By; FUNMI ADERINTO, Kaduna
The President, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Dr. Israel A. Akanji on Friday, admonished Christians that it is time to go back to God when things seem to be hopeless for God to be glorified.
He stated this in a message during the funeral service of glorious exit of a legendary icon, Reverend Joseph Audu Reni, PhD, who died at the age of 66 in Kaduna.
He said our own way of handling situation is very important reading from book of Ecclesiastes 3 and Luke, “that there is a time to die, cast away, to sow together, a time to speak and a time to be silent, a time to love and a time to hate, in all circumstances let the Father glorify His name.”
According to him, “Father glorify your name is appropriate word to use for every situation in life even when situation have gone so bad”.
He added that, Dr. Reni was a pioneer, the first Christian in his community.
“He was the first Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Abuja, he was the first to preach at Convention level in 1988,” he said.
He disclosed that as a friend with the deceased, he recalls him as someone that was never envious or jealous.
“He is man who worked under anyone, he is a man of hope and never discouraged in any circumstances.
“However, the glory of God should be our focus that Father glorify your name as we pass through life challenges, man should not take the glory that belongs to God, but all glory should be given to the Father.
“When God is glorified, there is goodwill towards men, for the peace of God to come upon us.
“The home call of Dr. Reni is to glorify God, he pray for the family to see the hand of God in their lives.
“Therefore, Christians should live like Jesus Christ for his name to be glorified, the challenge is that a person’s spirituality can be measured on how you position God in your life in the midst of suffering.
“We must believe that they are trials, but allow God to be in charge, it is seeking the revelation of God for our lives,” he charged.
Meanwhile in a separate tribute, a Professor of Philosophy & Dean, Postgraduate School, the Nigerian Baptist Theology Seminary Ogbomoso, Nigeria, Rev. Simon Kolawole, PhD, described Rev. Joseph Audu Reni as a great servant of God, a man of great sacrifice, great commitment and great humility.
According to him, the deceased made great sacrifice for Baptist Theology Seminary in Kaduna when he served as Deputy President (Academics), adding that many of the items he used to work in his office were personal.
“Rev. Reni went to great lengths to get documents ready for meetings or to get a report/an assignment ready. He demonstrated great commitment to Baptist Theological Seminary (BTS), Kaduna.
“His sacrifice and commitment are correlates of vision, love and passion, he was a man of great humility and sincerely, committed and articulated in his life time.
“The essence of life is making contributions and greatness is a factor of contributions. His life will continue to be a source of inspiration to other ministers for a very long time to come,” he said.
Late Rev. Joseph Audu Reni of Rijah Clan was Born on January 31, 1958 to the family of Mr. & Mrs Reni Fadei (Both of blessed memories).
In his educational background, he attended LEA Primary School, Bagaji, Karu LGA, Nasarawa State 1972-1978, Government Teachers College, Obi, Lafia, Nasarawa State 1978-1983 (Grade II), The Baptist Theological Seminary Ogbomoso, Oyo state 1984-1987;1994-1996, (Dip.Th; B.Th), Theological College of Northern Nigeria (TCNN), Bukuru, Jos Plateau state, 1998-2000; 2012-2017(M.Th; PhD), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, 2005-2007 (PGDE) and Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark, 2014 (Certificate in church and culture programme).
Rev. Reni’s working experience, included, Grade Two teacher, 1983-1984, Lecturer with ABU, Zaria 2006-2009, IJMB Examiner, Institute of Education, ABU, Zaria 2005, Pastor, Sabo Baptist Church, 1986-1987, Pioneer Pastor of First Baptist Church Garki Abuja, 1987-1997, Pastor of Bishara Baptist church, New Kutunku, Gwagwalada, Abuja 2000-2002, Pastor of Sihiyona Baptist church, Samaru Zaria 2002-2010, Adjunct lecturer with Baptist Theology Seminary, Kaduna 2009, lecturer with Baptist Theological Seminary, Kaduna 2010-2024.
Late Rev . Reni was a devoted Christian, who left behind his wife Mrs Roseline Reni, children and grand children, until his death, he was a lecturer with Baptist Theological Seminary in Kaduna.
