The 50th Adult Harvest Thanksgiving Service of Celestial Church of Christ Akoka Parish, Lagos may have come and gone, but the memories, emotions, and overwhelming joy that filled the atmosphere remain evergreen. Beyond the splendour of the celebration, the harvest once again brought to the fore the enduring legacy of a man whose life and ministry left indelible marks on many Late Superior Evangelist Erinle.
Speaking from a heart full of gratitude and deep emotions, the Shepherd of CCC Providence Parish, Rhode Island, USA, Venerable Superior Evangelist Oluwasegun Festus Otele paid glowing tribute to the late servant of God under whose tutelage he was raised. According to him, Late Sup/Evang Erinle was not just a leader, but a spiritual father, teacher, disciplinarian and guardian whose impact transcended the pulpit.
V/S/E Otele described late Sup Evang Erinle was a man of rare humility and profound spiritual insight, whose teachings were rooted in sound doctrine, obedience to God and unwavering commitment to the Celestial Church of Christ. “He taught us not only how to lead,” VSE Otele recalled, “but how to live how to fear God, love the Church, and uphold righteousness even when it was inconvenient.”
He further emphasized that Sup/Evang Erinle possessed a unique grace that made learning easy and service joyful. His doors were always open, his counsel timely, and his corrections firm but fatherly. Many who encountered him, V/S/E Otele noted, found clarity in confusion, strength in weakness, and purpose in service.
Throughout his lifetime, Late Sup/Evang Erinle was widely loved and respected not because he sought fame, but because his life consistently reflected Christ-like virtues. His legacy lives on in the many shepherds, evangelists, and church workers he mentored, several of whom are today pillars within the CCC fold across Nigeria and in the diaspora.
As the harvest celebration rekindled memories of his labour in the vineyard of God, V/S/E Otele concluded with a note of thanksgiving to God for the privilege of being raised under such a spiritual giant. “Though he has gone to rest,” he affirmed, “his teachings, values, and spiritual footprints remain alive in us.”
Indeed, the life of Late Superior Evangelist Erinle stands as a testament to purposeful service, godly mentorship, and a legacy that time cannot erase.
