Pastor Dies At Funeral
Residents of Aleto Eleme in Rivers State express shock as a pastor collapses and dies while preaching on death at a funeral service of a member
By Chinedu Oguh, Port Harcourt
Residents of Aleto in Eleme, a suburb of Port Harcourt, Rivers State and members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG community in the area were thrown into shock, disbelief and mourning penultimate Friday at a burial ceremony when the Resident Pastor Deacon Steve Eyo, suddenly collapsed and was later pronounced dead.
Tentacle gathered, that he was preaching with a lot of energy and speaking clearly. Everyone in attendance estimated to be above 300 persons were quiet and paying attention to him with the topic: “Certainty of Death and Hope Beyond”.
The pastor spoke about the fact death is certain and cannot be avoided. He also said that death can come when we least expect it and urged people to live their lives wisely.
Tentacle further learnt that about 1:25 p.m while concluding his message, he suddenly collapsed in front of the gathering. His last words were reportedly “Number your days and prepare, for it can happen anytime” he then fell, with the microphone hitting the floor with a sound. At first, some people thought he was demonstrating how suddenly death can happen, because he had just been talking about death.
He was quickly taken to the back while the church choir and ministers gathered around him and prayed. Some people with medical background also gave him first aid, unfortunately, his condition became worse. A medical person reportedly said that his breathing had stopped.
He was then rushed to the nearest hospital in an ambulance that had been hired to carry the remains of the deceased. It was a very painful and shocking moment for everyone present.
Before the incident, Tentacle gathered, the pastor said that the burial was a reminder that death is not the end, because judgment comes after death. He also encouraged everyone present to number their days and live wisely.
His last words before he fell: “Number your days and prepare, for it can happen anytime.” Then he fell down with the microphone landing on floor with loud sound.
Before the message, the title of choir ministration leading to the preaching was “It is finished”. The black lady that led the choir was singing it passionately with body vibrating seriously that attendees were sober by her song and her loud voice.
He said that death was certain and cannot be avoided, adding that everyone must pass through it, adding that death is like going to the market.
He said some people leave the market early, while others stay until late. In the same way, some people die early, while others live longer, adding that death can come when we least expect it.
Reaching to the sad incident, Sunday Omoge told Tentacle that everyone should always prioritize his health. Regular medical check-up is necessary. “If we examine him closely, it might be long he checked his BP.”
Chief Emmanuel Ochen said what a shock! Like a film the pastor collapsed in my physical presence while preaching on the topic of the certainty of death. At first I thought he was demonstrating what he was preaching not until when someone shouted Jesus. May his gentle soul rest in God’s bosom and grant my heartfelt condolences deeply expressed to his family!
Rev. Festus Osaroejiji in his comment said that the pastor death, is the sad reality about life. “He preached his last sermon which were very monumental while Kelechi Okeke noted that he demonstrated his message by his own departure. “What a way to sign out, I pray his soul will find a repose in God’s kingdom. In the same vein, Kingsley Osoro said his death means that we should get prepared at anytime for Mr. Death, because the end point is where we spend our eternity.
A tragic and heart breaking moment – especially considering the message he was delivering moments before he collapsed and died. For Happiness Tanee for that is life, “My in-law went for a burial and fell without reaching home about three years ago. It was from burial where he was testifying about the man to be buried and he fell and that was all. This life is full of mysteries. May God help us all and may his soul rest in peace!”
