olaniyan.” I expressed my gratitude for his prompt assistance, and he graciously ushered me into the living room. He introduced me to his family members and informed me that OLA had informed him of my impending visit before he went on an urgent journey with his friend.
Baba Olaniyan’s wife graciously served me a delicious meal accompanied by a refreshing cold drink on her arrival. As we engaged in conversation, I shared my experiences in locating the address. To my surprise, Baba Olaniyan kindly offered me his house, urging me to feel at ease and request anything I needed without hesitation. He explained that the apartment is a two bedroom flat with one room occupied by his children and the other by himself and his wife. He suggested that I temporarily stay in the living room until I secured a job.
Gratefully, I expressed my appreciation for his generous offer.
As the days went by, I noticed an influx of visitors, both members of Celestial Church and none members, who would come to Baba Olaniyan’s house to socialise and enjoy meals together. It seemed that his house had become a gathering point for Celestial Church members residing in Munchen during the 80s.
After staying for about three days, Baba Olaniyan informed me that he would be attending a devotional service and encouraged me to make myself comfortable in his absence. Unknown to him, I am a member of Celestial Church from Nigeria. When I expressed my intention to accompany him, he hesitated, assuming that my Muslim name meant I would not be interested. However, I quickly retrieved my garment from my luggage, and upon seeing me in my garment, he knelt down to offer praise to God for welcoming another member into Celestial Church of Christ in Germany.
Through the assistance of Baba Olaniyan, he aided me in finding employment and securing the necessary documents for me to start work. He acted as a supportive figure, akin to that of a brother watching over me. Baba Olaniyan was dedicated to ensuring that all members of Celestial Church in his vicinity were striving for a better life in Germany.
However, a significant turn of events occurred one fateful day. Due to the increasing number of visitors at Baba Olaniyan’s residence, his German neighbours reported him to the authority. One early morning, the police arrived and met me sleeping on the couch. I was subjected to interrogation while they conducted a thorough search of the house. Fortunately, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, Baba Olaniyan managed to evade detection in the apartment. His wife (Mama Olaniyan), on the other hand, had left the house before their arrival. Regrettably, the police took custody of their children while I was granted the opportunity to visit them during their short stay at a placement. The authority queried the fact that both Baba and Mama Olaniyan allow so many people into the house where teenagers live. Therefore, the authority were worried about their safety and comfortability.
As a result of this unfortunate situation, Baba Olaniyan made the decision to relocate to Vienna in Austria, a neighbouring country to Germany. His mere presence in Austria played a pivotal role in the growth and development of the sole parish in the region. The divine assignment of God’s salvation led Baba Olaniyan to the city of Chicago in the United States of America. As a result, he once served as the shepherd of CCC Oshoffa Parish in Chicago – USA before eventually establishing his own Parish, CCC Biliweu Oshoffa Miracle Parish USA.
Undoubtedly, the indelible impact of Assistant Venerable Superior Evangelist Prophet PAUL OLANIYAN will forever resonate within Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide. His unwavering dedication to spreading the message of salvation throughout the Western world remains unparalleled.
A truly remarkable soul serves everyone unconditionally and eternally as attested to by late Rev Pastor AA Bada – of a blessed memory. Such a soul never truly perishes. Instead, it unites us all, as its service transcends time and boundaries.
Today, we mourn the sudden departure of a pillar, but we humbly accept that we can not question God’s will. It is an undeniable truth that Baba Olaniyan now resides on the right shoulder of God accompanied by a host of angels. His absence will be deeply felt, as his presence will be missed indefinitely.
Adieu! my mentor and great father in Christ – AVSE Prophet Paul Olaniyan.💦
Remembered by:
Evang Tunji Dabira Bakare
