By Kumuyi, Oluwafemi, A Member of the Deeper Life Bible Church —
On Monday, March 30, 2009, I had the rare privilege of meeting this great man, Pastor William Folorunsho Kumuyi, the General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church world-wide at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. Prior to our arrival at the hotel, I was quite nervous and anxious, as I had always seen him from afar off.
But to my greatest surprise, I saw a man adorned with humility and simplicity beaming with smiles. He had several newspapers right in front of him and I deduced he must be very current about issues and happenings around the globe, despite his busy schedule as a Minister of God.
While he received me alongside my parents, who are also leaders in the Church, and one of my siblings, Pastor Kumuyi had a quick conversation with us and a short prayer that has transformed my life till date. He is very caring and wants to know about how every family member is doing.
Amazingly, many years ago, during one of his revival messages, he said, “By the grace of God, if Jesus tarries, when I am 80, I will still be standing and preaching the gospel.” The congregation chorused a loud Amen.
Now, the day is here to celebrate a man I call God’s own General at age 80.
Despite his age, he still stands to preach long messages with deep insight into the word of God, the Bible, and sometimes I wonder where he draws his strength. Obviously, God is the only One that can give him such strength and courage to keep pushing.
When it comes to the gospel, Pastor Kumuyi is fearless and bold to defend the Word he believes in. Little wonder he was named “William”, which means a “determined protector”, and in his own case, can be interpreted also as the “defender of the gospel”.
Pastor Kumuyi, a First Class Mathematics Don from the University of Ibadan, who is commonly referred to as “The GS”, continues to baffle many with his dedication and evangelistic crusades across states in Nigeria and other continents, despite his age.
Coincidentally, I share same family name with the soft-spoken evangelist and I have had to countless times answer the question, “Are you related to Pastor Kumuyi”? I can boldly say that the name has paved way for me and my family at various times and places.
Whenever he shares the story of his conversion and the persecution he faced, it is such that could have made many people given up, but because he is convinced of the task God has given him, he has become a renowned world evangelist today and remains resolute on his conviction.
When you talk of God’s Generals in the world today, the Osun-born Icon is one of them. He has given all to the service of God and shunned worldly overtures and pleasures to advance the gospel and ensure people know the true meaning of salvation and the doctrines of the Bible.
Through his Ministry and love for education, the Deeper Life High School and Anchor University were established, with the aim of transforming lives and raising future leaders in Nigeria and across the globe.
The University of Abuja in 2018 conferred on Pastor Kumuyi an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree for his contribution to the society as a whole.
Interestingly, but probably unknown to many, in 2013 he was named as one of the “500 most powerful people on the planet”, but these awards and accolades have not changed his very meek and dynamic personality.
Kumuyi, a “Professor” turned Pastor, is currently the Chancellor of Anchor University, Lagos, and has remained a shining light and an example to emulate and follow.
A very big congratulation to the revered Cleric, gentleman par excellence, and a highly disciplined Minister of God for attaining the Octogenarian age and still vibrant.
Pastor Kumuyi has several appellations by which he is described by different people, such as the Holiness Preacher, Man of God, General Superintendent, Former University Don, God’s General, Daddy Kumuyi, Father of Faith, to mention a few. He was born to the family of Gabriel Kumuyi Akinfenwa and Comfort Idowu Akinfenwa and hails from Erin-Ijesha, Osun State.
With joy in my heart today, on behalf of my family, I join all well-wishers across the globe to wish you a happy 80th birthday, Pastor. Just as the word of God says in Deuteronomy 33:25, “Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.” Keep soaring higher and fulfilling God’s purpose and mandate for your life and ministry, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY.
