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Mrs. Olayinka Olatimehin Olaiya |
It was sometimes around 5pm United States Central time. This was well into the night in the United Kingdom. I received a call from my brother in law, Femi Olaiya on my cell phone in Houston. He wanted to know where I was. That was strange – Very strange Question. Why would Femi want to know where I was? He needed me to be alone. We exchange very short pleasantries and he dropped the bomb – Yinka Olatimehin Olaiya, his wife of about 19 years was dead. She has gone home to rest. She died after a long but tenacious battle against cancer. She fought. She chose not to go without a fight. I have seen that life is not meant for those who cannot fight. Someone said if you cannot fight for something, you are not worth living. A life with a purpose will fight to fulfill it. Paul knew when it was time to go and he declared:
and 3 hours of consistent crying and heartbreak, my wife calmed down. This continued with some intermittent cries in the night asking if it was true that Sister Yinka was gone? She had built a network of Christians to pray for Yinka in Houston and in Nigeria. It was even after Yinka passed that I got to know that she went as far as getting in touch with Dodie Osteen, Joel Osteen’s mum who got to actually speak/pray to Yinka on her sick bed as Dodie had previously been healed of Advanced Cancer too.
It been some days after the news and my heart tugs to pen some facts about this amiable woman and how other Christians upon whom the end of the world has come to can continue their own race learning from her. She was one in the six billions people who will pass by here but she was different and unique. She was a model and that gives us a challenge.
Yinka and her Clan |
When Tomi, her first child was a baby, she visited us with her new baby. Tomi got sick and was flushing. He became weak. After lots of treatment and drugs, he was not getting better, she called a “time out”, handed over the baby to my wife and shut the door in the room like Elijah did with the Shunnamite son and cried and prayed. She cried unto the only One who can help her and it stopped. Sometimes we forget that real praying is serious crying – to God. Crying when it matters is not a weakness but our human way of submitting to His will and expressing our helplessness. In the Scriptures, we find a long list of people who cried. Jesus himself cried- At the tomb of Lazarus! David cried at Ziklag until He could weep no more! The children of Isreal cried and God himself acknowledged their cry! Yinka knows how to cry and pray! A lot of Christians say the phrase,” I will pray for you” but they never do. If Yinka promises to pray for you, you can take it to the bank. She will not only pray, she will follow you up to find out how far you have gone and if the testimony was here.
Don’t even go there! Yinka was always willing to learn. You hardly see her without her bible and a book. Even when we visited her in a hospital in Aylesbury, United Kingdom in 2011, I finished one of the books in her “library” in her hospital room in less than 48 hours. She was always asking me what books she needed to read particularly on Personal development, finance and business. We shared and discussed books like the “Millionaire Next door” and the “Millionaire Mind”. Those days when they were out of Lagos, she would walk straight into my study whenever she visits to devour books. She used to like Readers’ Digest too! In her early business days, she will call me to ask for what she could do to change things. She was willing to learn. When she and Captain O (her hubby) attended our company’s 10-year anniversary, she went back and gave awards to her staffs too. A man who stops learning starts dying. A man who cannot absorb cannot adapt. A man who does not have it cannot give it. You are what you know! Insight is not only given, it is sort for! I have heard her call people including her new Brother in- law “My Teacher”.
She knew who she believed. Some years back I was worshipping in a Pastor friend’s church in Ghana and he was introducing a Pastor in the service. After he finished, my friend said all I can say about him is that “He is a Christian”. You can be a Pastor and not be a Christian. That was profound for me. Yinka Olaiya was a Christian with no apologies. She carried her faith on her forehead. She was deep and yet contemporary. I remember when we were in school in the “King of Universities’ at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife in Nigeria. It was around 1988. I was chosen as one of the squad leaders to lead street evangelism in the town. Yinka Olaiya and two of her “bosom” friends were in my squad. I think she was in her final year then. Initially, I was a little bit scared that this “classy” Sister might not respect my authority as a junior in fellowship. When we had some planning issues, she reached out to me and helped out against the “profiling” I had about her. Our friendship never looked back again until we became family members. She was willing to serve God. We always look forward to her contribution in our family devotions whenever she visits. You have to be sure about who you know and what you know. They asked the blind if it was true that Jesus, whom they labeled a sinner, had healed him. He told them….
Yinka in Aylesbury, United Kingdom with family members |
I have heard a lot of comments in the last few days querying why God did not intervene again this last time as He had done for her in the last 8 years. She will declare to you,” I should have gone a long time ago but He preserved me and healed me repeatedly”. The last time she got back from United Kingdom, she had a thanksgiving service. Holy people die. Murderers die. That’s a fundamental way to be reminded that we are mortals. The challenge is for us to remember clearly that there is a place after here that our choices now will decide where we will end – Heaven or Hell!
59 Comments
I just havent been able to comprehend all the hoolabaloo about Whitney Houston's death, when someone as wonderful as sister Yinka who has served the Lord so commitedly has passed.. It is wonderful to know that she's being celebrated by angels and all the hosts of heaven. Indeed, beloved sister, your translation to glory is precious in the sight of our God.. You were a delight and a blessing and heavy as your passing is, your memory remains so. My only pain is that i wasnt aware of your long battle with cancer and couldnt be of any help to you in this fight. Odaaro.. daughter of the most High God.
Biodun,
Well said. She was wonderful. We can still be there for the family and keep praying and supporting them. God bless you Biodun.
EVB
I never knew her, but her life surely sings a song about God's faithfulness, even in the most difficult times. God bless & keep her family and all she left behind.
Funke,
May our lives too continue to sing of His faithfulness in Jesus Name.
EVB
Aunty's life was truly inspiring. Even in the midst of her illness, her spirit did not relent, as she came up with different ideas on how to improve her business. More so, she was very considerate of her employees and had a large heart. What I cherish most about her was not her activities so to speak, but the life of love she lived, as such she was a model in many ways. Her memory remains fresh to us.
Like Marvin Winans said, life is like a hotel we check into only to pass on to our real destination, Heaven. The Lord bless her and comfort deeply her loved ones. She left a mark on earth. God help us to leave visible and enduring marks to His glory.
Tunde,
Large heart! Yes Large Heart she had. A wonderful example to follow. Thanks for dropping in this comment
EVB
"God help us to leave visible and enduring marks to His glory"
Amen Ma. Amen>
EVB
We thank God for Aunty's life. She was indeed a source of blessing to many. She will be missed greatly but her legacy lives on.
Bimpe,
Yes indeed. Its a legacy that was real and relevant. We will do the same God willing.
EVB
So shocking! have seen her once from a distance, but a family friend here in PH talks about her examplary life, her life indeed,is much more than inspiring, may the lord God comfort the entire family.Oga it is well, precious in the sight of God is the death of the saint.
Bisi,
She is an aroma that a lot of people who never saw her smelled at a distance. May ours also be a fragrance for the Lord!
EVB
I have never seen a woman who will first gather all the cooking things together and pray over them before she started cooking until I met Sister Yinka. The way she used to relate with her children and their cousins and anyone she came in contact with always made me to consider. She was always calm and ever smiling. Even though her time seemed short, it was very impactful. Enjoy the Lord's feet where there is no more pain.
I have never seen a woman who will first gather all the cooking things together and pray over them before she started cooking until I met Sister Yinka.
Banke,
This is awesome and spot. That woman wore Jesus on her sleeves. Even in the kitchen – Jesus dey there. Thanks for giving this other dimension of her.
EVB
Wow what an eulogy! I remember her face in Ife but such a long time. May the Most High comfort and strengthen you and her family. Amen
Amen to your prayers ma. Thank you.
EVB
Huummmm is the word after reading your submissions on her short but well lived life.Quite some good lessons for us all who are still alive.GOD does as HE pleases and only HIM knows all things.l really don't know her but my prayer is that the LORD will grant all those she left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,amen.The big question is….WHAT SHALL BE SAID ABOUT OUR LIFE ?????
Bro. Femi,
WHAT SHALL BE SAID ABOUT OUR LIFE ?????
what a question? May we have the correct answer before God as the answers are different for each of us. Thank you sir
EVB
My condolences. May we all finish well too. The Lord will work it out for His glory. It is well.
Yes ma – may we finish well in Jesus Name.
EVB
Dear Mrs O,
i've been touched by ur life here and earth though i never knew you. I bless God for this wonderful testimony. i'm glad u're in the Land of no pain, in that Land where u'll never grow old. The Lord give us grace to persevere in the race of life as u did. Amen.
Indeed I'm inspired! The Lord gives, and he also takes when it pleases him. She left a legacy, though I don't know, but from the write up I read about her, her life is worthy of emulation. May the good Lord grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss. Amen. Let's live every seconds of our lives as if it's d last moment we have.
Pearl
What a reason to plan for life after – to the land where there is no Pain! Thank you Pearl and you too will walk pain free for the rest of your life in Jesus Name.
EVB
"Let's live every seconds of our lives as if it's d last moment we have"
Yes Remi. Its simple but the truth. He will help us.
EVB
Continue to smile-on sister. I didnt know you, but reading all these about your life as a christian and with such battles in life, has challenged my life as a christian. In a nutshell, even in death you are still changing lives. For your loved ones, Our Comforter will sure comfort them IJN.
Thanks Patience and thanks for your prayers.
EVB
Remember her from back in school days. Real sweet and humble soul. May God strengthen and comfort the loved ones she left behind, IJN
Sleep on beloved, till we meet at His feet. May the Lord comfort all the loved ones you left behind
REST ON DAUGHTER OF ZION TILL WE MEET AT HIS FEET
Olukayode, HOH, Grace.
Thanks and Amen
EVB
Our loss is God's gain. Another one of His precious children has crossed over. Sis Yinka's testimony is heart warming… 'A good and honest life is a blessed memorial' Prov. 10:7
Beloved,
All I can say now is …It is Well.
Verry shocking and unbelievable. Yet here goes another General.
I pray that God, through the Holy Spirit,will comfort the family.
May her soul rest in the Lord, goodnight sister Yinka Olaiya.
Shalom
Pstr Yinka,
Thank you ma and Amen to your encouragement.
EVB
May her soul rest in peace. and may the Lord comfort her relations and friends.
Thank you Uncle for chipping Him. The Lord that has placed you in the fore front of the Gospel will strengthen you sir.
EVB
Nice write up Mr Banji….was really blessed by this! My heart has been kind of heavy for a while now, I was heart broken and I felt pained to my soul. I looked for tears but none came until I read this story. I know I can only let go and be free when I cry! God hears us when we cry, I'm a testimony to that! I once had a sickness called Vertigo, imbalance in d ear and it usually made me dizzy and fall down, it could happen anywhere, I went to d hospital, doctors gave me drugs but it continued until one day when I missed my appointment with d doctor in Luth and d nurses spoke to me anyhow, I felt pained and immediately I cried to God telling him to take away this sickness and He did miraculously. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my testimony wit u, I really appreciate it so much. God bless you!
Great Funmi – Great! well said. We should be free to cry – to the Lord! and your testimonies are really encouraging. Heaven will keep you.
EVB
This is really food for thought for us Christians.She lived a life worthy of emulation.May God give us the grace to make positive impact in our Christian lives and our way of life generally.l rejoice with our dear sister because she's resting at His bosom already.We're celebrating her life(not a wasted one).From Bose Oladimeji
The joy of it all is that we shall all meet at the feet of Jesus on the last day.
Well written Evangelist Bee
Aunty Bose,
Infact my thoughts cannot finish eating that food. I
pray it will be a continuous reminder to be relevant for Jesus.
Thank you ma.
EVB
Pastor Zach,
Sincerely, she is enough motivation to keep on in this race of life with him that can kill and make alive till the very end. Thank you for the concern and show of love.
EVB
Heaven has weighed all things and God has allowed what He considers best to Him, we extol all that He did in her and through her for the sale of His Son Jesus and now she rests in His bossom. I looked forward to that as she did.
Bro K,
Indeed no man takes the honour to himself. He alone has the glory. Thank you sir.
EVB
We thank God for a life through which the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ was spread everywhere and will continue to be spread through her testimony long after her home-going. Bro Banji thank you for this challenging article. May we all finish well.
Yinka, i called her my Sunny friend, she definately was a gem. she fought the good fight with faith and trust in the good Lord. gone too soon but lived it to the glory of God.
Thanks Bro Chim for chipping in. Thanks for the compliments and encouragement as we trust God to help us to maintain focus. God bless you sir.
EVB
Sis. Feyi,
I know ! your Sunny friend from School days. Its is well ma.
EVB
Bro Banji,
Very sorry to hear of the death of our beloved sister and I have seen your tributes and actually also remember her quite well in Ife, Oh what a life!
Parting is always so sad, so difficult, but she was heroic and played her part well. It is true the earth is a stage, we will not always be there.
May the Lord grant her eternal rest and power to you all, you to whom God has specially assigned her to, to love, keep and protect, power to go ahead and carry on the batton, where she left off. Mention to Sister korede that i am with her in my spirit.
God bless you and see you soon. Please cheer up still because The Lord is on the throne and still very much aware. It is well
Bro Dipo
Bro DIpo
Thank you sir – I am deeply grateful. I will relay your message and we will do cheer up by HIs Grace. Bless you sir.
EVB
Its often said funeral/ farewell is the time to close the eyes of the dead and open the eyes of the living. I was at Ife ECu though sdidnot know her but these comments and the assurance that she is with GOd is very comforting. Also she lives on. your writeup about her opened my eyes(I think for every one who read it) what would be said after I depart this earth, if rapture didnot occur.Or if such is being written for the living, what can someone write about me. So she lives on by her legacy she left behind. The good lord will surely comfort her family.Good night Siis Yinks. Seun Kuteyi(nee Isinkaye)
"what would be said after I depart this earth, if rapture did not occur."
Wonderful questions – very resonant. Teach us no number our days that we might apply our hearts to Wisdom says the Psalmist!
Thanks for dropping a line.
EVB
Yinka,real friend are like a Diamond precious and rare.You have been my true friend for many years.You gave me hope that i will not die even when i was eager to go home and rest.I know you have gone home to rest from all your labour. God will help us to finished well.
Good night my dear friend.
Yemi Oduwole
Yemi,
Indeed we agree with you that you will fulfil your purpose and you will not be cut short in Jesus Name.
God bless.
EVB
Our beloved sister truly lives on,since d service of songs we had for her in London,I have even taken life simpler than I have done before. Woteva d pressure brethren,just keep standing for d King whom u worship- it is d only thing that MATTERS after all.
I never knew your sister in law but reading about her ..about the words her husband & those that loved her said her about on her memorial page has inspired me to be a better person..a better xtian..a better wife, mother and a better friend. May she continue to rejoice in heaven until she meets her loved ones again.
Aunty Tolu,
Taking life simpler – very wise as there is no
second chance. Indeed we have to keep standing!
Anony,
Heaven will continue to help you to be a better Christian, wife mother and friend in Jesus Name.
Amen
EVB
from ur testimony,it is so glaring that she had a compassionate heart and also sold out to Almighty God and the futherance of his kingdom ve learnt a lot from her tribute want to imbibe some lovely qualities.
Oji
Yes
You have your work cut out for you and I pray the Lord will help your resolve.
EVB