2 minute read
Farewell to Pastor Enock Dominick Okwaro
After three years of ministering at Edmonton Central Seventh-day Adventist Church as our associate pastor, Enock Okwaro has accepted a call to ministry at Edmonton West Seventh-day Adventist Church. Without any hesitation, I can truly say his presence will be greatly missed by our members. Pastor Okwaro has demonstrated a positive and respectful relationship with members and took an active role in soul-winning, and as a result, many had accepted Jesus by baptism. His high-spirited and warm personality was an asset to our church body.
Last Words
Pastor Enock Okwaro begins his sermon by vividly describing his grandmother and her relationship with God. He remembered how she had been passionate about her personal time with God; she was so consistent about her personal prayer time that she would discontinue whatever chores she was doing to pray at the top of every hour of the day. Okwaro remembers her last words to him were, “Son, I want you to listen to your mother, and God will bless you.”
In a timely manner, Pastor Enock emphasized the last words of the men who were crucified with Jesus. It was noted in the beginning that both men insulted and mocked Jesus (see Matt. 27:44). The very same people for whom He was dying—the religious leaders, scribes, and those who have watched Him performed miracles—did not provide any support for the Saviour, and their last words to Him were, “You saved others, Save Yourself!”
In Luke 23:39, one of the criminals said to Jesus, “If you are the Christ, save yourself and us.” Pastor Okwaro took the time to emphasize the importance and turning point of this marvelous, amazing grace that reaches down to mankind, even the criminal on the cross, the one who took notice of the Savior's compassion and humility, and those who were humiliating Him. Jesus's response was kind and forgiving.
The other criminal rebuked his fellow convict, recognizing and admitting that Jesus is the Son of God (see Luke 23:42). This thief heard the last words of Jesus. He heard Jesus praying to His Father and asking Him to forgive those who mocked Him. It was not the disciples of Jesus who brought gleams of hope to the Saviour at this time; it was the thief on the cross who gave Jesus strength with these words:
The Saviour felt as if He was going to be separated from His Father for eternity. “[He] could not see through the portals of the tomb” (White, The Desire of Ages, p. 753). The thief reminded the Saviour that He will be in His kingdom. This thief never attended church or knew Jesus.
In closing, Pastor Enock expressed his thanks to God and desire to see that thief who brought comfort to the Saviour with these words: “Lord remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
—Submitted by Ina Martin Children’s Sabbath School Department Edmonton Central Seventhday Adventist Church
